Showcasing hunting’s youth

The young handlers’ classes at hound shows – including next week’s Festival of Hunting – have been a hit, reports Andrew Sallis

- Andrew Sallis

IF you want to glimpse into the future of hunting, go along to the young handlers’ class at the Festival of Hunting at Peterborough on 19 July (ring one at 3pm). That is, if you can get anywhere near for the crowds. Hounds of all types are shown by their junior handlers, who are often bedecked in oversized white coats, but betraying a golden thread woven of skill, hard work and mutual respect.

Nearly every show recognised by the Masters of Foxhounds Association and others besides hold a young handlers’ class, the brainchild of Richard Walton who organised the first class at the West of England Hound Show in 2017. Entrants are 10–16 years old and actively involved in helping at a hunt kennels.

Patrick Martin, former huntsman to the Bicester with Whaddon Chase, now hunt staff liaison officer for the British Hound Sports Association (BHSA), is largely responsible for running the classes, though at Peterborough he’s supported by a guest judge. This year it is Rose Gemmell, daughter of Captain Ian Farquhar, whose eponymous cup is awarded to the winner.

While the finest modern English foxhounds compete for the doghound championship memento in memory of Captain Charles Barclay MFH, the winning young handler leaves with a presentation hunting horn given in memory of his son, James.

There could be no finer tribute to James, one of hunting’s great talismen who was tireless in his encouragement and education of the young about hounds, hunting and the countryside.