Please accept this as our formal apology for the events that took place on August 6, 2017 at the Hollywood Derby Masters, Hollywood Fox Pen. As many of you have heard the accusation against us for running a hound that was a month older than the qualified age. Unfortunately, we did register and run a hound in the Hollywood Derby Masters hunt that was ineligible due to being a month over the age limit. Additionally, our hound finished the hunt placing 7th Place GTP. Due to the ineligibility, our hound was disqualified immediately following the hunt and no points were received from the leaderboard. All 7th Place Awards were promptly returned. The Masters Foxhunters Association, Inc., Review Committee and Board of Supervisors discussed and voted on our punishment which is as follows: 1 year suspension from Masters Affiliated Hunts, after August 17, 2018 will be a 2 year probation period. Though we are suspended from Masters affiliated hunts until August 2018, we can still participate in any National Affiliated Hunts with the provision that we cannot receive any leaderboard points during the one-year suspension time frame.
It was not our intention to cause any issues associated with the hunt, or with the person(s) who put the hunt together. We apologize for the inconveniences that our actions have caused for the Hunters, Judges, Affiliates, MOH, The Masters Foxhunters Association Inc. Board of Supervisors, Leaderboard Officials and any one else involved. We understand that there is no excuse for the events that took place and for that we are sorry. Additionally, we apologize to our fellow houndsmen who may have been affected in regards to the point system due to the position of placement and/or awards. We are sorry to everyone for the involvement and problems that we have caused.
We highly value this sport, the relationships we have with those who participate in it, as well as those who keep it possible. We are disappointed in our actions as they were a complete lapse of judgment and character and we would like nothing more than to be able to move forward from this situation. To say the least, this has been the most unpleasant experience we have ever been in, though it was at the faults of our own. With us two against the hundreds on social media, we have had our name slandered and been humiliated without having any defense of our own. But, we have learned many valuable lessons from this and can assure you it will never be repeated again.
Again, we apologize for the issues and/or inconveniences caused by our actions and for the trouble(s) our actions created. This whole situation is completely out of our character.
We are truly very sorry!