Source: Moore County Hounds
Purpose: Introduce young riders and green horses to foxhunting and also provide safe “re-entry” for other riders and their horses.
How it Works:
Moore County Hounds MFH Cameron Sadler and her hunt members are enthusiastic about a practice that has proven so successful that her juniors named it, “The Fun Flight.”
Once a month, Cameron, the senior master, leads a group and tailors their outing to the level of the riders and their horses. The day is for riders of all ages but is especially popular with youngsters who want to be introduced to the sport.
“Unlike the old days, there are fewer families hunting and bringing their children into the sport,” says Cameron. “This helps make The Fun Flight popular with parents who want their children to have a safe and informative entry into foxhunting.” Of course, releases and helmets are required as well as proper footwear. Otherwise, they stay relaxed about attire to keep participation as easy as possible. “We strive to make The Fun Flight a pressure-free zone,” says Cameron.
Children and their ponies are often on lead-lines with accomplished riders, and sometimes they are led by non-riding parents on foot. The event is also popular with adults who’ve been away from the sport for a while and want a safe re-entry for themselves or their horses.
Cameron strives to give her Fun Flight views of hound action whenever possible and encourages lots of questions about what’s going on. “We explain what the huntsman and hounds are doing, what the horn calls mean, and ensure everyone is safe and comfortable.”
One Moore County youngster named Anna says, “Fun Flight really built up my confidence so that I could move up to a real flight.” Violet, another participant says, “That’s how I started hunting, it gave me the confidence that I could do it.”
To learn more about Moore County Hounds’ success with their Fun Flight, the MFHA would be pleased to connect you with Cameron.
For more information, contact the MFHA at 540-883-0883 or office@mfha.com
Entries posted with “Notes” are for information and education and represent the views, opinions, conclusions, recommendations and experiences of the submitting parties. Their inclusion does not constitute endorsement or warranty by the MFHA of the accuracy, applicability, fitness or completeness of the postings.
