Fort Leavenworth Hunt (KS) recently held its Junior Meet, the culmination of a thoughtfully-planned program to encourage children to ride in the field. Joint Master Steve Smith shares their strategy to engage youngsters, and several juniors themselves weigh in on the day's sport - and how to attract other kids to come out foxhunting.
Seven-year-old Brianna Scanlan shares the love of horses, dogs and being outdoors with many children her age. Born with numerous physical and developmental challenges, including epilepsy and cardiac abnormalities, it's more difficult for her to participate. But with the help of a special canine friend and her sporting family, she's a popular figure in her local hunt field in Ireland.
I was honored to be asked to join the panel of judges for November’s Junior North American Field Hunter Championship, hosted by Belle Meade Hunt (GA). The weekend offered social events, hunting, whip cracking and horn blowing contests, the competitive mock hunt and elite final tests, plus the chance to connect with some friends from across the country - so I packed up my truck, loaded Rosie the Connemara/Thoroughbred into the Featherlite, and headed south to Foxboro Farm, the home and farm of Belle Meade MFH, Epp Wilson.
Founded in 2015, This is Hunting UK (TiHUK) works proactively to promote the beneficial aspects of foxhunting in the United Kingdom. As TiHUK grew rapidly, younger participants expressed the desire for their own organization, and Young Hunters UK was created. Joint chairmen Will Berry and Rosie Finney shared their backgrounds and goals for the nascent club.
If there are junior riders in your home or at your stable, encourage them to participate in the 2017 Junior North American Field Hunter Championship (JNAFHC). Open to all young riders interested in meeting fellow foxhunting kids and learning about our sport, many Qualifying Meets are already on the schedule. This year, Belle Meade Hunt (GA) will host the fun Championship weekend on November 10-12.
My name is Brynn Katany, I'm 15 years old and I am a member of Bedford County Hunt (VA) Pony Club. This summer, I traveled to Kentucky to compete in the United States Pony Clubs (USPC) National Championships to represent the Old Dominion region in the discipline of showjumping. My partner in this event was Cady O'Daly Artisan, a.k.a Artie, a ten year old Connemara/Hanoverian cross, who I also compete in eventing.
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!
