In & Around Horse Country Summer 2017

VOLUME XXIX / NUMBER 3 • THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE VIRGINIA STEEPLECHASE ASSOCIATION • SUMMER 2017

REMEMBRANCE

Randolph D. Rouse 1916-2017

By J. Harris Anderson

Randy Rouse, MFH, passed away at the age of 100 a few days before our previous issue went to press. Other publications have adequately covered the overall account of his long and illustrious life. As such, rather than rehashing those details, I’d like to share a few personal remembrances of the man who played a significant role in my formative years as a foxhunter.

I interviewed Randy for this paper about 15 years ago, when he was 85. He was only then retiring as the leader of Fairfax Hunt’s jumping field. I asked him the secret of his longevity and he said, “Get up every morning with something to do; a deal to make, a horse to train, something that gives you a reason to get out of bed and be active.” As a trainer, he achieved his last win shortly after his 100th birthday, the first person ever to do so, and a record unlikely to be matched any time soon, possibly never.

During that interview he recounted how, after service with the US Navy during World War II, he remained in the Washington, DC, area and in 1946 was invited to go foxhunting. Growing up in the Tidewater region, he’d ridden family farm horses, but never considered himself an equestrian. Four years at Washington and Lee University, followed by military service, left no Randy Rouse, MFH Fairfax Hunt, welcomes riders and spectators to the time for horse sports. But with the war over and Blessing of the Hounds at Black Oak Farm on a very cold Thanksgiving Day, 2002, as the author looks on. Susan Whitfield photo fresh prospects ahead, the lure of the hunt field caught him. He joined Fairfax Hunt in 1951, became a master in 1961, and held that title until his passing in April of 2017.

His enthusiasm for hunting spilled over into racing. He started a bit later in life than most jump jockeys, but made up for that by winning virtually every series run on the local circuit, most of them multiple times. He rode his last race at the age of 66, on his fondly remembered Cinzano. The pair came in as winners and both retired that day, going out on an impressively high note. That was also the year Randy opted to end his quarter-century run as an eligible bachelor and married Michele O’Brien.

I grew up in Arlington, just a few miles from Randy’s house overlooking the Seven Corners area. The neighborhood buzz in the mid ’50s was that Audrey Meadows—star of “The Honeymooners” as Jackie Gleason’s wife Alice Kramden—lived in that sprawling old manor house, set on a ten acre parcel in the midst of hundreds of brick ramblers. The name “Randy Rouse,” then Audrey’s real-life husband, meant nothing to us locals. When the marriage ended in 1958, the old manor house returned to its role as an antiquated oasis in the expanding sea of suburbia. Years later I attended race committee meetings and other gatherings there. Randy was fond of pointing out a wall mural that Audrey loved and wanted to take with her when they split up. Randy said she was welcome to it but she’d have to pay to have the wall repaired. The mural is still there.

He loved to tell jokes when hosting hunt breakfasts at the clubhouse in Reston, always with a homespun delivery and never lewd or offensive. A few poked good-natured fun at himself and Michele. A frequently told favorite was about the preacher who thought his bicycle was stolen.

Back when bands included a horn section, Randy often joined in on the saxophone. His singing voice wasn’t going to land any recording deals, but it was still a special moment in the evening at a hunt ball when he sang “Young At Heart.”

He wasn’t perfect; no one is. He rode to his own hoofbeats, compared to other hunt world luminaries. Fairfax Hunt (recently merged with Loudoun Hunt West) was a recognized pack and members were encouraged to support the MFHA. But Randy had no desire to serve on association committees or in leadership roles. He did not object to staff and members participating in hound shows, but such competitions held little interest for him personally. He felt the same way about horse shows. Rather than relying on the subjective opinions of others, he preferred to focus on racing where the results are purely objective: the horse that

crosses the finish line first wins.

Randy was still actively leading the first field when I joined Fairfax Hunt. As a newbie, I made more than my share of gaffes. But Randy was never one to chide someone in the hunt field.

He allowed me ample room to learn my way and gave me valuable opportunities to grow in the sport. I’m not sure if foxhunting would have become such a significant part of my life if I’d started out riding behind someone else.

In 2004 my friend Diane Park made a documentary video about Fairfax Hunt. (It became part of the MFHA’s archival DVD, “A Centennial Run.”) Randy is prominently featured in the video, seated on the porch of his hunt box at Lenah Farm, recounting his many years in mounted sport. At that point, he’d been at it for more than 50 years. In closing, Diane (off camera) asks him how long he plans to keep going.

“Well,” Randy replies, “I’ll hunt as long as I can, as long as I’m physically able.”

“Another 50 years?” she asks.

He laughs. “I don’t think it’ll be another 50 years.” He continues chuckling with an amused twinkle in his eyes. Fade to credits.

IN & AROUND HORSE COUNTRY • SUMMER 2017

BEAGLING

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National Beagle Club Spring Trials

By John H. Carle, II, ex-MFH

As March was beginning its slide into April, sixteen beagle packs vied for ribbons and silver during the annual Spring Trials at “The Institute,” near Aldie, Virginia. As usual, weather played a significant role, varying from cool and cloudy to hot and sunny one day, and monsoons another. All hunting, except for the Three Hour Stake, was conducted outside the Iselin Enclosure due to a reported shortage of rabbits within its confines.

The Three-Couple class was closely contested at the top, with Glenbarr edging Ben Venue, Orlean, and Octorara. So good were their performances that judges Alan Forney and Helen Delacroce had to be extra observant to ferret out any flaws.

Ardrossan ended what seemed an endless drought by winning the Five-Couple with a run that lasted for their entire 50 minute time slot. But Ramsay Barrett’s Orlean Foot Beagles made it close, taking second ahead of Wolver and a rejuvenated Fairview.

Octorara blew away the competition in the Eight-Couple with as nearly perfect a run as could be imagined. Both judges awarded Larry Bright’s beauties a perfect 100 points, the first pack since Bill King’s Fox Jennifer Buckley, Valley eight-couple in the 1990s to reach that pinnacle. They screamed MB and Huntsman, away on a real flyer immediately, and kept him moving for an entire hour, Still Meadow Beagles. persisting unaided despite deteriorating conditions. Theirs was easily the highest scored run of the trials, and left Old Chatham, Ben Venue, and Glenbarr well in arrears.

The Three Hour Stake was run under a new format: no huntsman and no whippers-in. After some initial confusion, hounds settled and ran well without human interference; and performances were excellent. Luckily, there was no shortage of rabbits, and few lulls in the running. Farmington dominated among the thirteen-inchers, with “Chester” and “Noah” atop the chart ahead of Still Meadow “Gaylord” and Glennbarr “Hoagie.”

Old Chatham gifted the Still Meadow pack with their fifteen-inch “Apollo” an hour before the stake, and he performed brilliantly to win his section. Following in close formation were Fairview “Turbo,” Sandanona “Vintage,” and Orlean “Abby.”

Although Old Chatham was in the ribbons only once, their accumulated points on the judges’ cards earned them the Highest Sherry Buttrick, MB and Forbes Scored Pack Award.

Reback, MB with the Farmington A successful trial ended Three-Couple pack.

Judge Helen Delacroce, MB. with smiles all ’round and cries of “See you at Bryn Mawr” ringing across the grounds.

“Fighting the briars.” Jennifer Buckley, MB and Huntsman, Still Meadow Beagles.”

Farmington “Chester” winning 13” beagle Three Hour Stake.

Judge Alan Forney.

Larry Bright, MB and the Octorara Three-Couple pack.

IN & AROUND HORSE COUNTRY • SUMMER 2017

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SPORTING LIFE HIGHLIGHTS Southern Hound Show The eleventh Southern Hound Show was held on April 8, 2017, at Live Oak Plantation, Monticello, Florida, where Hillsboro “Godfrey” ’16 was pinned Grand Champion of the Show. Selected as Unentered Champion at last year’s show when he competed under Fox River Valley Hunt’s banner, FRV Master and Huntsman Tony Leahy gifted Godfrey to Hillsboro.

Reserve Grand Champion of the Show was Live Oak “Eager” ’13. Other hunts that entered hounds were Bear Creek Hounds, Lowcountry Hounds, and Midland Fox Hounds. (Complete results for all spring hound shows are posted on the MFHA website under Hounds/Hound Shows/Results.) Photo courtesy Southern Hound Show ••••

Theodora A. Randolph Field Hunter Championship Save the Dates: October 9-14, 2017 Entries are already coming in for the 2017 Theodora A. Randolph Field Hunter Championship. Scheduled for October 9-14, 2017 in Northern Virginia, the week features four days of hunting with Middleburg Hunt, Old Dominion Hounds, Loudoun Fairfax Hunt, and Piedmont Fox Hounds, punctuated by evening social events. Horses and riders will be judged by an illustrious panel of eminent foxhunters during each hunting day. Qualifying finalists are announced at the conclusion of each meet and those horse and rider combinations then gather on Saturday morning at Glenwood Park to contest a mock hunt and individual test.

A new feature this year has the riders split into two divisions—amateur and professional (as defined by USEF Rules GR1306), which replaces the previous division between owner/riders and nonowner/riders. A $2500 prize will be awarded to the rider of the winning Hunt for each Division. Additional awards include recognition for Reserve Champion, Best Turned Out, Most Suitable Horse/Rider Pair, and a Sportsmanship Award.

Registration for the 2017 competition is $300 for the same horse and rider combination over the four days of hunting.

The field is limited to 60 contestants.

Entry forms and information are available from the Virginia Fall Races website: VAFallRaces.com. For additional infor- Rosie Campbell, MFH, led the field when Bull Run Hunt hosted the October 6, 2016 meet for mation: karynwilson.fhc@gmail.com. last year’s T.A. Randolph Field Hunter Cham-

Hunt Staff Changes: An Update Steffanie Wilcox moves from her First Whipper-In position at Old Dominion Hounds (VA) to carry the horn as Huntsman at Loudoun Fairfax Hunt (VA).

Shannon MacKenzie replaces Steffanie as First Whipper-In at ODH. Andy Bozdan leaves Loudoun Fairfax to serve as First Whipper-In to Graham Buston at Blue Ridge Hunt (VA).

Richard Roberts moves from Deep Run Hunt (VA) to replace retiring Huntsman Hugh Robards at Middleburg Hunt (VA).

John Harrison heads south from Toronto & North York Hunt (ON) to take the Huntsman’s job at Deep Run. With the caveat that his work visa has not been finalize, Paul Wilson moves from London Hunt in Canada to take up the horn at Keswick Hunt Club (VA).

Larry Pitts comes out of retirement to serve as Huntsman at Virginia’s Bedford County Hunt. (Dennis and Sue Downing will be moving from Bedford County to a new opportunity, yet to be officially announced per the masters of that club.)

Richard Daley is now the Kennel Huntsman at Los Altos Hounds (CA) where Gerald Keal will be serving as Huntsman for the coming season.

Glen Westmoreland moves from Los Altos to whip-in at Midland Fox Hounds (GA).

Candidates to fill the vacancies at London Hunt and Toronto & North York have been selected but, as the process has not been finalized in either case, the masters prefer to hold off on public announcements until all details are settled.

•••••

Junior Field Hunt Championship Prepares for Fall Qualifiers and Finals at Belle Meade The 2017 Finals for the Junior North American Field Hunter Championship will be hosted by Belle Meade Hunt in Thomson, Georgia, over the weekend of November 1112. Belle Meade Master and Huntsman Epp Wilson and his crew of eager volunteers are already hard at work to make this a truly special event for all of the competitors as well as for the support teams of family and Claire Goff, Iroquois Hunt, riding Miss friends.

Qualifying meets are held during hunt Congeniality, was the 2016 JNAFHC Champion in the 13 & Over Jumping Diseason. Most are scheduled from September vision. There are also divisions for nonthrough early November, but dates may vary jumpers and juniors age 12 and under.

David Traxler photo depending on the hunting season in a given area. Check with your local hunt. As of press time, hunts in 12 states—along the East Coast from Pennsylvania to Florida and as far west as Kansas—are on board to host qualifiers. More may be added as we get closer to hunt season, so be sure to check out the website (see below) for updates.

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. The JNAFHC has proven to be a valuable tool in encouraging more cooperation among hunt clubs, thus strengthening the bonds of foxhunting throughout the country. Juniors travel around to the 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 contact Marion Chungo at 540-220-7292 or Mchungo@aol.com

pionship. Nancy Milburn Kleck photo COVER PHOTOGRAPHER: Liz Callar

Orange County Hounds (VA) “Kermit” shows the form that led to judge Coleman P. Perrin, exMFH Deep Run Hunt (VA), naming him Grand Champion of the Virginia Foxhound Club’s Hound Show at Morven Park, May 28, 2017.

