I suspect that all but the hunting diehards among our readers skip right by the Hunting section. Well, don`t do that this week. Take a special look at this issue`s lead article, because the story of Jordan Hicks, written and submitted by his father, John, is something special The clich saying goes something like “If you love what you do, you never work a day in your life.” Those who are lucky enough to have found their true calling in life can attest to the truth of this. And it`s inspiring to read about them.

Jordan Hicks seems to have been born a huntsman, with an instinct for hound work and a true love of the sport and the hounds. Anyone who loves the sport of hunting knows that the day`s appeal lies not just in the thrill of the chase and the thunder of the hooves. Hunting`s true soundtrack is the hound music, and its poetry is the interaction between hounds and huntsman. To truly enjoy a hunt, one must appreciate the skill and drive of the hounds, and how they bend that will to the huntsman`s guidance.

Jordan`s story shows that there are individuals out there who are born with an innate sense of that music and poetry. It`s what distinguishes a great huntsman from the rest. Jordan was lucky enough to have been born into a family who recognized his gift and nurtured it. I wonder how many huntsmen at heart have been born into situations where they never had the opportunity to sound a horn and discover their true calling?

In various areas of this magazine, we frequently bemoan the increasing separation of young riders from the basic tenets of riding outside. We discuss how many of the up-and-coming generation of riders grow up without ever leaving the ring, so they feel uncomfortable galloping across a field or down a hill. But Jordan`s story shows that there is young blood out there willing and eager to carry the torch of riding to hounds, across glorious countryside, with a love and appreciation for the wonder of the natural world around them.

I edit the many reports we receive about junior meets held by various hunts, and I take hope that not all of tomorrow`s riders are trudging around in circles within fenced rings. The inaugural Junior Field Hunter Championships, held last fall, had an encouragingly large field of starters. The pressing issues of land conservation and animal rights continue to threaten foxhunting, and while many enthusiasts are working diligently to ensure the future of the sport, we need to remember that the real future of hunting lies in the hearts of the young riders. It will do no good to preserve hunting if there aren`t future generations who seek to enjoy it and carry on the traditions.

Jordan Hicks is blessed, in that he was given every opportunity to discover and de-velop his love of hounds and hunting. I wonder how many more girls and boys would hark to the sound of the horn, and intently follow the cry of the hounds, if they were given the chance. So, I encourage every hunt to offer a junior meet to the local Pony Clubs and riding schools. And I urge every trainer to encourage their students to try the hunting field. It`s the ones who hark to the hound music who will carry hunting into the future.

Molly Sorge