JUDGING HOUNDS, PART 4 • HUNTING OCTOGENARIANS • FAUX FOXES IN THE DRAG HUNT
THE MAGAZINE OF MOUNTED FOXHUNTING
FALL 2017 • $5.00
s J o h n C o l e s 2 0 17 s
“A Virginia Horseman Specializing in Virginia Horse Properties” oAkeNDALe
rALLywooD
The epitome of an exquisite Virginia hunt country estate in prime Orange County Hunt territory. From the William Lawrence Bottomley designed Manor house to the meticulously manicured gardens, grounds, dependencies and the hundreds of acres of surrounding pastures with protected view-sheds. 333 acres @ $8,990,000 or 837 acres @ $17,990,000
World class equestrian facility comprised of 115 Acres in the OCH Territory. The U shaped complex encompasses an 80’ x 180’ lighted indoor riding arena connected by a breezeway to the 12 stall center-aisle barn and extraordinary living and entertaining quarters overlooking the outdoor ring. Additional structures include tenant houses and large heated equipment barn. $4,750,000
Breathtaking mountain views and glistening spring fed 10 acre lake, create a magical setting for this stunning historic estate. Encompassing over 180 gorgeous acres features include a stone and stucco 16 room residence with an ultra modern gourmet kitchen, new tiled baths and separate 2 bedroom guest wing. The 10 stall stable & new tennis court complete this fabulous estate. $3,295,000
wAVerLy fArm
greeN gArDeN
LANDmArk
A graceful & charming 5 bedroom French Country home is set amongst nearly 40 serene acres enhanced by majestic trees, rolling lawns and fenced paddocks. This wonderful horse property also includes an 7 stall center-aisle barn with office, additional 4 stall barn with apartment, indoor arena, and tremendous ride out potential. Located in the OCH Territory. $3,200,000
c.1823, with a stunning tree lined entrance, offers one of the grand manor homes in the famed horse country of Upperville and Piedmont Hunt. Recently renovated, the home offers wonderful indoor and outdoor living areas. Porches, gardens, barns, paddocks, riding arena, pond, pool and magnificent mountain views. $3,200,000
Stone posts and walls mark the entrance to the 133 acre estate of Landmark. As the driveway gently rises, and circles in front of the handsome two-story stone manor house, one notices that the home is sited perfectly to enjoy the expansive mountain views from the Bull Run to the Blue Ridge. The setting for this 4 bedroom, 4 bath residence is further heightened by the massive boxwoods and the stately trees. $3,150,000
DeSTiNAire fArm
Deer creek
Impeccably maintained, this exquisite 118 acre horse farm has 10 fields and paddocks of 4 board fencing, gently rolling land & panoramic views of the Blue Ridge Mtns. In addition to the stucco and stone main residence, there are guest and tenant homes, numerous barns and run-ins to house 25 horses comfortably, an indoor dressage ring, outdoor arena and pond. $2,750,000
Exquisite 4 Bedroom, 4 Bath Colonial on 25 acres offering privacy & seclusion. The 3 level main residence includes 4 fireplaces, pine floors, Living Room, Dining Room, Family Room, study & a fabulous gourmet kitchen, all in pristine condition.The manicured grounds incl. a charming 2 Bedroom Guest house, free form pool, 4 stall barn, 5 paddocks, lg equip.building, blue stone arena. $1,795,000
LAND
riDgeView
meADowgroVe
NorwooD
The 176 Acre Estate is approx. 1 mile east of Berryville. An allee of mature Maple trees line the long driveway of the manor house, c. 1819, listed in the National Register as, “One of Clarke County’s most elegant, intact examples of the Federal style of architecture.” The brick home offers 11’ ceiling height, original flooring, moldings, gracious entertaining rooms, 3 bedrooms and 3+ baths. $1,700,000
oAk THorPe fArm
POTTS MILL ROAD - with frontage on Little River, Open Space Easement, rolling fields with mature hardwood forest, Orange County Hunt Territory, great ride out, very private, within 5 miles of the village of Middleburg, views in all directions. 316.85 acres $5,756,500 179.1 acres $3,222,000 137.74 acres $2,534,500 This lovely 22.8 Acre farm offers a private, 4 bedroom residence sited on a knoll, with spacious rooms and views into the trees that border Little River. Located in prime Orange County Hunt territory the horse facilities include a 6 stall barn with tack room and wash stall, machine shed, run in shed and 4 beautiful board fenced paddocks, fields and round pen. VOF Easement. $1,350,000
GREEN GARDEN ROAD - Beautiful rolling land with excellent views of the Blue Ridge just outside of Upperville. 93+ Acres in a great location. This is a portion of Tax ID#:656382092000 and is subject to Loudoun County approval. $1,397,173
Beautiful 4 bedroom, 5 bath home on over 50 acres with incredible views in all directions. Perfect for horse enthusiasts or great for enjoying country living. Elegant living spaces perfect for parties. Fencing, convertible barn, water features, lush gardens, covered porches and decks for outdoor entertaining and much more. Old Dominion Hunt Territory. $1,249,000
Offers subject to errors, omissions, change of price or withdrawal without notice. Information contained herein is deemed reliable, but is not so warranted nor is it otherwise guaranteed.
(540) 270-0094 THOMAS AND TALBOT REAL ESTATE (540) 687-6500
Middleburg, Virginia 20118
www.Thomas-Talbot.com
FALL 2017 • VOLUME 8, NUMBER 3
Features 18 THOUGHTS ON JUDGING BY C. MARTIN WOOD III
Part IV: Assessing Quality in Movement
22 AVOID THE PINCH AND PAIN BY JOANNE MESZOLY
Great saddle fit makes for happy horses.
26
Page 26
ENDURING PASSION
Finding passion, for life and for sport.
IN EACH ISSUE:
8
16
BY MICHAEL STERN AND SALLY CRANE COX
Two foxhunters talk about finding their true loves.
From the President p.2
From the Publisher p.4
THE CLUB Fundraising ideas and news from around the county
32
ASK THE HUNTSMAN Aiken branches out
YOUNG ENTRY Arapahoe clinches another Live Oak Challenge.
34
BETTER HUNTING The life of the faux fox
MFHA News p.6
Last Run of the Day p.40
36
FARE & FLASK Fine dining and dives for all appetites
38
THE FIND Clever and creative must-haves for foxhunters
ON OUR COVER: Sheila Brown leads the Green Spring Valley field. The club celebrates its 125th anniversary this year. PHOTO BY TAMMIE J. MONACO
FALL 2017 | 1
FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
The Season Begins!
I
www.mfha.com
OFFICERS Patrick A. Leahy, MFH • President Leslie Crosby, MFH • First Vice-President Penny Denegre, MFH • Second Vice-President Joseph Kent, ex-MFH • Secretary-Treasurer David Twiggs • Executive Director
MFHA FOUNDATION Tony Leahy, MFH • President PO Box 363, Millwood, VA 22646 (540) 955-5680
HUNT STAFF BENEFIT FOUNDATION Nancy Stahl, MFH • President PO Box 363, Millwood, VA 22646 (540) 955-5680
COVERTSIDE EDITORIAL BOARD
LIZ CALLAR
am so looking forward to meeting so many of you in the field at one of our many Hark Forward events. Festive times ensue when foxhunters gather. There has been much discussion over the past several weeks concerning rural land use, right-to-farm and zoning regulations in the countryside. These issues can have tremendous impact on our hunting, where and how we can kennel our hounds, and what we regulations we fall under. These differ from state to state and have the potential to curtail country sports and traditions if we do not educate and advocate for our countryside point of view and values. To this end, we are moving forward with our headquarters project in Middleburg to give us a platform for outreach to the public, the media, and the politicians who know little about our sport, rural land use issues, or the realities that shape our viewpoints. It will also create a place for our membership and hunt staff to gather for ongoing education and strategic planning to improve and expand foxhunting in North America. We are currently making a great deal of internal changes, modernizing our membership databases and member services. We want you to be part of shaping the Masters of Foxhounds Association for the future. We will be sending out surveys over the next few months to learn how to serve you better, what you would like to see change or expand, and how we can become more active serving hunts in your area.