PHOTOGRAPHERS: Diana Black Liz Callar www.lizcallar.com Jake Carle Claudia Coleman Melissa Kershaw Nancy Milburn Kleck Douglas Lees douglaslees@comcast.net Dee Leftwich Joanne Maisano www.joannemaisano.com Jim McCue Jim Meads 011-44-1686420436

Rick Stillings David Traxle Susan Whitfield

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 22. 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; J. Harris Anderson; John J. Carle, II ex-MFH; Lauren R. Giannini; Jim Meads; Will O’Keefe; Virginia Equine Alliance; Karin Winegar; Jenny Young LAYOUT & DESIGN: Kate Houchin Copyright © 2017 In & Around Horse Country®. All Rights Reserved. Volume XXVIX, No.3 POSTMASTER: CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED

IN & AROUND HORSE COUNTRY • SUMMER 2017

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HOUND SHOW Orange County “Kermit” Scores Starring Role As Grand Champion of Virginia Foxhound Show

By Lauren R. Giannini

Grand Champion (American Champion) Foxhound Orange County “Kermit” shown by Reg Spreadborough, Huntsman, with (l-r) Coleman P. Perrin, ex-MFH, Judge; Joan Jones, ex-MFH, President, Virginia Foxhound Club; Jacqueline B. Mars, President, Orange County Hounds. Nancy Milburn Kleck photo

Reserve Champion (Crossbred Champion) Midland “Stellar” with (l-r) Ken George, Huntsman; Mason Lampton, MFH and Huntsman, Midland Fox Hounds; Coleman P. Perrin, ex-MFH, Judge; Joan Jones, ex-MFH, President, Virginia Foxhound Club; Robert Miller, Whipper-In. Nancy Milburn Kleck photo

Hounds of Elkridge-Harford Hunt (MD) admire the trophy plate, held by Huntsman Geoffrey Hyde, they were awarded as winners of the 5 Couple Crossbred (Pack) Class. Liz Callar photo

Orange County “Kermit” earned glory for his pack and American ancestry when he won the Grand Championship at the Virginia Foxhound Club’s 70th Annual Show of Foxhounds. More than 500 hounds represented four breeds and 35 packs made the show a bit smaller than usual, but quality was the by-word in every ring. Even the weather turned out better than predicted, with only a sprinkle or two as hounds and humans alike appreciated coolerthan-usual temperatures. By early evening on Sunday, an enthusiastic crowd assembled to watch the traditional finale on the lawn in front of the Morven Park mansion.

Four beautiful Foxhound champions—Midland “Stellar” (Crossbred), Hillsboro “Walnut” (English), Moore County “Dan” (Penn-Marydel), Orange County “Kermit” (American)— posed for their handlers while being appraised by veteran Grand Champion judge, Coleman P. Perrin, ex-MFH Deep Run Hunt. Before long, the hounds chased happily after biscuits to show off their athleticism and movement.

When the finalists were announced, it came down to Midland “Stellar” and Orange County “Kermit.” The Crossbred bitch and American dog engaged in a balletic shootout as they raced for biscuits, back and forth, again and again, almost side by side. Their exuberant and graceful display delighted everyone watching.

“It was a hard choice,” said Perrin. “I’ve pinned this class here and at Bryn Mawr a number of times, but this was the best group of hounds, all of them were so good, they were all excellent. I felt like the Orange County dog was more balanced than the Midland bitch.

They were both excellent, but when that dog landed, he just floated. He’s a big solid hound.

I liked them both, but one on one, I chose the dog. He’s what I would look for, because the hardest thing is to keep size in the pack.”

Orange County “Kermit” came into this show a Virginia champion. In 2015, he made a huge debut, winning Unentered Dog Hound and harvesting top honors as Best Unentered Cross-Bred Hound, but he wasn’t done impressing. He bested two Entered Potomac hounds, littermates and the offspring of 2007 Grand Champion Potomac “Jefferson”: “Keegan” for the Dog title and “Keystone” for the breed title. That autumn, “Kermit” entered successfully and proved himself in Orange County’s field and that spring he did okay at Virginia, then at Bryn Mawr claimed the American Dog and Breed Championships.

This year, Kermit came into his own. “We were looking at photos of him from the 2015 show and from this year. He’s almost a different hound, muscled up, bigger, and stronger— it’s from the hunting,” said Reg Spreadborough, Orange County Huntsman.

“He’s a good working hound, he’s right there

in the middle of the pack. He does his job. He fits in. He doesn’t do anything wrong. He’s a good, honest, no-hassle hound. He’s easygoing and easy to work with. He gets along well with other hounds. He already has some pups. We were really pleased with how he did this year.”

Asked if the Grand Championship was a surprise, Spreadborough replied, ”Yes and no.

We knew we had a really good hound. Kermit has Potomac blood—Larry Pitts breeds all American champions. On paper, in four shows, Kermit’s been to the grand finale at least three times. But the grand finale is different, because there are four different types of Foxhound in there and it all comes down to who’s judging.

When Kermit won the grand finale, it was a great surprise. We have a lovely hound and we’re all very happy that it finally happened.”

The last time Orange County had the grand champion was their “Melody” in 2002. It’s a challenging process to breed the cohesive pack of hounds you need for your country and your quarry that will also show well and win.

Spreadborough, who has been with Orange County for 17 years, first as whipper-in, then as huntsman for 12 seasons, said, “It takes time to know when you have the real McCoy.” Orange County MFH John Coles summed up the grand championship quite neatly: “Kermit’s one of the most correct and athletic hounds we’ve ever had. We couldn’t be prouder.”

Bringing home the prestigious William W. Brainard Jr. Perpetual Trophy is solid proof that their Kermit is indeed the real McCoy. American Orange County enjoyed a great day in the American ring with Unentered littermates (Potomac “Templeton” x Orange County “Manic”) winning several classes: OC “Texas” (Single Dog, Unentered), their “Termite” and “Tesco” (Couple of Dogs, Unentered), and their “Teapot” (Single Bitch, Unentered), who also took top honors as Best Unentered Hound, beating her brother Texas. OC “Keegan” and “Kermit” won Couple of Dogs, Entered. Kermit’s win in Best American Stallion Hound put him on course to the Grand Championship.

Potomac Hunt always hits the boards with a power pack. Their “Ace” harvested the Reserve Dog Hound Championship, having pinned first over OC “Kendall” in Single Dog, Entered. Potomac “Templeton” took top honors in Stallion Hound shown with three of his get, second place went to Farmington Hunt “Windsor” (Potomac “Jefferson” x Potomac “Wildfire”). Potomac “Keystone” earned the Bitch Championship and reserve honors in American Foxhound, curtsying gracefully to Kermit. Potomac, the only entry in the Pack Class, had a walkover for the win. Continued

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IN & AROUND HORSE COUNTRY • SUMMER 2017

“I thought I knew the hound [Kermit], and later, after I pinned the championship, I asked Reg Spreadborough if I had seen the hound before,” said Marty Wood, MFH Live Oak, who presided over the American ring with apprentice judge George Hundt, Jr. “Reg replied that I first saw him as an Unentered hound and put him up for the breed championship in 2015. I told Reg, ‘This hound has certainly matured beautifully!’ Sometimes hounds coarsen up as they mature, but not this one—he’s beautifully symmetrical and a wonderful mover. He stood out head and shoulders above the competition, but it was a close run with the bitch [Potomac “Keystone”]—she’s absolutely lovely.”

American packs are divided into small kennels (less than 20 couple) and big kennels (20 or more), and they all enjoy a fierce yet friendly rivalry. Small kennel winners included: Brazos Valley “Two Step” (Single Dog, Unentered) and their “Marley” (Best Brood Bitch and Reserve Bitch Champion); Goshen “Thankful” and “Thatcher” (Couple of Bitches, Unentered) and their “Bridle” (Single Bitch, Entered); Middleburg “Gabby” and “Piper” (Couple of Bitches, Entered); and Piedmont “Preacher” (Single Dog, Entered).

Larry Pitts, retired Potomac Huntsman, enjoyed the show, cheering for his former pack and basking in the reflected glory of the powerful and widespread presence of progeny whose bloodlines hark back to great American hounds produced

by Pitts’s very successful breeding program throughout his long and storied career at Potomac.

“It was very gratifying,” said Pitts. “We [Potomac] were all pulling for Kermit after he beat Keystone. If you’re in the American ring, you’re among friends and you cheer whoever goes into the Grand Championship. We knew Kermit had the best chance. I think he’s like Jefferson [2005 Best Unentered American, 2006 American Champion, 2007 Virginia Grand Champion/Centennial Hound]. Jefferson wasn’t the leader and he wasn’t the last—out hunting, he was in the main bunch. You don’t breed to the flash hounds, you breed to the main pack. You always want another Jefferson, another Kermit. Potomac will be able to go back and breed to Kermit’s pups.”

Crossbred Like their American brethren, Crossbred Foxhounds also show in two divisions: less than 35 couple and 35 couple or more. For most of their classes, they show in two rings but qualified hounds meet on equal ground to contend for the titles under the scrutiny of both sets of judges.

Andrew Barclay, ex-Huntsman Green Spring Valley Hounds, presided in the “less than 35 couple” ring. “The hounds were very high quality—it’s improved every year that I’ve judged,” he said. “I had some very big classes and there were a lot of nice hounds. I really liked the Unentered Bitch from Bridlespur—very, very nice hound.”

Bridlespur Hunt “Cracker” won Single Bitch, Unentered and held her own against the big kennels. She harvested two reserve titles: as runner-up to the Bitch Champion, Midland “Stellar” and to Best Unentered Crossbred, Midland “Steamboat.”

Green Creek Hounds won several classes. Their “Pirate” pinned first out of 24 in Single Dog, Entered, their “Sabrina” and “Sanity” placed first and second respectively in Single Bitch, Entered, then returned to the ring to claim the win in Couple of Bitches, Entered. Farmington “Warlock” started the day with a first place finish in Single Dog, Unentered, besting 29 hounds from 11 hunts, and their “Wildfire” and “Wishful” prevailed in Couple of Bitches, Unentered—all littermates by Potomac “Windsor” x Farmington “Keeper.”

Warrenton “Senator” and “Sloan” earned first place in Couple of Dogs, Entered, and their “Spur” won Best Stallion Hound shown with three of his get.

Mill Creek “Petronas” and “Peter” won Couple of Dogs, Unentered. Bull Run “Neptune” was named Best Stallion Hound. Best Brood Bitch went to Newmarket Middletown Valley “Widget.”

Dr. John W. D. McDonald and Dr. Charlotte McDonald, father and daughter MFHs from London Hunt (Canada), did the honors in the 35 couple or more Crossbreds. Charlotte, listed as senior Crossbred judge in her debut at the Virginia show, said, “It was a huge honor, but in reality I still consider my father the Senior Judge, given that he has a wealth of experience and knowledge. The semantics were not important as we agreed mostly on every decision. Balance and good movement come from good conformation. A lovely hound will catch your eye as soon as it enters the ring and, often, going with your first impression will end up being right in the end.”

Of the six packs represented in Ring 3, Midland Fox Hounds dominated, winning seven classes: their “Steamboat”—Single Dog, Unentered, their “Implore” and “Irwin”—Couple of Dogs, Unentered. Midland “Rocket” placed first as Best Stallion Hound, shown with three of his get, and teamed up with their “Worsley” to win Couple of Dogs, Entered. Midland “Stellar” was the star in Single Bitch, Entered, and joined forces with their “Nettle” to win Couple of Bitches, Entered.

Elkridge-Harford “Rival” won Single Bitch, Unentered; ditto her sisters “Riddle” and “Rundle” in Couple of Bitches, Unentered. Elkridge-Harford also claimed blue in Crossbred Pack Class. Warrenton placed second and Piedmont third.

Hillsboro “Godfrey” won Single Dog, Entered, on his way to the Dog Championship. Live Oak “Assault” claimed top honors as Best Stallion Hound, but lost to Midland “Rocket” in Stallion Hound, shown with three of his get. Crossbred Bitch Champion Midland “Stellar” continued her ascent to reign as Crossbred Champion, relegating Hillsboro “Godfrey” to reserve honors.

“We had fun at Virginia—Joanie Jones and Bob Ferrer do a great job putting on the hound show—and we were very pleased with Stellar,” said Mason Lampton, MFH-Huntsman Midland Fox Hounds. “Stellar is full sister to Striker, who was Crossbred and Grand Champion here last year. We bred our Rocket, Crossbred Champion and Reserve Grand champion here in 2011, to the gorgeous English bitch we brought home from a farmer’s pack in England when I went over to judge the Meynell Puppy Show. Midland Moorland Staffordshire Stunning was English Champion here in 2014. We have had some great hounds from that one remarkable litter, including Spree, who won the Belle Meade Performance Trials for Bull Run in January.”

English Hillsboro “Walnut” distinguished herself as Champion English Foxhound, setting her course placing first over littermate “Waggle” in the Single Bitch, Unentered class. “Walnut” then took the Bitch title over Live Oak “Faithful,” winner of Single Bitch, Entered. The breed championship turned into a showdown between unentered hounds with the judge pinning “Walnut” over Live Oak “Merlin.”

“We had a good day—the Crossbred reserve champion and the English champion—I’m proud of our hounds,” said Orrin Ingram, MFH Hillsboro. “My uncle [the late Henry Hooker, MFH Hillsboro] was in charge of breeding hounds Champion English Foxhound, Hillsboro “Walnut.”

Nancy Milburn Kleck photo for a long time, and he was a fan of line breeding. Our priority has always been hounds that hunt great and we wanted Hillsboro hounds to continue being dynamite in the field, but we also wanted them to show their quality in the ring. Marty and Daphne Woods, Tony Leahy, and the North Cotswold in England helped us to get this pack where we wanted it to be.”

For students of hound pedigrees, Hillsboro “Walnut” is by Hillsboro “William” out of Hillsboro “Sable”: 2013 Virginia English Champion, English Bitch Champion and Best Unentered English Foxhound. “Sable” is the get of 2012 Virginia Grand Champion Live Oak “Farrier” and their “Sarah.” To say that Hillsboro is grateful to the Woods, Leahy and the North Cotswold might be a classic understatement of all time.

“Sable was gifted to us as a puppy by Live Oak,” said Ingram. “I’m very proud of Walnut—she’s one of the best-looking hounds we ever bred and she brings our breeding full circle. She has size and scope. She’s a beautiful mover, isn’t heavy and can handle the hills. I think she’s the perfect hound for our country. I have to give a lot of credit also to our huntsman and first whipper-in, Johnny and Leilani Gray, for preparing the hounds to show. They work as a team and really give our hounds confidence.”

Ingram emphasized that Hillsboro honors the legacy of Henry Hooker’s line breeding. “We wanted to keep the bloodlines that have been in the family for years, so we still have some hounds that hunt great, but they won’t show.” No doubt his uncle would be pleased that some of the old-fashioned “dynamite” he swore by still plays a vital role in Hillsboro’s pack.

