In & Around Horse Country Summer 2016 by Marion Maggiolo

VOLUME XXVIII / NUMBER 3 • THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE VIRGINIA STEEPLECHASE ASSOCIATION • SUMMER 2016

HORSE SHOWS Upperville Colt & Horse Show Upperville, Virginia • June 6-12, 2016

Nicole Woods and Riptide, Adult Amateur Jumper High.

Winner of the Leadline Class 1-3, Collins Brown, led by his grandfather, Oliver Brown. Joanne Maisano photo

Schuyler Becker and “Brigadoon” with mother Sarah Becker. Joanne Maisano photo

Joanne Maisano photo

Leading Jumper Rider Aaron Vale almost scored an FEI 4-star hat-trick at Upperville. On Friday, he won the $40,000 FEI 4* Welcome Stakes with Finou 4 (shown here). On Thursday he kicked off the FEI classes with a pace-setting win with Quidam's Good Luck in the $35,000 Speed Stakes. On Sunday, Vale and Finou 4 made a gallant effort but finished second by 35/100th of a second in the $216,000 FEI 4* Upperville Jumper Classic. Lauren R. Giannini photo

Eugenio Garza Perez (MEX) and Bariano, winners of the $216,000 FEI 4* Upperville Jumper Classic with the class sponsors, Mr. and Mrs. Michael Smith. Lauren R. Giannini photo

Michael Smith, President of the Upperville Colt and Horse Show and Goddaughter, Maddie Hitchen. Joanne Maisano photo

Grand Champion Green Working Hunter, Second Year. Gotham ridden by Hunt Tosh. Owned by Dr. Betsee Parker. Joanne Maisano photo

IN & AROUND HORSE COUNTRY â&#x20AC;¢ SUMMER 2016

IN & AROUND HORSE COUNTRY • SUMMER 2016

SPORTING LIFE HIGHLIGHTS Warrenton Horse Show August 31 – September 4, 2016 Warrenton Show Grounds

Museum of Hounds & Hunting North America, Inc. Annual Members Reception The Mansion at Morven Park, Leesburg, Virginia May 28, 2016

For more information: www.warrentonhorseshow.com, 540-347-9442

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A Brief History of Foxhunting Dress & Fashion Show The Paramount Theater of Charlottesville 215 E. Main St., Charlottesville, VA 22902 Saturday, July 16th, noon to 4 o’clock. Horse Country Saddlery is honored to be included in a special presentation by the Oak Ridge Fox Hunt Club and the Waynesboro Symphony Orchestra. Dr. Rita Mae Brown, MFH, will give a history of foxhunting fashion, followed by a fashion show presented by Horse Country Saddlery. Admission is free, donations gratefully accepted.

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Three New Masters Named at Virginia Hunts

(l-r) Mimi Abel Smith; Stephanie Kenyon, Morven Park Executive Director; Nancy Bedford, MHHNA President. Joanne Maisano photo

For the 2016/2017 season, Tim Harmon will join Penny Denegre and Jeff Blue as joint-master at Middleburg Hunt. Jim Elkins has been elected to serve with Kim Nash and Celeste Vella at Warrenton Hunt as Rick Laimbeer has retired from the mastership (although he and the Laimbeer family will continue to be active members). At Rappahannock Hunt, Michael Brown, son of long-serving master Oliver Brown, will expand his role to include both his current role as huntsman and now as joint-master with his father and Gus Edwards. We wish all three gentlemen the best in their new positions.

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Theodora A. Randolph Field Hunter Championship Organizers of the Theodora A. Randolph Field Hunter Championship have announced dates for the 2016 competition: Monday, October 3, 2016 – Middleburg Hunt Tuesday, October 4, 2016 – Blue Ridge Hunt Wednesday, October 5, 2016 – Orange County Hounds Thursday, October 6, 2016 – Bull Run Hunt Hunter Championship Finals will be held on Saturday morning, October 18, 2016 at Glenwood Park. $5000 in purse money will be awarded: $2500 to the hunt represented by the winning horse ridden by its owner, and $2500 to the hunt represented by the winning horse ridden by someone other than its owner. Trophies are also awarded to the Reserve Champion, as well as Best Turned Out, Most Suitable Pair, and for the highest level of Sportsmanship. Participation is open to foxhunters of all ages; however, entry is limited to the first 60 registrants. The entry fee is $250 per horse. Entries close September 19, 2016. Entry forms are available at www.VAFallRaces.com. For additional information please contact Pippy McCormick, Pippy@VAFallRaces.com, 540-687-5552.

(l-r) Jeannette Rettig; Bill Burnette, MFH, Caroline Hunt; Ginny Hunter, ex-MFH. Joanne Maisano photo

Artist Anthony Barham painted and donated his work to the Museum of Hounds & Hunting NA. Guests at the reception could watch “A Fox’s Dream” come to life. Horse Country photo

COVER PHOTOGRAPHER: Isabel Kurek photo PHOTOGRAPHERS: John J. Carle II, ex-MFH Richard Clay richardclayphotography.com Geri DeSousa Lauren Giannini Nancy Milburn Kleck www.nancymilburnkleckphotography.com

Ready. Set. Show! Erica Hughes with 3-yearold daughter Kate and Pork Chop (9 hands) prepare for the Leadline Class (Ages 1 to 3) at the Upperville Colt & Horse Show, June 11, 2016. 26 entries filled the class.

Isabel Kurek Douglas Lees douglaslees@comcast.net Joanne Maisano www.joannemaisano.com Jim McCue Jim Meads 011-44-1686-420436 Eric Schneider Leslie Shepherd Rick Stillings www.rickstillings.com Karen Kandra Wenzel

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is published 5 times a year. Editorial and Advertising Address: 60 Alexandria Pike, Warrenton, VA 20186 For information and advertising rates, please call (540) 347-3141, fax (540) 347-7141 Space Deadline for the Fall issue is August 15, 2016. Payment in full due with copy. Publisher: Marion Maggiolo Managing Editor: J. Harris Anderson Advertising: Kim Gray (540) 347-3141, (800) 882-4868, Email: hckimbtc@aol.com Contributors: Aga; John J. Carle II, ex-MFH; Lauren Giannini; Jim Meads; Will O’Keefe; Barclay Rives; Virginia Equine Alliance; Jenny Young LAYOUT & DESIGN: Kate Houchin Copyright © 2016 In & Around Horse Country®. All Rights Reserved. Volume XXVIII, No.3 POSTMASTER: CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED

IN & AROUND HORSE COUNTRY • SUMMER 2016

HOUND SHOWS

The Camden Hunt Hosts the 40th Annual Carolinas’ Hound Show Courtesy The Camden Hunt The 40th annual Carolinas’ Hound Blackmore of Lowcountry Hunt. Show was held on Saturday, May We were pleased to have Mr. 7, 2016; the event, hosted by The James E. Faber, Huntsman, MarlCamden Hunt, took place at the borough Hunt of MarylandSpringdale Race Course in CamDelaware, judging Penn-Marydels den, South Carolina. in ring one; Ms. Lilla Mason, The show kicked off Friday MFH, Iroquois Hunt of Kentucky, evening with its customary festivijudging English foxhounds in ring ties. The Salute the Hounds dinner two; Mr. John Gray, Huntsman, and party was catered once again Hillsboro Hounds of Tennessee, by “Catery on Broad.” Dinner was judging Crossbred foxhounds in preceded by the Hunt Terriers ring three; and Mr. George classes, where Keswick Hunt Thomas, MFH and Huntsman, Whitney Gammell’s little “Kane” Why Worry Hounds of South Cartook first place; and followed by olina, judging American foxthe Hollerin’ competition and Horn hounds in ring four. Lt. Col. Blowing contest. Sara Dill of The Dennis J. Foster, Executive DirecCamden Hunt took first place in tor, MFHA, judged Performance the Hollerin’ competition, followed Trial, UE Champion, Pack, Junior by Meredith Somerset, also of The and Overall Championship classes. Camden Hunt, and Fran Wheeler The show was also pleased to welof Tennessee Valley Hunt. Results come Ms. Leilani Gray of Hillsof the Horn Blowing contest were: boro Hounds (TN) and Ms. Andrea Why Worry Hounds “Haythrop Rachel” ’11, Grand Champion of Show, Champion English Foxhound, 1st place—Tony Gammell, Herr, MFH, Radnor Hunt (PA) as Champion English Bitch Hound. Geri DeSousa photo Keswick Hunt; 2nd place— Apprentice Judges this year. Richard J. Roberts, Deep Run Hunt; 3rd place—Andrew F. Daley, Red Mountain In all, 12 foxhound packs exhibited at the 40th annual Carolinas’ Hound Foxhounds; and 4th place—Melissa Rice, The Camden Hunt. Show, boasting over two hundred entries across fifty-four classes. The Keswick The Show proper began on Saturday at 9 a.m. The weather couldn’t have Hunt Club led American classes with four wins and also took the American chambeen finer; temperatures were in the low 80s, with abundant sunshine accompa- pion classes with its “Whitney” ’15 and “Saracen” ’12. nied by a light breeze. The competition began with Penn-Marydel, English, Red Mountain Foxhounds snapped up six blue ribbons in the Penn-Marydel Crossbred, and American dog hounds in rings one, two, three and four, respec- classes. However, Aiken Hounds garnered the champion dog with its “Raley” tively. ’14, and Moore County Hounds walked off with the champion bitch as well as Junior Handler and Performance Trial Hound classes commenced in ring champion Penn-Marydel foxhound this year with its “Shakerag” ’15. three, after the judging of all dog hounds. This year, 22 junior handlers, ranging Deep Run Hunt led in Crossbred class wins, also taking the bitch champiin age from 2 to 17, competed in three classes, and as we all know, our junior han- onship with its “Chelsea” ’15, and the dog and Crossbred foxhound champidlers represent the future of the sport. onship classes with its “Warrior” ’15. Why Worry Hounds took home nearly half The judging of bitch hound classes then followed, again with Penn-Mary- the blue ribbons in English classes, as well as the three tri-colors, with “Randolf” dels, English, Crossbred, and American bitches showing in rings one, two, three UE garnering champion dog, and Haythrop “Rachel” ’11 garnering champion and four, respectively. bitch as well as champion English foxhound. The show concluded with four foxhound hunts and two junior packs comThis year’s Show Grand Champion Foxhound was awarded to Haythrop peting in Pack classes. First place in the foxhound Pack Class went to Martyn “Rachel” ’11 shown by Why Worry Hounds. And the Huntsman’s Trophy, awarded to the huntsman with the highest number of points at the show, went to Martyn Blackmore of Lowcountry Hunt. The 41st annual Carolinas’ Hound Show will be held on Saturday, May 13, 2017. And of course, we hope to see you there!

Meadowbrook Farm at Huntly Equestrian Center Home of the Wakefield Country Day School Equestrian Team

Boarding and Lessons Available for ages 4 and up

(540) 660-1454 www.meadowbrookfarmathuntly.com

18 Meadowbrook Lane Huntly,VA 22640 Greg and Julie Vaught Owners One of the show’s youngest junior handlers. Geri DeSousa photo

IN & AROUND HORSE COUNTRY • SUMMER 2016

HOUND SHOWS By Lauren R. Giannini

Midland Striker Scores Top Honors at Virginia Hound Show

Grand Champion of the Show, Midland “Striker” ’15, with (l-r) J.T. George, Kennelman; Mary Lu Lampton; Mason Hardaway Lampton; Mead and Mason Cogswell; Joan Jones, President, Virginia Foxhound Club; Mason Lampton, MFH, Midland Fox Hounds; Dr. John W. D. McDonald, MFH, London Hunt; Ken George, Huntsman. Lauren R. Giannini photo

Hopes ran high for the 600 hounds representing 37 packs at the Virginia Foxhound Club’s 69th annual Show of Foxhounds on May 29. All five rings boasted quality across the boards. At the end of the day, the four Foxhound champions— Potomac “Templeton”—American, Midland “Striker”—Crossbred, Iroquois “Hackle”—English, and Moore County “Shakerag”—Penn-Marydel— gathered on the lawn in front of the historic Morven Park mansion for the Grand Championship. Presiding judge Dr. John W. D. McDonald, MFH London Hunt studied each champion’s conformation and then their movement when shown off lead. As the hounds gamboled back and forth, chasing after kibble, they displayed athletic grace and beauty in motion to the appreciative crowd of enthusiasts enjoying the finale against the timeless backdrop of the jewel that is Morven Park. In that atmospheric setting, Lt. Col. Bob Ferrer, USMC Ret., MFH Caroline Hunt, announced that Midland “Striker” had been awarded the William W. Brainard Jr. Perpetual Cup as the Grand Champion Foxhound of the Show, with Iroquois “Hackle” earning the honors as runner-up grand champion. “This class is somewhat difficult because we’re looking at different types of hounds and we’re trying to decide which is the best example of their type,” said Dr. McDonald. “In addition, we’re judging dogs and bitches together and that adds a little difficulty. What one is really judging is conformation of the hound and its movement. In my view, the one that had both perfect conformation and beautiful movement was ‘Striker.’ He was excellent. They were all quality hounds. Hackle had good conformation and showed herself well, but I think ‘Striker’s’ quality was outstanding.” Mason Lampton, MFH Midland, would agree. After all, “Striker’s” the get of two Virginia Crossbred champions. Several years ago, Lampton was in England to judge at the Meynell where he was dazzled by a “pretty bitch” in a farmer’s pack and brought her home. Midland “Moorland Staffordshire Stunning” earned the English championship at Virginia in 2014 and has proven herself in the field and in her two litters. “Stunning” and Midland “Rocket”—2011 Virginia Crossbred Champion pinned above Midland’s Champion Bitch “Instant” and in whose veins runs the legendary Midland “K” bloodline—this was the pairing that produced Striker. Under the capable handling of Midland huntsman Ken George, “Striker” was chosen Best Unentered Crossbred Dog en route to the 2015 Crossbred Championship and the reserve Grand Championship at Virginia—heady events for the

young hound, whose first season proved that he hunted as well as he showed. This year, “Striker” not only defended his title as Best Crossbred Hound, Entered, he relegated littermate “Stellar” to reserve honors when he claimed this year’s Crossbred championship. It was Midland’s day for glory. “I’m thrilled,” said Lampton. “‘Striker’ really is the vessel of some great new blood, but also of that absolutely terrific ‘K’ line—our ‘Kill’ and ‘Keep,’ and Tony Leahy’s ‘Kentucky.’ If you look up the history of the last 15, maybe 20, winners in the Crossbred ring—I know that our ‘Roxanne,’ ‘Rocket,’ and ‘Instinct’ won—it all goes back to the ‘K’ line and I bet it’s in 75 percent of the Crossbred winners at Virginia. I think how amazing and how dominant that look, that type is to the judges’ eye, even though it’s all been different judges. ‘Striker’ has won the Crossbred championship this year at three different top shows: Southern, Virginia, and Bryn Mawr. You know, I don’t know if that’s ever been done before—at least not in my memory. He’s just a very special hound.”

