(l-r) Lauren Gibson and Landmark Cracker Jack, winner of the Hilltopper Division; Iona Pillion; and Douglas Wise-Stuart, MFH / Liz Callar photoThe tenth annual Junior North American Field Hunter Championship competition is in the offing with this year’s finals scheduled for Sunday, November 4, 2012 at the Radnor Hunt in Chester County, Pennsylvania. What started in Virginia has now spread to neighboring mid-Atlantic states and the number of participating hunts continues to grow.
More than a competition, the main purposes are to expose foxhunters eighteen years of age and younger to a variety of hunting countries, to instill in their young minds the importance of open space preservation if our sport is to continue beyond their lifetimes, and to stress suitability of mount to rider. The concept was hatched ten years ago by Douglas Wise-Stuart, MFH and Iona Pillion, both renowned for their junior foxhunting programs.
Participating hunts this year are (Northern Region) Green Spring Valley, Mr. Stewart’s Cheshire, and Andrews Bridge and (Southern Region) Warrenton, Piedmont, Orange County, and Fairfax.
Children may hunt with any or all of the participating hunts in an attempt to qualify for the finals—all for a fixed fee of $50.00 ($75.00 for post-entries). Judges are present at each meet to select those riders and mounts deemed suitable for each other and for the level of hunting at which they participate. Organizers arrange stabling, get-togethers, and overnight accommodations for children and parents who attend the finals.
Go to the Junior North American Field Hunter Championship website for more information, meeting dates, and entry forms.
Posted September 17, 2012