Iroquois “Habit” and “Hartfield” won Couple of Dogs, Entered, and their “Watchtower” earned the judge’s nod as Best Stallion Hound. Blue Ridge “Jasper” and “Jackson” pinned first in Couple of Dogs, Unentered; their littermates “Jada” and “Jailbird” won Couple of Bitches, Unentered. Blue Ridge “Mendip Farmers Goldfinch” won Best English Brood Bitch.

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In Two Couple of Dogs, Entered or Unentered, Live Oak prevailed over Amwell Valley. Live Oak “Dandy” won Best English Stallion Hound, shown with three of his get, and their “Faithful” bested the competition in Single Bitch, Entered and teamed up with littermate “Fashion” to win Couple of Bitches, Entered. Live Oak won the English Pack Class.

Live Oak “Merlin” won Single Dog, Unentered, then bested Blue Ridge “Ranger” (winner of Single Dog, Entered) for the Dog title. Their “Merlin” is by North Cotswold “Greenwich” out of Live Oak “Mystery” whose littermate is Live Oak “Maximus,” 2010 Grand Champion at Virginia.

“It’s unusual for an unentered hound to be champion, but the dog [Live Oak “Merlin”] was very mature and he stood up well against his competition, [“Ranger”],” said Richard Nyacke, MFH Wynnstay Hunt (UK), who officiated in the English ring. “For the championship, I pinned the bitch [Hillsboro “Walnut”] over the dog [“Merlin”] because she’s a very scopey bitch, very correct in her limbs and has a lovely well-sprung back.”

Penn-Marydel Moore County “Dan” earned his second consecutive Dog Championship and his first breed title as Champion Penn-Marydel. In addition to “Dan” and his breed title, Moore County winners included their “Dooley” and “Draggin” (Couple of Dogs, Entered), their “Damsel” (Brood Bitch), who happens to be their champion’s littermate, and the Pack Class.

“We’re thrilled with our hounds,” said Cameron Sadler, MFH Moore County.

“Dan loves to show and has a lot of personality. He’s very animated when he’s in the ring. My husband Lincoln loves this hound and handled him at Virginia.”

Lincoln Sadler retired from the North Carolina Wildlife Commission and took on the role of huntsman at Moore County in 2016. He knew the pack, having whipped-in to David Raley for several seasons. He hunted his own pack of beagles for years and had served as performance trial huntsman a number of times for Sedgefield.

“Foxhunting has been part of my family for several generations. When I was younger, I whipped-in to Clive Rose for 12 seasons,” said Lincoln. “I’m a hound guy. I really enjoy the hounds. Dan is a David Raley breeding between Golden’s Bridge [their “Dan”] and Glenmore [their “Vivian”]. As a puppy, Dan walked out with the Manheim family. They have been doing this for years and their hounds are wonderfully socialized when they come back to the kennels. It makes such a difference. Out hunting, Dan’s right in the front or in the middle.”

Red Mountain Foxhounds went home happy with silver and rosettes. Their “Rebel” earned top honors in the Stallion Hound class, shown with his get. Their “Zebulon” and “Zulu” won Couple of Dogs, Entered, and their “Tango” and “Target” triumphed in Couple of Bitches, Unentered. Red Mountain “Zenith” took the blue in Single Bitch, Entered, earning bragging rights as Reserve Champion Penn-Marydel Bitch. After his win in Single Dog, Entered, Tennessee Valley “Kudzu” garnered the Reserve Dog Championship and the Unentered Championship.

Long Run “VaLady” took the blue in Single Bitch, Unentered, en route to triumph as Bitch Champion as well as the Reserve Unentered PMD Champion.

Long Run “Morgan” and “Morue” harvested first place in Couple of Bitches, Entered. Long Run “Value” and her produce earned the judges’ nod to win Stallion or Brood Bitch (shown with two get/produce).

“This was my first time to judge the Penn-Marydels,” said Dr. John van Nagell, MFH Iroquois, who officiated with Mrs. Coleman (Ginny) Perrin, MFH Deep Run Hunt. “They’re interesting, really popular and, conformation-wise, an improving breed.”

When asked if he recognized the hound they pinned as Champion Penn-Marydel who had won last year’s Dog title, van Nagell replied, “I didn’t know any of them. I was just in there judging hounds. We didn’t excuse any hounds until they completed a full evaluation. The whole idea is to identify hounds that move well and have good conformation, irrespective of their breed. The quality of these hounds was excellent.”

Junior Handlers This popular competition attracts large entries even as it encourages young enthusiasts to get involved. The two divisions ran in adjacent rings. Iona Pillion of Blue Ridge Hunt judged the 5-10 year-olds while Jim Faber, ex-MFH Yadkin Hunt, and Trinka Thomas of Casanova Hunt, officiated for the 11-16s. The judges had their work cut out for them as the quality of the hound-handling improves every year.

Aria Venezia of Middleburg Hunt won the 10 & Unders. 2. Evie Storer, New Market-Middletown Valley; 3. Mathew Simpson, Midland; 4. Josie Grozebean, New Market-Middletown Valley; 5. Amelia Allen, Live Oak Fox Hounds.

In the 11-16s, the winner was Annabelle Kaufman of Howard County–Iron Bridge. 2. Madison Elliott, Moore County; 3. Evan Dombrowsky, Loudoun Fair-

Champion Penn-Marydel Foxhound, Moore County “Dan.” Nancy Milburn Kleck photo

fax (winner 2016 10 & Unders); 4. Colby Poe, Old Dominion; 5. Willow Bennett, Golden’s Bridge.

Performance Trial Hounds Hounds competing for the Benjamin Hardaway III Perpetual Cup, donated in 2000 by Epp Wilson, MFH-Huntsman Belle Meade, qualify by scoring in the top 10 at MFHA and Sanctioned Foxhound Performance Trials during the two previous seasons. It’s not easy to qualify. Hounds are judged for how they work in a pack of unfamiliar hounds led by a new huntsman in unknown country. The Trials score every aspect of a Foxhound’s innate characteristics: nose to cry to endurance. It takes a very special hound to perform well for two consecutive days under these challenging circumstances, especially when the local quarry isn’t native to the hound’s home country.

On the lawn in front of the mansion, the finalists posed with their handlers to give judge Orrin Ingram, MFH Hillsboro, a good look at each hound before they started chasing biscuits to show off their movement. Ingram awarded first place to Bull Run “Ella,” handled by Huntsman Charles Montgomery, with Green Creek “Galahad” second, and Mill Creek “Dallas” third.

“I liked that hound [Ella]—that was the hound I would most like to have in my pack,” said Ingram. “So free-flowing, light and athletic.”

“Charles won the trifecta of Performance Trials at Belle Meade, then he came to Virginia for the Performance Trials class,” said Wilson. “To me, it’s the most Champion Performance Foxhound, Bull Run “Ella,” with Huntsman Charles Montgomery. important class at the show—I think it’s Nancy Milburn Kleck photo even more important than the Grand Championship because it’s all about a hunting hound that proved itself in a Performance Trial.”

Horn Blowing The National Horn Blowing Championship is always a popular event. This year, 11 stepped up to compete for the title and $1,000 prize. Judges Marion Thorne, MFH/Huntsman Genesee Valley; Anne Macintosh, MFH Blue Ridge; and Tad Zimmerman, MFH Piedmont Foxhounds, awarded first place to Brian Kiely, his third consecutive title as Potomac Huntsman, with a record total of six horn blowing championships.

The horn blowing stirred up the hounds kenneled on the far side of the formal gardens, tents and rings set up and ready for Sunday morning. Voices raised in sweet harmony, their timeless song riding twilight’s gentle currents, a unique and joyful serenade, reminding us of what we love about life in the country.

A traditional two-day fixture during Memorial Day Weekend, the Virginia Hound Show involves a lot of work. Many compliments were paid to Joan Jones, ex-MFH, and Bob Ferrer, MFH Caroline Hunt, in the course of compiling this report.

For complete results: virginiafoxhoundclub.org/results

6

IN & AROUND HORSE COUNTRY • SUMMER 2017

RACING

Spring Races

By Will O’Keefe

Old Dominion Hounds Point-to-Point, Leeds Don Open Timber Canyon Road (#3, Jeff Murphy, up), 1st; Worried Man (Brendan Crowley, up), 2nd. Douglas Lees photo

Old Dominion Hounds Point-to-Point Meeting House Mountain Open Hurdle (l-r) Easy Exit (Jeff Murphy, up) – 1st; Dai Bando (Liam McVicar, up) – 2nd. Douglas Lees photo

Old Dominion Hounds Point-to-Point Volance Maiden Hurdle, Second Division Show King (Liam McVicar, up) – 1st. Douglas Lees photo

Old Dominion Hounds Point-to-Point Ben Venue Lady Rider Timber Sweet Talking Guy (#3, Erin Swope, up) – 1st. Douglas Lees photo

Old Dominion Hounds Point-to-Point 4-8-2017 Veteran steeplechase rider Jeff Murphy had a big day at the Old Dominion Hounds Point-to-Point near Ben Venue on Saturday, April 8. He not only was the meet’s leading rider, but he did it in fine fashion winning both the open hurdle and open timber races. In the Leeds Don open timber race he settled Gordonsdale Farm’s Canyon Road on the front end. Four Virginia Gents’ Worried Man (Brendan Crowley) ran a good race but was second best, falling short by 1½ lengths. Trainer Chris Kolb had Canyon Road ready to win over timber at first asking this year.

In the Meeting House Mountain open hurdle race Murphy went to the lead on Clorevia Farm’s Easy Exit and never relinquished that position, romping home to win by 7 lengths. S. Bruce Smart, Jr.’s Dai Bando (Ire) (Liam McVicar) made a mild bid in the last quarter mile but was second best. Beverly R. Steinman’s Perfect Union (Brendan Crowley) was third. The winning trainer, Doug Fout, had a second win on the card when Betsy B. Mead’s So Far Away won the novice rider flat race with Vicky Lawrence up. So Far Away and Eva Smithwick’s Coturnix dueled into the stretch, and it was only in the final strides that So Far Away pulled away to win by 1¼ lengths. Galena Racing’s Keepyuriondabalado (Zoe Valvo) finished third.

Doug Fout shared the trainer’s bonus with Jimmy Day, who also saddled two winners. Day’s first score was in the maiden hurdle race where Shannon Hill Farm’s Show King (Liam McVicar) broke his maiden in impressive fashion. He took command after the second fence and extended his lead to 30 lengths at the finish.

Mr. and Mrs. Dyson Dryden IV’s Night Sounds (Jeff Murphy) was second but was no match for the winner.

Day and McVicar collaborated to win the Virginia-bred flat race with S. Bruce Smart, Jr.’s Officer’s Oath. In the race Officer’s Oath stalked Lazy Lane Farm’s Life’s Fortune (Trevor Ryan) until the final quarter mile, where he claimed the lead and won as his rider pleased by 6½ lengths over Jean Rofe’s Willisville (Jeff Murphy). Life’s Fortune was third.

The lady rider timber race developed into a two horse race as owner, trainer, rider Erin Swope’s Sweet Talking Guy and Eva Smithwick’s Rutledge Classic (Emme Fullilove) quickly matched up many lengths before Elizabeth Scully’s Girlsruletheworld. Sweet Talking Guy ran in Rutledge Classic’s shadow and took a share of the lead three fences from home. They battled to the last fence, and Sweet Talking Guy proved best in the stretch, winning by 2¼ lengths.

The amateur novice rider and foxhunter timber races were combined, and a three horse race developed after Bob Greco lost his rider and Gusto at Dawn pulled up. Northwoods Stable’s Naturally Won (Willie Dowling) won the amateur novice race, and Small Giant’s Stable’s Air Maggy (Kelly Wooster) won the foxhunters. Air Maggy forced Naturally Won’s pace but was second best at the finish. Dowling trained Naturally Won and Keri Brion trained Air Maggy.

Jennifer Taylor’s Alvitude (Trevor Ryan) broke his maiden in the amateur novice hurdle race, rallying from off the pace and wining by 1½ lengths over Manacor Partners’ Manacor (Aaron Davis). Carl Rafter trained the winner.

Loudoun Hunt Point-to-Point 4-16-2017 The Loudoun Hunt Point-to-Point ran on Sunday, April 16, at Oatlands Plantation near Leesburg in direct competition with the Fair Hill Point-to-Point in Maryland and a day after two sanctioned meets. As a result entries were light, but the racing was good.

Unfortunately the Eustis Cup timber classic failed to have enough runners and was not run, making the open hurdle race the headliner. Six horses went to the

post and at the last fence half of the field jumped as a team, setting up a great stretch run. These three were Michael A. Smith’s Irish-bred Cul Baire (Sean McDermott), S. Bruce Smart, Jr.’s Orchestra Leader (Keri Brion) and Stephany Harper’s Outlaw Cody Z (Jeff Murphy). In the race Outlaw Cody Z and Orchestra Leader took turns setting the pace while Cul Baire raced within striking distance. Upon landing after the last fence these three battled to the finish where Cul Baire finished first by a neck over Orchestra Leader with Outlaw Cody Z close up in third. The first two finishers were trained by leading trainer Jimmy Day. The result of the maiden hurdle race was extremely popular as Loudoun Fairfax Hunt’s Joint Master Donna Rogers owned the winner. Her Dapper Dan (Kieran Norris) raced close to the lead, took command with a quarter mile to run and won handily by 12 lengths. Neil Morris trained the winner, and Jimmy Day trained the runner up, S. Bruce Smart, Jr.’s Corstorphine (Sean McDermott).

The novice timber race featured a rematch between the first and second place finishers in the novice timber race at the Orange County Hounds Point-toPoint. In that race Lana Wright’s Georgetown Burning led most of the way with Mrs. George L. Ohrstrom’s Class Cherokee close behind in second place.

