Harry Stephenson
View a slideshow of the York and Ainsty (South) Puppy Show: York and Ainsty (South) Puppy Show 2009
Big Future for Hunting
Harry Stephenson
My view is that hunting certainly has a future. But the right people need to be attracted into the job for it to be so. Not only that, the people who get involved in hunting, i.e. new subscribers, members, etc. need to be shown how things should be done. Because it is these people who ultimately get elected onto committees, or take on Masterships, without having any idea of how a hunt should be run, and why.
We are based on tradition, and that tradition has long stood the test of time. It is up to those in the know, especially the MFHA, to ensure that these traditions are passed on and maintained. The seminars go some way to addressing this, but perhaps not far enough.
Some might say that the demise of the scarlet coat in some packs is the thin edge of the wedge, and I would certainly agree with that. You have to lead from the front, and in order to lead effectively the person at the front must know what he is supposed to be doing.
How do young people learn about hunt service? They can’t go to college to learn, although the MFHA have started holding some excellent seminars for whippers-ins, new masters etc. But one has to be either a whipper-in, or a new master, etc, to attend.
So how does someone become a whipper-in in the first place? The answer is simple. It is up to us to take the time to teach the young.
Although I am retiring from hunting hounds this season, I have had five or six lads start with me at different times over the years, all of them as green as grass, but very keen to learn. I took them on hound exercise all summer, and had them whip-in to me during the season, and took the time to explain why I wanted things done a certain way.
And when they made a mistake, took them to one side and explained what they had done wrong. No point blowing a gasket and screaming abuse, because the young man will just go into his shell and will be afraid to try to do his job for fear of a bollocking.
Me with Olly Fielder who was only 15 at the time. He was very keen and helped out in kennels, and so while my Kennel-huntsman was laid up with an injury, I let Olly wear scarlet.
All of these young men have progressed in the industry. One is a master and huntsman and doing very well, three are professional 1st whipper-ins with high profile packs, and two are amateur whippers-ins. I feel very proud to have been able to shape their futures, and I of course wish them every success.
The MFHA also run a bursary scheme, which is intended to get young men and women into hunt service, and which is a real step forward, although there are not that many places available.
The bottom line is all of us who hunt should take the time to educate the young. Pony club and children’s meets are especially useful. Children should be invited to ride up with the huntsman and whipper-in, but only one child at a time so they can talk to the huntsman or whip and get a real feel as to what he is doing. No point inviting a youngster up front if the staff are not going to take the time to explain what is going on.
It is important too that Masters treat their staff right. Discipline is very important of course, and hunt staff must be absolutely loyal to their boss, regardless of what others may be saying. A hunt servant who isn’t loyal will very soon be unemployable, because why would any Master want such a person.
But it works both ways, and so a Master should not stand by and allow a young whipper-in to be bullied and bollocked in public, because no good will come of it, certainly not in this day and age.
If we are to attract and retain good quality staff in this industry, then we must lead from the top. Encourage children to come hunting, and take the time to explain why hunting is so much more special than a hunter trial or a show.
Hunting has its own magic, and luckily that magic seems to work its way into the hearts of good young men and women who want careers in hunt service. Long may it continue to do so, and if we can help that magic develop, we should.Harry Stephenson