MASTERS OF FOXHOUNDS ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA
Leslie Crosby, MFH Penny Denegre, MFH Emily Esterson, Editor-in-Chief Patrick A. Leahy, MFH David Twiggs, Executive Director
DIRECTORS
One thing is very clear; our membership is excited and brimming with ideas for our sport. We are reshaping our organization to better serve our membership and need your support by asking your fellow sportsmen to become Subscribing Members. You are a vital part of this organization and thank you for supporting the MFHA. Best for the 2017-2018 season,
W. David Twiggs Executive Director and Keeper of the Studbook, MFHA
Canada • Charlotte McDonald, MFH Carolinas • Fred Berry, MFH Central • Arlene Taylor, MFH Great Plains • Dr. Luke Matranga, MFH Maryland-Delaware • John McFadden, MFH Midsouth • Bill Haggard, MFH Midwest • Keith Gray, MFH New England • Dr. Terence Hook, MFH New York-New Jersey • Yolanda Knowlton, MFH Northern Virginia-West Virginia • Tad Zimmerman, MFH Pacific • Terry Paine, MFH Pennsylvania • Sean Cully, MFH Rocky Mountain • Mary Ewing, MFH Southern • Mercer Fearington, MFH Virginia • Bob Ferrer, MFH Western • John P. Dorrier Jr., MFH At Large • Dr. John R. van Nagell, MFH At Large • Dr. G. Marvin Beeman, MFH At Large • Ed Kelly, MFH
COVERTSIDE (ISSN 1547-4216) is published quarterly (February, May, August and November) by the Masters of Foxhounds Association 675 Lime Marl Lane, Berryville, VA 22611. Periodical Postage Paid at Winchester, VA 22601 and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to MFHA, PO Box 363, Millwood, VA 22646. COVERTSIDE READERS: Direct all correspondence to the same address. Tel: (540)955-5680. Website: www.mfha.com
2 | COVERTSIDE
THE
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FROM THE PUBLISHER
FALL 2017
Hitting the Road
T
his season’s Hark Forward events are a great opportunity to load up the friends and the horses and take a road trip. If you haven’t yet traveled to an event at another hunt, this is your opportunity: Nearly every region has something to offer — joint meet, performance trial, field hunter competition. It will be a great year of gathering to celebrate this sport we all love and cherish, and to help ensure its future.
What to pack and how to prepare? Hint: I tell a good story about a road trip to the Arapahoe Rendezvous involving multiple trailers and the number of flat tires it is possible to have in one weekend. Ask me about it when I see you next. In the meantime, here is a quick list of tips to smooth your journey. More ideas for smooth travel will be available in upcoming issues of ecovertside.net and the magazine.
ROBERT KORNACKI
• Read the instructions! You can expect to receive instructions from the secretary or organizer — sometimes quite detailed — that will tell you where to go and when to be there and what to bring. Read those instructions! • Get your paperwork in early. The secretary will love you for it. • Bring something (local) to eat or drink for the party. • Bring not one, not two, but THREE spare tires (see note, above, about our tire misadventures!).
If you have traveled to a meet, you know how much fun it is to meet fellow foxhunters, to experience new country and new traditions, to revel in the similarities and differences in each hunt club. If you’ve never traveled outside of your home hunt territory, here’s what you first-timers can expect: Unbelievable hospitality and unbridled fun. Long days of hunting, followed by fun nights of festive feasting.
4 | COVERTSIDE
Most importantly, take advantage of this exciting year of activities, the opportunity to visit with your foxhunting kin from around the country, and to contribute to preserving the future of our sport. Enjoy!
Emily Esterson Editor-in-Chief/Publisher
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF/PUBLISHER EMILY ESTERSON publisher@covertside.net 505-553-2671 ART DIRECTOR GLENNA STOCKS production@covertside.net
EDITORIAL ASSOCIATE EDITOR SANDRA MCGINNIS sandy@covertside.net STAFF WRITER/ ECOVERTSIDE.NET EDITOR MARTHA DRUM martha@covertside.net
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS JOANNE MESZOLY MICHAEL STERN C. MARTIN WOOD III
ADVERTISING AND MARKETING SALES MANAGER CHERYL MICROUTSICOS sales@covertside.net 434-664-7057 PENNSYLVANIA/MID-ATLANTIC KATHY DRESS kdress@ptd.net NORTHEAST TOM KIRLIN Tkirlin@covertside.net Covertside is the official publication of the Masters of Foxhounds Association Published by E-Squared Editorial Services LLC 2329 Lakeview Rd. SW Albuquerque, NM 87105 Telephone: 505-553-2671 Web Address: www.ecovertside.net www.mfha.com
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MFHA NEWS
4 THE SPRING BOARD OF
Rowe, Inde-
DIRECTORS MEETING, held
pendence (W);
at Morven Park in Leesburg,
Gayle Rue, Fort
Virginia, in conjunction with
Leavenworth
the Virginia Hound Show,
(GP); Thomas
focused on several important
A. Schreck,
association projects: the Hark
Los Altos (P);
Forward events in the com-
Steve Smith,
ing year, the fundraising and
Fort Leaven-
renovation efforts for the new
worth (GP);
building, and the moderniza-
Jan Sorrells,
tion of several processes to
Sedgefield
better serve members.
(CAR); Carol
At the time of the May
Thompson,
meeting, the renovation
Sewickley (PA); Pat
Midland Striker
Midland Striker continued his
committee (Penny Denegre,
VanEsch-Dussault, Wellington
Canadian Hound Show
extraordinary winning streak
Daphne Wood, Tad Zimmer-
Waterloo (CAN); and Nancy
Blue Ridge Wentworth
man, John Coles, and David
Wiley, Keswick (VA).
Twiggs), was reviewing several architect and contractor pro-
4 HOUND SHOWS WRAPPED
posals for the renovation.
UP A STRONG SEASON with
Fundraising efforts for the
Hillsboro and Brazos Val-
building’s construction also
ley clinching two wins each.
continue, with Hark Forward
Midland Striker continues his
events contributing by both
winning streak: The Grand
raising funds and enticing new
Champion of the Virginia
members to join the associa-
Hound Show in 2016 and the
tion. Those wishing to donate
2015 Southern Hound Show
to the building fund can do so
winner won the Bryn Mawr
by visiting the MFHA website
championship this year.
at www.mfha.com/donate. 4 2017 GRAND CHAMPIONS: 4 THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Southern Hound Show
ELECTED the following as
Hillsboro Godfrey
Masters of Foxhounds. Kim
Southwestern Hound Show
Ackerman, Lowcountry (CAR);
Brazos Valley Precious
Amy Cantey, Camden (CAR);
Carolinas Hound Show
William Coleman, Keswick
Hillsboro Stafford
(VA); Hollace Evans, Low-
New England Hound Show
country (CAR); Jim Fain,
Myopia Lupy
Fort Leavenworth (GP); Jerry
Central States Hound Show
Kalamen, Bijou Springs (RM);
Brazos Valley Mudbug
Mary Motley Kalergis, Keswick
Penn-Marydel Hound Show
(VA); Michael Lindley, Hills-
Millbrook Profit
boro (MS); Kathryn Massie,
Western States Hound Show
Caroline (VA); Stuart New-
Woodbrook Kent
man, Bear Creek (S); Eleanor
Virginia Hound Show
Parks, Hillsboro (MS); Lonnie
Orange County Kermit
Peets, Juan Tomas (RM); David
Bryn Mawr Hound Show
6 | COVERTSIDE
by clinching the win at the Bryn Mawr Hound Show.
®
THE CLUB Erica Stevens captured this photo of the competitors at the Keswick Hunt Club Fox Trot 5k Trail Race.
