Source: Mells Fox Hounds (Midsouth District)
Purpose: To help sustain foxhunting
How it Works:
Longstanding Mells Fox Hounds MFH, Bill Haggard, says of foxhunting organizations, “You grow or you die.” And, “If no youth, you can’t sustain.” Holding fast to these beliefs, Mells has grown from one of the smallest hunts in the US to one of the largest.
Bill believes that the perfect “fuel mix” to sustain a hunt is to have about 30% of members in the youth category, and one must always be promoting and recruiting to maintain that level of participation. Especially given all the distractions and activity options thrown at families today!
It starts with all Masters sharing the vision that major youth engagement is vital for their hunt’s future. Then a major effort must be sustained to attract youngsters AND their parents. Bill states, “I was amazed and delighted to see how much parents want to be involved in the activities we create for their children.” They love seeing their children learning to appreciate the countryside, bonding with animals, getting exercise, making new friends, all the while away from cellphones and computers!
The Mells strives to make it easy and fun for the kids and parents to participate. Some of their ingredients for that are:
- Strive to make your facilities as attractive and inviting as possible
- Sometimes introduce newcomers to hunting by following in vehicles
- If available, connect with local livery stables for hirelings
- Partner with local pony clubs and hunter barns
- Start with minimal or no capping or participation fees
- Provide lots of events for family participation: trail rides, horse shows, riding clinics, summer camps, work parties, hunter pace events, etc.
- Give “Hunt Teas,” with food and beverages, and at these occasions recognize young members for their progress and achievements
- Provide a safe progression in the hunting field as riders improve: have a Youth Flight, gradual promotions to the more challenging flights, time with the whips, invitations to ride with the Master, etc.
Looking at the big picture, Bill repeats with fervor that, “Hunting is in our DNA, and it has been for thousands of years. Let’s acknowledge and celebrate that fact, and if our young join us in doing so, our sport will have sound footing for the future.”
To learn more about Mells Fox Hound’s success with their Youth Program, the MFHA would be pleased to connect you with Bill Haggard.
For more information about this practice, contact the MFHA at 540-883-0883 or office@mfha.com