Rank these three hounds—green, pink, and yellow—to match the judges’ card, and you’re a winner! In the ring during the Spectators’ Class at the Wicklow Foxhounds (IRE) Puppy Show are (l-r) Judges Mark Ollard and Noel Mullins, whipper in Peter Kavanagh and Master and huntsman Philip Lazenby.
Here’s a superb idea for puppy shows guaranteed to increase spectator interest in and knowledge of foxhounds, and have fun at the same time…and it’s so easy to do!
Noel Mullins, a regular contributor to Foxhunting Life, recently judged the Wicklow Foxhounds (IRE) puppy show along with Scarteen huntsman Mark Ollard. After the pair had finished judging the puppy classes and chosen their Champion and Reserve foxhounds, a final class was held as a judging competition for the spectators.
Three foxhounds were brought into the ring, each with a different color ribbon around its neck—green, pink, and yellow. The spectators were given forms and pencils and instructed to write their names and place the hounds in order—first, second, and third—using the colored ribbons as identifiers. After Mullins and Ollard finished judging the three foxhounds and before announcing their choices, the spectators’ forms were collected.
The spectator who placed the hounds as the judges had them was declared the winner by Wicklow Master and huntsman Philip Lazenby. This day the winner was Conor O’Dwyer, huntsman for the Island Foxhounds.
I thought it odd that with only three hounds to judge, just one spectator “got it right”! Mullins explained that while the second- and third-place hounds may have been somewhat equal in conformation, one was a substantially better mover when chasing the biscuit.
“The hound we placed second was a better mover, lengthening his stride effortlessly over the ground, increasing the pace as he galloped,” said Mullins, “while our third-placed hound tended to be a little ponderous on the stride.
“Many spectators would tend to stop their judging on appearance, and not pay too much attention to movement, which is critical when a hound has to gallop for miles out hunting. But we explained our decision, and then it all made sense. I think more spectators at the Wicklow Hound Show will get the result correct next year!” Mullins concluded.
This easy-to-produce spectator judging class, followed by an informal dialog between judges and spectators seems to me to be an entertaining way to get field members and hunt supporters more tuned in to the foxhounds in their pack. As always, readers’ Comments are invited.
Posted September 11, 2015