Class Cherokee ral- Loudoun Hunt Point-to-Point, Trisept Challenge Maiden Hurdle lied but could not st reach the winner. At Dapper Dan (Kieran Norris, up) – 1 .

Liz Callar photo Oatlands rider McLane Hendrik’s sent Class Cherokee to the lead, and he made all the running. He responded positively when challenged by Georgetown Burning at the last fence and won going away by 5 lengths. Georgetown Burning was second, and Magalen O. Bryant’s Only Charity (Shane Crimin) was third.

The open flat race was exciting as six of the nine starters were in contention with a quarter mile to run.

Hyggelig Haven LLC’s Woodfield Springs (Jack Doyle) emerged from the pack in the stretch and got up to win by ¾ length over Lana Wright’s Be Back (Michael Mitchell).

Pathfinder Racing’s My Own Lane (Sean McDermott) was third. Mary McGlothlin trained the winner, and Neil Morris sad- Loudoun Hunt Point-to-Point, Audi of America, Inc. Novice Timber dled the second and (McLean Hendriks, third place finishers. Class Cherokee up) – 1st. Liz Callar photo In the Virginiabred flat race the three horse field ran as a group for much of the race. Everyone was in contention with a quarter mile to run, but Crookston Castle Stable’s Jo Pye Weed with trainer Liam McVicar up proved best, winning by 3 lengths over Ridgeview Farm’s Virginia Envy (Teresa Croce), and Pathfinder Racing’s Akubra (Kieran Norris) was third.

IN & AROUND HORSE COUNTRY • SUMMER 2017

The sidesaddle exhibition races proved a crowd pleaser. In the jumping division Cherry Blossom Farm LLC’s In Todd We Trust (Devon Zebrovious) went to the front on the backside, jumped the last fence with the lead and beat last year’s winner Fort Henry (Stephanie Dowling) by 2 lengths. The flat division went to owner rider Bernadette Boland’s Reddington. Reddington and Cherry Blossom Farm LLC’s King of Hearts made most of the running. In the last quarter mile Reddington drew away to win by 7 lengths. Both winners and the runner up in the second division were trained by George Kuk. Middleburg Spring Races 4-22-2017 The Middleburg Spring Races on Saturday, April 22, presented a great day of steeplechase racing over one of the sport’s most popular race courses at Glenwood Park near Middleburg. Rain fell throughout the day and dampened the crowd and participants but did not deter the racing action. The $50,000 Temple Gwathmey hurdle handicap stakes headed the card, and attracted some of the best horses in training. Bruton Street-US’ Irish-bred Scorpiancer (Sean McDermott) was the starting highweight and was giving 4 to 18 pounds to the other starters. The Fields Stable’s Irish-bred Portrade (Jack Doyle) was one of the lightweights, and the fourteen pound difference almost produced a stunning upset. In the race Portrade set the pace with Mrs. S. K. Johnston, Jr.’s Mr. Hot Stuff and Scorpiancer close behind. With a quarter mile to go Hot Stuff faded; but Scorpiancer joined Portrade approaching the last fence. These two battled to the finish where Scorpiancer proved best by a neck. Hot Stuff finished third.

National Steeplechase Association leading trainer Jack Fisher trains Scorpiancer as well as Bruton StreetUS’s Irish-bred Two’s Company, who was one of the favorites in the co-featured Middleburg Hunt Cup timber stakes. For Bruton Street-US and Jack Fisher these two races demonstrate the highs and lows of the sport. Two’s Company fell at the last fence while contending for the lead with Armata Stables’ Cornhusker (GB) (Kieran Norris) and Gordonsdale Farm’s Canyon Road (Jeff Murphy). Canyon Road had set the pace after Charles C. Fenwick, Jr.’s Puller (Gus Dahl) pulled up. Approaching the last fence Cornhusker and Two’s Company joined Canyon Road. Two’s Company fell but upon landing Cornhusker found another gear and beat Canyon Road to win handily by 5¾ lengths. Alicia Murphy trains Cornhusker.

Jack Fisher did have a second winner on the card with Middleburg’s Woodslane Farm’s Wild Dynaformer (Brendan Crowley) winning the maiden hurdle race by 3¼ lengths over Kinross Farm’s Mutin (Kieran Norris).

Kinross Farm’s Mutin (Fr) set the pace but was overtaken in the stretch by Wild Dynaformer, who won going away. Woodslane Farm’s Other Cheek (Sean McDermott) finished third.

Kieran Norris completed a riding double when he guided KMSN Stable’s Able Archer to victory in the maiden claiming hurdle race for Jonathan Sheppard.

Able Archer stalked Mrs. George M. Sensor’s Street Passage (Jack Doyle) for most of the race and drew clear in the stretch to win by 4¼ lengths over Mrs. S. K. Johnston, Jr.’s Quite a Journey (Sean McDermott), who threatened in the stretch but could not sustain his rally.

Street Passage was third.

Irvin S. Naylor’s Saluda Sam has always had great success over the Alfred Hunt Steeplechase Course winning three times, twice in the spring and once in the fall.

This year was more of the same as Jeff Murphy sent Saluda Sam to an immediate and commanding lead. The result was never in question, and the final margin was 10¼ lengths. Pathfinder Racing’s Cognashene (Kieran Norris) was second and Mr. S. K. Johnston, Jr.’s Dye Fore (Sean McDermott) was a distant third. William Meister has trained Saluda Sam throughout his career over fences.

Cyril Murphy trained Naylor’s Osmoz (Gus Dahl), who won the ratings hurdle race in come-from-behind

fashion. Osmoz was reserved well off the early pace, launched a rally three furlongs from home to be third over the last fence and pulled away from Robert A. Kinsley’s Lyonell (Jack Doyle) in the stretch to win by 1½ lengths. Beverly Steinman’s Perfect Union (Brendan Crowley) was third.

Trainer Elizabeth Voss saddled the winner in the training flat race when Robert A. Kinsley’s Al (GB) (Jack Doyle) rallied from off the pace to win by ¾ length over Petticoats Loose Farm’s Enjoy the Show (Sara Katz).

Beverly R. Steinman’s Secret Reward (Brendan Crowley) finished third.

Blue Ridge Hunt Point-to-Point 4-23-2017 The Blue Ridge Hunt Point-to-Point was originally scheduled to run on March 11, but inclement weather caused a postponement until April 23. The spring-like weather brought out a big crowd to enjoy a ten race card at Woodley Farm near Berryville.

This is the home meet for trainer Jimmy Day, who entered six horses and won three races. His first trip to the winners’ circle was following the amateur/novice rider hurdle race that was won by S. Bruce Smart, Jr.’s good race mare, Fall Colors (Amber Hodyka). Fall Colors went to the front shortly after the start and held that position until Jennifer Taylor’s Alvitude (Trevor Ryan) seized control with a half mile to run. Fall Colors came back again and closed with a rush to win by ½ length.

Day’s second winner was in the novice rider flat race, and once again Amber Hodyka did the honors, this time aboard Magalen O. Bryant’s Plated. In the race Plated took the lead going down the backside and won handily by 5 lengths over Daisy Fenwick’s owner ridden, Incisive Strike. Day’s third win was with owner S. Bruce Smart, Jr.’s Officer’s Oath in the Virginia-bred flat race.

Officer’s Oath was reserved off the pace set by Heather Booterbaugh’s Scented Up (Wladimir Rocha) and Ridgeview Farm’s Virginia Envy (Teresa Croce). Sean McDermott made his move with Officer’s Oath on the turn for home, took the lead in the stretch and won as he pleased by 2 lengths over Scented Up with Virginia Envy third.

In the other hurdle races Bonnie Rye Stables LLC’s Make Big Plans (Kieran Norris) won the maiden race, and Merriefield Farm’s Queequeg (Jack Doyle) won the open race. In the maiden race Make Big Plans moved to the front the final time around the course with Anna DiGenarro’s Part (Jack Doyle) close behind. These two battled over the last with Make Big Plans taking the advantage in the stretch and held off Part’s late charge that fell short by a nose.

Julie Gomena saddled the winner. Three horses Blue Ridge Hunt Point-to-Point, Open Hurdle went to the start (l-r) Queequeg (Jack Doyle, up) – 1st; in the open race.

Baumer (Paddy Young, up) – 3rd.

Merriefield Joanne Maisano photo Farm’s Queequeg (Jack Doyle) and Michael A. Smith’s Baumer (Paddy Young) made the running with James S. Carter’s Macnicholson (Sean McDermott) close to the leaders. Baumer faded on the last turn and Macnicholson made a bid in the stretch, but Queequeg was equal to the task and won by 3 lengths for trainer Jazz Napravnik.

In the novice timber race, which was combined with the lady rider timber race, Rosbrian Farm’s Wantan (Paddy Young) was content to let Small Giant’s Stable’s Bob Greco set the pace, moved to him on the turn and won going away by 1 length. Tara Elmore was the winning trainer. Sweet Talking Guy—owned, trained and ridden by Erin Swope—won the lady rider timber race and was third overall.

Continued

7

Middleburg Spring Races, The Glenwood Hurdle Osmoz (Gus Dahl, up) – 1st (in the rain). Joanne Maisano photo

Middleburg Spring Races, Middleburg Hunt Cup Timber Stakes Cornhusker (Kieran Norris, up) – 1st (in the rain).

Joanne Maisano photo

Blue Ridge Hunt Point-to-Point, Amateur/Novice Rider Hurdle Fall Colors (Amber Hodyka, up) – 1st. Joanne Maisano photo

Blue Ridge Hunt Point-to-Point, Maiden Hurdle (l-r) Make Big Plans (Kieran Norris, up) – 1st; Part (Jack Doyle, up) – 2nd. Joanne Maisano photo

8 The amateur/novice rider timber race was combined with the foxhunters’ race with Eva Smithwick’s Rutledge Classic (McLane Hendriks) winning the amateur/novice rider race and Small Giant’s Stable’s Air Maggy (Kelly Wooster) taking the foxhunters race. Rutledge Classic and Janie Motion’s Awesome Pearl vied for the lead most of the race with Air Maggy within striking distance. Awesome Pearl tired in the final quarter mile when Air Maggy made his move and was narrowly best over Rutledge Classic at the finish. Keri Brion (Air Maggy) and Eva Smithwick (Rutledge Classic) were the winning trainers.

Hall of Fame trainer Jonathan Sheppard won the maiden flat race with his Ten Saints (Kieran Norris). Ten Saints opened a narrow lead at the start and held it throughout the race. Jennifer Pitts’ Broad Reach (Jack Doyle) rallied to no avail and missed by 1 length. This was Kieran Norris’ second win.

Foxfield Spring Races 4-29-2107 In racing there is an expression that there are “horses for courses,” and this certainly applies to S. Bruce Smart, Jr.’s Orchestra Leader and the Foxfield Race Course.

Since 2013 he has made five starts there, winning twice, running second twice, and finishing third once. Trainer Jimmy Day once again entered Orchestra Leader in the allowance optional claiming race at the Foxfield Spring Races on Saturday, April 29, and he did not disappoint.

With apprentice rider Keri Brion up he went to the front from the drop of the starter’s flag, and held that position throughout the race. Irvin S. Naylor’s Jamarjo (Ire) (Paddy Young) came from off the pace to threaten throughout the final quarter mile but could not reach the winner. Orchestra Leader repulsed that challenge and widened approaching the finish to win by 2½ lengths.

Randolph D. Rouse Trust’s Hishi Soar (Gerard Galligan) had won this race last spring, beating Orchestra Leader, but he had to settle for third this time around.

The maiden timber race attracted a small four-horse field and provided an opportunity for Mrs. George L. Ohrstrom’s Class Cherokee (Gus Dahl) and Lana Wright’s Georgetown Burning (Kieran Norris) to have the rubber match in their rivalry. They had faced each other at the Orange County and Loudoun Point-toPoints, each with a win and second place finish. Georgetown Burning had won at Orange County by going to the front, and he attempted the same tactic at Foxfield with Class Cherokee looming boldly. With two fences to go Jonathan Sheppard’s Going for It (Gerard Galligan) joined Class Cherokee stalking the leader, and shortly thereafter Georgetown Burning succumbed to the pressure and faded. It was then up to Class Cherokee to come after Going for It. He accomplished this task putting him away and had enough left in the tank to hold off Irvin S. Naylor’s Aquies (Ross Geraghty), who closed with a rush and just missed by a head. Richard Valentine saddled the winner.

The remainder of the five race card was for maidens running over hurdles. The first of these was the maiden special weight that was won by William Pape’s homebred Giza (Kieran Norris), who is trained by Jonathan Sheppard. Giza went to the front at once and was never headed. Amy Taylor Rowe’s Meteoroid (Paddy Young) held second place from the start and was second best, losing by 2 lengths. These two were far ahead of the others with Irvin S. Naylor’s Jarir (GB) (Gus Dahl) a distant third.

Foxfield Spring Races, Maiden Hurdle Giza (#3, Kieran Norris, up) – 1st; Meteoroid (#6, Paddy Young, up) – 2nd. Rick Stillings photo

IN & AROUND HORSE COUNTRY • SUMMER 2017

In the filly & mare maiden special weight Beverly R. Steinman’s Pure Deal was full of run and won easily by 9½ lengths. Reserved in the early stages, Pure Deal rallied steadily the last time around and took the lead at the ninth fence. From there to the wire the only question was how far she would win by. Welcome Here Farm’s Amazing Anthem (Kieran Norris) and Mike Dalton’s Etched in Time (Richard Boucher) finished second and third but were no match for the winner, who had also run second here in the fall for Virginia leading trainer, Doug Fout.

