Puppy Walking 2008

A little history first: Not everyone knows that the United States Pony Clubs were started by foxhunters who were concerned that young people were not learning effective riding nor the proper care of horses. Most of the first pony clubs were affiliated with organized foxhunts. Lakeville was one of the few that was begun without a hunt affiliation.

Our friends in Millbrook Pony Club, founded the year before Lakeville, had -- and continues to have -- a close relationship with the Millbrook Hunt. This year Millbrook invited Lakeville to join them in "puppy walking" -- a traditional spring activity whereby the new puppies are civilized, and as the photos below indicate, the older hounds are reminded of their responsibilities after a winter off.

The real highlight of puppy walking season is the Adjacent Hunts Puppy Show, with LPCers showing Millbrook's hounds at this traditional event at Old Chatham Hunt Club.

Below are photos of Lakeville and Millbrook Pony Club members "puppy walking" at the Millbrook Hunt's kennels, as well as some pictures from the Show.

The older hounds being "walked"	Hounds in the kennel	Taking the hounds out (note the legendary DC of Millbrook Pony Club, Barbara Meyer, seated near the door)	Sarah and Titan
Caroline and Boon	Emily and Maggie visit with the pups	Maggie, Wizard, and Mr. Philhower	Mrs. Lehn lends a hand with Wizard
Sarah and Titan get some help from Caroline	Sarah and Tattle get some help from Huntsman, Mr. Philhower	With the hounds	Next pictures are from the Adjacent Hunts Puppy Show
Getting ready for the ring	Sarah and Tempest	Hounds shown by LPCers took home many ribbons!	Cindy shows Rave
In the ring	Sarah and Tempest; Eva and Bounty	Eva and Bounty, back during puppy walking	Eva showing Bounty
Lunch time!	Melissa and Tally (in front) won this class	Melissa and Tally; Cindy and Rave	Sarah showing Rave
Caroline shows Thistle	Maggie shows her hound

Spring 2008: Puppy walking with the Millbrook Hunt and Millbrook Pony Club