What does a huntsman do when he finds himself in the autumn of his prime? The same question faces every athlete who commits his or her life to a sport. Some carry on doggedly until they are unable to continue or until their career is terminated by outside forces. Others find a path to contribute their experience and knowhow to the benefit of a new team in a different way.
Hugh Robards, who for twenty-seven seasons hunted the County Limerick Foxhounds (IRE) for Lord Daresbury, has chosen the latter path. From 1970 to 1997, Robards showed world-class sport to foxhunters from all over the world. After parting from the Limerick, he came to the U.S. to help resurrect the Rolling Rock Hunt (PA), remaining there as Master and huntsman until 2007. From Rolling Rock he moved to the Saxonburg Hunt (PA) where he has served as huntsman until his present move.
Robards has accepted a position at the Middleburg Hunt (VA) where he will whip-in to huntsman Barry Magner. Robards has known Magner and his family—even his grandfather!—since Magner was a child in County Limerick. Magner grew up hunting in the Limerick field during the time when Robards carried the horn. They go way back together!
“People seem surprised that I can step back,” said Robards, “but it’s been done before. Percy Durno hunted the Heythrop hounds brilliantly for many years, but stepped down to be kennel huntsman when Captain Ronnie Wallace arrived. Percy still had much to offer, and I believe I can contribute my experience to this team. I’m here to do whatever Barry needs me to do.”
Robards, who left school to enter hunt service at the age of fifteen, is the author of two of the most popular and best-selling books published by The Derrydale Press in the last half century. His memoir, Foxhunting in England, Ireland, and North America, is out of print. (It is available on Amazon in used condition, but a buyer will have to part with over $200.00 to get it.) There are huntsmen who insist that their whippers-in read the book before the start of cubhunting.
His more recent book, still in print, is titled Foxhunting: How to Watch and Listen. There are Masters who insist that every new field member read that one.
“I’m looking forward to hunting across an open country and being able to watch hounds work,” said Robards in anticipation of his upcoming seasons in Virginia.
Middleburg MFH Jeff Blue believes the two men will work beautifully together. “Hugh was Barry’s mentor in Ireland,” said Blue, “and Barry thinks the world of Hugh. Hugh has experience to share, and Barry is ecstatic he is here for all the right reasons.”
Posted June 5, 2013