Rider Ross Geraghty had his second trip to the winners’ circle following the maiden claiming race. Trained

by Ricky Hendriks, Morningstar Farm’s Needle in the Hay ran his best where it counted the most. Reserved well off the pace the first time around, Needle in the Hay started to pick up horses in the final half mile. He challenged Amy Taylor Rowe’s Mogaz (GB) (Paddy Young) from the last fence to the finish and scored by 1¼ lengths. Mrs. S. K. Johnston, Jr.’s Perkup (Gerard Galligan) led briefly in the late stages but could not match strides with the top two in the stretch and finished third.

Middleburg Hunt Point-to-Point 4-30-2017 On Sunday, April 30, the Middleburg Hunt Point-toPoint ran over the extremely popular Glenwood Park Race Course near Middleburg. The owners, trainers, riders and horses were a who’s who of National Steeplechase Association racing, and a festive crowd was on hand to enjoy a great day of racing.

The National Steeplechase Association leading owner the past year, Irvin Naylor, had four winners on the card, and these included the winner of the featured Middleburg Bowl open timber race. Trainer Cyril Murphy sent out the Irish-bred Top Man Michael (Gus Dahl) to face four opponents, but the only horse to ever lead was the winner. Bruton Street-US’ Ballylifen (Hadden Frost) made a mild bid with a quarter mile to run but could not threaten Top Man Michael, who won as his rider pleased by 10 lengths.

Naylor’s El Jefe Grande (Jack Doyle) and Germanbred Shinobi (Gerard Galligan) won the two maiden hurdle races. El Jefe Grande raced off the pace, rallied to take the lead approaching the last fence and romped home by 17 lengths over Mrs. George L. Ohrstrom, Jr.’s Demonstration (Shane Crimin). In the restricted maiden hurdle Shinobi (Gerard Galligan) rallied from off the pace the last time around, split horses while jumping to the lead at the last fence and won going away by 3 lengths over Magalen O’ Bryant’s Middle Road (Paddy Young). Cyril Murphy trains El Jefe Grande and Kathy Neilson Shinobi.

It is not very often that an Eclipse Award winner is eligible for a point-to-point maiden flat race, but that was the case when Irvin S. Naylor’s Dawalan (Jack Doyle) went to the post in a nine-horse field. He was reserved off the pace, advanced steadily through the field to engage Mrs. Calvin Houghland’s Last Shani (Keri Brion) on the final turn and won handily by 1 length.

Last Shani held on for second over Rodman W. Moorhead, III’s Junonia (Gerard Galligan). Cyril Murphy was the winning trainer and the two runners up were trained

by Jonathan Sheppard.

Middleburg Hunt Point-to-Point Samuel E. Bogley Memorial Flat Dawalan (#5, Jack Doyle, up) – 1st.

Joanne Maisano photo

Trainer Richard Valentine and rider Shane Crimin had two winners on the card with Magalen O. Bryant’s Only Charity winning the maiden timber race and Mrs. George L. Ohrstrom, Jr.’s Lady Middleburg Hunt Point-to-Point, Louis Leith Memorial Maiden Timber Yeats accounting for Only Charity (Shane Crimin, up) – the open flat race. In 1st. Joanne Maisano photo the maiden timber race Shane Crimin reserved Only Charity slightly off the pace, took the lead the second time around and won going away by 3 lengths over Bonnie Rye Stables, LLC’s Enuff Alex (Kieran Norris). In the flat race Lady Yeats (Shane Crimin) rallied from off the pace in the last quarter mile, came flying in the stretch and got up in the final strides to win by a nose over Hudson River Farm’s Ciboure (Gerard Galligan) in a driving finish.

The winners of the two novice rider races on the card were determined by the photo finish camera. The novice rider flat race was won in front running style by Nicki Valvo’s owner/trained Triton Light (Zoe Valvo), who held on to win by a head over Betsy Mead’s So Far Away (Vicki Lawrence). In the amateur/novice hurdle race, Harold A. Via, Jr.’s Hinterland (Quinn Scala) was rated in third place until the final quarter mile, dueled Mrs. Calvin Houghland’s Classical Art (Gonzague Cottreau) over Middleburg Hunt Cup the last fence and Amateur/Novice Rider Hurdle through the stretch Hinterland (Quinn Scala, up) – 1st.

Joanne Maisano photo and was narrowly best by a nose. NSA leading trainer, Jack Fisher saddled the winner, a former stakes class horse, who had been away since 2015.

Virginia Gold Cup Races 5-6-2017 For the second year in a row the Virginia Gold Cup Races were run over a soft race course at Great Meadow near The Plains on Saturday, May 6. A year ago Irvin S. Naylor’s Ebanour loved the going and won his first Virginia Gold Cup, and he duplicated that performance this year. Gus Dahl rated Ebanour at the rear of the field until the final time around the course. He rallied down the backside to be second to Bruton Street-US’ Lemony Bay (Sean McDermott) as they raced around the final turn.

These two raced as a team over the last fence, and in the run in from the last Ebanour gradually pulled away to win by 1½ lengths. The 2014 Virginia Gold Cup winner, Holston Hall’s Hot Rize (Gerard Galligan) finished third. For NSA leading owner Irvin S. Naylor, this was his fifth win in this timber classic, and he joined Mrs. Henry Stern (Saluter 1994-1999) as the only two owners to retire the Virginia Gold Cup since the rules were changed now requiring five wins instead of three. Naylor’s other winners were Make Me a Champ (2002) and Salmo (2007 & 2009). Cyril Murphy trains Ebanour.

Virginia Gold Cup Timber Stakes (l-r) Ebanour (Gustav Dahl, up) – 1st; Lemony Bay (Sean McDermott, up) – 2nd. Douglas Lees photo

IN & AROUND HORSE COUNTRY • SUMMER 2017

A year ago Irvin S. Naylor’s Charminster won the David H. Semmes Memorial over Edith R. Dixon’s Schoodic, and these two were on hand with five others for this year’s running. Schoodic (Paddy Young) and Charminster (Jack Doyle) stalked Rosbrian Farm’s Simenon (Ire) (Ross Geraghty), who set the pace to and over the last fence. Schoodic and Charminster quickly put Virginia Gold Cup Steeplethon Simenon away and raced towards the (l-r) Saluda Sam (Willie McCarthy, up); Preseli Rock finish as a team. In the final sixteenth (Hadden Frost, up); Gusto At Dawn (Ben Swope, up) Schoodic started to pull away and – 1st; Triton Light (Darren Nagle, up); Cognashene (Kieran Norris, up). Douglas Lees photo won by 2 lengths over Charminster with Simenon holding on for third. Jack Fisher was the winning trainer.

The Secretariat Stakes on the flat was the third stakes race on the card, and this race featured two high classed runners from Merriebelle Stable, LLC trained by Elizabeth Voss. The two were Renown (GB) (Jack Doyle) and Mr Singh (GB) (Gus Dahl), and they didn’t disappoint. Renown raced near the pace, took sole possession of the lead with six furlongs to run and won handily by 3¼ lengths over his stablemate.

Monica Bauman’s Domo Artiegato (Robert Walsh) was third in the nine-horse field.

Staying on course in the Steeplethon race has often been a challenge for the riders, and this year’s running followed suit. Bruton Street-US’ Preseli Rock (Ire) (Hadden Frost) and Nicki Valvo’s Triton Light (Darren Nagle) led going into the final turn but left the designated course. Ben Swope’s Gusto at Dawn and Mrs. S. K. Johnston, Jr.’s Dye Fore (Sean McDermott) inherited the lead and battled over the last fence.

Gusto At Dawn landed running and pulled away to win by 6¼ lengths. Ben Swope was the winning owner, trainer and rider.

Trainer Neil Morris saddled two winners on the card. He took the Sport of Kings maiden hurdle race with Donna T. Rogers’ Dapper Dan (Darren Nagle), who led all the way and beat The Fields Stable’s Barnacle Bill (Ire) (Gus Dahl) by 1 length. Barnacle Bill challenged on the turn but could not sustain his rally. KMSN Stable’s Jump to Juneau (Gerard Galligan) finished third. Morris’ other winner was in the allowance flat race, which was won by Thomas A. Hulfish, III’s Swellelegent (Gerard Galligan). Swellelegent was reserved off the pace, took the lead at the head of the stretch and romped home alone by 10 lengths over Ballyerin Racing LLC’s Delawana (Emme Fullilove). Lady Olivia at North Cliff, LLC’s Atlanta Babe (Richard Boucher) was third. Unsinkable was second and Irvin S. Naylor’s Tubal (Carol-Ann Sloan) finished third.

9

Virginia Gold Cup Timber Stakes Presentation: (l-r) Cyril Murphy (trainer), Diane Naylor (wife of owner Irvin Naylor), Gustav Dahl (rider of Ebanour), Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe and his wife Dorothy McAuliffe. Douglas Lees photo

One of the most impressive performances of the day was that of Jeffrey S. Amling and Merriebelle, LLC’s My Afleet in the allowance hurdle race. A stakes winner and earner of nearly $300,000 on the flat, My Afleet won at first asking over hurdles by more than thirty lengths at Tryon in April for trainer Mark Beecher and was making his second start here. My Afleet (Kieran Norris) was reserved off the pace set by Robert A. Kinsley’s Unsinkable (Ire) (Jack Doyle), took a share of the lead with Unsinkable on the turn for home and pulled away approaching the last fence and was well in hand in the stretch while winning by 12¾ lengths.

The Virginia-bred flat race closed out the card and Debra E. Kachel’s Hooping (Ross Geraghty) went to the lead in the early going, dueled Sara Collette’s Balistes (Kieran Norris) on the backside, put him away on the turn and held Harlan J. Crossman’s Complete St. (Richard Boucher) and S. Bruce Smart, Jr.’s Officer’s Oath (Sean McDermott) safe in the stretch.

Complete St. settled for second, Virginia Gold Cup M.C. Dean Chase Allowance Hurdle and Officer’s Oath was close up in (l-r) Unsinkable (#4, Jack Doyle, up) – 2nd; My Afleet third place. The winning margin (#5, Kieran Norris, up) – 1st; Tubal (#1, Carol Ann Sloan, up) – 3rd; Wild Dynaformer (#7, Brendan Crow- was 1¾ lengths, and the winning ley, up) – 4th. Douglas Lees photo trainer was Ricky Hendriks.

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THE FOXHUNTER'S NI O T E RVA OM C NA L E Riding attire, saddlery, lifestyle gifts, art, antiques, books, rare books

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LTV14 Oatmeal ground with Tan and Rust lines. 32”-44” Regular and Long (HC2A) $210.00

LC38 US sizes 4-14 (HC2B) $850.00 Stock Stoc ck tie #4F-094 (HC2C) $55.00

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Sizes XS-XL A. White (HC2K) $150.00 B. Blue (HC2L) $160.00 C. Yellow (HC2M) $150.00

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LS35 US sizes 34”-44” Regular and Long (HC2H) $695.00 Stock tie #4F-083 (HC2J) $75.00 PHOENIX Made in the same cloth as our Sandhurst lightweight breech, the Phoenix offers the same features but with a Euroseat detail and a narrower leg. No knee seam, suede patches, deep pockets and front zip.

Rust 26”-38” Regular and Long 2010-L539FZES (HC2R) $178.95 Beige 26”-38” Regular and Long 2010-L539FZES (HC2S) $178.95

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MC28 US sizes 40"-52" Regular and Long (HC3A) $875.00 Brer Rabbit tie 989-410/28 (HC3B) $110.00

MEN’S EXCEL HUNT SHIRT Made in England Technical fabric, 88% Cotton and 12% Lycra, with contrasting lined collar and placket. Knit cuffs. Bone buttons. Moisture management fabric. Long tail.

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WAVERLY FIELD BOOTS Made in Italy.

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MS26 US sizes 40"-48" Regular and Long (HC3C) $695.00 Fox Mask wool challis tie 989-444/4 (HC3D) $115.00

MV11 US sizes 36"-44" Short, 38"-48" Regular and 40"-52" Long (HC3E) $795.00

BREECHES Men's breeches in many cuts and fabrics. From full flared to athletic stretch styles, imported from Europe and other parts of the world, gentlemen, we have you covered.

We offer a large selection of belts suitable for riding, dress, and everyday wear.

MTV14 Oatmeal ground with Rust and Brown lines. Satin back. 38"-52" Regular and 42"-50" Long (HC3F) $240.00

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Nickel Collar: Ladies’ (HC4C) $245.00 Gents’ (HC4D) $245.00 Children’s (HC4E) $245.00 Silver Collar: Ladies’ (HC4F) $395.00 Gents’ (HC4G) $395.00 Children’s (HC4H) $395.00 Horn Handle: Plain collar hunt crops.

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10

IN & AROUND HORSE COUNTRY • SUMMER 2017

INTERNATIONAL

Trekking With the Poverty Bay Hunt, New Zealand

By Karin Winegar

Diana Black photo

Diana Black photo

Diana Black photo

Melissa Kershaw photo

We strung out across hills toasted as golden as a lion’s pelt, zigzagging up sheep paths so steep we stood in our stirrups and gripped mane, then down into the cool shade of gum tree groves where creeks trickled past cattail-fringed ponds. Sheep skittered out of our way, glossy Black Angus cows roared and lambs called for their mothers in almost human voices.

Riders in half chaps and shorts, breeches, and jeans trotted along on big boned “Clydie” (Clydesdale) crosses, Gypsy cobs, Arabians, and a few Standardbreds. One rode a mixed breed ambler, another was astride a Connemara-Appaloosa, and somewhere among the 135 mounts trekking the New Zealand seaside terrain was a 17.2 hand Suffolk Punch gelding. Here as in Kiwi (NZ) hunt fields, it’s not what you wear or what you ride; it’s what can do the job.