NEWS FROM AROUND THE COUNTRY GREEN SPRING VALLEY HOUNDS (MD) looks forward to celebrating its 125th anniversary this fall. Dating back to an 1892 match race with neighboring Elkridge Fox Hunting Club (now ElkridgeHarford Hunt), GSVH has
by a lavish luncheon. Bull Run
hunted much of the same
(Va.) organizes a popular game
territory outside Baltimore
dinner, with venison, fish, and
for more than a century, and
fowl taken and prepared by
is home to the vaunted Mary-
members.
land Hunt Cup. The members’
Online: Online auctions
FUN FOR FUNDS BY MARTHA DRUM NEARLY ALL HUNTS SUPPLE-
A few thriving hunt club
dedication to conservation
supplement silent and live auc-
is matched by the caliber of
tions at many hunts, including
riders and horses in the field,
Old North Bridge (Mass.) and
including many competitive
Camargo (Ky.). Usually man-
steeplechasers. To com-
aged by an outside company,
memorate the milestone,
such as ebth.com or 32auctions.
several mounted events are
com, online auctions can reach
in the works. Opening Meet
a wide pool of contributors with
on the second weekend in
relatively little work or volunteer
November will follow a week
time required.
of invitational autumn hunt
Sporting: Farmington (Va.)
meets. Special hunter trials
puts on an art show and sale,
and festive social events are
featuring works from a handful
also planned for this historic
of invited artists, in conjunction
anniversary.
with a dinner at the clubhouse.
MENT MEMBERSHIP DUES or
shows, such as Norfolk (Mass.)
Shakerag Hounds (Ga.), along
BRIDLESPUR IS TURN-
subscriptions with fundraising
and Waterloo (Mich.), have re-
with many others, auctions off
ING 90 THIS SEASON. The
activities. From casual trail rides
ceived Heritage status from the
naming rights for hound puppies
hunt was founded in 1927
to live auctions of luxury items,
USEF, but others have struggled
(most hunts have learned to
and recognized in 1929. The
these income-boosters take
in the face of commercially pro-
include a “subject to Masters’
late Mr. August A. Busch Sr.,
many forms. In addition to help-
duced circuits. Some hunts find
approval” clause for this event).
obtained the original draft of
ing cover costs, they may also
schooling jumper shows to be an
Shooting clays followed by
hounds from the well-known
attract potential new members,
inexpensive alternative, popular
cocktails or picnics are other
Joseph B. Thomas-Percy
another source of revenue.
with local trainers and profitable
activities that often appeal to
Rockefeller pack at Overhills,
without too much effort.
non-riding spouses.
North Carolina. By careful
Equestrian: Summer trail rides and hunter paces, often
Culinary: Foxhunters enjoy
Other: Limestone Creek
breeding and observation,
held at favorite fixtures, bring
eating and drinking nearly
(N.Y.) and Keswick (Va.) hold
the two guiding spirits of the
in entry fees from the broader
as much as riding to hounds.
5k runs across favorite fixtures,
hunt, Mr. August A. Busch Jr.,
equestrian community. Traders
Harvard Fox Hounds (Okla.)
welcoming their neighbors of
and Mr. Adelbert Von Gon-
Point Hunt (Ind.) added a twist:
combined its Trivia Ride with a
all ages to get a taste of hunt
tard Sr., developed a pack
a Murder Mystery ride, akin to a
wine tasting. Toronto and North
country. Golf tournaments
with most excellent nose and
game of “Clue” on horseback.
York Hunt (Ont.) offers Gourmet
at area courses are another
voice. The club is planning a
Other hunts have distinctive
Hacks — guided rides through
popular event with non-riders
celebration at its hunt ball in
variations such as a Trivia Ride
a premiere fixture with stirrup
and often generally require little
October.
or Poker Ride.
cups and refreshments followed
effort from the membership.
8 | COVERTSIDE
HUNT NIGHT
SHAWN TINKHAM
Monday, Oct. 16, 2017
GREEN MOUNTAIN HOUNDS
THE CAROLINA DISTRICT
plans to present a mounted
CONSERVATION AWARD will
demonstration of hunting
be presented to Mr. and Mrs.
with hounds for an audience
Richard Webb. The Webbs
at the Shelburne Museum on
donated 50 acres of land,
August 20. This is in conjunc-
valued at $1.1 million, to the
tion with an exhibit of hunting
Walthour-Moss Foundation.
and fishing art currently at the
Moore County Hounds hunts
museum.
in the Foundation preserve.
Shelburne Museum, a
PENNSYLVANIA NATIONAL HORSE SHOW
Farm Show Complex, Harrisburg, PA
The Walthour-Moss Founda-
popular tourist destination
tion was established upon the
in Vermont, was founded by
death of William O. “Pappy”
Electra Havemeyer Webb. Mrs.
Moss to ensure the preserva-
Webb’s husband, J. Watson
tion of the open land. The
Webb II, was Master of the
Foundation is located in the
Shelburne Foxhounds, which
Sandhills of North Carolina,
hunted from the family estate
one mile from the town of
adjacent to what is now the
Southern Pines. It occupies
museum. On September 30
over 4000 acres, virtually
the club will also reprise its
unspoiled by progress and
popular hunting demonstra-
development.
tion at Fort Ticonderoga’s Heritage Harvest and Horse
MYOPIA HUNT CLUB paraded
Day. New York’s Fort Ticon-
at the Donald V. Little Polo
deroga, the scene of critical
match in July (photo above).
battles in the 18th century,
Don was the former polo cap-
is also a hunting fixture for
tain and also Master of Hounds
Green Mountain Hounds.
at Myopia.
DO YOU HAVE CLUB NEWS TO SHARE? SEND IT TO US AT EDITOR@COVERTSIDE.NET
2017 FIELD HUNTER CHAMPIONSHIPS AND FESTIVAL OF THE HUNT Tryon International Equestrian Center November 17-18, 2017 All 2017 Field Hunter Trials in summer and fall are qualifiers. Winners from 2016 TIEC, Camargo, VA, and NA Field Hunter championships are pre-qualified. CELEBRITY JUDGES: Lucinda Green - European and Olympic Eventing champion Tony Leahy MFH - President MFHA NA Visit MFHA.COM for more information or watch ECOVERTSIDE.NET for updates
HUNT NIGHT RECEPTION • 5:30-7:00 pm: Cash Bar & Buffet in “The Trump Landscaping Garden” Upper Concourse between Sections 8 - 11
• 6:30-8:00 pm: Desserts in “The PA Room”
Upper Concourse across from Section 31
Reception Tickets $15 includes free admission to Show Tickets available Online (beginning in August), or at The Trump Landscaping Garden or call 717-770-0222
HUNT NIGHT COMPETITION Begins at 6:30 pm Field Hunters, Gentleman’s & Ladies Hunter Under Saddle, Hunt Teams, Parade of Foxhounds
wwPAnational.org FALL 2017 | 9
THE CLUB LIL LEWIS, THE POWER BEHIND THE
tor, secretary, treasurer, manager of the
BRIDLESPUR HUNT CLUB, departed
Bridlespur Charity Horse Show, whipper-
as she lived her life, with efficiency and
in, and field master. She became MFH in
grace. She was 91.
1986, a position she held until 2000. Lil
Born in 1925 to the Mertz farm family in
was, as Harry Weber, MFH emeritus, put it
Chesterfield, west of St. Louis, Lil’s fam-
“the compass, rudder and keel of the Bri-
ily’s land was part of Bridlespur’s original
dlespur ship of state … the solid center.”
hunt country.
Lil never missed a hunt or hound exercise.
In 1944, Lil married Edwin Lewis, a dashing young horseman. The Lewises owned Sickles Saddlery, an equestrian
She was always impeccably turned out, and she made sure the field was, too. In 1997, Lil was appointed district direc-
emporium serving the horsemen in the
tor for the Masters of Foxhounds Asso-
Midwest. Ed, an accomplished polo player,
ciation. Dennis Foster, former executive
later ran the St. Louis Country Club Stables
director of MFHA and a good friend of Lil’s,
at the suggestion of Lou Werner, Master of
said that she “had an enormous influence
Bridlespur. Mrs. Lewis, as she was known
on my foxhunting education.” Widowed in
by generations of students, taught children
1981, Lil leaves daughters Betsey Johnson
and adults to ride and to jump, and to
and Edwina Graham, both accomplished
EX-MFH, BRIDLESPUR HUNT CLUB (1925-2017)
foxhunt. While Lil had shown hunters and
horsewomen, and four beloved grand-
jumpers, her passion was in the hunt field,
children. Lil will be remembered for her
The anchor of one of the oldest western hunts
and she passed that passion on to many.
horsemanship, her devotion to family and
LILLIAN E. LEWIS,
Lil was awarded her colors in 1972. Over the ensuing years, she served as men-
foxhunting, her acerbic wit, and her impeccably lived life with horses and hounds.
