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Norfolk Hunt Field Hunter Show

Norfolk is the place to be on Labor Day weekend! The Norfolk Hunt Field Hunter Show will take place on Sunday, September 2, 2012. The show will be preceded by a mounted foxhunting clinic on Saturday September 1, 2012.

The Field Hunter Show was reinstated in 1994 to provide an area of competition for working/field hunters. Horses that have hunted or are suitable for hunting may compete. A good field hunter is an animal that is trustworthy cross-country, over fences and at all gaits. The ideal field hunter provides mannerly and safe conveyance over and between fences. Horses are judged on manners, performance and soundness.

The Field Hunter Show takes place on the lower field of the Norfolk Hunt Steeplechase Course (240 North Street, Medfield, MA) and incorporates flat classes, traditional foxhunting obstacles and other elements experienced in foxhunts, including a "Gone Away," "Hold Hard" and "Lead Over," in which the rider dismounts to lead their horse over a lowered fence. Hunting attire is required for all competitors. Formal attire with hunt colors is also permissible.

Norfolk member and trainer, Carol Mayo, of Sherborn, MA, will chair the Norfolk Hunt Field Hunter Show this year. British Horse Society trained and certified, Carol specializes in eventing and dressage, and grew up foxhunting in England.

The mounted foxhunting clinic on Saturday, September 1 provides the perfect atmosphere for riders to "tune up" before competing on Sunday. Riders may choose to participate in both the clinic and show, or choose only one event. Norfolk member and local eventing trainer and competitor Richard Wood, of Thompson, CT will conduct the foxhunting clinic. The clinic will take place in the lower field of the Norfolk Hunt Steeplechase Course. Rich grew up competing and foxhunting in New England and now trains and competes both in New England and in Aiken, South Carolina during the winter months.

The tradition of the Norfolk Hunt Field Hunter Show attracts hunters, jumpers and eventers, as well as members of foxhunts throughout the area. Competitors consistently report they love the friendly atmosphere, beautiful setting and strong tradition of foxhunting the show provides.

For more information, contact: Carol Mayo, (508) 655-5151, or jpcamayo@comcast.net.



photographs courtesy of curve27.com, Kathie Davenport & 100 Years of the Norfolk Hunt
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