Grand Champion Performance Hound, Hillsboro “Brighton” ’12 with (l-r) Leilani Gray, Professional Whipper-In, and Johnny Gray, Huntsman, who was also presented with the Ian Milne Award. Nancy Milburn Kleck photo

IN & AROUND HORSE COUNTRY • SUMMER 2016

By the way, in case you’re wondering: Ben Hardaway, senior Master at Midland, still goes to the kennel every day and, from the time he first saw Striker, predicted great things. As of mid-June, seven packs had bred to him. Hardaway has been absolutely ecstatic about Striker and all of Midland’s showing successes—most especially that they hunt so well, to boot. American Foxhounds Potomac’s retired huntsman, Larry Pitts, apprenticejudged in the Penn-Marydel ring, but his successor, Brian Kiely, has done a great job with due respect for Pitts’s many seasons as leader of the red and white pack of American hounds. “The show was wonderful—I was quite nervous about it, but Larry’s always so supportive of me—I can always call him with questions, no matter how big or small,” said Kiely. “I’m going to proceed with the breeding program the same way it’s been going all along. I’m not here to reinvent the wheel. I’m here to try to keep it as good as it’s been for the last 35 years. Larry and his family have done a fabulous job with these hounds. They show well and excel in their work. I’m very lucky to have his support. Laura, his daughter, is an honorary whipper-in. She grew up with hounds and hunting and helps us out at the hound shows. There are wonderful people at Potomac—everybody wants to hunt and have a good time.” As Vicky Crawford, joint-MFH put it: “We were thrilled with our hounds. Every time we win a trophy, we get so excited.” Kennels with less than 20 couple: Red Oak Foxhounds, a new pack after merging with Reedy Creek, had a great day. Red Oak “Doc” and “Duncan” pinned first in Couple of Dogs, Unentered, and their littermates “Darlin” and “Dimple” won Couple of Bitches, Unentered. Their “Bourbon” pinned first in Single Dog, Entered, and the Warren C. Harrover Perpetual Cup was presented by the Duchess of Rutland and Joanie Jones of the Virginia Foxhound Club. Red Oak “Breada” and “Butter” won Couple of Bitches, Entered, besting Potomac, Brazos Valley, Rolling Rock, and Middleburg, in that order. Piedmont Foxhounds took first and second with littermates “Pilgrim and “Preacher” in Single Dog, Unentered. Brazos Valley, making the trek from Texas, earned first and second with their Unentered Bitches, “Pepper” and “Precious.” Goshen “Bridle” won Best Single Bitch, Entered. Kennels with more than 20 couple: Orange County “Meadow” and “Message” dominated the top two spots in Unentered Bitch (more than 20 couple)—littermates to their “Mentor,” winner of Unentered Dog and Best Unentered Hound, with their “Meadow” claiming second place. Potomac scored the top two placings in Entered Bitch with their “Knoller” and “Keystone.” Potomac “Knickers” earned Best American Brood Bitch and was reserve to littermate “Knoller” who garnered the Bitch championship. Their “Keegan” (first: Entered Dog) and “Templeton” (first: Best Stallion and also Stallion shown with Three Get) won Couple of Dogs, albeit from different sires and dams, en route to the dog championship and reserve honors. Their “Templeton” bested their “Knoller” for the American title. “As a judge, I’m a bit green,” said Marion Thorne, Genesee Valley MFH and Huntsman, “and it was a big deal to judge on my own at Virginia this year. But I really enjoyed it and I learned a ton that

day. I really just look for good conformation and athleticism and for a hound that shows well. Red Oak had some nice hounds—they were correct and looked athletic. I really liked Orange County’s hounds, especially ‘Mentor’ in the Unentered. But it’s hard to beat Potomac. The way Laura Pitts shows those hounds is unreal. Brian Kiely had the hounds prepared perfectly and he did an excellent job showing Templeton all the way to the American championship.” Crossbred Foxhounds Due to the sheer numbers of hounds, Crossbreds have been showing in two rings for years. Daphne Wood, MFH Live Oak, and Orrin Ingram, MFH Hillsboro Hounds, judged in the ring for Kennels Under 35 Couple. “Orrin and I had a ball judging together and it was a pleasure to see so many nice hounds so well shown in the under 35 classes,” said Wood. “A huge class started the day in the Unentered Doghounds and we took extra care to ensure that each entry was carefully looked at on the boards and how they moved, because many had traveled long distances to give us the honor of judging their hounds.” They pinned Green Creek “Pirate” first out of 23 entries in Unentered Doghounds and their “Sabrina” won Single Bitch, Unentered, another big class. Then “Sabrina” paired up with littermate “Sanity” for first place in Couple of Bitches. Casanova won Couple of Dogs, Entered with their “Chapter” and “Chalky.” Goshen “Larabee” won Best Stallion Hound. New Market-Middletown Valley “Wager” proved best in Single Bitch, Entered and teamed up with “Welcome” to prevail in Couple of Bitches, Entered, while their “Widget” won Best Brood Bitch. After several years’ absence, Rappahannock Hunt won Couple of Crossbred Dogs. Dennis Foster, who’s looking to retire after 24 years as executive director of the MFHA, presided in the More Than 35 Couple ring and said: “The quality of the Crossbreds was excellent and, without question, ‘Striker’ was really the best dog. Marty Wood said it might have been a good year that Live Oak didn’t come to Virginia, an indication that he thought a lot of Striker too. [Live Oak had just hired a new huntsman, too soon to bring hounds to the show]. Striker and the English hound in reserve [Iroquois “Hackle”]—I think that Jack McDonald picked them correctly. The last time I judged at the Virginia show, the hound I picked in my ring won the Grand Championship, so this was good. I don’t plan on ever judging another hound show after Bryn Mawr—I’ve told people that I want to leave while I’m at the top of my game.” Green Spring Valley distinguished itself with wins in Couple of Dogs, both Unentered and Entered, and their “Fanshaw” bested Midland “Rocket” in Best Stallion Hound Shown with three of his get. Hillsboro “Kingpin” also bested Midland “Rocket” in Best Stallion Hound (sire of live puppies). Green Spring Valley “Seemly” earned the judge’s nod as Best Brood Bitch. Elkridge Harford “Tessa” won the Unentered Bitch class and was deemed Best Unentered Crossbred; she went on to garner reserve honors as Midland “Stellar” took home the Crossbred Bitch Championship. In the breed championships, Midland had a win-win day when their “Stellar” curtsied to “Striker”—and the rest, as you know, is history and Best in Show bragging rights. When Midland ended a long dry spell by winning the Crossbred Pack class, that put extra toppings on their sporting Sunday.

Orange County “Mentor” shown by Huntsman Stephen “Reg” Spreadborough, Single American Dog – Unentered, with Julie and Charles Matheson. Karen Kandra Wenzel photo

(standing, l-r) Joan Jones, Virginia Foxhound Club President; Emma Manners, Her Grace, The Duchess of Rutland; (kneeling) Theresa Miller, MFH, Red Oak Hounds, with “Bourbon” ’15, winner of the C. Warren Harrover Perpetual Cup for Single American Dog Entered, Under 20 Couple. The Duke of Rutland’s Hounds, the Belvoir, was founded in 1760. Red Oak Hounds was established in 2013, following the dissolution of Reedy Creek Hounds, and was recognized by the MFHA in 2015. This image represents 250-plus years of devotion to the hunting hound. Nancy Milburn Kleck photo

Penn-Marydel Foxhounds Newly registered Kimberton Hunt, albeit established in 1870 in Chester Springs, Pa., brought 7 hounds and enjoyed a terrific debut at Virginia. They won Couple of Unentered Dogs with their “Blackberry” and “Vincent”—the latter also pinned second in Unentered Dog. Kimberton “Bunky,” handled by 9year-old Kiley Mueller, daughter and granddaughter of the Masters, placed second to winner Sedgefield “EmCee Hammer” in Stallion Hound, certified sire of living puppies. . . Continued

6 Kimberton “Bunky” also earned bragging rights with his offspring “Blackberry” and “Brim” by winning Stallion or Brood Bitch, shown with get or produce. Essentially, it turned out to be Moore County’s day of glory. Their “Dan” harvested first in Entered Dog en route to the Dog Championship with reserve honors going to Sedgefield “EmCee Hammer.” Moore County’s distaff hounds did very well with their “Junebug” pinning first in Unentered Bitch, their “Shakerag” winning Entered Bitch, and their “Drama Queen” claiming top accolades as Brood Bitch. Long Run “Morgan” and “Morue” took top honors in Couple of Unentered Bitches. Marlborough “Ursula” and “Utopia” earned the judges’ nod in Entered Couple of Bitches. Their “Zappo” led off with a win in the first class, Unentered Dog, and finished second to Moore County “Junebug” in Best Unentered Hound. Tennessee Valley Hunt won the pack class. Moore County “Shakerag” harvested the Bitch Championship, relegating their “Drama Queen” to reserve honors. In the breed championship, it was a Moore County showdown with their “Shakerag” earning the title over their “Dan.” Presiding in the Penn-Marydel ring were Dr. Scott Dove, Old Dominion MFH and whipper-in, and Larry Pitts, ex-huntsman. “Three years ago, I was the apprentice judge at Virginia, this time I served as senior judge with Larry,” said Dr. Dove. “The quality of the hounds was excellent. Some of the hounds seemed a little intimidated by the environment and made it hard to see them at their best, but being a whipper-in and Larry being a huntsman, overall, we would see the same things. We were in agreement most of the time. Once in a while, we would like different hounds, but invariably we agreed on the top three.” Added Pitts, “It was fun—people who foxhunt have fun. My senior judge was good, and I hope to do more judging. You know, everybody had some nice hounds—they’re getting better all the time.” English Foxhounds Mr. A.D. Osbourne, MFH and Huntsman of the Cottesmore, was unavailable to comment on the English hounds he judged. Suffice it to say, it was a very good day for Iroquois. Lilla Simpson Mason, MFH/Huntsman, showed the hounds with assistance from Michael Edwards, Allen Forney, and their newest addition, professional whipper-in Ivy Grisanti. Jack van Nagell, MFH, was on hand, but senior Master Jerry Miller kept up with the day’s events via texts from Mason. “We breed for performance,” said Mason. “We have a lot of wide, open country, mostly cow-calf operations, and we need a big, leggy galloping hound with incredible stamina and resilience—these English hounds have that. We show sport for our hunt members, but our main goal is to provide service to our landowners— to disperse the coyotes and keep them from packing up and preying on the cows and calves.

IN & AROUND HORSE COUNTRY • SUMMER 2016

These hounds do that. They will not give up.” While Iroquois doesn’t breed for show, they’re loyal supporters of Virginia. “I tell our kennel staff that all I want is that hounds look their best, coats good and shiny, their weight is perfect, and that they show well,” said Mason. “They did a great job. I was really proud of our hounds in the ring, and we were thrilled with how they did. I think 90% of our members can name every single hound out hunting. So, showing’s fun for them too, because they get so excited and thrilled—it’s like when you send your children to a competition and they come back with prizes. It’s special.” Blue Ridge “Ranger” and their “Welder” won Unentered Dog and Entered Dog, respectively. Toronto & North York, welcomed after several years’ hiatus, pinned first in Couple of Entered Dogs with their “Farley” and “Farquhar.” Loudoun Fairfax won Two Couple of Unentered or Entered Dogs with 2014 littermates “Speaker” and “Spitfire” and “UE” littermates “Walker” and “Wallop”—quite a feat as the two couple of English hounds weren’t related to each other at all. Loudoun Fairfax also won Two Couple of Bitches with their “Simi,” “Special,” “Speckle,” and “Spyder,” Entered littermates. All told, Iroquois had a field day, winning seven classes. Their “Watchtower” won Best English Stallion Hound and Stallion Hound shown with 3 get, but bowed to Blue Ridge “Welder” who garnered the Dog Championship. Iroquois “Ballet” (by “Watchtower” out of their “Bandstand”) won Unentered Bitch and their “Hackle” didn’t show a hair out of place as she pressed her advantage from Best Entered Bitch to Couple of Bitches with littermate “Havoc.” Iroquois “Hackle” also won top honors as Best Brood Bitch and the English Bitch Championship, relegating kennelmate “Ballet” to reserve honors. Iroquois “Ballet” pinned as the runner-up to Blue Ridge “Ranger,” winner of Best Unentered English Foxhound. In the end, Iroquois “Hackle” earned the judge’s blessing as the English Champion, with reserve accolades garnered by Blue Ridge “Welder.” Mason placed credit for the quality of Iroquois’s hounds on Miller. “‘Hackle’ represents the breeding in our kennel and the type of hound that does well for us—it’s the one English bloodline best at dispersing coyotes,” she said. “‘Hackle’ is ST Carlow, both top and bottom. Jerry brought the best English bloodlines in the world to our kennel. They’re phenomenal hunting hounds. When Capt. Fanshawe left Ireland for the Cottesmore, he took some ST Carlow hounds with him. As a matter of fact, the judge, Osbourne, asked me where the ‘woolly’ in our hounds came from. I said, they all go back to the ST Carlow line and he said, ‘Oh, I’ve used that—you never go wrong with that bloodline. There’s never been a bad ST Carlow hound.’ When ‘Hackle’ and her sister ‘Habit’ won that Couple class, the judge said to me, ‘That couple would win at Peterborough.” I was sorry we weren’t in the Two Couple class, but the fourth one came in heat and couldn’t show.”

Potomac “Knoller,” Champion American Bitch, Reserve Champion American Foxhound, shown by Honorary Whipper-In Laura Pitts. Karen Kandra Wenzel photo

Evan Dombrowski, handling Loudoun Fairfax “Admiral,” reacts when his name is called as the winner in the Junior Handler class, 10 and under. This is Evan’s second win in two years. Nancy Milburn Kleck photo

Couple of English Bitches Entered, First Place, Iroquois “Hackle” ’12 and “Havoc” ’12, with Lilla Mason, MFH/Huntsman, and Dr. John R. van Nagell, MFH, president of the MFHA. Lauren R. Giannini photo

IN & AROUND HORSE COUNTRY • SUMMER 2016

One thing about Iroquois, they have Hound Welfare always in mind. Now that their “Hackle” has won, she won’t show again. She’ll hunt and eventually live out her days in the retirement yard, which Iroquois pioneered about 10 years ago. Their annual fundraiser for their retired hounds takes place on Bryn Mawr weekend; it’s very popular, and Iroquois members and the community enjoy getting involved. Other hunts have followed their lead by starting their own programs or retiring pack “elders” to members with a penchant for hounds—a wonderful way to reward them for years of thrilling hallelujah choruses and exciting chases.

Potomac “Templeton,” Champion American Dog - Champion American Foxhound, shown by Huntsman Brian Kiely. Karen Kandra Wenzel photo

Lucy Arnold, with Old Dominion “Singer,” Junior Handler 11-16, First Place. Lauren R. Giannini photo

Marty Wood, MFH, Live Oak Hounds (right) congratulates Brian Kiely, Huntsman, Potomac Hunt, on winning the horn blowing contest for the second year in a row. Nancy Milburn Kleck photo

Special Classes & Memorial Traditions The Performance Hound class had five entries for the Benjamin H. Hardaway III Perpetual Trophy. Judge Fred Berry, MFH Sedgefield, awarded the win to Hillsboro “Brighton” and second place to their “Kingpin.” Midland “Luke” was third, followed by Green Creek “Galahad.” Junior Handlers 10 and under had 41 entries, including 14 representing Keswick, judged by Jean Roberts, ex-MFH, and K.T. Atkins of Warrenton Hunt. In the 11 to 16 division, there were 23 vying for top honors under the scrutiny of Middleburg Hunt’s Jeff Blue, MFH, and Penny Denegre, MFH. Due to the growing popularity of these classes, they ran simultaneously in two rings on Sunday, with spectators crowding the perimeters. Reprising his 2015 win in the 10 and Under group was Evan Dombrowski, Loudoun Fairfax, with Margaret Ranier, Rolling Rock, in second and Lexi van der Woude, Warrenton, in third, followed by Middleburg’s Aire Vega and Miranda King in 4th and 5th. Lucy Arnold of Old Dominion earned the blue rosette and cup in the 11 to 16s. Howard County Iron Bridge’s Annabelle Jones placed second, followed by Connor Poe, Old Dominion, with Rowen Bennett of Golden’s Bridge in 4th followed by Aiken’s Megan Callahan. On Saturday morning, May 28, the Virginia Hound Show Weekend kicked off with Marty Wood conducting a well-attended seminar on judging hound shows. The Duchess of Rutland made a special presentation about the Belvoir (pronounced “Beaver”) Castle and the Belvoir Hunt, recounting interesting stories from her own experiences as well as from the Belvoir’s archives. Saturday evening, the Duchess and her entourage attended the social events. Always a highlight of the weekend, the Museum of Hounds & Hunting North America board hosted a reception to celebrate the season opening. Members and guests attended the reception and had a first view of the 2016 exhibit. Immediately afterwards, the Virginia Foxhound Club hosted their annual dinner under the tent. Following dinner, Johnny Gray, Hillsboro huntsman, was honored with the Ian Milne Award. Dennis Foster explained that award recognizes an active professional who has “demonstrated consistent good sport, leadership by example, and possesses the qualities that a huntsman needs to excel at the job.” Ian Milne, who passed away in 2000, hunted hounds for Fairfax for 22 years. He was always willing to help other professionals and

