The late Mrs. John Hannum, former Master of Mr. Stewart’s Cheshire Foxhounds (PA), was always thrilled to see a new child at the kennels on a summer morning. Nothing pleased her as much as giving a child—at the kennels for hound walking—his or her first opportunity to observe working hounds at close range.
Building on that early philosophy, the current Masters have introduced new incentives that have greatly increased the number of children in the field.
Cheshire is about to celebrate its hundredth anniversary. There are twenty-six children enrolled as members, some of whom are third and fourth generations of the same families originally hunting the Cheshire country.
In addition to hunting with their parents, siblings, and friends, Cheshire cards a Childrenʼs Hunt reserved for children only (accompanied by an adult) and participates in the Junior North American Field Hunter Championships (the finals of which were hosted by Cheshire last year).
Cheshire has expanded its educational outreach to include a four-day summer camp for children under twelve, which includes an introduction to the hounds as well as learning safety and hunting etiquette, all with an emphasis on fun. The past six or eight years have seen a huge increase in the number of children actively hunting, starting in the third, non-jumping field and progressing to first flight.
This past year, the Masters began a new tradition by awarding armbands to children who demonstrate their ability to ride in the first field and a general knowledge of foxhunting. The armband serves as recognition of their accomplishments. The Masters, staff, and adult members have made a great effort to make the hunting season a fun and safe experience for all children, while they learn to appreciate the sport and advance their capabilities.
Posted July 21, 2011
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