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THE CLUB
Horses from Main Stay Therapeutic Farm help to heal the young and old.
theorized that the adrenalin rush of the circumstances in the hunt and/or the acceleration of my metabolism due to the athleticism of riding had masked or corrected whatever was wrong with me. Was there more to this? What exactly was it in the hunt that did this? Fresh air? Strenuous physical activity? Brushes with danger and a pre-occupation with trying to stay on? A little digging has produced some obvious and not so obvious answers.
THE SCIENCE The physical benefits of riding a horse are well documented. Animal Assisted Therapy
WHY WE HUNT
was recognized by Florence Nightingale in the mid 1800s. Equine therapy organizations are becoming more common
Part two examines how time with horses and hounds can cure what ails us.
and there are countless stories
BY KEITH GRAY
talk, sit-up, or raise their arms
of participants who could not but that after riding a horse as
IT WAS A COLD AND DAMP
mon to witness horses’ tails
cover. A squeeze of my legs
part of therapeutic treatment
CHICAGO NOVEMBER MORN-
blowing around from the breeze
and my OTTB was more than
could do so.
ING. I felt sick as a proverbial
caused by the passing trucks.
happy to oblige. I’ll spare you
Research reported by Rebecca
dog. I didn’t know if it was a
Sprinkle in road noise that
the details of a fantastic hunt
Johnson from the Research Cen-
bug, the result of undercooked
makes it difficult to hear either
with great hound work, multiple
ter for Human/Animal Interaction
chicken, or “wine flu” from the
the hounds or the huntsman,
views, and very tired horses af-
at the University of Missouri’s
night before. I was fighting
and having to watch for drivers
ter a little more than two hours,
College of Veterinary Medicine
nausea and headache, feeling
who think passing through our
but what was amazing to me is
indicates that interaction with
feverish, tired, and certainly not
hunt country is a good time for
that shortly after the hounds hit,
horses increases the oxytocin
excited or in any condition to
texting, and a road whip has to
I was miraculously cured of my
hormone in our bodies, making
foxhunt, let alone whip-in at the
be on his game. I was not, so I
ailments!
us feel happy and trusting. Sero-
Mill Creek Hunt. Our season is
asked fellow whipper-in Chris
I delighted that I could go
very short, and we don’t have
Lane if I could take ‘inside’ (off
from feeling like near death to
which leaves one with a feeling
a deep bench of experienced
the roads) that day, and she
elated in a matter of minutes,
of well-being and happiness. This
whippers-in. These were two
kindly obliged.
and stayed that way after load-
certainly aided my miraculous
ing up and heading home. I
recovery and starts to explain
very good reasons to gut it out
Away we went, with my stom-
tonin is also released when riding
and ride, thinking a wounded
ach and head sensitive to each
needed to probe for the reasons
why we keep doing it despite the
whipper-in is better than no
placement of my horse’s hooves.
why because I knew that if I
burden on our pocketbook and
could bottle this stuff I was sure
professional life.
whipper-in at all. Having road duty means you
With Murphy’s Law in full effect, hounds found a fresh line
sometimes must ride very close
right away, and quickly headed
to vehicle traffic. It’s not uncom-
to an area I was assigned to
12 | COVERTSIDE
to make a fortune. Dr. Bob Stanley, a retired physician and client of mine
NEW UNDERSTANDING Psychological benefits of horse
interaction are starting to be
a scientific foundation for the
understood. A Covertside ar-
premise that animals are good
ticle (“Horses From the Farm,”
for people.
Summer 2013) wrote about the
If you’re around horses,
programs at several prisons
you’re undoubtedly around
where inmates are given wild
dogs (or hounds) and likely a
mustangs to tame and train.
cat or two. In fact, the aver-
Unexpectedly, participating
age MFHA member has three
inmates learned trust, pa-
house dogs and two house
tience, and respect from the
cats. Interacting with these
horses. Recidivism nationwide
animals lowers our blood pres-
is approximately 50 percent,
sure and slows us down — a
but participants in this equine
welcome reprieve to which 21st
program have a recidivism rate
century humans are uncon-
of less than 10 percent. There
sciously attracted, and some-
clearly is something in the inter-
thing that foxhunting wholly
action between a human and a
facilitates.
horse that not only advances us
Data shows that even watch-
as whole beings, but that brings
ing a goldfish swim or observ-
out the best in us.
ing nature reduces stress and
“It’s a spiritual release,”
has other positive effects on
notes Sharon Larson who is a
humans. My work in our local
foxhunter and is involved with
land conservatory has allowed
a therapeutic riding center in
me to interact with researchers
Hebron, Illinois. “On a horse,
and begin to understand how
you have to be ‘listening’ to
connecting to nature is vital to
another living being … inter-
not only our health, but to our
preting their body language,”
survival. As foxhunters, we get
she says “There is a feeling of
the opportunity to immerse our-
acceptance when this powerful
selves in nature that most others
creature chooses to connect
in today’s world do not. More
with you and trust you.”
eye-opening information on this
To establish these benefits as something more than intuitive or anecdotal, Mars Inc. has funded a project at the National Institutes of Health to establish
topic in the next installment. Keith Gray is Master of the Mill Creek Hunt, and owns ILM, an environmental consulting company.
FALL 2017 | 13
THE CLUB more limited. In the early days of their foxhunting, there were few if any gates and everyone jumped or rode along the road. They jumped a great deal of barbed wire with a jacket or blanket tossed over it. Hunting LYNNE THOMPSON
was more formal then, with top hats and derbies that have been replaced with helmets, and more ladies rode sideFrom left to right are Rodes Hart, Bill Andrews, Alice Hooker, and David Kendall, all of whom are well into their 80s.
saddle in the past. The field was smaller in the earlier days with less jostling and stress
LIFE BEGINS AFTER EIGHTY Octogenarian foxhunters offer their wisdom BY CLARICE JONES TATE
that comes from the very large (He started foxhunting in the
fields that we sometimes have
1950s when Alice introduced
now. During autumn hunting,
him to the sport. His spirit still
in some cases, there were the
hunts alongside these, his four
huntsman and staff only and
friends.) They have hunted with
the field started their season
night hunters who, as they culti-
with the opening hunt. Often,
vated their friendships, allowed
in some of the hunts in which
them to share their land and
they were members, the ac-
knowledge, and helped grow
cepted uniform for autumn
our hunt country.
hunting was a white duster.
IN A SOCIETY THAT DOESN’T
imagine that? What a wealth of
SEEM TO VALUE AGE AND
knowledge they possess! They
each of them and ask them
answers when I asked them to
EXPERIENCE, I counter with
have hunted all over the United
about their foxhunting lives
recall the funniest or the most
the four foxhunting octogenar-
States, England, and Ireland,
gave me an appreciation for
memorable hunts they had ever
ians (of many—Covertside has
and with more hunts than I
experience and longevity in the
experienced. One story involved
featured them all year). When I
could possibly list. They have
hunt field. They all agreed that
the call of nature and a field of
first saw the photo that Lynne
passed this love of foxhunt-
foxhunting is a way of life: the
English hunters chanting, “Go,
Thompson took of Rodes Hart,
ing on to their children and
hounds, the horses, the runs,
Yank! Go, Yank!” Another told
Bill Andrews, Alice Hooker, and
others of the next generation.
the time spent outdoors with
the story of the field good-
David Kendall during this sea-
They hunted while in boarding
hunters of like mind doing what
naturedly having a laugh when,
son’s opening hunt, perfectly
school, in college, living away
they have loved for so long.
on a hot day of hunting, while
turned out, mounted on fit and
from home, while running busi-
They have been hunting since
drinking from a pond, some of
beautiful horses, and looking
nesses, dating and courting.
they were in their twenties, and
the horses rolled over in the wa-
like they were just doing what
They have hunted up front, tak-
one starting in his forties. But
ter before the riders knew what
came naturally, I was impressed,
ing the coops, ditches, hedges,
they have all hunted continu-
was happening. The underlying
touched and amazed. In this
and rock walls. They have hunt-
ously with few exceptions since
feeling of these stories was of
group I counted two former
ed with such renowned hunters
they started. They may not be
warmth, told with a wistful eye.
