THE recent Irish Masters’ of Foxhounds Association (IMFHA) Information Day at the Laois Hunt Kennels spent the afternoon discussing hound judging after a morning on kennel matters and the law.

Representatives from packs of foxhounds, harriers and beagles came from all over Ireland to look at hounds in a ring, discussing conformation points that might improve their hunting ability. Opinions varied but it was a fun get together with hounds from four packs. All gave an insight into the backroom work needed to get ready for a showring.

Ireland has two official foxhound shows (Stradbally and Gosford Park) and many hunts exhibit at less formal local gatherings. Half the foxhound packs in Ireland enter the show which is part of the National Hound Show. But you can’t just rock up with a few hounds and expect rosettes on your arm. Getting hounds ready takes time and effort.

Puppy walkers

A slick ring performance is needed if the huntsman’s charges are to be shown at their best. Confident, well produced hounds don’t happen overnight. Sympathetic handling over a long time is essential and it all starts with those unsung heroes of any hunt - the puppy walkers. They teach the puppies their names and how to be confident on leads so when coupled later the experience is not stressful. If wearing a collar and lead is part of normal life a hound can concentrate on his huntsman when in the ring; shy hounds fighting a lead do not attract the judges’ eye. Hopefully the puppies have been taken to see the world, perhaps at a local pony show or school playground when noisy children rush to hug them.

Preparation

The huntsman can continue these experiences at home by exercising through villages, near schools and taking hounds to public events. At the kennels young hounds should be moved around a busy yard and many huntsmen invite people to ‘practise judge’ them in a ring. Get a crowd – perhaps the Hunt Pony Club – to come to kennels with radios and umbrellas, allowing children to play about the ring, eventually producing hounds that are confident to stand well back from their huntsman (about five/six feet) to catch his biscuits, used without too much arm flourishing. The practice judges, strangers all, might stand over the hounds and talk to the huntsman so they become used to the atmosphere of a competitive ring. Hounds should not be intimidated when faced with the real thing at Stradbally.

All this takes weeks of preparation. Those hounds in a public ring such as the National Hound Show are a demonstration of high welfare standards and the love and care given by dedicated hunt staff. In summer hounds must not be too fat nor too thin, and vegetable oil in the feed may help their coats shine.

By the time the shows start, the kennels will have enjoyed some bicycle exercise which keeps hounds happy, educated, in good trim and their feet hard. If the huntsman has done his homework, his charges will be ready to face a spectator-lined ring with confidence. Stradbally in early July is the main target but competing at one or two local shows may help.

The big day

Most kennels will bathe their hounds before a show, but what should the huntsman do on the day?

Walking out before loading and starting off early is helpful. Load the kennel ‘mini vet’ kit and take some baby powder, cloths, Show Sheen to wipe their coats as a finishing touch, slip leads, water buckets and of course, a plentiful supply of biscuits. On arrival walk out again so hounds see the show area especially if you have travelled a fair distance; they need to ‘shake out’ and look about. Don’t forget to declare the hunt’s entries usually an hour or so before the first class.

Look after your helpers; most need at least three to earn their show lunch. They are just as important as the huntsman and are key to a seamless performance in the ring especially when hounds are galloping off leads. You only have a few minutes so don’t waste it. Rehearse the person on the leads; he/she is vital.

Most important of all – enjoy yourselves. A happy team produces happy hounds, and even if you don’t see your favourites come home with a winning ticket, the biscuit-chasing season is soon followed by the hunting season. That’s what really matters!