Kennel Diary

Harry Beeby spends an enjoyable but hot day judging at the Mendip Farmers' Hunt puppy show

- Harry Beeby

I spent a very enjoyable day in Somerset a couple of weeks ago, judging the Mendip Farmers' Hunt puppy show. My former boss when I was whipper-in at the Monmouthshire is now a huntsman at the Mendip, so the whole thing felt quite special.

As I mentioned last month, a great deal of work goes into preparing not only the young hounds for the day but also all the arrangements, so the judging should be taken equally as seriously. Much time has been spent by both the puppy walkers and hunt staff to get the young hounds to this stage, so there is a certain responsibility on the part of the judges to get it right. There are two judges invited for the day sometimes either the master or huntsman of a neighbouring pack or someone who the hunt has a connection with.

On the day, both judges are usually invited for lunch prior to the judging. This will often be held at the home of either a master or the hunt chairman or a local pub.