MFHs, Bill Andrews and David
as Mason Houghland, Harry
out as often now, riding right
Kendall, a wife of an MFH, Alice
Rhett, Vernon Sharp, Buck Alli-
up with hounds, but are still
tinue to hunt into their eighties
Hooker, and brother-in-law of
son, Mrs. A.C. “Theo” Randolph,
kicking on.
because they love the fun of
an MFH, Rodes Hart.
Ned and Nina Bonnie, Ben
The Hillsboro Hounds are
The opportunity to talk with
When I turned to the topic
I really enjoyed hearing the
These stalwart hunters con-
it. It provides a way of life and
Hardaway, Thady Ryan, Melvin
of how they have seen hunt-
enhanced health, and still they
truly enriched by these four
Poe, and of course, one that
ing change over time, their
love the action, and have the
hunters who, among them, have
we in the Hillsboro hold dear,
answers encompassed quite a
encouragement of spouses.
almost 200 years of mounted
the late Henry Hooker, Joint
range, from the loss of foxes
They love the hounds, the
foxhunting experience. Can you
MFH “emeritus” of our hunt.
to coyotes, to land becoming
horses, fellow hunters, and the
14 | COVERTSIDE
sport of foxhunting. They love
be respectful of their land and
a great amount of difficulty in
taken out feet first.” Their can-
the enthusiasm of new hunters
their livestock, always speak
other countries, and misdirected
did responses made me laugh
and being able to help, advise,
to them, even if it’s just a wave
animal activists in our own
out loud, but they were sincere
and direct them.
during a run, say good morning
country. Awareness of what is
when they answered this ques-
and generally show them that
happening around us, and how
tion. I think that we can all see in
they are appreciated.
it could potentially affect our
this wonderful photograph that
sport, seemed also to be of
they mean what they say, and
importance to them.
plan to be in the thick of it for
I asked what advice they would give to those new to hunting. Bill Andrews said to
I asked them what most con-
enjoy every day out, relax, and
cerned them and what threats
have a good horse. David Ken-
they see to the sport. They
dall was emphatic when he said
answered: “The disappearance
ians continue hunting? It keeps
to buy land! Rodes Hart said
of land.” They stressed that we
them young and healthy. They
ians, God bless them, and may
to go out often, have fun, learn
must protect our land with ease-
love the sport, the thrill of the
they hunt for many, many more
the rules and follow them. Alice
ments and be ever mindful of
chase, the social aspects of
seasons, have good runs, keep
Hooker said to be nice and help-
our landowners. They stressed
hunting. They love the hounds,
a tight seat, and continue being
ful, follow an experienced and
the importance of being aware
horses, fellow hunters, and being
an inspiration to us all.
pleasant hunter, learn from him
of possible laws that could be
in nature. Foxhunting remains a
or her, read up on hunting and
passed that inhibit our sport, in
great part of their world.
know the hunt’s handbook. She
order to stop them before they
went on to say that landowner
pass through the legislative
of retiring from hunting, they all
relationships are paramount. Go
process. They also said to be
said, in so many words, “when I
out of your way to thank them,
aware of the antis, who cause
can no longer sit a horse or I’m
So why do these octogenar-
When I broached the topic
years to come! So here is to our octogenar-
Clarice Tate has hunted for 22 seasons and is a member of the Hillsboro Hounds (Tenn.). She is a passionate foxhunter and loves to write stories about hunting, hounds, and horses.
Start your hunt here.
Outfitting you and your horse.
888.637.8463 WorldEquestrianBrands.com FALL 2017 | 15
YOUNG ENTRY
Elizabeth Gillmor with Arapahoe Hunt Pony Club members
Young and Enthusiastic Arapahoe Pony Club wins Live Oak Challenge again. BY MARY EWING, MFH, ARAPAHOE HUNT
F
OR THE SECOND YEAR IN A ROW, the Arapahoe Hunt Pony Club (Co.) trumped other participating pony clubs by achieving the highest percentage of hunting members in its chapter. This pony club, under the leadership of District Commissioner Elizabeth Gillmor, herself an avid Arapahoe foxhunter, provides the leadership for these young people to learn the traditions of foxhunting and proper hunting etiquette, along with support and instruction. Most parents of the pony club members are also hunt members who enjoy the opportunity to hunt with their children, who may start on the lead line and progress as their skills and confidence grow. As explained on the United States Pony Clubs’ website, the Live Oak Challenge is designed to encourage pony club mem-
16 | COVERTSIDE
bers who do not regularly hunt to try the sport, and to reward members who hunt on a regular basis for acting as mentors to the less experienced riders. Awards totaling $10,000 are given to the top pony clubs who regularly take the greatest number of active pony club members out hunting. This award is made possible through the generous support of Marty and Daphne Wood, Joint Masters of Live Oak Hounds (Fla.) and both past presidents of the MFHA. The Arapahoe Hunt supports our chapter by making it possible for juniors under age 22 to hunt throughout the season for a $25 membership fee. Young people are welcomed in the field by the Arapahoe Hunt adult members and staff. Dr. Marvin Beeman, legendary huntsman and Joint Master, invites juniors to ride up with the staff on special pony club hunts. He enthralls
PHOTO BY ZINA M. BALASH
these young people with tales of his start as a whipper-in at the age of ten and missing school with his teacher’s permission to hunt on Wednesday afternoons. Arapahoe Hunt member and first vice president of the U.S. Pony Clubs, H. Benjamin Duke III, is also a strong supporter of the Arapahoe Hunt junior program, having himself started hunting as an Arapahoe junior. The yearend Arapahoe Field Day offers a special pony club competition as well as junior-senior awards in team events. The Arapahoe Hunt Pony Club members who hunt on a regular basis act as mentors to the younger, less experienced members. This past season, four pony club members were first-time foxhunters, or had hunted fewer than three times the previous year, and hunted this season three or more times. One member hunted six times
this year, after just three times the previous year. Two members hunted nine or more times this year. Savannah Gillmor won the coveted Young Entry Trophy for having hunted the most of any Arapahoe Hunt junior. District Commissioner Elizabeth Gillmor says that “along with the glory of winning comes a very generous check to the club which will be instrumental in funding activities, rallies and camps.” Each member is expected to send a letter to Martin and Daphne Wood expressing their appreciation for the Woods having funded the foxhunting challenge award. Mary Ewing, MFH, Arapahoe Hunt, is the Rocky Mountain region district director. SEE MORE PHOTOS OF THE ARAPAHOE HUNT PONY CLUB ON ECOVERTSIDE.NET.
2017
SEPTEMBER
Fox River Valley Performance Trial......................Sept. 15–17
N O V E M B E R C O N T.