Hunts worldwide raise funds in many ways beyond membership, hunter paces, and capping fees, including auctions and hunt balls. On New Zealand’s North Island, members of the Poverty Bay Hunt (PBH) pluck chickens, make hay, “crutch” (sheer the back ends of) sheep, cater parties, and graze cattle (42 are fattening this year). The annual three-day trek on the beaches and historic cattle and sheep stations above Gisborne is the fundraiser on which the 125- year-old hunt relies for the bulk of its budget.

In the spacious three-sided shed atop a hill at Riminui Station, PBH Master Nikki McHugh, trek co-organizer, assisted by her medical student daughter Lucy McHugh, a dozen women and several men, unloaded supplies from her horse truck (as vans are called in NZ). A screaming scarlet kiss emblazoned on the hood matched McHugh’s signature lipstick.

“Our subscription rates are very low, so we raise three-quarters of our cost,” said McHugh, a realtor whose home lies minutes beyond Riminui, which is owned by the Hoogerbrug and Williams families who run Angus cattle. “Hunting people organize it and some take part, however trekking is not hunt culture.”

No indeed: instead of velvet hunt caps, stock ties, PBH lemon yellow colors and green coats, it was shorts, sun hats, and sleeveless t-shirts. In addition to hunt saddles, there were dressage saddles, hybrid saddles and one ancient homemade that resembled a McClellan. One couple did the trek on tooled Western saddles, the man sporting a complementary outsized handlebar mustache and cowboy hat.

More experienced riders cushioned their stock saddles with sheepskins (from their own sheep), and a few were also held in place by cruppers in deference to the steep hills. One or two horses wore bridles and flask holders shaped of bull hide (their own bulls) replete with the original coarse, curly hair. Not a few riders carried “accelerators”—yard-long lengths of rubber water hose.

Around the shed, riders set up their tents, floats (horse trailers), and horse trucks outfitted with cooking facilities and cots, savoring the 360 degree views of pastureland and, far below, the sapphire water of Poverty Bay. Some turned their horses out in a collective pasture, where they sorted themselves sociably into bands, others set up portable fences or used stock paddocks adjoining the shed and portable shower.

A few went for ultimate comfort: Shirley Christmas of Taranki camped in her horse truck on a king single mattress replete with a “mozzie” (mosquito) net, and Migo, her black 17 h Clydesdale and Saddlebred cross, penned close by.

The camp bustled with the Kiwi greeting, “All good?” To which the answer is, traditionally and truly, “Good as!” (Good as gold.)

The night before the trek, a gang sang around a campfire until 3 a.m., concluding with chucking beer bottles at a possum, one of the non-native pests that put New Zealand flora and fauna in peril.

New Zealand’s 28 hunts are harrier hunts, with packs pursuing hares that otherwise would—and have, when unchecked—mow grasses and shrubs down to bare soil.

Thanks to generous hunt members, I have ridden with packs on both North and South Islands on previous visits, enjoying unceasing hospitality and terrific runs on station-bred horses that go all day and never blink at the wire fences. The five or six strand sheep fences are sometimes topped with “droppers” (boards or tubes attached to top wire before the pack moves off) to increase visibility.

Horses who clear un-droppered fences are acclaimed as “full wire hunters.”

This time I was mounted on an eager, elegant, and responsive grey mare, one of McHugh’s hunt horses: Nikkers is a Ngahiwi sporthorse, a mixed breed produced by her neighbor Bruce Holden, whose Ngahiwi Station specializes in show jumpers and hunters. The Ngahiwi (Maori for “Up on high, with good outlook”) bloodline includes Holsteiner, Thoroughbred, Clydesdale, and Selle Francais.

Holden, former PBH Deputy Master, initiated the PBH annual trek in 2004. He and his son Tony and their families live adjacent to the trek campsite, where their herds run free in bands of about a dozen mares and foals with a stallion.

Mornings we breakfasted at the buffet in the shed at Riminui, then rode six hours a day (with a break for lunch) over station land owned by an intermarried constellation of Williamses, Holdens, and Hoogerbrugs, cattle, sheep, and horse ranchers Poverty Bay Hunt Master with roots running Nikki McHugh well back into the Photo courtesy Poverty Bay Hunt. nineteenth century.

“As with hunting, if it weren’t for property owners, we couldn’t do it,” McHugh explained. This is the thirteenth PBH trek she has organized, and each draws riders from around North Island. McHugh is PBH’s first female Master and the first and only female on the New Zealand Hunts Association Management Team of which she is vice president.

Whatever works in the field is a principle in NZ hunting, and that means many station bred mounts.

The various crosses are “out of whatever was in the pasture by whatever jumped over the fence,” as one trek rider described it.

IN & AROUND HORSE COUNTRY • SUMMER 2017

Many Kiwis don’t hesitate to use their horses all around, whether trekking, showing or hunting. PBH whipper-in Shelagh Nolan of Gisborne, for one, trekked on her dressage and show jumper gelding.

And no small number of Kiwi mounts are accustomed to toting wild pig carcasses over their backs. Feral pigs (also non-native) are a pest, and their hides can be seen slung on barbed wire fences.

“Trekking is the new growth industry in the equestrian world here,” said Catherine Coop, who trailered in from the Maia Peninsula. “It is a really social thing. We ride in any tack or clothes; there’s no judgment. And it is a privilege to ride over great land.”

“Trekking here is ride what you like, wear what you like, it is not competitive and it is a wonderful equalizer,” agreed farmer Janet Campbell, who trotted along tirelessly on Tonto, a chestnut Arabian gelding. “You get to ride in amazing places that others never go. And whereas hunting can be mostly women, you find quite a lot of men riding in treks.”

Riders included stock hands from up the road; dairy, beef cattle, and sheep farmers; a woman who manages farm offal; truck drivers; an apartment rental agent; a specialist in vineyard cask cleaning; and a deer hunt guide (deer are also a non-native species).

While his partner Faye Spence assisted with operations at camp, Bruce, aboard his gelding Ngahiwi Captain, led the trek one day, joined by Tony and some of his 11 grandchildren.

Kids rode compact Kaimanawa horses (a feral New Zealand breed), others had mixed breed or Welsh ponies. Towering over everyone at checks was Peter Roebuck on War Paint, his 18h grey “Standardbred with giraffe genes.”

For trekkers who crave even longer distances, riders Hepa Paewai and Kitty Johnson are route manager and organizer, respectively, of The Great New Zealand Trek, a 2,000 mile jaunt in which riders, cyclists, and walkers traverse the country from top to bottom, covering 180-210 k over six days each March.

PBH members Andrew and Rosemary Bremner of Taupo, veterans of horse treks in Namibia, Turkey, Chile, Mexico, and other sites, rolled along equipped in gloves and sun veils, he on a steel grey and she on a pinto. When not trekking around the globe, they sometimes host the PBH at their Whetarau Station home at Whatatutu, where some 520 horses and riders took part in the centennial hunt.

Medical care when needed on this trek was provided by Mary Clarke, a nurse from Whatatutu, who hunts hard all season with PBH and lives out of her horse truck on treks.

From the camp, our route led us up, down and around hills laced with footwide terraces made by sheep who curled in shallow scoops in the hillside. The sapphire sea—Poverty Bay, so named by Captain James Cook in 1769 when he arrived on the Endeavor, because he found “nothing of value” there—came into and out of view.

On one day, we came out along a ridgetop and fanned out single file along the spine in the short grass. Below us, willows, enormous Norfolk pines, and gum trees hugged an uninhabited shoreline, Turihau Beach, washed with clear surf in the full spectrum of blue.

Along the ridge are depressions, pits dug by Maori for lookouts, for homes, or middens where they stored kumara, a sweet potato-like tuber and a staple of the Maori diet.

“When we plow the flat paddocks we find stone adzes and cook stones from hangis (feasts), some green stone, some black stone,” said Kip Coop, from Hawkes Bay. “If you work a paddock after rain you see them, they are so hard they stay dry.”

In Maori tradition, everyone has a mountain and a river that serves as their home address, explained local farmer Rick Shanks, a PBH member responsible for organizing the rides. The Taruheru, Turanganui, and Waimata Rivers run down these hills, and, in the background, Shanks pointed out cloud shrouded mountains enclosing the bay.

At Dead Man’s Tree, a soaring totara near a small creek, Bruce Holden recalled how his uncle dreamt of a dead man one night; the next morning at this spot he found exactly that. As he told the story, a paint gelding pawed away the bright green algae and lay down in the brackish water to hoots and giggles from the rest of us.

One Holden grandson rode a bay and ponied a pinto by a leadrope tied to the bay’s tail, swapping mounts halfway through the day. On the second day, as I urged Nikkers out of the shade of willows where we had been nibbling, there was a shredding sound, and I turned to see more than a foot of thick black tail had parted from the horse and dangled from the pinto’s halter rope.

We descended to the coast for lunch at Turihaua Station cattle shed, tying our horses in the shade or inside the shed where buffet lunch awaited and third generation breeders Hamish and Angie Williams gave a history of their station,

11

Diana Black photo

said to be the oldest Angus stud in Australasia. Turihaua cattle are fed “only on grass, never supplementary feed,” said Hamish Williams. “They have to survive, and the genetic program is uncompromising.”

After lunch, trekkers rode bareback into the surf and beyond the breakers, youngsters doing dives and backflips off the more stolid horses, others being towed lightly by horses’ tails, plunging and laughing and wrestling each other.

By the end of each six-hour ride, a few arms and knees were wrapped in vet wrap from scrapes with trees, and one man ponied his wife’s horse, she having had an involuntary dismount.

Dinner in the shed saw ravenous riders storm a buffet table adorned with silver candelabra draped in ivy. One evening it was Coronation Chicken Curry, the next platters of Hoogerbrug beef, sweet corn, and cole slaw as Johnny Cash rumbled out “Ghost Riders in the Sky” and riders in flip-flops fresh from the portable shower jostled elbows at the bar for cool bottles of Tui beer.

McHugh, who with her crew had spent the day in the shed stripping meat from cooked chicken, frying bacon and eggs, chopping salad and whipping up fruit coulis, managed to look crisp while filling plates.

She estimates that 10 out of the 28 NZ Hunts have used treks for fundraisers.

“Most of them have done one or two as the organization is not for the fainthearted,” she noted. “It is extremely hard work, and catering for large numbers with limited facilities is huge. PB Hunt has created a formula that works: We go all out on our food and hospitality and have created a reputation for that.”

While some locals take the ride and its spectacular geography for granted, she noted, I had flown and driven some 8,000 miles for this experience and would do it again.

“We are really isolated geographically, people have to make a huge effort to get to Gisborne, so we have to make it worthwhile for them,” she said. “Many come to see iconic properties that they would not otherwise see: we are fortunate to have fabulous properties available to us.

“I like trekking for us, because we can make a large amount of money in one shot, we can use our strengths as an organization. We have lots of women, so catering staff are easy to come by and wonderful people who provide home baking. We have good contacts on the farms we ride over. We have a good crew of chaps who can manage the rides and other blokey things.”

After dinner, Venus rose bright in the wake of the waxing half moon. Poplar trees shimmered silver in the breeze, willow and cottonwood rustled, hares scuttled from under bushes past ditches of periwinkle-hued agapanthus lilies. From the pasture came snorts and the soft stirring of hooves, and far up the creek bottom below our hill, owls called.

Riders snored, rolled up in sleeping bags under loading ramps, in tents, or slipped into canvas bivouac sacks under the star-thick sky.

The next week, rain would refresh the pastures, turn everything succulent green, and replenish the valleys where single lane bridges span eel-filled creeks.

And, having successfully entertained, fed, and watered a multitude, McHugh and crew would begin planning for the upcoming hunt season.

To inquire about the Poverty Bay Hunt annual trek please contact: povertybayhunt@xtra.co.nz For information about the Great New Zealand Trek: contact c.johnson@xtra.co.nz and visit www.greatnewzealandtrek.com

12

FOXHUNTING

IN & AROUND HORSE COUNTRY • SUMMER 2017

Museum of Hounds & Hunting North America Honors Three Legendary Huntsmen

Leesburg, Virginia, May 27, 2017: Umbrellas were unfurled and the ceremony continued as planned as three deserving huntsmen were inducted into the Huntsmen’s Room at the Museum of Hounds and Hunting North America. Some intermittent sprinkles did not dampen the enthusiasm of the standing-roomonly crowd gathered in front of the historic Morven Park Mansion.

John J. Carle II, ex-MFH and former huntsman for Keswick Hunt Club, served as MC. The induction speeches were presented

by Tommy Lee Jones for the late James Atkins; Mary Ewing, MFH, for Dr. Marvin Beeman; and Dr. John B. Reynolds, MFH, for C. Martin Wood III. [The following profiles (l-r) Presenter Tommy Lee Jones, Huntsman, Casanova Hunt; Inductee C. Martin Wood III, are excerpts from the biographies that ap- MFH, Live Oak Hounds; K.T. Akins, Inductee James Lee Atkins’ widow; MC John J. Carle peared in the Induction Ceremony commem- II, ex-MFH, Keswick Hunt Club; Inductee Dr. Marvin Beeman, MFH, Arapahoe Hunt; Presenter Dr. John B. Reynolds, MFH, Live Oak Hounds; Presenter Mary Ewing, Esq., MFH, orative brochure.]

and Marvin whipped-in to George Beeman, as eventually did their two children. Upon Marvin’s appointment as Huntsman, all three turned hounds to him.

Marvin took over the Huntsman’s position from his father at the same time The Arapahoe moved to a new country—30,000 acres, all rolling plains with relatively few trees and virtually a constant wind of varying velocity.

For many years, Marvin has been one of the most recognized and respected veterinarians in the country, specializing in equine lameness. His national positions and awards are legion.

