
Karen L. Myers photo
The Question
"I have read Lt. Col. Foster’s book Whipper-In which states the basic premise that whips must know the names of each hound to truly be of assistance," writes Kathy Rubin. "What contribution can I make as an honorary whip when I cannot devote the time to know each hound? Where should I set my sights so I can be of help to my huntsman despite the fact that I cannot be with hounds on a daily basis? I believe many of the smaller hunts in the country face the same problem. Can you give me some guidance and recommend additional reading?"
Knowing that Messrs. Scott, Robards, and Peel—world authorities on the subjects of foxhounds and the hunting of hounds in the field—are geared to thinking at the most sophisticated levels of hound management, I had to wonder, as I posed Kathy’s question to them, if they could truly identify with her less than ideal aspirations. They did. But at the same time, they didn’t let her completely off the hook.
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Comments
1. Carry a hound list
2. Know the language and tone the Huntsman uses
3. Know your territory
4. Keep taking count of the hounds
5. Have a thick skin.....
Please tell me more!
Kathy
This has worked for me and I know all the older hounds. When we bring out young entry I only have to learn a few at a time since I know all the older hounds. Good luck!
Thanks very much! A great idea and it makes alot of sense! I was struggling with how to break it down into "smaller parts"!
Kathy
Out hunting Saturday I volunteered to "whip in" and bring back a puppy who was out babbling- so off I rode into the woods (heart pounding) and lo and behold managed to get the puppy Fanfare to follow me back to the field. However - following Dennis's instructions I did not turn in my saddle and look down at the puppy and when he re-joined the pack - which one was he?
At the end of the day, I rode in the hound minivan to pick up a few hounds still out. Lucky for me- our long time road whip Jock Melville, (son of former Rombout masters and brother to ex-MFH Sheila) -rode in the van with the hounds - and with his help I discovered that THIS is a great way to learn the individual hounds! I was able to really "get to know" each individual hound up close and personal. After more than 30 years of hunting a whole new door has opened up to me!
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