MARCH
Rocky Mountain Field Hunter Championship/Arapahoe Joint Meet .....................................Nov. 8–12
Mission Valley Performance Trials .....................Mar. 16–18
Junior NA Field Hunter Championship Belle Meade Hunt .......................Nov. 10–12
Green Spring Valley Hunter Trials, Jackson Hole Farm ....................... Sept. 24
Field Hunter Trials Championship Tryon International Equestrian Center ........................................... Nov. 17–19
Millbrook Performance Trial Hunt ..................................Sept. 24–26
DECEMBER
Chagrin Valley Joint Meet .....Sept. 22–24 Rose Tree Joint Meet ................... Sept. 29
OCTOBER Misty Morning Hunt, Hunter Trials ........................................Oct. 7 Moore County Hounds Hound Trial ................... Oct. 14–15 Bull Run/Rappahannock Performance Trials ..................... Oct. 19–21 Genesse Valley Joint Meet ......................................... Oct. 28
Hillsboro Performance Trial....................................... Nov. 30–Dec. 2
2018
JANUARY
Southern Puppy Show Bear Creek Hounds ........................ Mar. 17 Sedgfield Performance Trials .............. Mar. 31–Apr. 1 North Hills/Mission Valley/Ft. Leavenworth Joint Meet......................TBD
APRIL Southern Hound Show .....................Apr. 7 Arapahoe Performance Trial ..... Apr. 6–8 Southwest Hound Show ................. Apr. 21
M AY New England Hound Show ............. May 6
Belle Meade Performance Trial .................... Jan. 18–20
Carolinas Hound Show .................. May 12
Aiken Hounds Drag Performance Trials ...................... Jan. 10–11
Virginia Hound Show ......................May 27
Virginia Field Hunter Trial ..........Oct. 9–14
FEBRUARY
Whiskey Road Hunter Trial .................TBD
Mooreland Joint Meet ............ Feb. 22–24
NOVEMBER
Tejon Performance Trials ......... Feb. 8–10
Virginia Field Hunter Championship .................................... Nov. 5
Joint Meet ...........................Feb. 28–Mar. 4
Live Oak Presidential
Central States Hounds Show .......... May 3
NOVEMBER Field Hunter Trials Championship – Tryon International Equestrian Center .......................Nov. 11–19 Midland Fitzpatrick Performance Trial..................................TBD
PLEASE CONTACT THE HUNT HOSTING THE EVENT FOR MORE INFORMATION. SOME FIELDS MAY BE LIMITED. CHECK FOR ADDITIONS AND CHANGES l MHFA.COM
EDITOR’S NOTE: This is the final article
in a four-part series about judging hounds and what a judge should look for when assessing a hound in the show ring.
Assessing Quality in Movement THOUGHTS ON JUDGING BY C. MARTIN WOOD III, MFH | PHOTOS COURTESY THE AUTHOR
A
fter reading the first three installments of our series on judging hounds, you should now be ready to tie the information together to assess the quality of the hounds in the ring based upon the quality of their movement. To me, a hound’s physical activity and the fluidity of its movement are the essential indicators of quality and balance. When quality, activity, and balance combine to form a whole picture, a judge should readily be able to identify those hounds that best meet those criteria. After all, fluidity and grace of movement are what separates the foxhound from all other canine breeds. The foxhound might not be as fast in a short burst as an Irish wolfhound or a lurcher, but the foxhound is built for his drive and ability to keep up a serious pace for miles. The ability to run with speed, speaking on a scent line, turn quickly when the line changes and recover it quickly, and then proceed with a rapid, steady pace over serious distances places the foxhound in a league of its own among canines.
18 | COVERTSIDE
PART FOUR
1
4
2
IN ACTION
The foxhound uses all of the attributes you have assessed earlier in terms of quality and balance when it moves in the ring chasing a biscuit. As the judge, you want to see a hound take at least five galloping strides. This will enable you to see the length of stride, the over-stride of the hind leg from which pace comes, the balance of the hound as it turns short to pick up the biscuit, and the use or lack thereof of its radius bone in extending the length of its stride when it is really moving. Photo #1 shows Live Oak Maximus ’09 really galloping in full extension in the Virginia Grand Championship in 2010. Please note the tremendous thrust from his loins and
3
hindquarters and the leverage achieved from his well-let-down hocks. Also note the great extension and reach from his shoulders, which are well laid back, his radius, which is reaching forward to its full extension, and the angle of his front feet reaching out over the ground, the effect of which produces a long, ground-eating stride, allowing him to close quickly on his quarry.
HOW IT LOOKS IN THE FIELD
Photo #2 shows the Live Oak Hounds in full cry on a coyote, driving hard and speaking with great cry. Maximus ’09 is in the foreground, second from the right.
Here you can see him in mid-stride with hind feet driving as he reaches forward. The white bitch on the left is really stretching out with her left front leg with the radius extended forward from her shoulder. Looking back through those running hounds, you can observe the various stages of the galloping stride as well as the use of the head, neck and stern for balance when running at speed. Photo #3 is again of my Live Oak pack in full cry, this time on a gray fox that has just crossed the gravel drive pictured. This photograph shows a hound’s over-stride exhibited by a hound at the gallop. Please note the two bitches on the far right of the photo for their over-stride and the use of their heads and necks for balance as they shift subtly to their left as they follow the line of scent. Look at the developing stride of the hound on the far left of the photo as his forelegs and hind legs cross in the air showing tremendous over-stride at the gallop. Clearly these hounds are not chasing a biscuit, but as a judge, you can see this same movement in the ring. Photo #4 clearly demonstrates the over-stride in a galloping hound. As a judge, you will want those hounds in your ring to demonstrate that action. FALL 2017 | 19
Photo #5 is of Live Oak Hostess ’97 winning the 1998 Virginia Grand Championship. In my opinion, she is the most beautiful foxhound that I have ever had the privilege of breeding and hunting. Please note how beautifully balanced she is with all of the quality points. She was a beautiful mover. Notice how she was standing back away from me watching my hand, which holds a biscuit. I trained Hostess to stand back that way and to catch a biscuit in the air. My hand would hold her attention while she stood perfectly balanced. She made the judge’s job easy. This act of standing back is easy to teach to a biddable hound but it takes time and practice to get it right. If you are going to go through the time and expense to show hounds, you should make the effort to do so correctly. You will reap the rewards. As the judge, you have now had a chance to determine the hounds that will be in the championship class — which includes winners from the un-entered classes, the entered classes, and either the stallion hound or brood bitch classes. The championship classes are fun, as you should be able to look at all of the competitors and clearly see the type of hound that you prefer selected from the numbers that you have judged. I always judge a championship with movement in mind. The hounds have already been selected for their quality, activity and balance. On the theory that a foxhound that moves well cannot have much wrong with its conformation, I am going to pick the best mover in the championship and will ask the competitors to move their hounds against one another. The best-moving hound will be picked as champion.
THE MISCELLANEOUS CLASSES
We need now to move on to several miscellaneous classes that do not qualify for the championships but which are still important to the competitors. These are the couples, two couples, stallion with get or brood bitch with produce, and the pack classes. In the couples and two couples classes, you are still judging by overall quality and balance. Look to see if the two hounds in a couple compliment each other in terms of quality, balance, and to a much lesser extent, color. As a judge, you need to be careful here, because without records of previous classes, you could wind up pinning one hound over oth20 | COVERTSIDE
5
6
7
8
9
ers that had placed first, second or third in a previous class of single hounds. Obviously, if you have a couple before you that won first and second place as individuals, it is pretty hard to give the first prize to another entry. In the two couples class, which is very important because it shows the type of hounds that a pack is breeding, you need to look for the “mug” or the “odd man out.” Generally speaking, most packs can produce three very even, level hounds. Photos #6 and #7 show two winning couples of
English hounds and Crossbred hounds. The difficulty arises when putting the fourth one in there. Look for the two couples that show the fewest conformation flaws and that are level and well matched as to type, quality and conformation. In the get or produce classes, look for what the stallion hound or brood bitch produced in its young hounds. The same thing is true in the all-important pack class of five couples. Look for a pack that is level in type and coloration, responsive to its huntsman, and under good
For Exhibitors TIPS FOR SHOWING OFF MOVEMENT Here are a few tips for presenting your hounds in the show ring: • First and most important, never toss a biscuit unless you have your hound’s attention.