7 amateurs and his home was always open to hunt staff. Milne was one of the nicest people in the world, kind, humble and a class act from start to finish. The award, which requires nomination by other professionals, consists of a trophy and check for $1,500, but it’s Milne’s memory, reputation, and passion for hunting that imbue it with prestige. “This means a lot, because the other professionals voted for me. Also, I knew Ian and his wife Brenda well—such good people,” said Gray. “Ian knew my father—I’m from England—my father and Ian were at hunts about seven miles apart. One of the neatest things is that they usually give the award at the Biennial Seminar in April, but I couldn’t make that. I found out that I’d won the award. The next day, Brenda calls to congratulate me. That was neat and tough—we had tears on both sides of the phone. It was really special to win the award in Ian’s memory.” The MFHA National Horn-blowing Championship, started in 1995, showcased seven huntsmen in front of the tent after dinner. The judges were Dr. G. Marvin Beeman, MFHHuntsman Arapahoe, Tony Leahy MFH-Huntsman Fox River Valley, and Daphne Wood, MFH Live Oak. Brian Kiely, Potomac huntsman, defended his record-setting title from last year even as he reminded everyone why this was his fifth win—he’s a master of the calls in terms of tone and volume. Codie Hayes, huntsman for Golden’s Bridge, was an impressive second, and Andy Bozdan of Loudoun Fairfax finished third. The atmosphere was quite jolly at Morven Park, thanks in part to the new executive director who attended the social side of the show and also had a tent ringside on Sunday. Stephanie Kenyon picked up the reins in January and soon after signed a new lease with the Virginia Foxhound Club, securing Morven Park as the Virginia Hound Show’s home for many years to come. “I do have history with Morven Park— it’s one of my favorite places on earth and has been for many, many years,” said Kenyon, who relies on Suzanne Musgrave and Cheryl Williams, members of the Morven staff for several years. “Suzanne and Cheryl understand the horse community and they really helped me to understand what Morven Park had been, once upon a time,” continued Kenyon. “We decided to make the equestrian community more of a priority and to rely on the leadership team here to help decide where we want to go. We have big plans, and we will succeed because Morven Park is a non-profit and we’re fundraisers. We want it all here—racing and steeplechasing, dressage, carriage driving, eventing, foxhunting. We want every kind of equestrian discipline to be welcome here. There’s synergy now, it takes a team and we’re all moving in the same direction. There’s a bright future for Morven Park.” As shadows grew longer on a most memorable weekend, the timeless sound of hounds singing floated on the warm evening air, as if they were practicing for the new season or just celebrating being hounds in a nonpareil setting.

IN & AROUND HORSE COUNTRY • SUMMER 2016

RACING

2016 Spring Races By Will O’Keefe

Old Dominion Hounds Point-to-Point Leeds Manor Virginia Bred/Sired Flat Easy Exit (Dylan McDonagh, up) – 1st. Douglas Lees photo

Foxfield Spring Races, Daniel Van Clief Memorial Allowance Optional Claiming Hurdle Hishi Soar (second from right, Gerard Galligan, up) – 1st. Rick Stillings photo

Old Dominion Hounds Point-to-Point Meeting House Mountain Open Hurdle Kingofalldiamonds (Jacob Roberts, up) – 1st. Douglas Lees photo

Old Dominion Hounds Point-to-Point Leeds Don Open Timber Straight To It (Connor Hankin, up) – 1st. Douglas Lees photo

Old Dominion Hounds Point-to-Point Ben Venue Lady Rider Timber Old Timer (Diana Gillam, up) – 1st. Douglas Lees photo

Old Dominion Hounds Point-to-Point 4-9-2016 The weather was unsettled the morning of April 9 in Ben Venue where the Old Dominion Hounds Point-toPoint races were to be run. Luckily, the snow flurries went away as quickly as they arrived, and the racing was excellent over a course labeled as good. One of my favorite things to write about in covering the point-to-points and race meets is when local interests have success. That was the case in three of the eight races on the card. Clorevia Farm’s Easy Exit started the hat trick by winning the Virginia bred/sired flat race for trainer Doug Fout. Easy Exit (Dylan McDonagh) made up ground gradually from slightly off the pace, split horses to take the lead with a quarter mile to run, and held Quest Realty’s Gumper (Teresa Croce) safe in the stretch winning by 1¼ lengths. The result of the amateur and novice rider timber race provided the second triumph for local connections. Indian Run Farm’s Rutledge Classic (Woods Winants) won a hard fought victory over Heather Austin’s Ray de Light (Aaron Davis). Very little separated these two through most of the race. With a half mile to run, Rutledge Classic started to pull away and won by 1 length. Eva Smithwick saddled the winner. A field of seven good horses went to the post in the open hurdle race. Daybreak Stables’ Manacor, who had been the circuit’s Hurdle Horse of the Year the past two seasons, set the pace with Noble Stables’ Kingofalldiamonds (Jacob Roberts) close behind. Three fences from home Kingofalldiamonds took control and won going away by 4½ lengths. DASH Stable’s Ice It (Connor Hankin) finished second as Manacor (Dylan McDonagh) faded to third. Neil Morris was the winning trainer as Kingofalldiamonds completed the Old Dominion triple. The featured race was the Leeds Don open timber race, and Jack Fisher saddled two of the three starters winning with timber stakes winner Straight To It. Kinross Farm’s Ed’s Big Bet (James Slater) set the pace with Sheila J. Williams’ & Northwoods Stable’s Straight To It (Connor Hankin) in his shadow. With three furlongs to run, Straight To It took command and won easily by 12 lengths over Ed’s Big Bet. The other Fisher trainee, Mrs. John R. S. Fisher’s Hockey Pop (Quinn Scala), pulled up.

When I’m Telling (owner/rider Emme Fullilove), Woodslane Farm’s Brave Prospect (Quinn Scala), and Sweet Talking Guy (owner/rider Erin Swope) went off course with a mile to run, Kinross Farm’s Old Timer (Diana Gillam), who had been second at the time, inherited the lead and won by three furlongs over Elizabeth Scully’s Girlsruletheworld. This win assured Diana Gillam the lady rider timber series championship. Chris Read trained the winner. Emme Fullilove had better luck earlier on the card when she won the amateur/novice rider hurdle race on Ron Blankenship’s Skunk. Erin Swope’s series leader Slaney Rock (Ire) set the pace with Skunk close behind. Slaney Rock held a slight lead over the last two fences but could not match strides with Skunk in the stretch. The final margin was ½ length. Neil Morris trained the winner. The maiden hurdle race attracted fourteen starters and was split. In the first division Virginia B. Lazenby’s Help From Heaven (James Slater) ran with Gordonsdale Farm’s Gallatin County (Woods Winants) in the early stages, put him away with three furlongs to run, and held off Northwoods Stable’s Naturally Won (Jeff Murphy), who threatened in the last quarter mile. Help From Heaven proved best in the run-in from the last fence and won by 2½ lengths. This was trainer Doug Fout’s second win.

Old Dominion Hounds Point-to-Point Volance Maiden Hurdle, First Division (l-r) Help From Heaven (James Slater, up) – 1st; Gallatin County (Woods Winants, up). Douglas Lees photo

IN & AROUND HORSE COUNTRY • SUMMER 2016

The second division went to Jason Cole’s and Donald Jewell’s Kristina’s Leo (Eric Poretz). Trained by co-owner Jason Cole, Kristina’s Leo was never far from the lead. With a quarter mile to run, Kristina’s Leo went to the front and held off High Note Stables’ Undisputed Cham (John Brophy) to win by an easy 3½ lengths. Bacon Barn’s Purim Party (Sarah Shaffer) won the novice rider flat race narrowly defeating Beverly R. Steinman’s Reporter (Connor Hankin). Purim Party stalked the pace and went to the front with six furlongs to run and won handily by ¾ length. Kristin Close saddled the winner.

Loudoun Hunt Point-to-Point William Corcoran Eustis Cup Open Timber Zanclus (Kieran Norris, up) – 1st. Joanne Maisano photo

Loudoun Hunt Point-to-Point Audi of America, Inc. Novice Timber (l-r) Gun Point (Kieran Norris, up) – 2nd; Duc de Savoie (Mark Beecher, up) – 1st. Joanne Maisano photo

Loudoun Hunt Point-to-Point Wells Fargo/Land Trust of Virginia Open Hurdle (l-r) Hishi Soar (Woods Winants, up) – 2nd; Orchestra Leader (Sean McDermott, up) – 1st. Joanne Maisano photo

Loudoun Hunt Point-to-Point, Second Division Trisept Challenge Maiden Hurdle Reporter (Sean McDermott, up) – 1st. Joanne Maisano photo

Loudoun Hunt Point-to-Point 4-17-2016 A very big crowd was on hand at the Loudoun Hunt Point-to-Point at Oatlands Plantation near Leesburg. The tree-lined driveway was packed with party-goers and race fans, and they enjoyed seven steeplechase races and two exhibition side saddle races. The William Corcoran Eustis Cup open timber race headed the card, and this year’s running had extra significance. The six-horse field included two of the leading candidates for Virginia Point-to-Point Timber Horse of the Year. Owner/rider Emme Fullilove’s I’m Telling and Sara E. Collette’s Zanclus had each won two races during the season, and a third win would undoubtedly crown the champion. In the race, Zanclus (Kieran Norris) settled in second, well off of I’m Telling’s quick pace. With six fences remaining, Zanclus was drawing closer to I’m Telling, who lost his rider at the fence. This left Zanclus alone on the front end with a commanding lead that was never threatened. He romped home alone beating Holwood Stable’s Sky Count (Mark Beecher) by three-sixteenths of a mile. The remainder of the field either pulled up or lost their riders. Mark Beecher had better luck in the novice timber race when he rode Wits End Stable LLC’s newly purchased Duc de Savoie to victory for trainer Willie Dowling. Duc de Savoie had been offered for sale at the owner symposium and steeplechase sale at Great Meadow the previous Sunday, and he earned quick dividends at first asking for his new connections. In the race, Verte Stable’s Final Heat (Woods Winants) set the pace until the final half mile where Rock Ford Stables LLC’s Gun Point (Kieran Norris), Dyson Dryden’s Señor Cafe (Sean McDermott), and Duc de Savoie loomed boldly. Duc de Savoie had a slight advantage over the last fence and out-finished Gun Point and Señor Cafe, who finished in that order. S. Bruce Smart, Jr.’s Orchestra Leader and Randolph D. Rouse’s Hishi Soar are regulars on the circuit of Virginia point-to-points and sanctioned meets, and they were co-favorites in the four-horse open hurdle race. Orchestra Leader (Sean McDermott) stalked Hishi Soar (Woods Winants), who set the pace. With three fences to jump, Orchestra Leader challenged Hishi Soar for the lead, and these two dueled until Orchestra Leader took sole possession of the lead at the last fence. He drew away in the stretch and won by 2½ lengths. Jimmy Day was the winning trainer. The maiden hurdle race attracted eleven starters and was split into two divisions, both of which were won by horses trained by Doug Fout. Clorevia Farm’s Easy Exit (Kieran Norris) was fresh off a win on the flat at Old Dominion, and he added another at Oatlands. He raced on the pace, was joined by Hyggelig Haven LLC’s Errant (Carol-Ann Sloan) with a half mile to run and proved best in the stretch

9 winning going away by 1¼ lengths. The second division went to Beverly R. Steinman’s Reporter (Sean McDermott). Reporter was reserved off the pace, and drew alongside S. Rebecca Shepherd’s Curve of Stones (Barry Foley) with a half mile to run. He took sole possession of the lead approaching the last fence and won easily by 3½ lengths. Another series champion was crowned when Quest Realty’s Gumper (Teresa Croce) won the VHBPA Virginia Bred or Sired Flat Race. Gumper had won at Warrenton and had been second at Old Dominion, and this win sealed the deal. In the race at Oatlands, Daybreak Stables’ Officer’s Oath (Sean McDermott) went to the lead at once and stayed there until the final sixteenth. At that point Gumper came flying from off the pace and took the lead approaching the finish. He won by ¾ of a length for trainer Susan Cooney. Darren Nagle sent Mrs. Calvin Houghland’s Irish-bred Classical Art to the lead when starter Graham Alcock’s flag dropped in the open flat race. Beverly R. Steinman’s Secret Reward (Sean McDermott) assumed a stalking role, and that’s where he stayed. They ran in this order throughout the race with Classical Art winning by 1¾ lengths for trainer F. Bruce Miller. The exhibition side saddle races were a great crowd pleaser and were run in two divisions: one over fences and the other on the flat. In the jumping race, Irish side saddle super star rider Susan Oakes had Stephanie Boyer’s Fort Henry (Ire) on the pace throughout the race. They pulled away the second time around and won as the rider pleased by 25 lengths. In the race on the flat the first horse to finish was Bernadette Boland’s owner ridden Reddington, but he was disqualified for going off course. Christina Mulqueen’s Figure It Out (Cathi Groves) was moved up to first.

Loudoun Hunt Point-to-Point First Division Trisept Challenge Maiden Hurdle (l-r) Easy Exit (Kieran Norris, up) – 1st; Errant (Carol-Ann Sloan, up) – 2nd. Joanne Maisano photo

Loudoun Hunt Point-to-Point Second Division Trisept Challenge Maiden Hurdle Curve of Stones (Barry Foley, up) – 2nd. Joanne Maisano photo

Loudoun Hunt Point-to-Point Mrs. George C. Everhart Memorial Invitational Side Saddle Race (Jumping Division) Fort Henry (Susan Oakes, up) – 1st. Joanne Maisano photo

Middleburg Spring Races 4-23-2016 The Middleburg Spring Races on Saturday, April 23 attracted a big crowd for a great day of steeplechase racing over one of the sport’s most popular race courses. The $50,000 Temple Gwathmey hurdle handicap headed the card, and the powerful performance of Irvin S. Naylor’s Irish-bred Rawnaq left the crowd buzzing. Rawnaq was imported last year and ran well in his illustrious stablemate Dawalan’s shadow. Dawalan won the Eclipse Award last year but will be sidelined for this season. Now it’s Rawnaq’s turn to pick up the baton for trainer Cyril Murphy. Under highweight of 158 lbs., he gave his seven foes 14 to 18 lbs. and still won by 15 lengths in a dominating performance. Never worse than second, he took the lead the second time around and steadily widened winning as his rider Jack Doyle pleased. Bruton Street-US’s Scorpiancer rallied to finish second but was no match for the winner. The Middleburg Hunt Cup ran with timber stakes status this year, and it was trainer Jack Fisher’s time in the spotlight sweeping the top two spots. Bruton Steet-US’s Irish-bred Two’s Company (Sean McDermott) won, and Sheila J. Williams’ and Northwood Stable’s Straight To It (Connor Hankin) finished second. Two’s Company was rated well off the pace that was set by Irv Naylor’s Personal Brew (Willie McCarthy), came to the leader at the last fence, and pulled away in the stretch to win by 3 lengths. Straight To It finished well but on this day was second best. Fisher visited the winners’ circle again following the Alfred Hunt Steeplechase to greet Bruton Street-US’s British-bred Lemony Bay (Connor Hankin). Lemony Bay was rated off the pace that was set by Irv Naylor’s steeplethon expert Saluda Sam (Willie McCarthy). When Saluda Sam went off course in the middle of the race, Lemony Bay moved into second place behind Jeremy Batoff’s Certain Swagger (Jeff Murphy). Approaching the second to last fence, Lemony Bay went to the front and drew away to win by 3¾ lengths. Naylor’s Super Saturday (Sean McDermott) finished well for second and Certain Swagger held on for third. During the past few years, Irv Naylor and Cyril Murphy have won races in bunches, and this race meet was no exception. Naylor’s solid race mare One Lucky Lady (GB) won the rating’s handicap with apprentice Dylan McDonagh up beating former stakes winner Edith R. Dixon’s Schoodic (Connor Hankin) by ¾ of a length. One Lucky Lady was rated off the pace but started to rally on the backside the last time around. She took the lead at the last fence and held off

IN & AROUND HORSE COUNTRY • SUMMER 2016

Schoodic, who ran well while giving the winner 15 lbs. Robert A. Kinsley’s Irish-bred Unsinkable gave Jack Doyle his third win on the card in the maiden hurdle race. Doyle sent Unsinkable to the front at the drop of the flag and was never challenged in an impressive American debut. Virginia Lazenby Racing Stable LLC’s Help From Heaven (Kieran Norris) finished well to take second place 2 lengths behind the winner but was never a threat. The Jack Doyle and Elizabeth Voss team also won the training flat race with Atlantic Hall Racing LLC’s Royal Bench. Royal Bench was well within striking distance throughout the race, took the lead in the final quarter mile, and turned back Dr. Skip (Jody Petty), who rallied on the outside in the stretch. The final margin was ¾ length. The most popular win on the card for local interests was in the maiden claiming hurdle race. Trainer Eva Smithwick and rider Jeff Murphy collaborated to win with Celtic Venture Stables’ Prima Facie. Never far back, Prima Facie and Sharon Sheppard’s Imperial Rule (Kieran Norris) battled from the last fence to mid stretch. Prima Facie eased away in deep stretch to win by 2½ lengths.

