You’ve come a long way, kid! / Karen L. Myers photoThe average age of active foxhunters continues to rise. Where are the youngsters? we ask. Pointing to all the “usual suspects”—risk aversion, social media addiction (living vicariously rather than actively), animal rights activism—is…well…pointless. Social change continues to be part of mankind’s evolutionary process. What can we do pro-actively? is more to the point.
The MFHA has periodically urged hunts to reach out to nearby Pony Clubs, and many of these efforts have been successful. The Live Oak Challenge sponsored by MFHs Marty and Daphne Wood has introduced numerous young riders to foxhunting by offering financial incentives to the winning Pony Clubs. The Guide to Establishing a Foxhunting Camp written by Joyce Fendley, MFH provides a cookbook approach to running a summer day camp for any hunt wishing to reach out to children. (The booklet is available from the MFHA.)
Hunts can do these things, but there is something we as ordinary members of the field can do. We can adopt-a-kid.
Art Richardson, ex-MFH of the Wayne-duPage Hunt (IL) has, over a period of years, brought four children into the hunting field. This, in addition to his two grand-daughters.
“I made an offer to the local Pony Club,” Richardson said. “I told them I would pick up any child that wanted to hunt, trailer the pony to the meets, and be responsible for them throughout the season. I told the kids to ride right up to my stirrup.”
Richardson had a few ground rules. The child must be ready on time and appropriately dressed. The pony must be manageable in company and able to hunt safely. Richardson chose his position in the field as befit each situation. Richardson suggests that in today’s environment it may be wise to have another adult in the trailer if you are adopting a kid unknown to you.
“I had more fun than the kids,” he recalled. “I was seeing hunting anew every time.”
I had the same experience with a nine-year-old girl, and that story is told in my book, Foxhunting Adventures. Children are like sponges, and during those first few seasons I saw foxhunting anew, just as Richardson said. The girl is now seventeen and has been riding with the whipper-in for the last two seasons.
Richardson’s idea can be expanded to 4-H or even local boarding and lesson stables in your area. The question remains open as to which party—you or the child—will receive the greater enjoyment!
And remember, most of my blogs are vehicles for further discussion. Your ideas and comments will enrich the dialog. Feel free to contribute below.
Posted June 29, 2011