After succeeding his father as Huntsman at Arapahoe in 1986, Marvin was elected Joint Master in 1990. In 2008 he was elected president of the Masters of Foxhounds AsArapahoe Hunt. Douglas Lees photo sociation, serving until 2011. Marvin distinJames Lee Atkins (1941-2013) guished himself as a “hands-on” president, and for his quick and quietly diplomatic Old Dominion Hounds 1977-1987; Piedmont Fox Hounds 1987-1989; solving of all problems great and small.

Warrenton Hunt 1993-2005 With Marvin carrying the horn, the Arapahoe’s pack of English Hounds continues James Lee Atkins was born October 9, 1941, in Rappahannock County, Virginia. to show to both members and myriad visitors some of the most renowned and conJim’s father owned coonhounds, and Jim’s early experience with hounds came from sistent sport in the country. Incredibly, they’ve not suffered a blank day since 1972! accompanying his dad at night. Jim—a natural horseman—began breaking colts for George and Marvin Beeman are the only father and son to be inducted into the a local farmer and after the horses’ early education on the farm, these youngsters Huntsman’s Room. went hunting, Jim aboard, with the Rappahannock Hunt. In the summer, Jim rode at many of the local small shows that proliferated in those days.

C. Martin Wood III, MFH, Live Oak Hounds, Florida Jim established his own construction company while continuing to hunt with Rap- Marty Wood founded the Live Oak Hounds in 1974, as Master and Huntsman. In pahannock Hunt, often assisting his brother-in-law, Huntsman Billy Dodson, with 1976 he chose the perfect Joint Master, his wife, life-partner in all things and First Whipper-In duties. As the 1970s gasoline crisis hurt many small businesses, Jim had Whipper-In, Daphne Flowers Wood. Together, they have set the standard for foxto consider other career options. Old Dominion Hounds was looking for a successor hunting done properly, from breeding an outstanding pack of hounds, who electrify to aging huntsman Ray Pearson. Jim accepted their offer and throughout the 1976- afield and dominate “on the flags,” to introducing new people, young and old, to the 1977 season he whipped-in to Pearson, and then took over the horn. It was immedi- sport and encouraging and educating younger, eager hound show judges. Hunt staff ately evident Jim was born to hunt and breed hounds. The pack he built showed trained under Marty’s guidance have excelled in their field at other hunts countryoutstanding sport. Membership at Old Dominion exploded and visitors clamored to wide. And Marty’s generosity to other hunts, through drafts from his kennel, has imjoin the fun. proved sport all over.

At Piedmont Fox Hounds in 1987, Huntsman Charlie Kirk was ready to retire and In 1990 Marty was elected president of the Masters of Foxhounds Association, and Randy Waterman approached Jim to take over Kirk’s position. After two seasons thus began his most important and long-lasting work. Marty alerted the foxhunting there, a widening gulf of hunting philosophies convinced Jim to leave. Piedmont leg- world to the dire threat to their sport by the anti-hunting/animal rights movement. end and member of the Huntsmen’s Room, Albert Poe, recommended Atkins to Dr. His insistence that all field sportsmen should join together in a common cause to Jim Gable as a farm manager where Jim could enjoy his second love, farming. His thwart the antis has become a universally accepted practice. Thanks to his undertwo-year sabbatical from hunting ended when Jim put together a small gem of a pack standing that by banding together and sharing the cost of lobbyists at the state level, for Gable’s private hunt, which he hunted for a while. many a restrictive bill has been either defeated outright or reworded to be an aid to When Warrenton Hunt approached him to replace departing Huntsman Richard animal welfare rather than an animal-rights weapon.

Buswell, Jim accepted. Completing the task Buswell had started, Jim rebuilt the WarMarty spearheaded American support for British foxhunters by not only raising renton pack. For twelve years, aided by his wife KT who still whips-in at Warrenton, significant funds for their cause, but by leading a group to join the thousands of peoJim showed sport equal to that during the Bywater days, considered their halcyon ple marching in opposition to the ill-conceived Hunting Act. In England, Marty is a years. Beloved by members and admired by his peers, Jim Atkins showed not only well-known and respected American foxhunter and the only American asked to judge outstanding sport, he made it fun for everyone. at the Peterborough Hound Show.

Jim’s winning personality and unquestionable integrity won over many a C. Martin Wood III, MFH, has always been a leader in anything he has done, in landowner. His quiet, patient handling of his pack taught many a beginner how to business, in conservation, and in the foxhunting and sporting world. approach a complex job. Jim never indulged in hunt politics. If any upheaval occurred, he’d simply say, “Aw, let’s go huntin’!” When he retired in 2005, James Lee Setting the Table: Hunt China Atkins was widely considered one of the best huntsmen in Virginia. He died in 2013. With the presentation ceremonies complete, the attendees were invited to tour the Museum of Hounds & Hunting North America in the Morven Park Mansion, which Dr. G. Marvin Beeman, MFH, Arapahoe Hunt, Colorado features the newly opened exhibition of foxhunting art on china dinnerware by wellMarvin Beeman was born in Sedalia, Colorado, in 1933. In 1934 the family moved known sporting artists of the late 19th and 20th centuries. Makers include Copeland, to the Arapahoe Hunt kennels, where his father George Beeman was professional Royal Doulton and Royal Worcester, to name a few on display.

Whipper-In. Marvin began to ride at age four and, by age six, was hunting with an The Museum’s mission is to preserve and display the art and artifacts of mounted uncle. In 1942 Marvin was made gate-boy for the hunt, and in 1943, age ten years, hunting in North America. The doors are open from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm Thursday he was promoted to Whipper-In, when the rest of the hunt staff were called in to mil- through Sunday. For more information, visit www.MHHNA.org or call 703-777-2414 itary service. Marvin’s father George was Huntsman by then, and the son turned ext. 0. hounds to the father for 42 years. In 1986 the roles reversed, until a hunting accident A reception for members and guests followed. From the tent, the vista toward the ended George’s career. As a boy, Marvin’s summers were spent breaking and mak- east made a lovely backdrop while the music of the trio from The Music School of ing hunters and polo ponies for Lawrence C. Phipps, Jr., MFH, Arapahoe’s founder. the Piedmont was followed by the annual Huntsman’s Horn Blowing Contest held on From Mr. Phipps Marvin learned polo, eventually carrying a three-goal handicap the lawn below the mansion. The evening was a prelude to Sunday’s Virginia Foxthrough college, veterinary school and for several years thereafter. hound Show in the shady Morven Park treed gardens.

Marvin married his wife Eunie in 1955 while in college; following his graduation from veterinary school in 1957, they returned to the Arapahoe country. Both Eunie

13

IN & AROUND HORSE COUNTRY • SUMMER 2017

JENNY’S PICKS Thelwell, Norman. Thelwell’s Pony Cavalcade. At last! Thelwell has been reprinted! This series of three favorites is available as a package: Angels on Horseback, A Leg at Each Corner, and Thelwell’s Riding Academy. We’ve had many requests for Thelwell’s delightful books of cartoons depicting the foibles of riders and mounts; although Thelwell was not a horseman himself, his drawings so perfectly capture the hilarious behaviors and features that “a Thelwell pony” immediately conjures up visions of a rotund, shaggy and mischievous Shetland pony whose little rider’s legs stick out from its sides while it bumps along at a trot or explodes into a bucking fit. Paperback, 352pp. $15.95 Kurskaya, Vera. Horse Color Explored. Horses come in many shades of brown, black, yellow, grey and white. While every horse-lover is familiar with chestnut, bay, brown, black, grey, palomino, roan and buckskin, as well as spotted, there are some variations that are pretty unusual, and depicted here in full color. There have been a number of books published interpreting horse color, but each one has different photos and they are all fascinating. The oddest one I’ve seen—and only in books—is the brindle, most often associated with canines and cattle rather than horses. After the introductory chapter explaining the basics of horse color and a little about color genetics, the sections continue to base colors, diluted colors, white-hair admixtures, spotting, and much more, some of which I’m totally unfamiliar with. (And being a horse painter and miniature modeler, I’ve studied horse color quite a bit!)

Other sections deal with markings, hair features, evolution of color, and influence of color on performance and other aspects. Paperback, 172pp. $34.95 Klimke, Ingrid. Training Horses the Ingrid Klimke Way. The daughter of Olympian Reiner Klimke—now an Olympian in her own right— has produced her own book about horse training focusing on the wellbeing of the horse as he is brought along in his schooling. The subtitle says it all: “An Olympic medalist’s winning methods for a joyful riding partnership.” Chapters include basic walk-trot-canter, gymnastics, narrow jumps, cavaletti, hills, and hacking out, plus four chapters on the special horses she has ridden. Hardcover, 176pp. $26.95 Rashid, Mark. Finding the Missed Path/The Art of Restarting Horses.

Long before he wrote his novel—which we hope won’t be his only one—Mark Rashid was writing about horse training. Don’t discount him just because he’s a Westerner. I’ve enjoyed reading every book I have of his as he discusses the problem horses he’s dealt with. His books read as smoothly as a novel, and like so many of the “horse whisperer” types, his methods are based on understanding and patience, not force. Paperback, 200pp. $24.95 Graf, Uta. Uta Graf’s Effortless Dressage Program. The subtitle, “A Top Rider’s Keys to Success Using Play, Groundwork, Trail Riding and Turnout,” should give a clue what to expect. Like Ingrid Klimke, Uta Graf believes that a horse’s work should be enjoyable to him and as much like play as possible without falling into undiscipline. Paperback, 200 pp., $31.95 Sinclair-Smith, Michael. Lure of the Chase. We now have the first of the series in stock, now in paperback format to match the two sequels.

See my summary of the book in our Spring 2017 issue. Paperback, $20.00

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 Many of you foxhunters out there enjoy acquiring a foxhunting book library featuring noted writers of the past few centuries and comparing what they have to say about the sport. Some of the most popular authors, such as Beckford, Thomas, Rycroft and Mackay-Smith, are still in print. Others you have to search the used bookstores and internet to find. We still have a large number of used books in stock featuring favorite and lesser-known writers. Often they are illustrated by wellknown, long-deceased sporting artists, and some have lovely binding.

Here are some of them. The list will be continued as space permits in future issues.

Bathhurst, Earl. Anyone trying to research English Foxhound ancestry should obtain copies of his books: Supplement to the Foxhound Kennel Stud Book, The Charlton and Raby Hunts, The Earl Spencer’s and Mr. John Warde’s Hounds, and The Breeding of Foxhounds, of which we currently have copies. However, he also wrote A History of the V.W.H. Country, published by Constable & Co. Ltd., London, 1936, dealing with the Vale of the White Horse. There are many hunting recollections and a good deal of personality difficulties as well, such as every hunt—indeed, every organization—never fails to incur at some time or another. A map of the country is attached to the back page.

Hardcover, no dj, good condition. 273pp. incl. list of hounds and hunt staff, b&w photos of notable members/staff. #6297. $120.00 Clapham, Richard. Foxes, Foxhounds & Fox-Hunting. Heath Cranton Ltd., London, nd but c. 1925. A hefty volume all about English foxhunting, 40 b&w photographs and a color frontispiece by Lionel Edwards. Good cond. w/foxing, dj has some tears but is protected by plastic sleeve. Hardcover, 319pp. #5906. $125.00 Dale, T. F. A History of the Belvoir Hunt. Archibald Constable & Co., Whitehall Gardens, 1899. This history of a venerable and still very active hunt includes b&w photos and sepia-toned engravings, a colored map of the country and an appendix listing the Belvoir hounds. (We still have a number of the garden books on Belvoir Castle should you be interested in seeing what it looks like today.) Hardcover, no dj, 429pp plus ads in back. #6298. $230.00 Dixon, William Scarth. Hunting in the Olden Days. Small Maynard & Co., Boston, 1912. Dixon goes back to really olden days, when stag hunting was in vogue rather than fox hunting, to start his history of hunting. Lots of b&w plates illustrate. Hardcover, good cond. w/some foxing, pages uncut, no dj, 386pp. #5912. $120.00 Eardley-Wilmot, Sir John E. Reminiscences of the Late Thomas Assheton Smith, Esq. John Murray, London, 1860. 2nd edition. This

biography of one of the most well-known of English huntsmen was requested by Smith’s widow following his death as an attempt to restore his reputation, allegedly “dissed” by “one of the leading Journals” of the time. Smith was well off financially, so much so that he commissioned a number of yachts to be built for him (he enjoyed sailing as much as foxhunting, it seems), and he enjoyed acquaintance with a number of the upper class, including the Duke of Wellington. His escapades make interesting reading and give a good flavor of the Victorian era. Hardcover, good cond., no dj, 307pp. #3320. $200.00 Elliott, J.M.K. Fifty Years’ Foxhunting with the Grafton and Other Packs of Hounds. Horace Cox, London, 1900. This book is #88 of 100 copies and is signed by the author. It’s big, with lots of b&w plates and many tales of foxhunting. A large section is devoted to the hunt diaries of Frank Beers, one of the huntsmen for the pack. Not in the best of shape, the book is reasonably priced for a limited edition. Hardcover, 333pp., no dj. #4922. $125.00 Higginson, Alexander Henry. An Old Sportsman’s Memories 18761951. Blue Ridge Press, Berryville, VA, 1951. Higginson’s memoirs are immensely readable and a great source of information about the late Victorian period and the early 20th century. Much more than foxhunting is covered, but there is a wealth of experiences that he recounts.

Hardcover, no dj. 304pp. 3 copies available, from $100.00 - $125.00.

