The sun shone hot and bright on Kennels as it played host to the South Devon Hunt Festival of Hounds, an Open Day for friends young and old, old and new.
The Masters for the past season held a puppy show to judge the young entry in April, so there will be no show for the current season. Instead, the new Masters and Committee welcomed anyone and everyone to Kennels to celebrate the hounds and look forward to the trail hunting season ahead.
Cognisant that many attendees of puppy and hound shows might not fully understand what they’re watching, Mr Joe Emmett MFH presented a brief introduction to hound judging, followed by a fun hound judging competition. Hounds wore coloured collars and visitors placed them in order before Joe revealed his own judgement. The plan was to present prizes for the closest judgements, but nobody came close! This was still time well spent, however, as it gave the hounds a chance to practice before their classes at Dunster Hound Show on 26 July and West of England Hound Show on 3 August. Please see our events page for more details.
Hound judging was followed by a traditional puppy show tea, courtesy of all the supporters who kindly donated sandwiches and cakes; and a barbecue by Hilary (of Farmer Harvey’s Cowshed) and Rodney. Dexter beef burgers were supplied by Beechleigh Farm of Bovey Tracey, and venison burgers were kindly donated by Wild Hart Venison of Cornwood. Thanks also go to Jeanette for running a very popular licensed bar!
Open Day also marked the launch of the Hound Sponsorship scheme for the 2023-2024 season, support for which was overwhelming with all 34 couple sponsored over the weekend. This year’s sponsors have received a Certificate of Sponsorship including a professional photograph of their hound, courtesy of Sharon, as well as a commemorative badge they can wear with pride out hunting. All proceeds will contribute to the husbandry, health and welfare of our wonderful pack.
Finally, the trophy for the sponsor of the best working sponsored hound from the past season was presented to Carrie for Gretner.
This was a hugely popular, successful and enjoyable event, and we are grateful to everyone who helped make it possible, including all our visitors. Thank you for coming.