Middleburg Spring Races Temple Gwathmey Grade III Hurdle Handicap Stakes Rawnaq (Jack Doyle, up) – 1st. Joanne Maisano photo

Foxfield Spring Races 4-30-2106 The big crowd at the Foxfield Spring Races on Saturday, April 1 witnessed a bit of steeplechase racing history when Randolph D. Rouse’s Hishi Soar (Gerard Galligan) won the allowance optional claiming hurdle race. Rouse is a living legend, who, at 99 years young, is the sport’s oldest winning trainer. From the start Hishi Soar assumed a stalking role while Pathfinder Racings’ Cognashene (Jacob Roberts) set the pace. Cognashene fell at the eleventh fence and left the race Middleburg Spring Races to Hishi Soar and S. Bruce Smart, Jr.’s Orchestra Glenwood Ratings Handicap Hurdle Leader (Keri Brion). These two battled the rest of One Lucky Lady (#1, Dylan McDonagh, up) – 1st. Joanne Maisano photo the way to the finish line where Hishi Soar was narrowly best by ½ length over the game Orchestra Leader. Gerard Galligan completed a riding double on the card having already won the maiden hurdle race with Jonathan Sheppard’s As You Like It. Never far from the lead, As You Like It made the winning move on the last turn. He assumed a comfortable lead in the stretch and widened to win by 5¾ lengths over Beverly R. Steinman’s Reporter (Kieran Norris). Reporter made a bid on the last turn and finished well but was second best. Middleburg Spring Races Beverly R. Steinman and trainer Doug Fout Middleburg Hunt Cup Timber Stakes had better luck in the filly and mare maiden hur(l-r) Straight To It (Connor Hankin, up) – 2nd; Two’s dle race with Secret Reward (Ross Geraghty). Company (Sean McDermott, up) – 1st. Joanne Maisano photo Geraghty rated Secret Reward off the pace until the final turn where he made his move. He inherited the lead at the eleventh fence where Betsy Sapp’s Holy Cow (Gerard Galligan) fell after making all the running to that point. Amy Taylor Rowe’s Give Us A Reason (Paddy Young) finished well but came up 1½ lengths short at the finish. Ross Geraghty joined Galligan with a second win on the card in the maiden claiming hurdle race with Alicia Murphy’s Beck’s Bad Boy. Geraghty used similar tactics to those he used on Secret Reward. He chose to reserve the winner off the early pace, made a move on the final turn, took the lead entering the stretch and romped by 17¾ lengths. Foxfield Spring Races, Vineyard Vines Maiden Hurdle Irvin S. Naylor’s Aquies (Gerard Galligan) was a (l-r) Out of the Fire (Jeff Murphy, up) – 4th; As You Like It (Gerard Galdistant second and the others were even farther beligan, up) – 1st; Meteoroid (Paddy Young, up) – 3rd. Rick Stillings photo hind.

IN & AROUND HORSE COUNTRY • SUMMER 2016

Foxfield Spring Races Grover Vandevender Memorial Maiden Timber Zanclus (Kieran Norris, up) – 1st. Rick Stillings photo

Sara E. Collette’s Zanclus carried a spotless point-to-point timber record into the sanctioned maiden timber race at Foxfield. With wins at the Blue Ridge, Orange County, and Loudoun Pointto-Points, Zanclus appeared ready to take the next step up the ladder under trainer Neil Morris’ tutelage. With regular rider Kieran Norris up, Zanclus assumed command at the start and controlled the pace. He steadily widened on the field as the race proceeded and was in hand and in command winning by 35½ lengths over Magalen O. Bryant’s Adios Diablo (Ross Geraghty). Zanclus is the ultimate Virginia home-bred. In addition to Zanclus, Sara Collette also bred both his dam, Jordani, and his sire, Xenodon, at their farm near Casanova, Virginia. Middleburg Hunt Point-to-Point 5-1-2016 On Sunday, May 1 the Middleburg Hunt Pointto-Point wrapped up the 2016 Virginia point-topoint season. This race meet may be a point-to-point but it had all the trappings of a sanctioned meet with horses on hand from many of the sport’s leading stables. A festive crowd was on hand to enjoy a great day of racing over the popular Glenwood Park race course near Middleburg. The first two races on the card settled two more season end awards. Teresa Croce had a comfortable lead in the novice rider on the flat division entering this race; and when she won on Mrs. Calvin Houghland’s Classical Art (Ire), that lead only widened. In the race Classical Art was never worse than third in the six-horse field. He picked up valuable lengths when Daybreak Stables’ Sur Empire (Amber Hodyka) went wide with six furlongs to run. Classical Art got up in the final sixteenth and beat Sur Empire by 1 length. Mrs. Houghland’s longtime trainer, F.

Bruce Miller trained the winner. The amateur/novice rider hurdle race featured that series’ top two horse-and-rider combinations. Erin Swope and Slaney Rock (Ire) were leading Emme Fullilove and Skunk by three points entering this race that included two other starters. Irvin S. Naylor’s Sacred Soul (Dylan McDonagh) was never far from the lead, took command with a mile to run, and easily held off Skunk’s late rally by 4 lengths. Slaney Rock finished third. Sometimes you don’t have to win to win and that was the case for both Erin Swope and Emme Fullilove. Slaney Rock won the amateur/novice rider series, and Emme Fullilove picked up enough points to beat Diana Gillam for the leading lady rider championship. Cyril Murphy, who trains Sacred Soul, had two additional winners for leading steeplechase owner, Irvin S. Naylor. Naylor’s Osmoz (Gus Dahl) won the restricted maiden hurdle race, and Top Man Michael (Gus Dahl) won the Middleburg Bowl open timber race. Osmoz was rated in the middle of the ten-horse field, jumped into second place two fences from home, and had a slight advantage over Jeff Murphy’s Secret Soul at the last fence. Osmoz put Secret Soul away before the final turn and held off Sharon Sheppard’s Irish-bred Khafayya (Paddy Young) to win by 1 length. When last seen, Top Man Michael was breaking his maiden over timber at Piedmont. He was impressive on that occasion, and made an equally impressive debut in open company. In the race at Middleburg he assumed control at the start and led all the way, holding Magalen O. Bryant’s Gustavian (Paddy Young) safe through the stretch to win by 1½ lengths. Trainer Jack Fisher also had three winners on the card. He won with Bruton Street-US’s The Nephew, Woodslane Farm’s Other Cheek, and Michael J. Moran’s Ivy Mills. In the maiden timber race, Irish-bred The Nephew (Connor Hankin) stalked Ben Swope’s owner ridden Gusto At Dawn, who set the pace. At the fourth fence from the finish, The Nephew took over on the front end and won handily by 15 lengths over Katherine Neilson’s Pured It (Gerard Galligan). Gusto at Dawn finished fourth. In the maiden hurdle race, Other Cheek (Sean McDermott) was rated off the pace, made a move to contend around the final turn, caught Jean Rofe’s Pagan Cat (Barry Foley) in the stretch and won confidently ridden by ½ length. Ivy Mills (Sean McDermott) raced close to the leaders in the open flat race, took the lead in the final quarter mile, and held off Magalen O. Bryant’s Irish-bred Our Emerald Forest (Paddy Young), who rallied in the stretch and just missed by a neck. Rider Sean McDermott had his own hat trick. In addition to the two winners for Jack Fisher, he also won the maiden flat race for trainer Jimmy Day with S. Bruce Smart, Jr.’s Dai Bando (Ire). Dai Bando was always close to the lead in the 11-horse field. He went to the front with three furlongs to run and romped home alone by 9 lengths over Lawrence and Rose McDade’s Rodie (Barry Foley).

Middleburg Hunt Point-to-Point, Restricted Maiden Hurdle Osmoz (Gustav Dahl, up) – 1st. Joanne Maisano photo

Middleburg Hunt Point-to-Point Louis Leith Memorial Maiden Timber The Nephew (Connor Hankin, up) – 1st. Joanne Maisano photo

Middleburg Hunt Point-to-Point Matthew Leslie Memorial Maiden Hurdle Other Cheek (Sean McDermott, up) – 1st. Joanne Maisano photo

Middleburg Hunt Point-to-Point Middleburg Hunt Cup Amateur/Novice Rider Hurdle Sacred Soul (Dylan McDonagh, up) – 1st. Joanne Maisano photo

IN & AROUND HORSE COUNTRY • SUMMER 2016

Virginia Gold Cup Timber Stakes (l-r) Old Timer (Kieran Norris, up); Our Town (McLane Hendriks, up); Dakota Slew (Darren Nagle, up); Grinding Speed (Paddy Young, up); Ebanour (Gustav Dahl, up) – 1st. Douglas Lees photo Virginia Gold Cup, David H. Semmes Memorial Hurdle Stakes (l-r) Charminster (Jack Doyle, up) – 1st; Bodie Island (Darren Nagle, up). Douglas Lees photo

Virginia Gold Cup, Rutherford Chase, Sport of Kings Maiden Hurdle (l-r) Mercoeur (Paddy Young, up) – 4th; Curve Of Stones (Barry Foley, up) – 1st; Signature Look (Connor Hankin, up). Douglas Lees photo

Virginia Gold Cup, M.C. Dean Chase Allowance Hurdle (l-r) Royal Bench (#4, Gustav Dahl, up) – 1st; Second Amendment (Kieran Norris, up) – 2nd; Albany Road (Darren Nagle, up). Douglas Lees photo

Virginia Gold Cup, Steeplethon (l-r) Saluda Sam (Willie McCarthy, up) – 3rd; Lemony Bay (Connor Hankin, up) – 1st; On The Corner (Kieran Norris, up) – 2nd; Ryvit (Bernie Dalton, up) – 4th; Plum Brush (Darren Nagle, up). Douglas Lees photo

Virginia Gold Cup Races 5-7-2016 Abundant rain at Great Meadow near The Plains during the week prior to the Virginia Gold Cup Races on Saturday, May 7 made for soft going on the race course and muddy footing for the spectators. This was not a deterrent as entries were heavy and the crowd was big. The featured Virginia Gold Cup Timber Stakes offered a $100,000 purse, which attracted a strong nine-horse field. Michael Wharton’s Grinding Speed, who won this race in 2013 and in 2015, headed the field that included last year’s runner-up Magalen O. Bryant’s Dakota Slew. These two had also finished first and second in the last two International Gold Cups. It was no great surprise that these two were the betting favorites. When the race started Irvin S. Naylor’s Personal Brew (Willie McCarthy) sped to an early lead. No one was in a rush to challenge him; and with about five furlongs to run after the water jump, everyone had a chance. The two favorites loomed boldly but could not sustain their efforts and faded. Meanwhile Irvin S. Naylor’s Irish-bred Ebanour (Gus Dahl) started a steady rally on the backside. He jumped to the lead over the last fence and drew away in the stretch winning easily by 6½ lengths. Ebanour had won the My Lady’s Manor Timber Stakes impressively three weeks earlier, and trainer Cyril Murphy knew that Ebanour would love the soft going. This win gives Irvin Naylor four of the five wins required to retire the Virginia Gold Cup. Bruton Street-US’s Two’s Company (Sean McDermott) rallied for second and Personal Brew held on for third. The secondary feature on the program was the $75,000 David H. Semmes Memorial Hurdle Stakes, and eight top horses went to the post. Irvin S. Naylor’s Irish-bred Charminster (Jack Doyle) was never far from the lead, jumped to the top over the last fence and drew away in the run to the finish to win by 3¾ lengths. Edith R. Dixon’s Schoodic (Connor Hankin) rallied for second. Cyril Murphy was the winning trainer. Irv Naylor has been the National Steeplechase Association’s leading owner for five of the last six years and is the short priced favorite to add another title. In the Steeplethon, Naylor’s Saluda Sam (Willie McCarthy), who won this race last year, went off as the favorite. Saluda Sam assumed control at the start, but Bruton Street-US’s Lemony Bay (Connor Hankin) settled in right behind him. Saluda Sam, Lemony Bay, and Ivy Hill Stable LLC’s On The Corner (Kieran Norris) all had a

chance at the last fence where Saluda Sam held a slight advantage. Upon landing it was clear that this was not Saluda Sam’s day as Lemony Bay drew away in the stretch to win by 2½ lengths. On the Corner took second by a head over Saluda Sam. Jack Fisher saddled the winner. Gus Dahl had a riding double as he won on Atlanta Hall Racing LLC’s Royal Bench (Ire) in the allowance hurdle race for trainer Elizabeth Voss. He inherited the lead with a time to go when Noble Stables’ Kingofalldiamonds (Jacob Roberts) and Robert A. Kinsley’s Unsinkable (Jack Doyle) fell after being interfered by a loose horse. Royal Bench led the rest of the way and won by 4 lengths over Welcome Here Farm’s Second Amendment (Kieran Norris). S. Rebecca Shepherd’s Curve of Stones (Barry Foley) was a very popular winner of the maiden hurdle race for trainer David M. Bourke. Curve of Stones was reserved slightly off the pace, engaged Michael A. Smith’s Mercouer (Paddy Young) over the last two fences, put him away and held off the late charging Wild Dynaformer (Sean McDermott for Woodslane Farm). Hall of Fame trainer Jonathan Sheppard saddled the winner of the $50,000 Secretariat Stakes on the flat. Lake Lonely Racing’s Rum Tum Tugger (Willie McCarthy) made a late charge from off the pace on the outside of the stretch and prevailed by ¾ of a length over Gregory D. Hawkins’ Silver Lime (Bernie Dalton). Pathfinder Racing’s Mutasaawy (Jacob Roberts) was ½ length farther back in third place. The two maiden flat races were won by Lawrence and Rose McDade’s Rodie (Barry Foley) and Magalen O. Bryant’s Middle Road (Paddy Young). In the first, Rodie moved into second as they raced down the backside, took the lead at the head of the stretch and held Why Not Racing LLC’s Jump Ship (Richard Boucher) safe by 1 length. Jump Ship was disqualified for interference at the start. In the other division Middle Road took sole possession of the lead around the first turn and led to the finish where he prevailed by 2¼ lengths over Lawrence Stables Inc.’s Bird Call (Darren Nagle). The most enthusiastic celebration in the winners’ circle followed the Virginia bred or sired flat race. Jean L. Rofe’s Willisville (Jeff Murphy) was third in the early going, took command on the final turn, and out-finished Debra E. Kachel’s Hooping (Michael Byrne) to win by 2 lengths.

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Horse Country

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IN & AROUND HORSE COUNTRY • SUMMER 2016

RACING

Maryland Racing Photos by Douglas Lees

HOUND SHOW

Southern Hound Show Courtesy of Live Oak Hounds

106th My Lady’s Manor, Monkton, Maryland, April 16, 2016 Irvin S. Naylor’s Ebanour (Gus Dahl, up) – 1st (far left), Grinding Speed, Balllifen – 4th; Organisateur – 2nd; Old Timer – 3rd, Aero, Grand Manan.

My Lady’s Manor John D. Schapiro Memorial Amateur Apprentice Timber 10th fence (l-r) Getaway Money (Conrad Somer, up) – falling; Drift Society (Connor Hankin, up) – 1st; El Season; Carrickboy (McLane Hendriks, up) – 2nd.

