Up Close: Huntsman Kevin Palmer

By Charity Corkey (Contact)

Tuesday, March 24, 2009

Kevin Palmer of Leesburg is the huntsman for Fairfax Hunt, and every day he cares for horses and more than 50 foxhounds, as well as maintaining the grounds. Palmer's grandfather, Estler Palmer, was a founding member of the Fairfax Hunt in the 1920s, and Palmer, 52, has always been inclined toward racing and the outdoors.

In an e-mail interview, Palmer discussed the recent barn fire at the hunt and his childhood memories of foxhunting.

Q: Since accepting the position of huntsman at the Fairfax Hunt around 10 years ago, you said you have come to wear many hats at the farm. Please tell us what your position entails, and what you enjoy most about the job.

A: My position entails four basic duties. I am responsible for the hounds, which entails breeding, immediate care, whelping, training and hunting. I am also responsible for the horses, their physical condition, their ability to hunt. Thirdly, the maintenance of the kennels and farm, as well as the country through which we hunt. Lastly, I maintain an amiable relationship with our landowners, who allow us to hunt on their lands. What I enjoy the most is the hunting: the accumulation of my hard work in sport.

Q: Your grandfather was a founding member of the Fairfax Hunt. What stories do you recall about your grandfather's and father's hunting experiences?

A:I have often been reminded of my grandfather's tenure with the Fairfax Hunt. He was known as a kind and gracious man. Sadly, he passed when I was of tender age. My father was active in various positions with various hunts. He went on to accumulate a small "farmer's (or private) pack" of his own. This was my first exposure to the foxhunting world.

Q: When did you start training foxhounds?

A: My father put my younger brother and [me] in a position of responsibility of the daily care of our hounds. This experience gave me the opportunity to learn and begin to understand the intricacies of fox hunting.

Q: How old were you when you went on your first fox hunt, and what do you remember most vividly about the event?

A: My first experience was at the age of 8 with the Casanova hunt. I can recall ... being dwarfed by some of the fences [that my pony and I] had to take on.

Q: To some, fox hunting is a controversial sport. Can you tell us about your philosophy about fox hunting?

A: I believe those who consider it controversial are unaware of our sport. This sport is focused on camaraderie and the chase. The fox is extremely cunning, so cunning in fact that some days we fail to discover him at all. You have to understand we hunt by scent, not by sight. The hounds are focused on the scent, not the quarry itself. It's more like a group of friends enjoying a good outing, boasting of their feats of the day, jumps which become taller than the person themselves, long gallops which seem to emulate those of a horse race.

Q: Tell us about your first job, and why you decided to leave it? How is your job today a better fit for your personality?

A: My first job was in a bank, which was in support of my future career as a steeplechase rider. I had an allure for the outdoors. I left this cozy job at the bank for one of excitement and thrills in the horse racing world.

Q: You were credited for saving a majority of Fairfax Hunt's foxhounds during the recent fire at the hunt barn. What were your first thoughts when you saw the fire? How long did it take to retrieve the hounds you freed?

A: I was overcome with panic. I immediately dialed 911, whilst my family ran to the barn. We quickly discovered we had lost chance of saving the horses, so we then diverted our attention to the hounds, which due to their long runs in the kennel, were outside the immediate fire. This distance from the fire gave us a chance to save as many as possible. Once freed, they scattered. During the course of the afternoon, all of the escaped hounds returned or were returned and immediately treated and cared for.

Q: Can you tell us a little bit about the special relationship you have with the foxhounds?

A: A huntsman's relationship with is hounds is known as a 'Golden Thread.' It is a mutual bond of respect. I respect their ability to hunt, and they respect my authority and leadership. I know them as my extended family. I'm familiar with each of their unique personalities and their tendencies, which they come in turn to know of me.

Q: Tell us something about yourself that might surprise your colleagues.

A: I have a good sense of humor. I'm an Eagle Scout. I was a steeplechase rider. I trained racehorses for many years.

For more information about Fairfax Hunt and upcoming races, visit them online.

Tagged: animals, dog, Fairfax Hunt, Fire, Leesburg

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