Foxhunting Demo at WEG Joint Meet weekend By Nancy Brannon Photos By Gretchen Pelham Long Run Hounds, Mooreland Hunt and Midland Fox Hounds hosted a Joint Meet weekend in Louisville, KY October 6-9, with Thursday and Saturday hunts. Invited guests came from several other mid-south hunts, including Oak Grove Hunt Club. The Joint meet activities coincided with the World Equestrian Games held in nearby Lexington, KY. On Friday, October 8 at 3 pm in the Equine Village, members of the Long Run Hounds, Camargo Hunt, Iroquois Hunt, and Woodford Hounds demonstrated the various aspects of mounted foxhunting. Edward Kelly, MFH and First Vice President of the Masters of Foxhounds Association, served as announcer to explain the sport of foxhunting to the audience of over 1,000 people. There were about 25 mounted riders, although FEI rules could not accommodate bringing foxhounds to the demonstration. There were Whipper-Ins, a first flight field, and a hilltopper field. Morely Thomas, MFH of Camargo Hunt portrayed the Huntsman. Kelly explained the meaning of various hunting horn calls, what the hounds do in response, and what often happens on a real hunt. At one point, he pretended to view a fox under one of the jumps, which requires a “Tally Ho!” After the demonstration, riders lined up along the fence to meet and greet audience members. Emily Esterson, Editor-In-Chief of Covertside brought hunt rosters, 2011 Calendars, and Covertside issues to give away. All were lapped up in a matter of minutes!