114th Grand National Steeplechase, Butler, Maryland, April 23, 2016 Grand National Amateur Timber Stakes Raven’s Choice (Mark Beecher, up) – 1st; Spencer Road (McLane Hendriks, up) – 5th; Serene Harbor (Annie Yeager, up) – 3rd.

Maryland Hunt Cup, Glydon, Maryland, April 30, 2016 A close finish in the stretch drive at the 120th Maryland Hunt Cup (l-r): Drift Society (Connor Hankin, up) – 3rd; Senior Senator (Eric Poretz, up) – 1st; Guts For Garters (Jody Petty, up) – 2nd.

Midland “Striker” ’15, Grand Champion of Show, Champion Dog Hound, Winner of Entered Dog with (l-r) Daphne Wood, MFH, Live Oak; Mason Lampton, MFH, Midland; Mary Lu Lampton; and C. Martin Wood III, MFH, Live Oak. Leslie Shepherd phot

The tenth annual Southern Hound Show was held April 9th, 2016, at Live Oak Plantation in Monticello, Florida. Mr. Alastair Jackson, ex-MFH of the Cattistock Hunt (UK) and longtime Executive Director of the British MFHA, was joined in the ring by Dr. John McDonald, MFH London Hunt (CN). Mrs. Michael Moran, MFH Mr. Stewart’s Cheshire Foxhounds, was to apprentice but was ill. Bear Creek, Fox River Valley, Green Creek, Hillsboro, Live Oak, Lowcountry, Midland, Mooreland, and Palm Beach presented hounds in the large, shady ring on a sunny cool day that the hounds relished following a live band and barbeque at the show grounds the night before for exhibitors. Alastair Jackson said, “The overall standard was very high and the dogs on the whole were even better than the bitches, with the Unentered dog class being one of the strongest of the day.” He added, “The numbers and quality in the Two Couple Classes were extraordinary. It was hard to find a weak one in each entry which is unusual.” Last year’s Unentered Champion, Midland “Striker” ’15, was a deserving Grand Champion of Show. His sire Midland “Rocket” ’11 when crossed to imported bitch Staffordshire Moorland “Stunning” ’11 won the Stallion and Three of Get class and “Striker’s” littermate “Stellar” ’15 also won Entered Bitch. It was a family affair also for Live Oak with littermates “Assault” ’13 and “Accurate” ’13 winning Stallion and Brood Bitch before going on to be Reserve Champion Dog and Reserve Grand Champion of Show. The Champion Unentered Dog, Fox River Valley “Godfrey,” is by imported South Shropshire “Goblin” ’12. He is big, scopey, and should be even better next year. Underscoring the importance of keeping experienced, durable, older hounds, for the second year Mooreland won the Senior Hound class with ninth season “Eden”. For the full results of this show and others, visit www.mfha.com/hounds2016results.html.

IN & AROUND HORSE COUNTRY • SUMMER 2016

BEAGLES

NBC Spring Beagle Trials: Octorara Shines Brightly By John J. Carle II, ex-MFH

There are few places in this world or in the next as intoxicatingly beautiful as Virginia in the lushness of spring: a riot of colors against a canvas of infinite shades and tones of green…and the imperious magic of the land waking and busying itself after its long winter nap. Jameson Parker

At Aldie, Virginia’s “Institute Farm,” over April’s opening weekend, everything was abloom for the NBC Spring Beagle Trials. Of the large gathering of packs, old and new, Larry and Debby Bright’s Octorara from Floyd, Virginia, bloomed brightest. The scene at my arrival was one of which Ryan Stalvey recently wrote, “April had at long last expelled February’s icy winds and summoned spring’s warmth and promise…in golden rays of sunlight.” Sunlight, yes, and a cloudless, sapphire sky: a scent-hound’s nightmare. Of the morning’s competitors, only Hills Bridge had much of a turn, and that a short struggle. Bedlam was first down after lunch, at 1:30 p.m., a time that compelled Charles D. Lanier to write, “…at this hour neither man nor dog is able to do the artistic and enthusiastic work of the morning.” But as they so often do, Mandy Bobbitt and her beauties defied the conditions. At 1:45 p.m. a cooling breeze sprang up, and almost immediately little “Magpie’s” high-pitched, frenzied war-whoop announced that Old Longears was afoot; and began a fiercely determined, circling hunt that alternated screaming runs with frustrating checks, which hounds worked out unaided. They were picked up running. As their smiling Huntsman led hounds back to the kennels, the lilt of their voices seemed to linger in the air. Around mid-afternoon, Ramsay Barrett’s Orlean Foot Beagles had a rabbit up at the Wall. These super-enthused jelly-dogs, with resounding cry, ran in several large circles through woods and briar tangles until the helpful breeze Mandy Bobbitt, MB, Bedlam Beagles. took a sabbatical. Then scent died, and a fresh rabbit split the pack. From then on it was a dismal afternoon for the remaining packs, who could do nothing. ’Twas enough to drive one into the welcoming arms of “Mothers’ Ruin” and hence went I. Thursday morning dawned partly cloudy and cooler, with a brisk south-southwest breeze hinting that scent might improve—briefly, at least. When Middleburg/Orange County (M.O.C.) took center stage, it was immediately apparent that there was another variety of hazel abloom. Hazel Hannah has blossomed this season as a Huntsman, and it was a joy to watch her quiet rapport with a much-improved pack. The M.O.C. face a unique challenge among NBC packs, for their quarry for most of the year is fox, with an early spring switch to rabbits. Suddenly the adrenalin-pounding drive necessary to run Sir Charles James must be tempered by great patience to deal with Uncle Wiggly. It was apparent that Hazel and her hounds have most successfully made this transition. Hounds were meticulously working a tangled line downhill from the breeding pen, patiently untying the knots, when a view-holloa rang from above. Hazel quickly took hold of her hounds and, with quiet assurance, carried the pack to the view. They jumped this rabbit at the edge of the Squaw Hill woods and, packed like sardines, rocketed in meandering righthand circles until scent abruptly died altogether. Unlike previous years, they didn’t overrun, and worked checks mostly on their own. It was an impressive performance from a pack and Huntsman to be reckoned with in the future. The legendary Albert Poe, former Piedmont Fox Hounds Huntsman, once remarked, “A good pack can hunt anywhere, any time, and under any conditions. They don’t need excuses,” and the Octorara three-couple, with Larry Bright, MB, carrying the horn, put on a stunning exhibition that not only perfectly illustrated Albert’s declaration, but also set the three-couple standard. From the woods at the top (north) end of the enclosure, the pack nudged a large rabbit from its form, then patiently, relentlessly worked the faint line until they jumped him. Then they were away at warp speed, so well-packed they seemed glued together, and with frantic, fierce, unbelievable cry. It seemed utterly impossible that just six tiny beagles could produce cry of such volume. For the next thirty minutes this pack produced some of the best, hardest-driving hunting imaginable, working all bothers on their own and honoring each other at every turn; a brilliant performance and a well-deserved blue ribbon. Bedlam placed second, with Orlean edging Hills Bridge for third. Glenbarr kicked off the five-couple competition directly after lunch with an excellent run despite the warm weather. On one of two rabbits jumped at the burn pile below the old stable, hounds ran for most of their 50 minutes in three large loops that ended with their pilot to ground in a hole under a dense brush pile, where it was marked vigorously.

Ardrossan 3 Couple. Stockton Illoway, MB, Huntsman; Whipper-in Mrs. Beth Matje; Bernadette Downey; Jay McKenna (behind).

Ardrossan 5 Couple Stockton Illoway, MB, Huntsman with Whippers-in Katie Shuttle and Bob Matje.

Middleburg/Orange County (MOC) Beagles 3 Couple Morgan Botto, Jr. Whipper-in; Nina Fout, MB; Hazel Hannah, Huntsman.

The Farmington 3 Couple Whippers-in Peter Daniels and Sherry Buttrick, MB, ex-MFH and Forbes Reback, MB, Huntsman.

IN & AROUND HORSE COUNTRY • SUMMER 2016

Larry Bright, MB, Huntsman, Octorara Beagles.

NBC President Jessica Anderson, MB, Old Chatham Foot Beagles, and Billy Bobbitt, MB, Glenbarr Beagles.

After a diligent but disappointing three-couple, the five-couple pack made newcomer Still Meadow’s debut a respectable one. A brand new pack, made up of mostly older draft hounds and held together by the familiar, quavery voice of dear old campaigner, Old Chatham “Tornado,” they gave a very good account of themselves on a rabbit found atop the property near Quarry Road. With Huntsman/Master Jennifer Buckley’s quiet, positive style giving them confidence, they worked their longears in two good circles until a foray into the hot, dry woods killed scent and caused them to struggle. Although strung out at the end, they were “all on” when lifted. Good job, Jen! Led by a bitch with a high, eldritch cry, Wolver had a wild and somewhat disjointed run as the day’s last pack down. Punctuated by a thrilling musical score, their hunt consisted of jet-speed runs interrupted by overruns, which soon had the pack strung out and, finally, badly scattered. Though exciting, this was not Wolver’s usual choreographed effort. It once again fell to Octorara to set high the bar and define the day, which they did with dazzling brilliance. Drawing from below the cabins uphill to the blown-out dam, they soon launched from its pad a rocket of a rabbit and latched onto its contrail for their entire allotment. For over 40 minutes, from overgrown creek bottom to openly wooded hillside, there rang the cacophonous chorus of hound voices, as strident as the clamor of competing church bells from myriad spires on a Bible Belt Sunday. Never leaving a scarcely two-acre patch, Old Loppy-Lugs continuously twisted and circled, often viewed by the Field, but never by the Huntsman. Although using scenting conditions of dubious merit to maintain a 2-3 minute lead, the resourceful trickster could never shake the resolute pursuit of one of the best packs ever to hunt these fecund acres. It was an awesome performance, and it certainly awed judges David Vore and Daniel Jones, MFH, for they awarded Bright’s Best the Highest Scored Run award. At evening’s tally, Glenbarr was an emphatic second, Wolver third, and Hills Bridge again a bridesmaid with a run that, as always, had flashes of brilliance, but again lacked continuity. In the Eight-Couple competition, Octorara, determined to score a treble, began as they’d ended the fives: with drive and determination, enabled by superior noses and aided by another lepidopteran marathoner. In the oppressive heat just before Saturday’s lunch, Huntsman Bright did the “leu-in” at the pond, drawing uphill to the flat near Marble Quarry Road, where hounds soon had a long-eared athlete stretching his legs. Flying northeastward nearly to the depleted marble quarry itself, hounds’ pursuit grew so hot on their rabbit’s heels that he reversed and looped ’round the upper portions of the high, back field, twisting and dodging through the observers. Brought to their noses by this maneuver, hounds worked out the bother unaided, and soon put the torch to their pilot’s heels once more. Back nearly to the quarry again, he repeated his earlier circle; but this time he eschewed the crowd, trying instead a fortress of briars dense as quickthorn. With hounds’ battle cry shredding the thicket, the pack soon breached the thorny barricade, and back to the quarry fled their quarry. Hounds were picked up running. Octorara’s win ended their Spring Trials in brilliant fashion as Overall High Score Pack. Down early on Saturday in a cold rain, Old Chatham came to life for Huntsman Jessica Anderson, NBC President. On a rabbit from the burn pile, they ran a 45-minute screamer; but then some hounds split and spoke off-track, which dulled somewhat the glitter of their good run. In reflective appraisal, Jessica said, “It was wild and crazy! Fast, but loose; definitely not the OCH ‘blanket’ of the past. That hurt us.” But not too badly, just to second place. Farmington, fully recovered from their three-couple debacle and a vanishing rabbit in the fives, pulled it all together in the eights with a 20-minute, roaring race that edged Bedlam for third. The First Lady of Beagledom Mandy Bobbitt’s Bedlam eight-couple pushed a rabbit twice ’round the stable woods to ground under the old stable’s locked tack room. As hounds marked hysterically, Ramsay Barrett “went to ground”; first banging on the walls, then reaching under the floor, to try to bolt Brer Rabbit, but to no avail. Another rabbit below the cabins afforded two short but uncoordinated runs, with hounds badly scattered. However, to use an old-timey British country term, ’twas “roaming good” fun! For all intents and purposes, Saturday ended the trials, because, for the three remaining eight-couple packs, Sunday was a disaster. Bitter cold, gale-force winds made hunting impossible. The vagaries of Virginia springtime weather—beautiful one day, brutal the next—severely tested hounds’ mettle all week, which in a way was more of a true test. The best flew, the rest crashed. As for Larry Bright, he’s still on a cloud high above it all. But don’t worry, we’ll run him to ground in November! Note: “Mothers’ Ruin” was the ancient nickname for gin.

The Ben Venue Beagles 3 Couple in full cry. Beth Opitz, MB, Huntsman.

The Still Meadow 3 Couple Jennifer Buckley, MB, Huntsman; with Whipper-in Cece Ivey and Cody Anderson. Junior Whipper-in Libby Crane (behind).

Middletown Valley 3 Couple with Mike Majors, Huntsman, and Judge Daniel Jones, MFH.

The Orlean Foot Beagles 3 Couple Ramsay Barrett, MB, Huntsman; Cece Ivey, Whipper-in.

