Myopia’s hunt kennel with its weathered shingles on Boston’s North Shore evokes old New England.Robert Howarth is the new professional huntsman at the venerable Myopia Hunt located on Boston’s North Shore. Robert, originally from England and the Holderness Hunt, arrived at Myopia from the Hamilton Hunt in Ontario. He brought with him Liberty, an Old English foxhound which he bred whilst at the Holderness. I recently visited Robert and got to see Liberty again whom I walked as a puppy.
During my visit, I thoroughly enjoyed helping in Myopia’s prestigious hunt kennel, with its red and cream decor, chandelier, and hounds peacefully resting in their lodges to the sound of the classical music!
It was good to see the hounds scenting over the rolling grassland, hills, jumping the stone walls and wooden jumps, crossing rivers and running through the woodlands with the beautiful coastline view in the distance.
Master Donald Little leads the field over many obstacles to the laid scent with the kind permission of the local landowners. The fields were given good sport and maintain the true hunting traditions.
The Myopia hunt was founded in Winchester, Massachusetts in 1882 and moved to its present location in South Hamilton just three years later. One of the oldest hunts in the country, it began as both a live and drag hunt. Their hunting country is extensive, and includes hunting in New Hampshire, which is accomplished by boarding a train and heading north further along the coast.
Myopia’s first pack consisted of ten couples of the Old English type foxhound, purchased from Lord Willoughby de Broke, Master of the Warwickshire (UK). Myopia has a long and colourful history, even hosting Royal visitors. They have steeplechase races at Willow Dale and many equestrian traditions continue today, including hunter trials and a two-day horse show which began in 1901.
Posted November 15, 2011
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