Penn-Marydel Champion Mount Carmel Mandolin with (l-r) kennelman Nancy Morris and handler Allen Forney / Karen Kandra Wenzel photoFor thirty-seven years now on the “first Sunday after the first Saturday in May,” foxhunters from the Mid-Atlantic region have gathered to display and compare the results of their breeding programs for the past year. Initiated by Dr. Roger Scullin, MFH, Howard County-Iron Bridge Hounds (MD) in an effort to better prepare young hounds for the *big* shows in Virginia and Bryn Mawr, the Maryland Foxhound Club Puppy Show has grown to now having representatives from nearly all Maryland packs, both recognized and private, several Virginia packs, and many from Pennsylvania. This year the show even attracted hounds from as far away as New York state. In all, nearly two hundred hounds were entered.
By early May, foxhunters have generally spent nearly two months without the stimulus of hounds. Many of us have been concerned with other aspects of life, but while we are away, the dedicated few—the staff and puppy walkers—have been diligently working day after day getting these young hounds ready for the show ring. Rather than the bustling atmosphere of the big shows, it really helps young hounds if they get their first exposure in a less intense environment. Starting with an “in-house” show with only your own and perhaps judged by a neighboring huntsman (thank you Larry Pitts) and then moving on to this sort of low key affair seems to better prepare young hounds for the big ring.
This early show and more casual atmosphere also give Masters and staff further opportunity to evaluate our young hounds before we go to the big shows. With limited entries allowed, it’s wise to do a little “down selection” before heading for Virginia. Also, occasionally a hound will emerge that was not fully appreciated earlier. They are puppies, after all, and we know how rapidly they can go from gangly youth to elegant athletes in just a few months.
American Champion Orange County Merchant with huntsman Stephen Spreadborough / Karen Kandra Wenzel photoThis year’s show was hosted by the New Market–Middletown Valley Hounds at their kennels with significant assistance from the New Market Beagles. Several years ago the show was expanded to include foot hounds with classes for bassets and beagles. This year, thanks to the efforts of the beagle folks to adjust some of their show events, we were able to draw a very respectable group of beagles.
The role of hosting the show rotates among the eight recognized foxhound packs in Maryland, and the clubs obviously take great pride in presenting their facilities in the best way possible. This year the New Market–Middletown Valley Masters Kate Byron and Jennifer Sponseller-Webster along with New Market Beagles Master Jim Farber, Sr. really must have cracked the whip! Not only were the grounds immaculate, but two nice show rings had been created on the velvety lawn. Guests were greeted with a morning bar and refreshments, and during the lunch break, while the clubs retired to their own trailers and tailgate, the show officials were treated to a splendid luncheon of braised pheasant in wine and mushrooms.
At the end of the day, Judge Andrew Barclay selected Orange County Merchant and Measle as Champion and Reserve American Hound, Elkridge-Harford Sunbeam as Champion Crossbred with Green Spring Valley Kentucky as Reserve. Mount Carmel’s striking black and tan hound Mandolin was named Penn-Marydel Champion with Marlborough Sachel as Reserve.
From the foot hound classes, Judge Alasdair Storer selected Calf Pasture Bramble as Champion and Tewksbury Pottersville as Reserve. From the beagle entries, Middletown Valley Busy was pinned as Champion with Sandanona Keswick in reserve.
For the final event of the day, Judges Barclay and Storer put their heads together to judge the pack class. Consisting of two-and-a-half couple of unentered hounds, this class is often a challenge for judges, staff, and hounds. This year proved to be no exception with the win going to the host Middletown Valley Beagles under huntsman Mike Myers with a fine demonstration of control without coercion. Larry Pitts did his usual marvelous demonstration of hound control to finish second to the beagles.
Posted May 17, 2012
C. Thompson Pardoe is MFH of the Goshen Hounds and serves as secretary of the Maryland Foxhound Club Hound Show.
Crossbred Champion Elkridge-Harford Sunbeam with Liz McKnight, MFH / Karen Kandra Wenzel photo