Children as young as six were taken out on horseback hunting foxes. 50286 Picture: Carolyn Yencken
By Mara Pattison-Sowden
CHILDREN were introduced to fox hunting in a special hunt run by the Yarra Glen and Lilydale Hunt Club over the school holidays.
The children’s hunt was held at Kobyboyn in the central highlands on Wednesday 30 June.
Club committee member Carolyn Yencken said despite the threatening and overcast weather 23 riders took part.
“We had a jumping and non-jumping field, who followed the hounds and the huntsman, Nick Boulton, over the countryside for several hours,” she said.
“Although the fox hounds are hunting dogs, they are very affectionate, placid and easygoing around people and children.” Ms Yencken said there were six riders from “Shetlands for all Occasions” and from various local pony clubs.
“The hounds did find several foxes but they went to ground – they’re not called wiley for nothing,” she said.
“After the ride we had a well-deserved soup and afternoon tea to warm us all up.”