“Nimrod” (Charles James Apperley). My Life and Times. William Blackwood & Sons, Edinburgh and London/Charles Scribner’s Sons, New York, 1927. For enjoyable reading, don’t miss “Nimrod’s” autobiography! His is not a “me-me-me” account so much as a host of recollections of people he knew, and he knew a lot of them. He was a prolific writer for various magazines during his lifetime as well as writing several books, among them The Chace, the Road and the Turf; The Life of John Mytton; and Remarks on the Condition of Hunters. Illustrated with b&w plates, with color portrait frontispiece. Hardcover, no dj. #3939. $175.00 Reeve, J. Stanley. Foxhunting Recollections/A Journal of the Radnor Hounds and Other Packs. J. B. Lippincott, Philadelphia and London, 1928. This is full of foxhunting accounts that must have come from a hunting diary, because dates, prominent members turned out, and action is quite specific and detailed—and it makes good reading. The years covered are 1921-28. B&w photos include both people and artwork depicting the hunt by Charles Morris Young. The frontispiece, another of Young’s paintings, is in color. Hardcover, no dj, 320pp. We have several copies in stock ranging in price from $125.00 to $200.00.

14

AGA’S SAGAS

IN & AROUND HORSE COUNTRY • SUMMER 2017

What Did You Do On Summer Vacation?

Artwork by Claudia Coleman

“Aga, please tend the mail and help pick through the lot, see if anything interesting has shown up.”

understood that one. I told them no pups. We’re serving adult refreshments only.

Whoa, ho, ho, Marion! The invitations for August and September are starting to arrive. Check this out: ‘Join us on Shelter Island.’ ‘We’re all going to Eatons’ Ranch.’ I like this one best: ‘Your room at Windswept in Maine is awaiting your return.’

D’ya think Marion remembered to order the tweed gloves she found on her tour of England this year?

She described them to me and I must have a pair with four fingers.

“Too bad. I haven’t time for any of them. Besides, who can get away in cubbing season?”

Ah, go on! Accept one or two. Why not enjoy some R&R? Besides, you always say you need a break from your desk. Have you seen Marion’s desk lately, Bunsen? Get one of the girls to lift you up.

The bird’s eye view is stunning.

Faith and bejabbers! I’ve seen it. She sat me on her lap the other day. It was a veritable geography lesson in retail preparedness. Plains of paper, tweed mountains, cotton patches everywhere.

Actually, she hadn’t finished the order. I hid it so she wouldn’t postpone her trip.

Ah, good thinkin’, lassie. I am off to the berm. I think I’ll call the Scottish Highlands War Cry. That will bring ’em runnin’. Get ready for the masses!

Off with you, then! Let’s get the show rolling!

Ouf, Ouf, Ouf, Yowt, Yowt, Yowt. Ouf, Ouf, Ouf, Yowt, Yowt, Yowt, Ouf, Ouf, Ouf, Yowt, Yowt, Yowt!

You’re back quickly, Bunsen. That was a fine job!

I gave it me all. Our guests are on the way.

Cotton swatches, not patches.

“Oh, Aga, I took your advice and rethought the lining colors. Stunning. Wait until you see the new tweed jackets.”

OMG, there’s the door. I know it’s the Afghans. They’re always the first.

Welcome! Welcome to our pool par…

I’m sure they’re lovely. But, look, if you won’t go relax for a week or two, how about at least a long weekend away? Bunsen and I can stay home, Jenny will check on us, and you can go to a spa. We won’t get into trouble.

“You mean welcome home, don’t you Aga? I just had to turn around. Way too much to do and I need to finish the tweed glove order. Have you seen it anywhere? What the…? There are two Irish Setters lapping pool water.”

“Hmmmm. I suppose I could dart away for a long weekend. The Homestead or the Greenbriar, Salamander, they’re close enough. I won’t have to get on a plane.

Imagine, the cool mountain evenings. I can sleep with the windows open. Breakfast in bed.”

Bunsen, quick, back to the berm and undo that Scottish War Cry!

Shall I book it?

••••• Okay, Bunsen, she’s out the door and everything is set. Let’s give a bark to our guests. They’re as excited as can be and promise to come as soon as they hear the call. Come on, Bunsen, use that “balley hoo” call that Irish Wolfhound taught you to wail when a stag has been scented.

Ach. ’Tis a lamentable situation. All our friends are like us, left home alone this time of year. But we’ll be correctin’ that shortly, won’t we?

Yes, we will. Just think how much fun we’ll be having in a few minutes. The Labs love a pool party and the two crazy Afghans up the street are probably right now hiding in the bushes as our Marion’s car goes out the driveway.

I personally extended an invitation to the Portuguese Water Dog, the noisy one with the tiny waist. She always takes her frock off. “Just a peek for you, BunBun,” she says. I better get to the top of the berm and give the call.

I’m so glad I remembered the Pigeon sisters. Two crazy birds, they are the life of the party.

I’ll give a good Scottish bark to the Irish Setters. Ol’ buddies from me pub crawlin’ days.

They drink the pool water. Last time, they ran around the yard for hours.

Aye, so they did, with their tongues down to the ground. Not a pretty sight, as I recall. But they’re good lads to have at a party, fun to watch anyway. Ye didn’t invite the Poodles, did ye?

I know you don’t get along with the Poodles so I didn’t mention the party. Actually, I didn’t want to invite them either. They criticize the menu every time they’re invited. The Borders and Russells will be coming across the field together, and we have to be sure there’s plenty for them to do. They like games, not conversation.

They’re sore losers at pantomimes. I can never understand their clues.

Or that silly race where they lie on their belly and crawl across the yard. I never

Bejabbers, lassie! Ye cannae undo a War Cry once it’s in the blood.

Ho boy. Looks like we’ve got some ’splaining to do.

IN & AROUND HORSE COUNTRY • SUMMER 2017

15

ACROSS THE POND

The Season’s First Foxhound Show in Wales

By Jim Meads

Champion Hill Hound Llanwnnen Farmers’ “Gunner” with Lisa Evans.

I find it difficult to believe that the hound show season in Mid-Wales is underway, as usual at the David Davies Hunt Country Show, close to Llandinam, where hounds have been kenneled since 1905. There were classes for Welsh, Fell, and Hill Foxhounds, with an exciting twelve packs exhibiting and six different packs taking first prizes. The judge was David Jones, now retired after hunting the David Davies Hounds in splendid fashion for thirty years.

In the Welsh classes, the Llanwnnen Farmers, Conwy Valley, Llansrthwl, and Sennybridge Farmers scored wins, with the entered bitch Llanwnnen “Tulip”

being champion. The Fell Hounds saw wins for the Eryri, Teme Valley, and Conwy Valley, with the latter pack’s unentered bitch “Sanguin” taking the tri-color.

The Hill classes were smaller in numbers, with the champion being the all-black Llanwnnen Farmers’ “Gunner.”

It was pleasing to see that four winners were shown by young ladies, all keen foxhunters! To patriotic applause, the Supreme Championship was awarded to Llanwnnen Farmers’ “Tulip” by Eldrydd Lamp, MFH, and her son Bayden.

Best Entered Fell Bitch Teme Valley “Bounty” and Ellen Jones.

David Davies Hunt Country Show Champion Welsh Hound and Supreme Show Champion Llanwnnen Farmers’ “Tulip” with Ianto Evans, MFH, receiving cup from Eldrydd Lamp, MFH, and son Bayden.

Best Unentered Fell Dog Eryri “Meirion” handled by Emyr Jones, Huntsman.

IN MEMORY OF Henry Hooker, MFH 1933-2017 Henry Hooker, MFH of Tennessee’s Hillsboro Hounds since 1963, passed away on April 24. He was 84. Our Spring 2015, issue featured a detailed profile of this legendary Master and Huntsman, written by Lauren Giannini. If you missed that issue, you can read about his extraordinary life in the online version at www.issuu.com/horsecountrypost.

Photo courtesy of the Hooker family.

Champion Fell Hound Conwy Valley “Sanguin” and Jason Jones, Huntsman.

16

HORSE RACING

IN & AROUND HORSE COUNTRY • SUMMER 2017

Horses and People to Watch Virginia Equine Alliance

The purpose of the Virginia Equine Alliance (VEA) is to sustain, promote and expand the horse breeding and horse racing industries in the Commonwealth. Its four member groups include the Virginia Thoroughbred Association, the Virginia Gold Cup Association, the Virginia Horsemen’s Benevolent & Protective Agency, and the Virginia Harness Horse Association.

In the coming weeks, several new initiatives will be considered. Those include a potential new Virginia residency awards program, and consideration of a 1,000 acre farm in King George County as a potential future site to race Thoroughbreds. For details, visit: www.virginiahorseracing.com and www.vabred.org.

Here are updates on the most current VEA happenings.

Virginia Racing Commission Approves A Third Off Track Betting Center Location The Virginia Racing Commission (VRC) gave the VEA approval to proceed with a third Off Track Betting Center at its recent June meeting. The new site will be in Chesapeake, at Buckets Bar & Grille on Battlefield Boulevard in the Great Bridge neighborhood. The goal is to open that OTBC in mid-to late summer, pending approval of a conditional use permit by that locality. The VEA hopes to open sites next in Hampton and Martinsville/Henry County.

The first OTBC opened in November at Breakers Sports Grille in the West End area of Richmond. The second one opened at Ponies & Pints downtown in the Shockoe Bottom section.

Both continue to do solid business and both had a robust Triple Crown season on Kentucky Derby, Preakness, and Belmont Days. This was the first time since 2013 that Virginians were able to make cash wagers on the Triple Crown races.

For the first five months this year, Breakers handled $4.8 million while Ponies & Pints generated $3.3 million in wagers. On Kentucky Derby Day alone, the two combined to handle $240,000. When combining OTB handle with bets generated via the four partner ADW companies and at the spring Virginia Gold Cup races, the five month Virginia handle for 2017 stands at over $43 million.

Series Of Virginia-Bred Stakes and Overnight Races Set For Maryland, West Virginia The VRC also approved the HBPA’s request to fund a series of races that will be contested in Maryland and West Virginia. Three showcase race days at Laurel will feature a slate of Virginia-bred turf stakes while ten individual restricted races will be contested at either Laurel or Charles Town from July through November.

Virginia Breeders’ Day at Laurel kicks off the schedule on June 24th with second editions of the $75,000 Edward Evans, Nellie Mae Cox, and White Oak Farm Stakes, and the inaugural Tyson Gilpin Stakes. Virginia Day at Laurel follows on August 5th with a four-pack of new offerings—the $75,000 Hansel, William Backer, Meadow Stable, and Camptown Stakes. The campaign concludes with Commonwealth Day at Laurel on September 30th with five long running staples—the $60,000 Bert

Crowds filled the Ponies & Pints OTBC on Kentucky Derby Day. It was the first time since 2013 that Richmond area racing fans could make cash bets on the Derby. VEA photo

Allen, Brookmeade, Punch Line, Oakley, and Jamestown Stakes. A pair of Virginia-bred maiden sprints will complement the June 24th card while a pair of one-mile maiden races will join the August 5th program. Specific dates and conditions of the ten individual events can be found at vabred.org and virginiahorseracing.com.

Plans Being Finalized For Second Annual Fall Harness Season At Shenandoah Downs Plans are being finalized for the second season of pari-mutuel harness racing at Shenandoah Downs, scheduled to take place this fall from September 16th - October 15th. Pacers and trotters will compete in ten races every Saturday and Sunday at 1:00 PM. The half-mile oval, which was completely renovated a year ago, will also play host to four days of Shenandoah County Fair harness races (non-betting) from August 30th thru September 2nd. This is the 100th anniversary season of Fair racing at the grounds in Woodstock, which is located halfway between Winchester and Harrisonburg off I-81 at Exit 283.

Featured event is the Virginia Breeders prep and elimination races for two- and three-year-olds, which will take place during the Fair session on September 2nd. The $40,000 (estimated) championship for each division will occur during the Shenandoah Downs meet itself. The two-year-old finals are scheduled for Saturday, September 16th while the three-year-old finals are set for Sunday, September 24th. A total of eight divisional titles are up for grabs between the two weekends, and over $300,000 (estimated) in purse monies will be awarded.

The meet itself will offer free parking and admission for fans every race day. Betting windows are conveniently located in the grandstand. Win, place, show, exacta, and trifecta bets are available each race and can be placed with a teller or via a self bet terminal.

Every Saturday will feature a different themed festival. Hops ’n Hooves, a craft beer tasting event, kicks off the slate on September 16th followed by a Food Truck Festival on September 23rd. The popular Wine & Trotter Festival is on September 30th and features tastings from Shenandoah Valley winer-

ies. Seafest, where various seafood related vendors are on premise, is on October 7th and Autumnfest highlights closing weekend on October 14th. The latter event is a heritage-themed festival that includes a barbecue tasting competition with 43 contestants, live music, log splitting competitions and more.

There are separate admission charges to access the Autumnfest, Wine & Trotter, and Hops ’n Hooves sampling areas at Shenandoah Downs but general admission to the harness races is free each day. Details are at shenandoahdowns.com and virginiahorseracing.com.

Virginia-bred Rose Brier won the Bert Allen Stakes in 2016 for the third straight year. The 2017 edition will be held at Laurel on September 30th. Jim McCue photo

The second annual harness meet at Shenandoah Downs is scheduled for September 16 - October 15. Dee Leftwich photo

Maryland Races • Douglas Lees Photos

107th My Lady’s Manor • Monkton, Maryland • April 15, 2017 At the 10th fence: Drift Society (Hadden Frost, up) – 2nd; Lemony Bay (Jeff Murphy, up) – 1st.

115th Grand National Steeplechase • Butler, Maryland • April 22, 2017: Grand National Field Masters Chase, Junior Horse Cat N Caboodle (#11, Heidi Herzog, up) – 1st and Squeaky Ceci (Ella Brophy, up) – 2nd.

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121st Maryland Hunt Cup Glyndon, Maryland April 29th, 2017 At the Maryland Hunt Cup finish (l-r), Derwins Prospector (Gonzague Cottreau, up) – 1st; Drift Society (Hadden Frost, up) – 2nd.

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HOUND SHOW

Junior Handlers at The Virginia Foxhound Club Show Morven Park, Leesburg Virginia May 28, 2017 Photos by Joanne Maisano