Pony Club Participation Survey!

The leaders of MFHA and the United States Pony Clubs are coordinating on ways to increase the participation of Pony Clubbers in our hunts and provide the next generation of hunt members. To gather some solid information on levels of participation, both success stories and potential roadblocks to participation, we have posted an online survey for hunt members.

A separate survey is in place for Pony Club members, and the results of both surveys will aid the …

Hunter Trials Brings Festivity to Hunt Season End

By Elizabeth Kiss

The 2nd Annual Maury River Hunter Trials was held April 2, 2011, at the Virginia Horse Center in Lexington, VA. Despite threatening weather, this lovely event attracted over 70 competitors, numerous tailgaters, sponsors, spectators, volunteers and judges to the rolling cross country fields of the Horse Center.

The event is run by the Virginia Horse Trials, headed by Brian and Penny Ross, in …

Fox River Valley, Live Oak Sweep Southern Hound Show Honors

The fifth annual Southern Hound Show (“Stars of the South!”) was blessed with perfect weather. Having been prevented from attending in 2010 by the volcanic eruption, this year Judge Martin Scott, ex MFH, Vale of the White Horse, and photographer Jim Meads, were on hand to enjoy seeing quite a few truly quality hounds being presented. Mr. Scott was ably assisted by co-judge Mr. J.W.Y. Martin, MFH, Green Spring Valley Hounds. The apprentice judge was Mrs. George Thomas, MFH, Why …

The View From Down Here

Lessons to a Kid
By Ziggy Pelham

Now that I have ended the Tennessee Valley’s hunt season as the first and only 12.1 hand Huntsman’s Horse, I can focus on having a relaxing summer. Except I have a nagging feeling that I have now hit the ceiling in a hunt horses’ career. Now that Kurt Krucke, professional huntsman, has hunted off me as his Huntsman’s Horse, what’s next for me? I’m kinda depressed at the thought. At 14 years, I’m too young …

It’s All About the Hounds

Our Annual Pilgrimage to the Carolinas Cup Performance Trials
By Cheryl Microutsicos
Three years ago, I, along with hunt members and friends from Stonewall Hounds, made my first trek down to Southern Pines for the Carolinas Cup Performance Hound Trials in Hoffman, NC. It was a fabulous weekend, and some of the best, fastest hunting I had ever experienced. After a weekend like that, of course we …

An Artist’s Inspiration

By Lizi Ruch

Lizi Ruch is a member of West Hills Hounds in the Pacific District and an artist who designs custom, collectible hunt-theme tableware.  In the summer edition of Covertside, we will be featuring The Art of the Hunt.

I grew up in Louisville, Kentucky in the 1950s. I was born horse-crazy in a family of eight. My mom thought this interest would surely pass and was not as keen in supporting …