HISTORY

IN & AROUND HORSE COUNTRY • SUMMER 2016

Enviable History By Barclay Rives

In 1980, Charlottesville lawyer and historian Bernard near the Albemarle/Louisa boundary, General Lee on TravChamberlain selected me to be his co-author of a book eler conducted the last full dress review of his army. about horses of Albemarle County. Our story would enAn Albemarle County native Benjamin Franklin compass equestrian glories from colonial days to the presFicklin (1827-1871) helped found the Pony Express and ent. He was in his 80s, had published books, and was a pillar served as its Manager. His brother, Slaughter W. Ficklin of the local Historical Society. I was in my 20s, and had (1816-1886), imported Percheron stallions and mares in written a few magazine articles. I was not his first choice. 1866 to his farm, Belmont, which is now part of CharThe hefty pile of clippings, magazines, and papers Bernard lottesville. Slaughter Ficklin became one of the country’s gave me included correspondence from other writers deleading stock farmers. clining his invitation to be co-author. My summons to After the Civil War, Captain R. J. Hancock estabChamberlain’s venerable home Midmont, near the Univerlished a successful Thoroughbred racehorse operation at sity of Virginia, usually coincided with cocktail hour. We Ellerslie farm, south of Charlottesville. His horse Eolus set devoted pleasant afternoons to research and wide-ranging several track records. The Hancock family enjoyed even discussion. greater renown after moving their business to Kentucky’s Bernard Chamberlain. Tom Cogill photo We had plenty of hoofprints to study, beginning with Claiborne Farm in the 20th Century. the 1669 expedition of John Lederer, commissioned by Governor William Despite the arrival of the automobile and motorized farm machinery, horses Berkeley, who believed California and the Pacific lay just beyond the Blue continued to flourish in 20th Century Albemarle. Foxhunters could ride with the Ridge. Lederer described an “eminent hill” historians believe was part of AlbeKeswick Hunt Club, Castle Hill Hounds, Charlottesville’s drag hunt, Albemarle marle’s Southwest Mountain range, from which he first viewed the “Apalataean Hunt, Farmington Hunt, or various private packs. Racehorse breeding and trainMountains.” Lederer subsequently had one of his Indian companions hold his ing barns proliferated. Throughout the century, the county boasted several of the horse while he proceeded to the crest of the Appalachian or Blue Ridge Mouncountry’s premier show horse barns. tains on foot. Though not a horseman himself, Bernard Chamberlain appreciated how imIn 1750, Dr. Thomas Walker led an expedition westward from Albemarle inportant horses were to Albemarle’s history and economy. Chamberlain was a cluding six men, eight horses, and five dogs. Walker and his men explored and Charlottesville institution. He was born in 1896 at Birdwood, a large brick home named the Cumberland Gap. Their canine companions hunted the buffalo, elk, now owned by the University of Virginia. He served in World War I as part of bear, and deer they needed for food. Sporting authority John Glass once asked UVa Base Hospital Unit 41 in France. He earned Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Law me for primary source evidence that Walker had owned a pack of foxhounds. degrees from UVa. In 1921 he set a University high jump record of 6’5 & 5/8,” When I cited a passage from Walker’s exploration journal about his dogs chaswhich stood until 1973. His powerful legs had asserted themselves years earlier, ing a large buck elk, John replied, “Sounds like foxhounds to me.” when he kicked the preacher’s glasses into the baptismal font as he was being British officer Thomas Anburey published an account of his wartime travbaptized. He was a croquet expert, and hosted a regular group of “Midmont Croels through America, including Albemarle County, in 1789. He describes how quetiers,” which included author Peter Taylor. Chamberlain published an autofarmers cut rings of bark from trees to kill them and convert forest to pasture. biography, A Good Life, as well as numerous articles and a book on winemaking. The massive dead trees would slowly rot and sometimes crash onto livestock. Chamberlain floated his equine history idea to local horsemen in the 1960s. Farmers utilized some of the timber for their crooked “snake” or “worm” fences. He mailed dozens of letters and questionnaires to likely subjects and supporters. Anburey notes that New Englanders used the expression “He is making Virginia The letter began: “Albemarle County has an enviable history and is today still fences,” to mean a person is walking drunk. making history in the field of breeding and showing fine horses.” Chamberlain’s Albemarle County’s most famous citizen Thomas Jefferson was “passionphrase “enviable history” evokes an image of other counties jealously glaring ately fond of a good horse,” according to Edmund Bacon, one of his overseers. over their boundaries at shining Albemarle. Questions included whether or not Jefferson utilized mules for plantation work, but he would not ride or drive anythe project was worthwhile, and would people be willing to be interviewed, supthing but a “high bred” horse. Bay was his favorite color. When he rode in a carply photographs, documents, and names of other worthy subjects. Most anriage pulled by four horses, he used two postilions, each rider controlling his swered favorably, but one respondent wrote, “Bernard, for a distinguished, able own pair. A slave named Israel Gillette was serving as postilion when Lafayette man like you to bother with horses, who already have too many devotees, would rode in a carriage with Jefferson in 1824. Gillette later recalled hearing Lafayette be to ‘fiddle while Rome burns.’” criticizing Jefferson and the country for maintaining the institution of slavery. The project languished for a dozen years until local photographer Tom Jefferson nearly drowned in the Rivanna River the year before, when he was 80, Cogill introduced me to Bernard Chamberlain as a prospective co-author. I reafter his horse Eagle fell in the water with him. turned to Midmont a few times every month, always at 4:30 pm. I interviewed Jefferson’s life and career might have ended much sooner, if not for bold some equestrians by myself, but we occasionally went calling together. We visJack Jouett and his bay mare Sallie. In June 1781, British Colonel Banastre Tarited an irritable lady in her sixties, who could hardly wait to get rid of us. Bernard leton and his dragoons swept towards Charlottesville, aiming to capture Virginia sighed as we drove away, “She’s like most young people. She doesn’t realize Governor Jefferson and members of the legislature. If captured, Jefferson might how important these things are.” She did not seem young from my perspective. face trial and hanging for treason. The patriots had fled Richmond ahead of the Another lady of similar vintage stood us up entirely. Bernard knocked on her invading British. Realizing Tarleton’s intentions as he saw the force pass by door and walked around the house calling her name. The lady’s daughter drove Cuckoo Tavern in Louisa County, Jack Jouett jumped upon “the best and fleetest up and told us she had gone to Richmond. Bernard and I were a peculiar pair. I of foot of any nag in seven counties.” He rode through the night and arrived in might have fled our approach if I had been in her place. A neighbor of mine had time to warn Jefferson, Patrick Henry, Thomas Nelson and the others. Virginialess sympathy for the offender, whom she knew. “What a disgraceful thing to do centric types maintain that Jouett’s ride was much more important strategically to someone Mr. Chamberlain’s age,” she said. “But I’m not surprised. I was inthan Paul Revere’s. They say Revere only became famous because of Longfelvited to her birthday party when she was five years old, and she locked herself low’s poem, which was successful because Revere is more easily rhymed than in her room and spent the whole time screaming out the window.” Jouett. Our project lost momentum as Bernard’s health declined. Charlottesville’s Albemarle County planters William Cabell Rives and Dr. John R. Woods Daily Progress reported the closing of his law office and retirement at age 86. imported Cleveland Bay stallions in the 1850s. Rives’ stallion Emperor won Another article mentioned that he had turned over material for a planned book prizes in Richmond and recognition that bringing such a fine specimen to Virabout local horses “to a young colleague.” Bernard Chamberlain died in 1983. ginia was “a public benefaction.” Napier, the first horse Woods purchased, died I have kept most of the papers he gave me, though I donated a few non-equesat sea. For his investment, Woods received only the horse’s halter and 15 silver trian items mixed in the pile to the historical society. His archive included wormedals Napier had won in England. He was later able to find a better shipper thy material, which I have used to write other articles and a Keswick Hunt Club named Symmetry, who arrived safely. history. The Chamberlain and Rives Albemarle horse saga remains unwritten. Albemarle County supplied horses and mules to the Confederacy. Its pasSoon I will need to bestow Bernard’s collection upon a young colleague tures and hay revived animals exhausted from campaigning. On April 29, 1864,

IN & AROUND HORSE COUNTRY â&#x20AC;¢ SUMMER 2016

IN & AROUND HORSE COUNTRY • SUMMER 2016

HOUND SHOWS By John J. Carle II, ex-MFH

Blue Ridge Wentworth Named Grand Champion Foxhound at Bryn Mawr

The object of any hound show should be to encourage the breeding of hounds best suited to show sport… The judges should never lose sight of that object in making their awards, for on their decisions may rest the responsibility of many foxhounds of the future. A.H. Higginson, MFH

As the oldest hound show in America, Bryn Mawr has produced in profusion hounds of the type of which Mr. Higginson was speaking. At the conclusion of this, the 102nd renewal, the podium was awash with hounds blessed with presence, grace and athleticism; so, if fashion serves purpose, they should show sport. Typically festive, Friday night’s cocktails and dinner were enlivened by whip-cracking and horn-blowing competitions. In the former Golden’s Bridge’s Richard Knowlton won with a thunderous barrage. The hornblowing was hotly contested in both amateurs and professionals. Ardrossan Beagles’ Stockton Illoway, MB, bested an uncharacteristically anemic amateur field; but National Champion Potomac’s Brian Kiely had to survive a blow-off to edge Andy Bozdan from Loudoun Fairfax and Sewickley’s perennial ribbon-winner, John Tabachka. As the festivities wound down, hounds were paying homage to Sirius, joyously singing in their kennels. Bowing to the tradition of its beginning, when English hounds reigned supreme in the eyes and hearts of many, the Bryn Mawr catalogue opens with the English division. As judge, Mooreland Joint Master Dr. John R. “Jock” Moody’s appetite was satisfied all day with a generous helping of “eye candy.” Quick of eye and decisive, he sorted hounds with efficiency and accuracy, presenting Apprentice Judge Steve Thomas, ex-MFH Fort Leavenworth, a stellar model for the future. As has been the case so often in recent years, Clark County, Virginia’s Blue Ridge Hunt profited from Senior Master Linda Armbrust’s knowledge, experience and unerring instinct in molding an extraordinary breeding program; and this year they dominated the division. However, they were determinedly challenged by an exquisite entry from Charleston, SC’s Lowcountry Hunt, superbly produced and shown by Martyn Blackmore. Martyn’s droll sense of humor kept this ring from falling afoul of the stodginess of years past. Blue Ridge “Ransom,” a son of the stunning “Barnfield” ’10, won Unentered Dog over BRH “Ranger” and Loudoun Fairfax “Warrior.” In Entered Dogs, BRH “Wentworth” ’15 (third in Virginia) ticked all the boxes to edge Lowcountry’s Old English “Huckleberry” ’14 and Green Spring Valley “Fanshaw” ’14. “Wentworth” then pipped 2014 winner, GSV “Fanshaw” ’14 and Amwell Valley “Hardaway” ’11 to the wire in the Stallion Hound race. Finally, “Wentworth” collected the tri-color over his unentered kennelmate, “Ransom.” In Unentered Bitch, Blue Ridge “Goodness,” a daughter of Hillsboro “Kingpin” ’11, Stallion Hound winner in Virginia, took the nod over BR “Barfield’s” daughter, Amwell Valley “Bounty,” and Loudoun Fairfax “Wicked.” In Entered Bitch, BRH “Breezy” ’15 left the other would-be stars, including LCH “Hensbane” ’14 (2016 Champion Bitch) and LF “Speckle” ’14, in the wings. Two of Blue Ridge’s Mendip Farmers’ drafts, “Stylish” ’11 and “Goldfinch” ’12, topped Brood Bitch, with AV “Abbey” ’13 in third. In the competition for Champion Bitch, three lovely Blue Ridge bitches flew across the ring like sisters of Sinuvia; but it was “Breezy” ’15 whose falcon-like grace garnered the tip of Jack Moody’s bowler, with kennelmate “Stylish” ’11 in Reserve. At the end of the in-ring activities, it was “Wentworth” ’15 (Mendip Farmer’s “Wentworth” ’11 x their “Stylish” ’11) who wore the Crossbred Champion’s garland, and gazed smugly down at “Breeezy” in Reserve.

In other classes, Lowcountry’s “Huckleberry” ’14 (Amwell Valley “Hubert” ’05 x Warrenton “Patience” ’07) dominated the Old English division, repeating as Champion over his littermate “Hensbane.” In the Pack Class, Loudoun Fairfax Huntsman Andy Bozdan presented his pack to perfection to edge Lowcountry and Amwell Valley. In the American ring, the Potomac Hunt excelled in most of the classes; but at day’s end it was Orange County popping the cork. Brian Kiely’s charges opened with a win in Unentered Dog with “Knole” over VA winner OCH “Mentor” and Red Oak “Doc.” OCH “Kermit” ’15 then struck out Potomac’s “Ace” ’15 and “Keegan” ’14 in Entered Dog. “Kermit,” (Potomac “Kadillac” ’12 x OCH “Pernod” ’09) filled out and more balanced this year, gave fair warning in Stallion Hound, beating 2015 winner Potomac “Templeton” ’12 and brother “Telford.” “Templeton” then edged “Kadillac” when shown with three get. The Doghound Championship was an interesting, hardfought contest by a ringfull of quality hounds; but it was “Kermit’s” leggy grace that earned final accolades from Judge Dennis Foster, to ease “Kadillac” into Reserve, and leave 2012 and 2015 champion “Templeton” a bewildered onlooker. Millbrook dove in the deep end in Unentered Bitch, surfacing with winner “Taboo,” a classy youngster by Rombout “Tinker” ’11, who shaded OCH “Brazen” and PH “Know It All.” Rombout, a dominant pack here in years bye, has been sadly absent recently. Entered Bitch winner, PH “Keystone” ’14, is bred “in the purple.” Her sire, the incomparable “Jefferson” ’05, was MFHA Centennial American Foxhound, and a multiple winner everywhere, including seven consecutive wins here in Stallion Hound with Get. Her dam, “Kestral” ’09, has been prolific with winning produce over the years. “Keystone” beat OCH “Keeper” ’15 and “Cadence” ’15 in Entered Bitch. OCH “Royalty” ’12 snatched the blue in Brood Bitch from 2014 Champion American Foxhound, PH “Knickers” ’13, a daughter of “Kestral,” with OCH “Pernod” ’11 in third. This all set up a Bitch Championship class filled with elegance in which, when the last biscuit was thrown, youth was served. It was Millbrook toasting Potomac as “Keystone” wore the tri-color and “Taboo” the Reserve rosette. Judge Foster over the years has seemed to favor the doghound in championships; and so he leaned this year, favoring the solid masculinity of OCH “Kermit” ’15 over the feminine fluidity of PH “Keystone” ’14. Later, in a walkover, Potomac won the Pack Class. Deep Run Hunt couple, Coleman Perrin, ex-MFH, and Ginny Perrin, MFH, had a plate filled to overflowing in the Crossbred ring. Luckily both are premier judges, with a wealth of knowledge and experience upon which to call. Unentered Dog was a time-schedule killer with 24 high quality entries. In a reversal of their Virginia placing, Green Spring Valley “Fencer” topped a travel-weary Midland “Stinger.” Newcomer to Bryn Mawr, Bridlespur was third with “Pendleton.” Entered Dog saw a repeat of the Virginia result when Midland “Striker” ’15 made a triumphant BMHS debut. Quite tucked-up from travel, his endless stride was no less awesome as he easily outdistanced GSV “Nacho” ’15 and Howard County-Iron Bridge “Jester” ’15. Stocky and bob-tailed, Midland “Rocket” ’11, 2nd in Virginia, headed the Stallion Hound lineup, followed by Lowcountry “Dahoo” ’13 and Elkridge-Harford “Transit” ’13. Stallion with Get went to “Rocket” as well, over E-H “Parker” ’13 and GSV “Fanshaw” ’13. In the Doghound Championship Midland “Striker” ’15 (Midland “Rocket” ’11 x Staffordshire Moorland “Stunning” ’11) easily turned back the challenge of 2015 Champion GSV “Nomad” ’14.

Champion Beagle. Middletown Valley “Beauty.”

Grand Champion Fox Hound of the Show. Blue Ridge. “Wentworth.”

Best in Show Winner. Monkton Hall “Ribbon” celebrates.

Jim Faber, Huntsman & Chris Faber, Whipper-in. Marlboro Hunt - PMD Pack winners.

IN & AROUND HORSE COUNTRY • SUMMER 2016

Elkridge-Harford, absent from showing recently, stormed back in their traditional form to go one-two in Unentered Bitch with “Madam” and “Tessa,” Reserve Champion in Virginia. Hillsboro-bred Midland “Nettle” was third. Scratched in Virginia, Midland “Shilo” ’15 kept it in the family in Entered Bitches, matching ribbons with her brother “Striker”. New Market-Middletown “Stellar” ’15, Virginia winner and “Shilo’s” sister, was third. Midland’s run continued in Brood Bitch when their “Irene” ’12 (fourth in Virginia) won over E-H “Ruffian” and HC-IB “Zag” ’11, who went on to win with her produce over NM-MV “Ruffian” ’10 and E-H “Morning” ’11. The Georgians then iced their cake by taking both Bitch Champion and Reserve with “Shilo” ’12 and “Irene” ’12. The Fourth Green Spring Valley Hounds Trophy, retired in 1993 and returned as a perpetual by Midland, once more will grace that Columbus, Georgia Trophy room, wearing the proud name of “Striker” ’15. “Shilo” sat obediently in Reserve. In accompanying Crossbred classes, NM-MV “Orca” ’09 won the Veterans Class over her sister, “Octane” and GSV “Perfect” ’10. The Robert M. Six Memorial award for best handler was unanimously awarded to Midland Huntsman Ken George. And finally, Elkridge-Harford turned back the clock with an exuberant and polished win in their trademark, the pack class. The homeboys from Radnor were a crowd-favorite second, Midland third, and Rose Tree-Blue Mountain a deserved fourth for Huntsman Sean Cully, MFH. Sorting the Penn-Marydels was one of the country’s most talented and experienced judges and a director of the United Kennel Club, Wayne Cavanaugh. For years one of the AKC’s premier all-breed judges, he is now the severest critic of that organization’s skewed standards and practices. In a ring just as crowded as the Crossbred, his unerring eye kept things rollin’ along like Old Man River. In the fairly small Listed Division, top honors were shared by the established Lewisville Hunt and relative newcomer, Teresa and Harry Miller’s Rawlings, Virginia, Red Oak Foxhounds, who had done well in both the PMD and American rings at Virginia. Marlborough opened the bidding by winning Unentered Dog with Virginia winner “Zappo,” closely followed by Red Oak “Eager” and “Elliot,” both sired by Reedy Creek “Soda” ’10. Now defunct, Reedy Creek was Red Oak’s parent hunt. Red Oak struck again in Unentered Bitch, winning with “Elsie” and third with “Eloise” behind AB “Query.” Entered Dog went to Red Oak “Angler” ’14, followed by Golden’s Bridge “Guiness” ’14 and “Grant” ’10. Lewisville’s “Katy” ’15 and “Joy” ’14 were one-three in Entered Bitch, sandwiching 2015 Listed Champion AB “Oboe” ’14. This year, for Champion, 2014 and 2015 Champion Lewisville “Kastille” ’10 returned to make it a three-peat, with Best of Opposite Sex going to Red Oak “Elsie.” Andrews Bridge opened the Registered division with flourish and promise, sweeping Unentered Dog with “Quince,” “Quixote” and “Quiver,” sons of Millbrook “Humphrey” ’11. In the 18-strong Entered Dog, AB “Online” ’14 took home the Harry I. Nicholas, Jr. MFH Trophy, leaving 2nd and 3rd to kennelmate “Pinecone” ’15 and BGH “Smurf” ’15. The James I. Culleton, MFH Memorial Trophy for Best Stallion Hound will now have engraved upon it the name of Green Spring Valley “Knox” ’14. AB “Kodiak” ’14 followed in second with Marlborough “Rolex” ’11 third. It was of interest to note that the only two hounds listed in the catalogue as sired by the great show hound GBH “Phoenix” ’12 were entered in this class. AB “Kodiak” ’14 was Best Unentered in 2014, but brother “Kendol” was drafted to and shown by Red Oak. Perhaps “Phoenix” doesn’t hunt as well as he showed. The Golden’s Bridge winning streak in Champion Registered Dog ended at six, as AB “Online” ’14 snagged the

