Judges Graham and Sheri Buston make certain that every competitor at the Junior Handlers Hound Show gets their undivided attention and assistance. / Rick Stillings photo
More than thirty children, ranging in age from fourteen months to sixteen years, enjoyed a day showing, learning, and making new friends at the Central Virginia Young Entry Junior Handlers Hound Show on June 10, 2018 in Charlottesville, Virginia. This unique event offered a full schedule just for youngsters, including four showmanship sections, a retired foxhound class, a modified pack class, and horn blowing and whip cracking contests.
The emphasis was on creating a fun, welcoming day for juniors from any background—even those with no previous foxhunting or hound showing experience. Keeping with this accommodating theme, organizers invited bassets and beagles to compete, as well as foxhounds.
Judges Graham and Sheri Buston, huntsman and whipper-in at the Blue Ridge Hunt, perfectly combined cheerful patience and helpful suggestions with keen professional eyes for pinning the best exhibitors in each event. Foxfield Racing Association kindly offered use of their lush green course just outside Charlottesville as the beautiful venue.
Juniors Pippa Cook, Farmington Hunt (left) and Sarah Kate Kangas, Farmington Beagles, with their entries, ribbons, and trophies. The Judges Buston behind. / Rick Stillings photo
The show was organized by Central Virginia Young Entry, a group formed last summer to foster enthusiasm for equestrian activities and the outdoors among children in the greater Central Virginia area. As part of its mission, children learn the importance of giving back to their communities, and through the generous sponsorship of many individuals and businesses, the show raised $3,175 to donate to the Piedmont Environmental Council. Rex Linville, land conservation officer with the PEC, addressed the crowd and was delighted to see so many landowners present who had already placed their land in conservation.
After a demonstration by Mary Marks with retired hound Norfolk Puddle ‘11, judging got underway with the age six-and-under class. This promising group included one not-quite-toddler taking in the sights of the ring from her father’s arms, and a tiny handler showing a Jack Russell—a resident of the Bull Run Hunt kennels and a welcome if somewhat wiggly entry. The middle age division, seven-to-ten years, was split due to numbers, and a championship tiebreaker was held between Miss Pippa Cook, handling the Farmington Hunt entry, and Miss Sarah Kate Kangas of the Farmington Beagles, who ultimately took the overall nod. In the oldest division, competitors with hunting experience were joined by lesson students from local stables, whom organizers had invited to compete and get a taste of our sporting community.
That’s it! / Rick Stillings photoRetired hounds were matched with suitable handlers to compete for a new plush dog bed and bowl (for the hound) and a tote bag full of prizes (for the child), followed by the picturesque pack class. Horn blowing and whip cracking, with judge Graham Buston bravely approaching highly focused juniors to coach their technique, rounded out the awards.
Throughout the warm day, canines took advantage of the wading trough and cooling fan provided, and two-legged attendees feasted beneath several tents on a fabulous luncheon spread from the incomparable Sally Lamb and her team of cooks and cheerleaders. With goodie bags for all entries, no one went home hungry or empty-handed. One participant reported the next day that her granddaughter was so proud of her ribbons, she not only wore them to dinner, but slept with them, too.
Enthusiastic juniors celebrate a successful day of fun, hounds, competition, and camaraderie in the out of doors.. / Rick Stillings photo
Show managers Cynthia Whitman, Melissa Zeller, and Martha Drum would particularly like to thank prize donors Horse Country Saddlery, Liz Callar Photography, Canine Concierge & Equine, Dark Horse Whip Handles, Eddins Ford, Warner Granade, and our many volunteers and supporters.
Posted June 20, 2018