Rebecca isn’t the only one here at Rebecca Ray with a passion for horses and sporting dogs. My name is Sara Welsh, and I am the person on the other end of the phone when you call the office. I’m always happy to answer your questions about our benchmade offerings by our master harness makers. Really, that’s one of the many hats I wear for work but it is certainly the most visible, and having been a customer first, I feel like this female owned and operated company’s aesthetic ties in nicely with my everyday life.
A view from the stands at the recent Hound Show.
Living less than a quarter mile from the Chagrin Valley Hunt Club put my family right in the middle of all things hound and horse. We live in a century home that has an 8 stall (heated) barn attached! It’s every pony-crazy kid’s dream come true, and yes, night check happens in jammies and slippers. Not only do we have horses and foxhunt as a family, but we have a couple working terriers and two retired foxhounds. Living in such close proximity to kennels has allowed us to learn more about how foxhounds are raised and trained and have spent countless hours in the kennels working with the professionals in charge of the pack. There really is nothing like seeing close to 80 foxhounds out with their huntsman and staff on their daily route around our neighborhood.
Kids handling the Hounds.
While hunting is the main focus of a pack of hounds, most hunts participate in hound shows and performance trials too. The judges at shows are looking for hounds that possess the ideal conformation and working qualities. They want to see hounds that are well put-together, able to move effortlessly and with ease, and have the stamina to continue hunting late in life. Hound shows are not just a competition to showcase the best hounds, but also a platform for learning and exchanging ideas within the foxhunting community. Informal discussions and networking opportunities at Hound Shows allow participants to share their experiences, insights, and challenges. This exchange of ideas can lead to the discovery of new approaches, strategies, and innovations that can benefit the entire foxhunting community. Overall, a Hound Show serves as a hub for knowledge-sharing, collaboration, and camaraderie among individuals passionate about foxhunting. It fosters a sense of community and mutual support, ultimately contributing to the preservation and advancement of the sport.
Handsome Hound! Rebecca Ray has amazing quality bridle leather slip leads, perfect for any handler.
This past weekend, I attended the Bryn Mawr Hound Show which celebrated its 110th year this past Saturday, June 1, 2024. It’s the oldest completely outdoor hound show in America with Foxhounds, Beagles and Bassets, and is held at the Radnor Hunt Club.
The winners cup.
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