WE asked famed sporting artist and Iroquois Hunt member Andre Pater that question and got a great, thoughtful answer, which you can hear on the video above (click play, then click the HD box in the upper right-hand corner of the video to see the high-definition version). He also offered his thoughts on retiring hunting hounds, and his timing was excellent: the annual Hound Welfare Fund benefit dinner and auction, which supports the Iroquois Hunt’s retired hounds, is right around the corner on June 4. And this year’s live auction will feature Andre Pater’s “Awake,” a charcoal and white pastel drawing of a foxhound.
Other well-known British and American artists whose works are coming in for the auction include Sandra Oppegard, Hazel Morgan, Sally Moren, Ena Lund, Judy Boyt, and others!
This Wilton Hunt hound study in oil by English artist Hazel Morgan is among the Hound Welfare Fund's auction items this year.
The auction offers more than art, too. The live auction will feature a sporting clay shoot and picnic at Miller Trust Farm, traditionally one of the night’s hottest items, and the much-coveted chance to have a private hunt with the Iroquois for up to eight people. Other items in the live or silent auctions include a morel mushroom hunt and gourmet picnic for two at one of the hunt country’s most beautiful fixtures, Boone Valley Farm; an antique set of stirrup cups with the Iroquois Hunt logo; a unique set of hand-painted glassware depicting hunt scenes; the ever popular tickets to HWF Retiree of the Year Stammer‘s exclusive retirement party; hassle-free Blessing Day braiding and boarding for your horse–and more!
This watercolor hunt scene by Sandra Oppegard also will be among the offerings at the Hound Welfare Fund's June 4 fundraising dinner and auction.
The Hound Welfare Fund is a 501(c)(3) charity that is the first of its kind to care for working foxhounds during their retirement.
Stay tuned for the Virginia Hound Show
Before June 4’s dinner and auction at the Iroquois headquarters, the old Grimes Mill, the hounds have business to attend to in Virginia. The Virginia Hound Show takes place this Sunday, May 30, at Morven Park near Leesburg, and the houndbloggers will be there to cheer them on. Last year, our Hailstone won his class, single crossbred dog–entered.
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Congratulations to all. A superb video and an even better cause.
Thanks, Cormac! We’ll see you and Catherine at the auction!
the video interview was fantastic. he made a great point about compatibility with the horses and their affinity for pack life. And the visual in the video of the huntsman riding into the fog was beautiful.
The auction idea is fantastic, how perfect for the retired hounds! This is a group that is creative and cares. Bravo!
Jen, thanks so much for your kind words! It means a lot to read comments like that. We hope other groups will be inspired by their retired hounds to set up similar programs. We’ve found that our retirees have found an important second career, too, as great ambassadors with local Pony Clubbers, visiting children, spectators and visitors at our annual Blessing of the Hounds, and other guests.
And I should remind our readers, too, that anyone wanting to know more about auction items and how to bid on them even if you’re not able to attend the auction in person can post a comment here and we’ll provide details back by e-mail.
Thanks again, Jen!