10 loose control. You do not want to see a pack of hounds that is bunched up like young recruits doing close order drill at the command of a drill sergeant. Nor do you want to see what the late Capt. Wallace called a “fishing expedition,” with the whipper-in out to the side flashing his whip about. Pick what you like and then stick with it. The spectators have their own opinions, but you are the judge and it is your call at the end of the day. JUDGING THE CHAMPS
The Grand or Supreme Championship throws the judge a curve ball. Here you must have an open mind in order to determine which of the hounds you like the best from the four different breed categories. You must take into account the differences as to type and conformation as well as movement. To be asked to judge the Grand Championship is a tremendous honor and you owe it to yourself to wander about the grounds during the show and watch each ring to develop your eye for the different types of hounds being shown. I prefer not to watch the championship classes so as not to predispose myself. Once you have all of the hounds for the championship before you, go down the line up and look at the conformation points of each hound and mentally place it based on its type, remembering that it got to this point in the day by besting a lot of good competition. There will not be much wrong with any of them. Now is the time to move them, individually at first and then against each other if
11 you have doubts. Make your choice by picking the hound that you like the best based upon its movement as well as by the type of foxhound represented. You will make one pack’s MFHs very happy and will suffer some good-natured grumbling from the rest. That is part of judging and your efforts have been very well appreciated. Photos #8, 9, 10, 11, and 12 show the other five Live Oak winners of the Virginia Grand Championship. In closing, I would like to leave you with one thought: Judging is fun. It is an accolade to you as an MFH, celebrating your expertise and perception about foxhounds. Enjoy yourself in the ring and try to get the competitors to relax and have fun as well. The humans will show better and the hounds will definitely be brighter and happier. Relax and judge only what is before you, not what you think it ought to be. I have always tried to make a point of telling the competitors why I placed them in the order that I did. I believe doing so helps them for the future. I also make a point of helping some people with tips about showing their entry. Here again it will help them do it better in the future. I have had the privilege of looking at hounds all over North America, the United Kingdom, Europe and Africa. I visit kennels whenever I get the chance. Doing so will help to develop your eye for hounds of all types. You should practice by judging every dog that you see out for a walk. You will quickly learn to pick out bad conformation, bad movers and poor quality. It’s fun and also a good excuse to people-watch.
• Second, when you are ready, throw the biscuit with an open-handed under arm motion that begins at the hound’s shoulder and then passes his muzzle in a straight motion that releases the biscuit at the forward most point in the arc of your swinging arm. This element is critical for the hound to follow the arc of your hand and to see the biscuit as it arcs through the air away from you. • Third, use biscuits that your hound can see; i.e., lighter in color than the grass on which you are showing. I cannot possibly count the number of competitors that I have seen that use little bits or pieces of kibble dog food to move their hounds. The hounds cannot see the little bits in the air and worse, the competitors throw them with a quick flick of the wrist, which gives the poor hound no indication of either the direction or the distance the biscuit has gone. My preferred biscuit is a small boneshaped one. It is big enough for the hound to see and not so big that it takes a great amount of time for the hound to eat once it finds it. This is important as you have only a limited amount of time to show. • Fourth, be ready when the judge asks you to move your hound. The throw should be long enough to show the judge a minimum of three, or better yet five, galloping strides. Once you have made the toss, go to your hound and throw back the other direction. Do it again for a third time and then look over at the judge. If the judge has seen enough, you will be asked to stand your hound on the board.
FALL 2017 | 21
Avoid the Pinch and Pain YOU VACCINATE, DE-WORM, AND PROVIDE DENTAL AND FARRIER CARE. SO, HOW OFTEN DO YOU ASSESS YOUR HORSE’S SADDLE FIT? BY JOANNE MESZOLY
DUSTY PERIN
SOCIETY OF MASTER SADDLERS
H
orses are pretty good at alerting owners to acute, painful injuries. It’s hard to miss a hoof abscess when your horse is three-
legged lame. But lower the pain scale a few notches, and horses can be surprisingly stoic about persistent discomfort. An ill-fitting saddle is easy to overlook, because the symptoms 22 | COVERTSIDE
Palpating your horse’s back (far left) can help to determine if he is sore. A sour attitude is also a good indication.
the pommel and withers? Studies show that nine out of 10 riders never evaluate saddle fit, beyond an initial, cursory check. Actually, that’s not true; I just made that up. But saddle fitting doesn’t get the attention it deserves and typically riders miss the signs of a problem until the issue is impossible to ignore. (For an example of cluelessness, see “Saddle Fitting Woes” in the summer issue of Covertside.) If, in the past six to 12 months, you haven’t considered whether your horse and saddle are a good match, an evaluation is a worthy exercise, even if everything seems hunky-dory. A STEP-BY-STEP CHECK
often aren’t so obvious, and are often chalked up to attitude rather than pain. Certainly there are horses who express their discomfort immediately, with a sour attitude, tail-wringing, or even by bucking or refusing to move. But, many put up with moderate discomfort, leaving their riders unaware until evidence springs to life: a lump rises on the back, or a bald spot or sections of white hair appear. How
can that be? You, your horse and saddle, have shared a copacetic partnership for years. Well, it’s possible that your horse’s physique has changed, or your saddle was never truly suitable. Ask yourself this question: Have you recently checked your horse’s saddle fit — much less ever — beyond that initial once-over inspection, when you shoved a few fingers between
Saddle fitting is a booming business, and experts fan the country, offering evaluations, saddle alterations and other solutions for ill-fitting tack. You’ll find that individuals use different techniques, just as chefs rely on varying ingredients to produce the same dish. Some, but not all, are affiliated with name-brand saddle manufacturers and sales. And certain experts simply evaluate and offer solutions, while others are equipped to make physical alterations to saddles. For this article, Covertside FALL 2017 | 23
WHEN THE FIX IS IN IN ALL LIKELIHOOD, if you’re facing a saddle-fitting problem, you’ll consult an expert for corrective options. Is there an easy, inexpensive solution? Or does a fix exist at all? Does this mean it’s time to start saddle shopping? It really depends on the type and extent of the problem. As mentioned, the solution may be as simple as a lift or “bounce” pad, or a shim pad. But adding pads is a tricky practice that requires someone with know-how; one correction can cause pinching or pressure elsewhere. Some internal solutions are possible if your saddle panels contain wool, not foam. A saddle fitter might be able to make adjustments (called spot-flocking) by adding or removing wool to rebalance the saddle, accommodate changes
Graham Newell of N2 slides his hand between the shoulder and the
or bridging. It’s even possible to entirely
saddle to check
re-flock a saddle, by removing the panels
tightness.
EMILY ESTERSON
in a horse’s physique, or correct rocking
and replacing the existing contents with new wool, to improve impact absorption. Foam panels cannot be adjusted in this fashion (aside from converting foam to wool), which is why so many tout wool as the superior material. But times have changed, saddle manufacturing has changed, and the foam versus wool debate? That’s an entirely separate article. Not sure if your saddle contains foam or wool? “Generally, if you lift up the flap by the stirrup bar, you can see slits that signify a wool-flocked saddle,” says McGarry. “And foam tends to be firmer and more uniform, without variation.” Still, if the squeeze test leaves you uncertain, look for the saddle code (serial number and year) imprinted under the flap, and contact the manufacturer.
consulted saddle-fitting expert Jay McGarry, owner of Trumbull Mountain Tack Shop, a Vermont-based business that specializes in solving saddle fitting problems. McGarry is a member of the North American Chapter of the Society of Master Saddlers. This article is no substitute for a handson, professional evaluation. But the following tips can help you appraise saddle suitability and identify potential problems. 24 | COVERTSIDE
1. CONSIDER GENERAL SUITABILITY.
Place the saddle on your horse’s bare back to gauge how it naturally rests, uninhibited by pads and fleece. (Note: Saddle placement is crucial, and many riders inadvertently station it too far forward. For more information, refer to the previous Covertside article’s sidebar called “Saddle Placement,” on page 31.) “As a general rule of thumb, the angle of the saddle should match the angle of the shoulder,” says McGarry. “If you want, you can take a whip, and position it in line with the front vertical edge of the saddle and see if it matches the shoulder’s angle.” You can also view the tree points (a leather pocket under each saddle flap) and compare them with the angle of the horse. “If it gaps a lot, it is too wide or isn’t the right shape,” says McGarry. “If it makes the shoulder muscle bulge, or you see it digging into the shoulder, then it is too narrow.” Next, stand to the side, press one hand on the seat, and slip your palm between the horse and saddle, to feel for consistent pressure. First, check the panels vertically, then along the length — from front to back — for even contact. Areas with lighter pressure might disappear once the girth is applied, but if you encounter an excessive gap where
the panels do not make contact, the saddle could be bridging. In some cases, gaps or bridging can be corrected with a shim pad — a saddle pad, slotted to add strategically placed foam wedges — or a bridge pad. If the saddle is wool flocked, the problem might be remedied from within. (To read more about saddle fitting solutions, see the sidebar “When the Fix is In.”) 2. CHECK SADDLE BALANCE.
