Grafton Hunt welcomes young enthusiasts to private tour of kennels

The Grafton Hunt recently invited keen children to their kennels in Eydon, Northamptonshire, for a private tour of the kennels and in-depth look at how hounds and horses are cared for.

On Wednesday 1^st June, over 35 hunting enthusiasts aged from four to 16 years and their parents, attended this special event to see hounds up close and learn from Grafton huntsman David Seels about how hounds are cared for at home, on exercise and at work on a trail hunting day.

Everything from explaining why hound lodges are designed specifically to suit their group 'pack' upbringing, to dietary needs, exercise levels for fitness, bringing young hounds on exercise, through to hound conformation for strength and stamina was discussed. Of course, hound puppy cuddles were an extremely popular feature of the day for all ages, with some parents having to be gently asked to return puppies to rest!

Young guests were also shown to the stables to meet some of the hunt horses and learn about the specific abilities and skills required of these special equines to be a top class huntsman's horse. Whilst many of the attendees already hunt regularly, valuable insight into the fitness regimes, feeding and pre and post hunting care of the horse or pony were shared by the knowledgeable hunt grooms.

The day was rounded off with a hound show, where the Grafton team explained the ideal physical attributes for hounds' soundness, strength, speed and stamina. It was also explained that hunts around the country attend shows through the spring and early summer, in order to compare and showcase breeding lines and quality.

Some of the children were also completing their Hunting Certificate, which is awarded for knowledge and competency in riding out trail hunting, as well as basic rules and etiquette for fellow riders and hounds. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed the event, with many asking if they could visit kennels again.

"We were delighted to welcome so many of our young supporters to kennels. It is wonderful to show them how a kennels operates and how much work goes into preparing for each season," enthused Charles Smyth-Osbourne, Joint-Master at the Grafton Hunt, where they hope to put on more of these tours following this success.

Eleasha Sallis from the Countryside Alliance's Campaign for Hunting said: "Educational days like these are so important, for old and new hunting enthusiasts alike, to understand the knowledge, skill and effort that goes into producing the days they enjoy out trail hunting. We all love being with the hounds and are pleased the Grafton's event along with similar hunt events around the country, was such a success."