Somers Trophy, bumping kennelmate “Quince” into line behind him. Andrews Bridge “Quilt” opened the bitch classes with a win in Unentered, followed by GBH “Amber” and AB “Quilt.” Quite a litter, the AB “Q’s”! Golden’s Bridge “Sunday” ’15 took it to the hoop in Entered Bitch, blocking out AB “Pinot” ’15 and “Motion” ’12. When the dust settled in Brood Bitch, AB “Onward” ’14 stood in the spotlight, leaving GBH “Pippa” ’12 and River Hills “Izzy” ’10 gazing longingly. Then AB “Onward” ’14 duplicated her brother’s championship win, easing GBH “Sunday” into the Reserve slot. The PMD Championship was all Andrews Bridge, with “Online” reigning and “Onward” his lady-in-waiting. In related classes, AB “Jury” ’09 proved least geriatric of the veterans, doddering ahead of GBH “Keeper” ’09 and RH “Hurry” ’06. The Centennial Cup for best unentered hound was awarded to the doghound, AB “Quince.” Finally, the Marlborough five-couple put on a precision performance for Huntsman Jim Faber to closely edge Andrews Bridge and Golden’s Bridge. Grand Champion Foxhound Midland “Striker” ’15 approached the competition for Grand Champion Foxhound of the Show with a good chance of being only the second hound to win back-toback titles (Virginia and Bryn Mawr), following the lead of the incomparable Golden’s Bridge “Phoenix” ’12. To those of us who had seen him at Morven Park, he was the clear favorite. However, the best laid plans, as Robert Burns observed, “gang aft agley.” Blue Ridge “Wentworth” ’15, Orange County “Kermit” ’15, and Andrews Bridge “Online” ’14 awaited the challenge. It was immediately apparent when he stepped on stage that Judge Ian Farquhar, MFH, The Duke of Beaufort’s, and this year’s Julian Marshall Award winner, had eyes only for the English and Crossbred champions. “Kermit” got barely a look, and although Ian had encouraging words for Huntsman Adam Townsend, “Online” was also quickly out of consideration. The competition was then between hounds of distinctly different types: “Striker,” tall and leggy, with a huge stride—graceful and flowing, but looking drawn and rather light, and “Wentworth,” compact, beautifully proportioned and balanced, a graceful, athletic mover with immense presence. Watching them race after biscuits was mesmerizing…until a mid-race collision left “Striker” briefly lame and with his confidence bruised. He recovered quickly, and both dogs flew across the greensward until the judge signaled his choice. Pointing to “Wentworth,” he announced, “I’ve chosen the English dog!” As both amazed gasps and approving cheers erupted, Mr. Farquar explained his choice, praising the Crossbred dog’s overall class, but expressing his opinion that “Wentworth’s” balance and more compact conformation would outlast “Striker’s” more greyhoundy physique and “lack of bone.” And so it was that this exquisite example of the Modern English Hound earned the Midland/Hardaway trophy and the Blue Ridge faithful poured the bubbly! Best of Show Then came the “Apples and Oranges” class, Best in Show. With “Wentworth” watching from the sidelines, Monkton Hall’s basset “Ribbon” ’12 and the beagle winner, Middletown Valley “Beauty” ’12 went through their paces. The rough-coated basset put on an exuberant show, her face seemingly wreathed in smiles. Probably exhausted by the plethora of extraneous classes that prolong things endlessly in her ring, the quite lovely beagle’s performance was less enthusiastic. Beaming, the judge pointed to the basset, saying, “I can’t resist the fuzzies!” Pandemonium broke loose—cheers and tears—as announcer David Herr immediately proclaimed Monkton Hall “Ribbon” ’12 Champion of the

Loudoun Fairfax Huntsman Andy Bozdan with winning English Pack.

1st - Crossbred Pack Class : Elkridge-Harford Hunt with Huntsman Geoff Hyde.

Show. But judge Farquar, a look of horror on his face, stood shocked: he’d not had the chance to judge foxhound against basset; and now it seemed too late, too cruel even, to protest. Poor Ian fell victim to a lack of communication from show management and the announcer’s premature pronouncement. What the result might have been is now and forevermore conjecture. At any rate, the happily laughing ladies from Monkton Hall went dancing kennelward for a festival of fizz, and the crowd wended its way to Paul and Ester Gansky’s for their post-show extravaganza. It had been a delightful show, with most classes running smoothly despite a few niggling inconsistencies that are easily remedied. And as always here, the atmosphere was warmly welcoming, with happiness abounding in every ring: the winners were gracious, the losers sportingly and sincerely lavish in their praise and congratulations. So many happy memories: Jack Moody, in the English ring, so astutely fulfilling his enormous potential as a judge; the Anglo-Irish hi-jinx in the beagle ring between judges Charmian Green, MFH, The Warwickshire, and Tony Leahy, MFH, The Fox River Valley; getting to compare ideas and ideals with a judge of such extraordinary talent and vast experience as Wayne Cavanaugh; and lastly, the very late hours avidly discussing hounds and hunting with Tony Leahy “over the decanter,” as College Valley Master Martin Letts so aptly describes it. And, of course, breakfasts at Alex and George Hundt’s exquisite stone hideaway, where the craic and hospitality are of premium grade. Alex’s sausage must surely be of the Maes y Deri variety, which “Horse and Hound’s” George Boyer claims “…are indeed the cure for the common hangover,” for they worked a treat! Remembering will tide us over till next year. A hound’s working characteristics of toughness, drive, voice and low-scenting ability far outweigh their beauty in the show ring. Frank Houghton Brown, ex MFH Note: According to Isaak Dineson, in Norse mythology, Sinuvia and her sisters could change into falcons.

IN & AROUND HORSE COUNTRY • SUMMER 2016

FIELD HUNTERS Junior North American Field Hunter Championship Gears Up For a Busy Fall

Allison Nicely (Loudoun Fairfax Hunt) riding Meadow Fox Jubilation at the 2015 JNAFHC Finals hosted by Old Dominion Hounds, Orlean, Virginia. Richard Clay photo

What began 14 years ago as a competition for juniors held in Virginia, Maryland, and Pennsylvania has now caught on in several additional states including Kentucky, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Ohio, Alabama, and Massachusetts. A major indication of the JNAFHC’s growing popularity is that current MFHA president Dr. Jack van Nagell extended his invitation that the finals for this year’s competition be hosted by his home club, Kentucky’s Iroquois Hunt. In preparation for the qualifying meets that begin in late September, clinics are being held over the summer to teach juniors about hunting and hound work. This program is designed to achieve several important goals. Number one is for juniors to come together, get to know each other, form friendships that may last a lifetime, and enjoy foxhunting. Seeing juniors embrace the sport is a vivid way to remind hunt members how important juniors are to preserving both foxhunting and the countryside. Hosting qualifying meets is also an opportunity for hunts to work together by inviting juniors from neighboring clubs and by jointly promoting the benefits of the program. The JNAFHC is proving to be a valuable tool to encourage more cooperation among clubs and thus strengthen the bonds of foxhunting throughout the country. Juniors travel around to different participating hunts, enjoy hunting in new territory, and learn about the different hound packs. We encourage everyone who cares about the future of foxhunting to help support the JNAFHC. For more information, go to www.jnafhc.com or call Marion Chungo at 540-220-7292.

EVENTING Great Meadow to Host FEI Nations Cup of Eventing

Great Meadow is hosting the first FEI Nations Cup of Eventing ever held in America on July 8th-10th. The Land Rover Great Meadow International presented by Adequan will draw top teams from Europe as well from Australia, Canada, and Mexico to face the US team that will represent us at the Olympics, just 30 days later. The competition will be the first held in a brand new $1 million, all-weather arena built specifically to bring more World class competition to our area. The event opens to a “Free on Friday” promotion on July 8th. Tickets are $30/carload for either Saturday or Sunday, $50/carload for the whole weekend. More info at www.greatmeadowinternational.com.

IN & AROUND HORSE COUNTRY • SUMMER 2016

HORSE RACING

Horses and People to Watch Virginia Equine Alliance

New Mid-Atlantic Race Day Card To Feature Both Virginia-bred & Maryland-bred Stakes Virginia-bred horses will get a chance to compete in a second “showcase” type day in Maryland this year on Saturday, June 25th at Pimlico. The event is part of a new “Mid- Atlantic Day” race card that will feature a series of three stakes and two maiden races exclusively for registered Virginia-bred/sired horses. This program will complement the annual VirginiaBred Stakes Day slated for September 24th at Laurel, where five long time $60,000 stakes will be run. “Mid-Atlantic Day” is the highlight of Pimlico’s closing weekend and includes a trio of new $60,000 Virginia-bred stakes that will be held for the first time—the Nellie Cox (3 & up girls on turf, 1 1/16 miles), the Edward Evans (3 & up boys on turf, 1 1/16 miles), and the White Oak Farm (5 furlongs, turf). A pair of $30,000 Virginia-bred maiden races will also be contested—one for boys and one for girls—ages 3 & up, respectively, on turf at 5 furlongs.

Away We Go, bred by Carolyn Nicewonder, won the $60,000 Jamestown Stakes last fall at Laurel as a 2 year old. The Jamestown, along with four other Virginia-bred stakes, will be held at Laurel again September 24th. Jim McCue photo

Virginia Breeder Nellie Mae Cox, who passed away earlier this year, will have a $60,000 Virginia-bred stakes race named in her honor as part of the Mid Atlantic Day program at Pimlico June 25th. Photo courtesy of VTA

Maryland-bred horses will also be showcased in a pair of $75,000 stakes that afternoon. The All Brandy Stakes, for fillies and mares 3 and up, and the Find Stakes, for 3-year-olds, will be run at 1 1/18 miles on the turf course. The afternoon’s five stakes combined will offer $330,000 in purse monies. The third annual Virginia-bred Stakes Day at Laurel this fall will again feature the Oakley, Bert Allen, Jamestown, Brookmeade, and Punch Line Stakes. More details will be available at http://www.virginiahorseracing.com in the coming days. New Bonus Program For Owners Of VirginiaBred Horses To Be Implemented The Virginia Horsemen’s Benevolent & Protective Association (VHBPA) and the Virginia Thoroughbred Association (VTA) announced plans to implement a new Owner’s Bonus program that will reward owners of Virginia-bred horses that win an overnight race at Mid-Atlantic region racetracks. The new bonus program, slated to begin July 1st, will add a 25% bonus to the purse earnings of any Virginia-bred that wins an unrestricted overnight race at a Maryland, West Virginia, Delaware, New Jersey, New York, or Pennsylvania track. There will be a $10,000 cap on any single reward.

“We hope this new program will help current owners of Virginia-breds while we rebuild our race program in Virginia,” said VHBPA Executive Director Frank Petramalo. “Virginia Breeders have always produced a quality product. This new regional owner’s program added to our nationwide Breeder’s program will help boost the appeal of Virginia-breds in the market place.” Implementation of the program is dependent on approval of the Virginia Racing Commission at its June 21st meeting but the VHBPA Board felt that it should market the program immediately so that owners and trainers can make future plans.” Flat Races On Virginia Gold Cup Card at Great Meadow Feature Deep Fields Again The 91st running of the Virginia Gold Cup Races took place at Great Meadow on May 7th and the afternoon featured five steeplechase and four flat races. A crowd of 70,000 enjoyed the festivities in great weather, which followed two days of rain. The flat races all featured deep fields and were sponsored by the Virginia HBPA. Jonathan Sheppard’s Rum Tum Tugger completed a thrilling come from behind stretch drive to score a close win over Silver Lime in the $50,000, 1½ miles Secretariat Stakes, featured flat event on the Gold Cup card. The 7 year old Afleet Alex gelding started among a field of 11, was 8th at the half and 6th at the 1¼ miles point before going to the far outside. Rum Tum Tugger passed five frontrunners including Ack Feisty, who led from the start, in a huge deep stretch move, crossed in 2:56 1/5 and beat runner-up Silver Lime by less than a length. Rider Willie McCarthy directed the effort atop the Kentucky-bred whose stable personnel said this stakes was their goal for the winner all year. Most recently, he had raced on dirt three times in allowance company at Penn National and tried to get a turf tightener in at Laurel several weeks ago in advance of the Secretariat stakes, but did not get in.

The VHBPA Maiden Flat had a pair of $30,000 divisions and even though the winners weren’t bred in the Commonwealth, Virginia connections played a prominent role in victory. Susan Cooney’s West Virginia-bred Rodie stayed close to front-running Di Treviso in the first race, took over at three-quarters and went on to win by a length in 1:46.0. The 4 year old Stephen Got Even gelding’s only other life start came at Charles Town last September, where he finished 10th in a maiden special weight race. Rider Barry Foley guided the effort against a field of twelve including Lilith Boucher’s Jump Ship, who finished second but was disqualified for bumping Mr. Bossy. Surprising Soul was second and Holiday Queen finished third. In the second maiden flat, Middle Road went gate to wire and won his first lifetime race after nine outings. Owned by Middleburg resident Magalen O. Bryant, the 4 year old Outflanker gelding was sent off at 12-1 and handled the nine other challengers rather easily. He crossed in 1:48.0, 2¼ lengths over runner-up Bird Call, a James Lawrence trainee. 2015 Virginia Trainer of the Year Jimmy Day entered Irishbred Dai Bando and the 5 year old Montjeu gelding finished third. Interestingly, the $2 trifecta payout was $78.60 while the $2 exacta returned $973.40. Virginia-bred Willisville captured the final 1¼ miles, $35,000 race, which was open to Virginia-bred or sired horses. The 4 year old Grand Reserve gelding’s last start was a 4th place finish on last year’s Gold Cup card. Owned and trained by Middleburg resident Jean Rofe, Willisville raced second to frontrunning Hooping through the third fraction, eased by and won by 2½ lengths in 1:47.0. Jeff Murphy was aboard the victor, who paid $15.60. Willisville, out of the Thunder Gulch mare Naturally, was bred by Mr. & Mrs. Bertram Firestone. Hooping, who finished second, is a 6 year old by Malibu Moon out of Long N Lanky by Cozzene. He was bred by the Hickory Tree Farm. Gumper, a 5 year old Even The Score gelding, was bred by Quest Realty.

IN & AROUND HORSE COUNTRY • SUMMER 2016

ACROSS THE POND

A Mid-Wales Country Show By Jim Meads May Day, 2016, was very special for me! I left home at 9:30 a.m. and drove five miles to the Maesmawr Hall Hotel, where I met up with two of my best American friends, Marion Maggiolo and Jean Roberts, from my favorite American store, “Horse Country,” in Warrenton, Virginia. Then I escorted them to the David Davies Hunt’s annual country show, held in the lovely River Severn Valley of Mid-Wales, at Llandinam, where hounds have been kenneled since 1905.

