We want to hear from you!

Submit story ideas or reports here:

Submit to Covertside

Hound Show Cancellations

All 2020 Hound Shows have been canceled.

A Message from MFHA President Tony Leahy, MFH

A Bit of Luck (and Thoughtful Choices) Strengthen the Montreal Pack

Details
Andrew Marren, Huntsman, Montreal Hunt

Breeding hounds is like gambling with a stacked deck. We increase our odds of winning by choosing and combining desirable traits and hoping that genetics will do the rest. Everyone who breeds with purpose has the intention of bettering their pack, whether it for drive, voice, biddability or any of the other factors which make a great hound. The unfortunate reality is that even the most favourable hand can lose when it comes to inherited genes.

Read more ... Add new comment

The Eyes Have It: Brazos Valley's Breeding Program

Details
Sandy Dixon, MFH, Brazos Valley Hounds

Continuing our feature on how breeding plans are crafted, Brazos Valley Hounds (TX) huntsman Sandy Dixon, who has been Master for 25 years, discusses the type of hound she requires for her country and quarry. Her hounds have also achieved sustained successes at shows across the country. Dixon: There is a certain type of American hound that I prefer in my kennel. The number one priority is biddability with a kind eye.

Read more ... Add new comment

Hannum's "Goodnight Ladies" Screens in Charlottesville

Details
Martha Drum

Christianna Hannum's affectionate documentary about her remarkable grandmother, the late Nancy Penn Smith Hannum, recently screened in Charlottesville with commentary by the filmmaker and her brother, Jeb Hannum. Mrs. Hannum, longtime Master at Mr. Stewart's Cheshire Foxhounds (PA) was a driving force in land conservation and nearly every other cause she took up. The sometimes madcap, sometimes poignant 35-minute film celebrates both her unique spirit and the beauty of the countryside she loved.

Read more ... Add new comment

Elkridge-Harford's Annual "Hunt for Blood" Drive Supports Red Cross

Details
Martha Drum

Many hunts organize volunteer activities to support their local communities. Given the hard-riding, competitive nature of the Elkridge-Harford Hunt (MD), it's not surprising that one popular charitable event produces big results and dueling donations. These donations aren't cash, though. They're lifesaving units of blood, given at the "Hunt for Blood," now in its 12th year.

Read more ... Add new comment

Long Run Woodford Hounds' Caldwell Talks Juniors and Hounds

Details
Alf Caldwell, MFH and Huntsman, Long Run Woodford Hounds

I have been blessed in my role as an amateur huntsman for Long Run Woodford Hounds (LRWH) to “bring forward” juniors to ride with me while I hunt the hounds on many occasions during my career. As all huntsmen are basically charged with the duty to “show good sport to the fields,” I think as an amateur, I have an equal duty to try to pass along thoughts, information and wisdom to the next generation. It’s just like running a business, you’ve always got to be developing your “succession plan.”

Read more ... 1 comment

Sonya Thorbecke, 97, Sets the Pace for Her Foxhunting Family

Details
Katie Estes

A forty-year member of Sewickley Hunt (PA), Sonya Thorbecke continues to care for her own horses at home while enjoying the shared passion for foxhunting she passed on to her children and grandchildren. Carrying on her tradition, daughter Noël Estes, former Master at Old North Bridge Hounds (MA), and granddaughter Katie Estes today belong to Norfolk Hunt (MA) and in turn, welcome new converts to our sport.

Read more ... 2 comments

More Articles ...

  1. Mike the Mustang Fits the Bill at Mission Valley Hunt
  2. Ode to Bad Weather: The Master's Lament
  3. River Hills Foxhounds Bring Cheer to Local Seniors
  4. Breed the Best to the Best and Hope for the Best
  5. Maybeline the Mule Stands Out in the Field
  6. The Rider's Delight
  7. Venerable Kennels, New Huntsman: Meet Norfolk's Alyse Phipps
  8. Smithtown Hunt's Wittenborn and Socrates Win Field Hunter Championships
  9. Hunting into History: Grand Championship Performance Trials Celebrate Our Sporting Community
  10. Going Home: Foxhunting's Universal Appeal

logo mfha smtiny

Subscribing Membership to the MFHA is open to anyone who cares about the future of country lifestyles and wants their voice and vote to make a difference. You will also receive Covertside magazine 4x a year!

Advertisers