Annual Hunt Seminar a Huge Success



Some 60 Shakerag members and guests attended the annual hunt seminar on June 23. The group went out for a two hour morning ride to practice field maneuvers for safe riding during a hunt. They practiced reverse field, ware staff/hounds/huntsman, crossing roads safely, opening gates, riding through and around livestock, keeping to the headlands and all of the other riding maneuvers encountered during a normal hunting day.



Afterward the riders came back to the clubhouse for lunch and to learn about foxhunting and the history and traditions of the Shakerag Hounds. Helen and West Hamryka turned out in the summer heat attired in their best hunt clothes to explain correct attire for Shakerag and the functionality and tradition of hunt clothing. Helen also described the various bits and proper tack for horses. Later Rod Swanson and John Eaton brought up two hounds to talk about the PenMaryDel breed and the sport of hunting. Everyone was delighted to meet our Grand Champion Centennial Hound – Sequel, and Samson his handsome younger pack mate. There were many long-time Shakerag members in the audience and they really showed our guests what a teriffic community of friends we have at Shakerag.



The approximately 30 guests who attended received Shakerag calendars and handouts with information about the various discussions from the seminar. It’s possible that we may hold another seminar closer to opening hunt for members and guests who did not have a chance to attend this one.