The morning was spent with numerous classes for ponies and horses, including show jumping. After lunch, it was the turn of terriers, lurchers, and pedigreed dogs, and, more importantly, a show for Welsh, Fell and Hill Foxhounds. There were big entries for the Welsh section, with former Toronto & North York Huntsman Mark Powell showing Brecon & Talybont “Damper” to take the first class. Sennybridge Farmers’ “Tommy” took the Entered Dogs, while the

David Davies Hunt Country Show May 1, 2016 Hound judging in lovely open Mid-Wales country.

David Davies Hunt Country Show Champion Fell Hound and Champion Unentered Hound Teme Valley “Liberty” with Huntsman David Savage and sponsor Hannah Richards.

David Davies Hunt Country Show Best Unentered Welsh Dog Brecon & Talybont “Damper” with Huntsman Mark Powell, MFH.

David Davies Hunt Country Show Cochin Price judging the top five Entered Welsh Bitches.

David Davies Hunt Country Show Best Entered Welsh Dog Sennybridge Farmers “Tommy” with Huntsman Ian Hawkins.

David Davies Hunt Country Show Champion Hill Hound Sennybridge Farmers “Pastel” with Huntsman Ian Hawkins.

Towy & Cothi scored in both classes of bitches, with the Championship going to their “Delyn.” The Fells were dominated by the Brecon & Talybont and the Teme Valley, with the latter pack’s “Liberty” named Champion. In the Hills, the Sennybridge Farmers came out on top, with “Pastel” being Champion. Finally, the Supreme Championship was awarded to Towy & Cothi “Delyn,” to the delight of the Welsh Hound supporters.

David Davies Hunt Country Show Best Unentered Welsh Bitch Towy & Cothi “Bramble” with Hunt Chairman Clair Yeo.

David Davies Hunt Country Show Jean Roberts, ex-MFH is well wrapped up against the cold with Welsh Hound Judge Cochin Price.

David Davies Hunt Country Show Best Entered Fell Dog Brecon & Talybont “Ranter” with Huntsman Mark Powell, MFH.

David Davies Hunt Country Show Champion Welsh Hound and Supreme Champion Towy & Cothi “Delyn” with Meinir Evans.

IN & AROUND HORSE COUNTRY • SUMMER 2016

JENNY’S PICKS Author Vicky Moon was in the store recently and signed a number of copies of her latest beautiful equestrianthemed book, The Stylish Life – Equestrian. She let me in on a tip: she’s working on a novel to be situated in the Upperville area, and it will feature the equestrian/ foxhunting life prominently. More than that I can’t say; after all, it’s still in progress. Naturally we will let you know as soon as it comes out. She also said The Middleburg Mystique has been reprinted; let me know if you’d like a copy. Moon, Vicky. The Stylish Life – Equestrian. The author of The Middleburg Mystique and Equestrian Style has produced yet another lavish coffee-table book featuring the equestrian lifestyle. About equally featured are the horses themselves and the people who enjoy them, from stable attire to Royal Ascot finery, and the high-profile sports in which they engage: showing, racing, and polo. This one is heavily international in subject matter with the usual lovely color photos and illustrations. Autographed! Hardcover, 176 pp. $55.00 Brown, Rita Mae. Tall Tail. Now in stock! The next in the Sneaky Pie Brown Series. Harry is on her way home on a stormy day when an oncoming vehicle nearly drives into her before crashing. She recognizes the dead driver, a nurse friend who has been caring for a former Virginia governor and assisting him with his autobiography. Harry immediately wonders what happened; she was not in ill health, and she seemed to be unconscious before the crash. Reappearing in this mystery are the 18th-century characters introduced in her previous book, now married, who have their own problems to solve, including a murder. Hardcover, 352pp. $27.00

HORSE COUNTRY BOOKSELLERS Specialists in New, Old & Rare Books on Horses, Foxhunting, Eventing, Polo, Racing, Steeplechasing & Sporting Art 60 Alexandria Pike, Warrenton, VA 20186 • 800-882-HUNT • 540-347-3141 Club was honored to present a tea at a local estate with the Duchess of Rutland speaking on the landscaping of Belvoir Castle. While poking around in the castle archives, they discovered the original landscaping plan created by none other than the highly popular landscape architect, Lancelot “Capability” Brown. While it does not appear that much of it was put into effect at the time it was proposed, the Duchess is endeavoring to correct that lapse by renovating the gardening to reflect his plans. All the attendees at the tea were given a signed copy of her beautiful book, which is lavishly illustrated with color photos of each area as well as copies of Brown’s plan and other historical artwork. We are offering this on behalf of the Garden Club; we have a limited number of signed copies available, so order now! Hardcover, 221pp. $60.00

Hart, Alice. Friends at My Table/Recipes for a Year of Eating, Drinking, and Making Merry. The author has assembled twelve menus, three for each season, and varied in the number of guests they will serve. Scattered among the recipes is a variety of information tidbits: several pages of what’s in season each season, equipment and techniques, rules for cooking for a crowd, tips on wild foraging, table setting and decoraEmma, Duchess of Rutland. Capability Brown & tion, building a firepit, and even “wild swimming.” Belvoir/Discovering a Lost Landscape. On the same Mouthwatering recipes for drinks, salads, main courses day as the Virginia Hound Show, the Warrenton Garden and desserts can be adjusted to fit the necessity. Some

FOXHOUNDS

samples: apricot and first raspberry lattice tart; sweet pepper sausage rolls; lemon and cardamom chicken thighs; Georgina’s toasted couscous with green leaves; pineapple and ginger fizz. Hardcover, 192pp. $24.95 By the time you receive this, we should have in stock a book about the most recent Triple Crown winner, American Pharoah. Drape, Joe. American Pharoah/The Untold Story of the Triple Crown Winner’s Legendary Rise. I have not seen the book yet, so I cannot review further, but this has received good reports. Joe Drape wrote Black Maestro, one of two biographies of the black jockey Jimmy Winkfield, which was definitely a good read. Hardcover, 304pp. $27.00 Finally, we will have a new Felix Francis mystery in October, Triple Crown, again featuring Jefferson Hinkley, who has been sent to the US Federal Anti-Corruption in Sports Agency (FACSA) where he has been asked to find the mole in their organization who is passing on confidential information to those under suspicion in American racing. Action begins at the Kentucky Derby—where three favorites become ill the morning of the race—and segues to Belmont Park in New York. As usual, murders abound, and also as usual, our hero is in the thick of it. Order yours now! Hardcover, 384pp. $27.00

87th Annual New England Hunt Foxhound Show Hosted by Green Mountain Hounds, New Haven, Vermont, Sunday, May 1, 2016 Judging performed by Lt. Col. Dennis Foster, US Army Retired, Executive Director of the MFHA; and Mary Ewing, Esq., MFH, Arapahoe Hunt Eric Schneider Photos

Zack Wolk of Wentworth Hunt placed second in Junior Handlers Ages 7-11.

Cathy Leinart, MFH, Tanheath Hunt presenting Huntsman Heather Player and hounds of the Norfolk Hunt the pack class trophy.

Huntsman Heather Player and hounds of the Norfolk Hunt, winners of the pack class.

Best in Show winner Myopia Gammel ’12 with Myopia Huntsman Phillip Headdon. Trophy presented by Terence Hook, MFH, and Christa Kemp, MFH.

Ms. Christa Kemp, MFH, Green Mountain Hounds, presenting Norfolk huntsman Heather Player with the trophy for Best English Hound, Myopia Lithium ’11

AGA’S SAGAS

IN & AROUND HORSE COUNTRY • SUMMER 2016

Three’s Company

Although Warrenton is a bustling center and a focus of the foxhunting universe, it is at heart a quiet town of quaint streets, old houses, and good folks who like things drama-free. My Marion has always asked me to be discreet in the telling of tales. Well, one afternoon, an odd occurrence happened in Horse Country. A dear woman and longtime resident of the area—I’ll call her Lady A—came in for her weekly catch-up visit. She was from an old Warrenton family and had been married to the son and heir of another old Warrenton family. She and Marion walked to the back of the store—it all happens in the boot department—to talk privately and try on summer shoes. I was reclining in my 2:00 resting spot under the carriage. An’ Ah was perched upon a storm-blasted craig overlookin’ the entire moor and loch, icy gusts Lady A ruffling m’hair and drying out m’eyes as Ah scanned the valley for signs of the great elk, the best o’ game. Actually, Bunsen was asleep in his Zebra chair. But it seems he was enjoying quite a dream. The store wasn’t too busy and I was lulled by the indistinguishable voices at the back of the store. The front door opened with a start, the buzzer went off and woke my dreaming roommate. Spotting Bunsen in his chair, the woman—we shall call this one Lady B—who purposefully entered the store, was taken with Bunsen. “Hey, Big Boy,” she cooed in a distinct Northern accent. (I have to be discreet about that particular accent.) Isn’t our Marion originally from New Jersey? Oops. Well, Bunsen’s head rose and his ears perked up. She gave him a rather flat-palmed pat on the head and moved into the store, drawn to the pillow and throw department (which looked rather nice since it had just been tidied up and color-coordinated by Kim). Meanwhile, Marion told me later that Lady A, at the back of the store, heard the Lady B voice with the Northern accent and her head jerked up and swung around to look toward the entrance. Unable to see who belonged to the voice (the store is a bit over stocked and piled to the rafters for summer), she and Marion went on with the conversation. Now, you have to picture this. Bunsen gets out of his chair and glides across the floor to the pillow section. Anyone who calls him “Big Boy,” he will follow around like a puppy. So I move from under the carriage to the front of the Zebra chair where Debbie picks me up and sets me gently in the chair as she heads to the children’s department to help a woman and her two daughters with our popular essential camp package. The front door opens again, the chime goes off, and in walks a well-known show trainer, very TB (tan and blonde). “You must be Aga!” I lift my head to see a lovely smiling face leaning over me and a manicured hand, with an OMG diamond, maybe the hugest I have ever seen, reaches over and lets me sniff her hand, the correct thing to do. I say, OK, you can pet me. She ruffles my ears, twirls her fingers under my beard, rubs my chest and says, “I read your column faithfully. I am your biggest fan.” This woman is Lady C. So, I thought it was going to be that sort of a day. Fans from out of town stopping in to shop and worship in the garden of horsey delights my Marion has delicately grown for these 46 years. Boy, was I wrong! As the events leading up to what was about to occur took place before I became part of the Horse Country team, I’ve asked Marion to add a note of explanation to set the scene. “I don’t know how it happened but, I must say, the women all handled it well. You see, the women—A, B and C—all married the same man. A married him first, when he was young and handsome with lots of prospects. B stole him from A in a huge scandal that rocked our little town. Then he dumped B for C and C, the last wife, got the big diamond. Typical storyline, really. At the risk of writing this saga like a Quentin Tarrantino script, here is what follows: A, at the back of the store, thought she recognized B’s voice but didn’t actually see her, so continued trying on shoes. While her head was lowered fiddling with the shoehorn, C walks right by A into the Hunt Room where we keep the fine riding apparel. A and C did not see each other. A bit later, B, holding a silk pillow with a hand-painted hunt scene and vibrant plaid ruffle, walks back towards the Boot Room and stops in her tracks as she sees

Illustrations by Claudia Coleman

A looking at her feet in the mirror. A spots B reflected in the mirror but, cool as a cucumber, does not have a reaction. A sits back in the chair, takes the shoes off slowly, puts them in the box and says, “I love these.” With that, C walks out of the Hunt Room, carrying the new black with teal piping riding breeches, and says, to no one in particular, she found the perfect pair and so very flattering. She casually looks to her right and sees A and then casually left and sees B. B, definitely agitated, turns 180 degrees and wends her way through the book area and heads back to the pillows via the frame and stationery department. Casually, C nods and says hello to A. A returns the greeting with a slight bob of the head and says “I must be going, Marion. See you tomorrow with my checkbook. Always interesting to catch up here in the store.” After A leaves the building, B drops a pillow on the floor, in the middle of the lamp and desk accessory area, and scurries past the jewelry displays to the front door and makes an awkward and noisy exit, slamming the door behind her and not even saying good bye to a confused Bunsen who had shown her much attention. Ah saw her drop our nice pillow on the floor. A travesty, Ah tell ya! I know you were disappointed, Bunsen, and it wasn’t just a nice pillow, it was a silk pillow. Perhaps you should be a bit more selective about who you go trotting after just because she calls you “Big Boy.” So now C walks to the front of the store, makes her purchase, stops to ruffle my beard as she goes out the door, then calls back “I love this store!” and Lady C raises her hand in a slight almost royal gesture. The afternoon light was captured in that big diamond ring. The glow was so bright, it lit the front of the store with such heavenly brilliance, it nearly blinded me. In a few minutes they were all gone. I asked Marion what just happened here. “Oh, Aga,” she said, “you have to live here to understand. It’s all history.” Bejabbers! What are the odds o’ three wives in the store at one time? Actually, now that Ah think about it, maybe not so uncommon these days. With all the drama behind us, we began making plans for fall. My Marion had just come back from an extended visit to her favorite country, outside of Horse Country, England. It was a whirlwind tour of her most cherished places and included seeing Jim and Pauline Meads in Wales, who just celebrated a 60th wedding anniversary, and attending the David Davies Hunt Hound Show not far from Jim’s house. Then the real work began. She covered most of the country visiting factories where the Horse Country hunting bridles, girths and stirrup leathers are made, then on to the bit maker, the breech maker, shirt makers, tie makers, stock tie makers, belt makers, hat makers, glove makers and the three companies that make our beautiful tweed jackets. Needless to say, we will be well stocked for hunting season this year. Marion told me she ran everywhere in England and was “out of puff.” I never see her run at home. Last issue, I was practicing the proper Southern curtsey. Well, The Duchess of Rutland attended the Virginia Hound Show and, with the advice of Betsy Manierre, gave a talk to the Warrenton Garden Club at Trevor Potter and Dana Westring’s “Poke,” where the Duchess spoke about rediscovering the landscape at Belvoir Castle, after finding the original plans drawn by Capability Brown 300 years ago. It was a lovely afternoon visiting the gardens at “Poke,” tea, hearing the Duchess speak, and then, in a flash, she was off to Dulles to fly back to England. Her Grace graced Virginia horse country all too quickly and, sadly, neither Bunsen nor I got close enough to sniff her shoes. An’ Ah was all set to be decked out in the family tartan, m’kilt all in order, as would be proper when meeting a member of the nobility. The Virginia Hound Show was a whirlwind of activity. Foxhunters from all around the country came to visit us. Marion had the Zebra chair shampooed and the girls made a huge effort to have the store spiffed for guests. The Museum reception in the Mansion at Morven Park was well-attended and we, thankfully, had Monday, Memorial Day, off. It was a hot dog and pork-‘n’-beans day. Holiday or nae, ’tis a fine menu choice if ye ask me! Sorry to say I never did get to curtsey for the Duchess. But I don’t want all that practicing to go to waste. So any time you need a break from the summer heat, stop on by the store and I’ll show ou how we “make our manners” here at Horse Country. Who knows, perhaps one day my canine curtsey will become another part of our local history. And you can say you saw it happen!

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Cindy Polk, 703.966.9480, David O’Flaherty Realtor specializing in country properties from cottages, land and hobby farms to fine estates and professional equestrian facilities. Washington Fine Properties. 204 E. Washington St., Middleburg, VA.

HOUND SHOW Maryland Foxhound Show (For unentered hounds, whelped in 2015 to be entered this coming season. Judging to Best of Breed only.) Denton, Maryland, May 8, 2016 Judges: Charles Montgomery, John Dean Karen Kandra Wenzel Photos English Foxhound Best of Breed Blue Ridge “Ransom,” with Huntsman Graham Bustin.

Penn-Marydel Foxhound Best of Breed DeLaBrooke “Yolanda,” with Beth Blackwell, Huntsman, and presenter Marion Scullin.

Cross-bred Foxhound Best of Breed, Green Spring Valley “Federal” with (l-r) Sam Clifton, Huntsman; Sheila Jackson Brown, MFH; Tim Michel, Kennelman; Franklin Whit Foster, MFH; Shannon Roach, Professional Whipper-in; J.W.Y. Martin, Jr., MFH.

American Foxhound Best of Breed, Potomac “Knockout,” handled by Bram Halpert.