Fox River Valley Convoy, unentered Crossbred dog hound shown by Tony Leahy, MFH, is Grand Champion of Show at the Southwest Hound Show. / Sammy Buczkowski photo
Fox River Valley Convoy, an unentered Crossbred dog hound, was judged Grand Champion of Show at the Southwest Hound Show. Brazos Valley Mystic 2010—Grand Champion of Show for the last three years running—made a hard run at an unprecedented fourth consecutive title, but finished as Reserve Champion to Convoy.
The Southwest Hound Show was held on April 19, 2014 at Greenwood Farm in Weatherford, Texas. All hounds are shown in the same ring, and were judged this year by Tony Gammell, professional huntsman for the Keswick Hunt (VA).
“It’s a lovely, small show; you can walk around and see everyone, said Tony Leahy, Master and huntsman of the Fox River Valley Hunt (IL), who looks forward to entering Grand Champion Convoy in the fall. “It was my first visit to Texas, and the people couldn’t have been nicer, more accommodating, or more welcoming.”
Convoy is by Fox River Valley Carson 2007 ex Mooreland Woefull 2010. The sire, Carson is Mooreland-bred, and the dam, Woefull, is by a Fox River Valley dog hound. Mooreland huntsman Rhodri Jones-Evans was kennel huntsman to Tony Leahy before taking the horn at Mooreland, so there is a connection between the two kennels. Fox River Valley and Mooreland are obviously working well together, outcrossing favorite bloodlines and maintaining hybrid vigor in their line-breeding programs.
Leahy describes Convoy as a real character. “He was never shown before, but he’s a happy, vibrant young dog, and he just bounced around and had a good time,” Leahy said. “He’s like his father, Carson—fun and competent. I thought the world of Carson.”
Foxhounds were shown from the Bijou Springs Hunt (CO), Brazos Valley Hunt (TX), Fox River Valley Hunt (IL), Independence Foxhounds (TX), and North Hills Hunt (IA). Brazos Valley hounds were unchallenged in the American classes, and Fox River Valley, Independence, and North Hills shared the ribbons in the Crossbred classes.
Tyce Mothershead, professional huntsman from the North Hills Hunt won the horn blowing contest.
Click for complete results.
Posted May 1, 2014