The 2017 Finals of the JNAFHC will be hosted by the Belle Meade Hunt (GA) on November 10-12. In this photo, Belle Meade Masters and juniors celebrate an Opening Meet on the front steps of the clubhouse, Boots Hall. Masters, standing in the back row are: (left) Epp Wilson, (middle) Dr. Gary Wilkes, and (right) Charlie Lewis.
How much foxhunting excitement can juniors buy for $75.00 these days? A junior with turbo-jet-powered horse transport could conceivably hunt with up to twenty-two packs of hounds in twelve states from the East to the Mid-West in qualifying meets over a three-month period this fall. Juniors without such a machine will still find several meets in their region plus an exciting weekend at the finals.
Information for the coming season’s schedule of meets and a single entry form for the entire series is available on the JNAFHC website. MFHA President Tony Leahy, MFH will be Chief Judge at the championship finals the weekend of November 10 to 12.
Some years ago, as the field was walking through the country during one qualifying meet, a child stared at an attractive house and asked a question that warmed the hearts of the organizers. “Why,” she asked, “would someone build a house in the middle of such nice hunting country?”
That’s the very spirit the JNAFHC founders want to instill in young minds for the future. Douglas Wise, MFH, Old Dominion Hounds (VA) and Iona Pillion from the Blue Ridge Hunt (VA) had the notion to give children the opportunity to see new hunting countries and open their eyes to the fact that these playgrounds don’t just happen to be there for them by chance, but have been nurtured and conserved for the perpetuation of wildlife, open space, and for those who treasure the natural world.
“We want these kids to know what a conservation easement is,” says Marion Chungo, one of the organizers.
Emphasis in judging is on the junior rider and their pony or horse. The fox hunting mount and appropriate turnout is important, but of utmost importance is the suitability of the mount to the rider. There’s plenty of hunting to be had by all juniors who enter. Even if a rider qualifies for the finals on his or her first hunt, that junior may hunt in as many subsequent meets as they like.
Juniors may enter one of three divisions offered: Hilltopper, First Flight 12 & under, and First Flight 13 & older to the age of 18 as of August 1, 2017.
All entrants can look forward to a full November weekend of parties, meeting new friends, hunting behind the Belle Meade Hunt (GA) foxhounds, and concluding with a final day of competition for the championship. The Belle Meade Masters will provide tally-ho wagons to transport parents and friends during the live hunt on the day before the finals. For those hunting there for the first time, be assured that the coyotes have been long established in the hunting country. They are plentiful, and they run in large circles that make for long, exciting chases! The Belle Meade Hunt is famous for topnotch sport and for its hospitality, and Masters and members are looking forward to sharing their hunt’s culture with every visitor. Plan now!
Posted August 14, 2017
