A Letter from Organizer Carla Babcock About Finals Weekend
Welcome from the Mells Foxhounds to all JNAFHC Finalists! We are excited that you will be coming to beautiful Southern Middle Tennessee to share some foxhunting camaraderie, meet other Junior Foxhunters, and enjoy the JNAFHC competition. This letter is full of all the details for the Finals. Here is an overview of JNAFHC Finals weekend:
Schedule
Thursday, March 2:
- Noon -? - Arrive at Barns and be greeted by the Barn Crew – do not unload your horse until you have been checked in and receive your stall and parking assignment.
- 6:00 PM - Kitchen 218 – the upstairs space has been reserved for folks who would like to get together and meet others coming in from out of town…this is an “on your own” casual event/meet & greet. Food and drinks may be purchased at the establishment. Address - 218 N 1st Street, Pulaski TN 38478
Friday, March 3:
- 9:00 AM – Hunt with Mells Foxhounds – see more information below
- 12:30 PM - After Hunt Tea - meet & greet for guests, hosted by Theresa Menefee, MFH
- 3:00 PM - Course walk – walk the individual finalists test course (maps included with this email)
Saturday, March 4: Morning
- 6:00 AM - Leaded Beans Coffee – offering coffee, hot chocolate, freshly made breakfast sandwiches and pastry – cash or check only as there is no service in the area for CC’s.
- 7:00 AM - Meeting for Field Masters, Judges, Outriders and Division Leaders in clubhouse, with a continental breakfast sponsored by the Cedar Hills Pony Club.
- 7:30 AM – Juniors Pick up packets – secretary’s tent will be outside of the large barn • 8:15 AM – Juniors mounted with pinnies on, and find your Division Leader
- 8:30 AM - Group Photo
- 9:00 AM - Championship begins - three components for the finals:
- All competitors will participate in the first two components and those selected by the judges will participate in the final test.
1. Division Hacks
2. Mock Hunt with your division
3. Top 10 riders will participate in the Individual Test
Saturday, March 4: Afternoon/Eve
Tailgate Casual attire, Soft Drinks are provided at dinner, BYOB
- 3:00 PM - Hound Judging
- 4:00 PM - Horn Blowing and Whip Cracking
- 4:30 PM - Championship Awards Presentation
- 5:00 PM – Dinner, celebrate and enjoy the Irish Band, sponsored by the Puckett Family!
IMPORTANT INFORMATION:
Rule Change: please read carefully A rider who falls from his or her horse in this competition will not be permitted to continue with the competition. The rule is consistent with the United States Eventing Association Rule Book, page 43, Rule EV123, and will be enforced without exception.
We will provide the proper emergency transport for the rider to return to the Barn/Trailer area and will make arrangements to get the rider’s horse back as well, as part of the Emergency Response Plan, developed for the JNAFHC at Mells.
Friday Hunt:
There are over 100 guests for Friday’s hunt and Mells territory is very hilly. Choose a field for hunting on Friday, with your participation in Saturday’s event in mind for you and your horse. There may be three or four fields. However, all fields and the hunt will observe the usual proper etiquette and traditions of every such foxhunt - no tailgating, or passing in the field, keep a proper distance, and no talking.
If a rider falls off, they usually get back on or indicate that they cannot. If the rider receives a blow to the head, they may be asked to retire and another rider may be assigned to accompany them for the trip in. If a child falls, the same applies although a parent (if present) or guardian, or that adult in charge of the child will have the additional responsibility of also making decisions on behalf of the minor. If a child receives a blow to the head on Friday during the foxhunt, then that child will need to be cleared by an EMT on Friday and if a concussion is diagnosed, that child may be disqualified from competing on Saturday. If the child is cleared, following a blow to the head on Friday, the parent or guardian should nevertheless be vigilant for the remainder of the Friday and Saturday morning as to whether or not the child is experiencing any difficulties. If there are problems, they should be addressed as needed and the child should not be permitted to compete if it is medically inadvisable to do so.
Address for equine health papers/location of event
-263 Morrow Branch Road, Lynnville TN 38472
Cell Reception - Be prepared
There is no WiFi in hunt territory, and the cell reception is sketchy at best. It is recommended that you print out directions rather than rely on GPS navigation.
Food:
- Friday – After hunt Tea, dinner on your own
- Saturday morning – Leaded Beans Coffee - offering coffee, hot chocolate, freshly made breakfast sandwiches and pastry – cash or check only as there is no service in the area for CC’s.
- Saturday Lunch – Compliments of JNAFHC Committee - Grab & Go wraps, chips, fruit in the club house.
- Saturday Dinner – Clubhouse - Catered – $25- prepaid, $10 – kids 10 & under
Photographers, Vet and Farrier will be on site
Stalls
Have been pre-assigned and you will be met with the barn crew upon your arrival for your designated stall and parking area...do not unload your horse until you have been checked in.
Shavings
2 large bags of shavings will be in each stall upon your arrival, if you wish more you should plan to bring them with you.
Bring
Your own hay & grain, feed tubs & water bucks (w/straps if you wish to hang them), muck tub & pitchfork, medical kit, grooming supplies, along with other items on your packing list.
There is NO hacking/riding on the grounds
You may hand walk your horse in an area to stretch its legs, but there is no riding until Friday morning's hunt.
No private pets - (dogs, cats, etc.) allowed on the grounds.
Swag Store
The MELLS Swag Store will be open all day Saturday March 4, during the finals!! We have all kinds of goodies - ball caps, stickers, polo shirts, track jackets, whiskey glasses and mugs! So bring your spending money go home with some loot! Cash and check only please (no service for CC’s)
RED RIBBON TACK
Is generously donating some grooming and polishing essentials
