|
Why are you a subscription
hunt? Is a subscription hunt a dictatorship?
We chose the
subscription format in order to assure continuity of
the mission of Piscataqua Hounds. In fact, the
subscription model is considered the most responsive
to its membership. The subscription hunt can be most
likened to leasing a horse. When you subscribe to
the hunt, you are helping to pay the expenses of the
pack in exchange for the privilege of riding to
hounds. It is the pack owner's responsibility to
provide an enjoyable hunt experience by listening to
subscribers and combining their needs and wishes
with the best in hunt practices. Pack owners must
listen to subscriber input in order to maintain a
healthy treasury. What you will not experience in
a subscription hunt is the squabbling of political
factions polarizing the hunt in an effort to control
it.
Since Cheryl keeps the hounds
what happens if she is injured or decides to retire
in the future?
Cheryl always
has committed, talented, and trained staff around
her and will select her replacement if and when it
is necessary.
What
about insurance?
Piscataqua
Hounds is fully insured for all of the activities it
conducts.
If
this hunt is by invitation only how will you grow or
even have enough people to fill the fields?
Traditionally,
being extended an offer of membership is an honor.
We intend to follow the model of the more
traditional hunt where membership offers are
extended to people who demonstrate the ability to
uphold the mission of Piscataqua Hounds, emphasizing
positive and congenial interactions, mutual respect
among members, and a focus on the true New England
traditions of fox hunting.
All are welcome
to ride with us and to bring interested parties to
our meets. As a courtesy to the Master, you are
asked to call her or a board member to let them know
you are bringing a guest; this is also a tradition
in most hunt clubs.
What
about typical hunt functions like a ball, hound show
or Christmas party?
We are in the
process of planning a ball, a hound show, and a
Christmas party, as well as several other fun
get-togethers.
What if we enjoy committee
work - will there be work days, subcommittee
meetings, etc.?
Our aim is to
include all subscribers who wish to participate. We
welcome your input and help. Please contact a board
member and let us know what you would like to do!
Since
you are just starting, will this be a truncated
season with very few territories?
No, we will enjoy a very full season. We've been
very fortunate so far gaining approval for the sites
we want. We have new territories and fun
opportunities lining up. We are planning to
take the hounds out 27 times our inaugural season.
What about fund raisers?
Kris & Jeff
Conquest held our first fund raiser May 5 at
Stonebridge Farm. As they have done for years,
Cheryl & Sandy ran the Moose Mountain
Regional Greenways fund raiser for Cynthia Wyatt
August 18 at Branch Hill Farm in Milton Mills. We
donate the profits to help preserve land for
recreation. Piscataqua Hounds gear also
generates income for the hunt. We definitely need to raise money in
order to keep our subscription fees affordable.
Ideas from subscribers are always welcome!
There was no mention of
capping fees on the invitation. Are cappers
welcome?
Absolutely!
That one slipped by us! Capping fees for cub
season will be $25 and formal season will be
$35. Junior capping fees are always $15.
What do you have planned for
junior riders?
We have had our first Children's Hunt on
September 16th at moon Run Farm in North Berwick,
Maine. Forty riders participated and all of our
children completed the hunt. Most of our lead line
participants felt confident enough to join the
Hilltop Field midway through the hunt. We have
subscribers who are distinguished educators and
professional riding instructors. These people are
developing a junior colors program that will address
the education of children into the traditions of
hunting.
How “fast” is this hunt?
Since we are
riding to hounds, the pace of each meet will be
dictated by them. The drag the hounds follow is
carefully laid to challenge the hounds and recreate
traditional fox chasing, which can include
everything from a flat out gallop to a leisurely
stroll. All depends on the terrain, the footing,
temperature, weather, and the scenting. Safety and
good horsemanship is paramount for all – hounds,
horses, and riders – and will always come first. We
will provide 3 fields to accommodate all levels of
rider and horse. Our current subscribers range in
age from under 10 to over 60, with most people in
the 25-50 year old age range, with horses ranging in
age from 4 to 20+. Piscataqua hounds welcomes all
who share our values.
Will there be opportunities to
jump?
Absolutely! Our
jump committee is just getting off the ground. Some
of our territories already have jumps, and we will
be adding jumps in other territories. Again, we will
have jumps for all levels of riders.
What about hound walks,
roading, territory rides, etc.?
There will be ample opportunity for interested
parties to participate in preparing for each season.
Please contact the Master if you would like to be
informed of these events. |
