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Wiggins Hounds Hosts Hunt Clinic for Area Riders

Details: Submitted by Edmund S. Twining, III, MFH. Photos by Amy Gesell.

Wiggins Hounds (SC) held its three-day hunt clinic on March 8-10 on the grounds of Wiggins Hounds’ kennels and the estate of its Master. To advance the the MFHA message and to promote the sport of mounted hunting with hounds, Wiggins Hounds, under the leadership of Edmund S. Twining, III, MFH, and huntsman Tommy Gesell conceived of the Hunt Clinic to improve horsemanship and instruct field etiquette within the context of a strong conservation ethic and respect for landowner and management of territory issues.

Celebrations Highlight Annual Meeting in NYC

Details: Report and photographs by Martha Drum

Our Annual Meeting in New York City on January 26 was an enthusiastic opportunity to thank our leadership for their hard work, to recognize individuals and clubs who have contibuted to our sport, and to anticipate an exciting year ahead. In addition to acknowledging Board members and newly elected Masters, the occasion highlighted this year's recipient of the prestigious Hunting Habitat Conservation Award and a new trophy for the championship performance trial hound.

MFHA Represents at Southeastern Wildlife Exposition

Details: Martha Drum

Last weekend, the Masters of Foxhounds Association joined the largest wildlife and nature event in the United States, the Southeastern Wildlife Exposition (SEWE) in Charleston, SC. Our presence through the exhibition's three days included sharing information with visitors at our booth, supporting local artists at a gala, welcoming hounds from local hunts, and connecting mounted foxhunting with the greater community of conservation and sport.

All Drag Lines Lead to Aiken Performance Trials at Belle Meade

Details: Terence B. Hook, MFH

Last January, Aiken Hounds (SC) hosted a Hark Forward Drag Performance Trial in the beautiful Belle Meade Hunt (GA) country. Because of the inclement weather up here in New England last year, Wentworth and Green Mountain Hounds were present, but only able to field an oyster-eating team; the hounds remained hunkered down at home in sub-zero temperatures. Belle Meade Master Epp Wilson took us aside and asked what could be done to help New England participate fully.

Princess Anne Members Support After School Opportunities for Teens

Details: Mike Maddocks

Debbie and Doug Hackman, riding members of Princess Anne Hunt (VA), saw a need for teenagers in their community to have an after school venue offering constructive and positive opportunities. They started XZone, a 501c3 that focuses on arts, education, sports, tutoring, and mentoring. At its Annual Block Party event in September, the couple brought their mare, Freedom's Belle, to interest teenagers in learning to ride, and I spoke about the traditions of foxhunting.

Friends of Amwell Valley Hounds Join "Conversations in Conservation"

Details: Martha Drum

In September, Friends of Amwell Valley Hunt in New Jersey participated in an afternoon roundtable discussion, "Conversations in Conservation." Sponsored by the New Jersey Land Trust, the meeting brought together area horse groups to highlight close connections between equestrian activities and open space protection. Friends of Amwell Valley Hunt is a 501(c)(3) organization created to pursue the branding and preservation of the hunt's territory.