If the saddle passes the suitability exam, tighten the girth as you would to ride. Then, consider the saddle’s center of balance. Is the center point situated at the deepest part of the seat, where you feel in balance or “neutral” in the saddle? Or is the pommel or cantle too low? If you’re not sure, McGarry offers this rudimentary test: Set a pencil on the seat and observe whether it rolls one way or the other. Ideally, it will rest at the deepest part of the seat. If your saddle isn’t level, you may be able to adjust it using shims. Keep in mind, using extra padding to doctor certain problems can create others. “Some horses are built uphill, so there’s a desire to lift the back of the saddle,” says McGarry. “But doing so, especially if the saddle has too narrow a tree, can dig into the horse’s back up front.”
3. ASSESS LENGTH.
While you are eyeing the balance point, consider the length of your saddle with respect to your horse’s conformation. As it distributes pressure on the horse’s back, the saddle should not pass the last rib, since the lumbar region does not provide structural support. How do you find that rib? First, you may want to remove the saddle, then gently press your fist, knuckles down, beside the hip and push it forward until you encounter the last rib. Follow the rib as it angles up and intersects the spine. That marks your saddle-free zone. If it helps, mark the spot using a piece of masking tape. (What if you require a big saddle that surpasses this zone? McGarry frequently encounters this problem: “Hey, if you’re a big person, don’t buy a horse with a short back. Or, look for a saddle that might be upswept in the rear or has a more open, but smaller, seat size.”) 4. CHECK GULLET CLEARANCE.
The next steps require an assistant, so that your horse stands straight and square, while you are directly behind him. (And you might need a stool.) Your assignment: Examine the gullet channel — that dry creek bed beneath the saddle that separates the panels. Check that it is sufficiently wide to clear the horse’s spine, and doesn’t collapse on the spine when you are in the saddle. I always thought that viewing daylight from cantle to pommel was the litmus test
for this particular saddle fitting step, but “Not necessarily,” says McGarry. “There should be clearance throughout, but it can be hard to see, depending on saddle shape and horse conformation.” 5. CHECK PANEL POSITION.
So what else should you assess while positioned in this vulnerable locale? Look at the panels: Are they positioned symmetrically on both sides? Do they appear to follow the contours of the horse, or “wing out,” like an airplane? Angular, airplane wings occur when the saddle is too flat or open laterally, increasing pressure on the inside half of the saddle. Once again, some inconsistencies can be corrected with a shim pad to build out the edges. 6. VERIFY POMMEL CLEARANCE.
Most riders are familiar with this saddle-fitting test: verifying that there is ample space between the pommel and withers. “I’m looking for decent clearance, knowing that the saddle may come down, once a rider is up,” says McGarry. What’s appropriate: two or three fingers? McGarry says there isn’t a specific ideal measurement because a wellfitted hoop tree saddle might not need as much clearance. (See below on hoop trees.) 7. EVALUATE THE SADDLE IN USE.
Mount up, or ask a friend (of equal size and stature) to ride in your place. From
this vantage point, with the weight of the rider added, run through the same steps outlined above. And scrutinize certain areas for changes: Has the pommel clearance changed dramatically? At the trot, revisit saddle symmetry and look for rocking (i.e., the cantle moves up and down) or unwanted saddle shifting. McGarry recommends trotting and cantering 20-meter circles in both directions, and viewing the saddle from the side and rear, to look for saddle shifting, or signs that it is touching the spine. Finally, take any equine feedback into account. Look for unusual changes in attitude and signs of discomfort, such as flattened ears, tail wringing, and other behaviors that are atypical for your horse. And study his overall movement: Are his shoulders moving freely or do they appear to be impeded by the saddle? Does he stiffen in one direction because the saddle is shifting? After completing this thorough evaluation, it’s possible that you’ll find some imperfections or asymmetry, correctable with a pad or slight adjustment. But if you are uncertain about your findings — or your saddle flunks the test — contact an expert for an assessment and a long-term solution. Even the most stoic of horses will thank you for it. Joanne Meszoly is a Maryland-based freelance writer and a member of the Potomac Hunt. She is a frequent Covertside contributor.
HOOPS AND A FRAMES IF YOU’VE NEVER HEARD of a “hoop-
the gullet plate — the saddle’s “skeleton” in
In the sport of foxhunting, many Thor-
framed tree,” you’re not out of the loop.
the pommel region — is angled in the shape
oughbreds and other high-withered equines
Most manufactured saddles use a standard,
of an A, whereas a hoop tree resembles an
are satisfied with standard A-frame saddles.
A-frame shape. In English, this means that
upside-down U.
But horses with wide, flat backs can benefit from a rounded hoop frame, when even the
A narrow
Wide
widest A-frame won’t cut it. On broad-
A-frame
hoop tree
backed horses, even the widest saddles can create pressure points and/or can press
LEFT AND RIGHT DUSTY PERIN
on the spine if the gullet channel lacks sufficient clearance. Note that a hoop tree naturally sits closer to the withers compared to a standard frame, but that’s fine as long as it clears the withers and otherwise passes the saddle fit test.
FALL 2017 | 25
Enduring
PASSION
Foxhunters celebrate how their partners support their habit. AS THE AUTUMN HUNTING SEASON IS UPON US, our life partners are faced with the annual “disappearance” — the 5:00 a.m. alarm (sometimes even earlier), “date night” spent in the barn cleaning tack and prepping the trailer, brushing the coat, assembling the morning’s kit for early departure. Woe unto foxhunters’ spouses who get in the way of this ritual, as they will quickly be kicked to the curb. Foxhunting, as we know, is a lifestyle, not a sport. The partners who embrace it deserve to be celebrated, because it’s not easy being a non-foxhunting person in a foxhunter’s household. Covertside celebrates love in the hunt field, in all its forms, at the beginning of this new season.
Michael and Linda Stern, enjoy a moment together while hunting with Fairfield County.
26 | COVERTSIDE
It’s My Wife’s Fault BY MICHAEL STERN
“You won’t catch me wearing silly little britches,” I pronounced from my plush seat in a 50-pound Don Butler roping saddle atop a stout little appaloosa cow pony named Piegan, who looked as western as John Wayne. I used to ride Piegan on trails in rural Connecticut — trails shared with a foxhunting club — and on occasion, when I was loping along in full cowpoke regalia with a cigar in my mouth and not a care on my mind, I would hear baying hounds, then the thunder of hooves, and pretty soon I was engulfed by a mob of galloping horses so tall that I had to crane my neck to look up at them. The equine adrenaline was infectious, and before I could do anything about it and much to the dismay of both the mounted hunters and myself, my pony and I were careening along with them over hill and dale until the scent was lost and the hunt slowed for a break. At this point, I turned back for home, tsk-tsking about just how crazy those people were to ride like that. The hunt club disbanded (territory eaten up by development) and I didn’t think much about hunting until one day, years later, my wife, who complained that my western saddles made her feel thrice-removed from the horse she was riding, decided on a whim to attend a nearby introductory hunt clinic. She came back glowing, as she did every Saturday that autumn, telling tales of the morning’s exhilaration and derring-do. One morning she insisted I join her at a hunt breakfast. I did,
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out of love and loyalty, but soon I was enthralled by all the horse talk that went on. It would be fun to ride with these folks, I thought. At the time I was horseless, shopping for another cow pony. At breakfast, my wife just so happened to introduce me to a man who just so happened to be selling a ranch horse named Phillip. What a fortuitous coincidence! Phillip was perfect. He did look like a ranch horse — a manageable 15.1 hands with plenty of Quarter Horse muscle and good sense, and looking fine in western tack. “Oh, by the way,” the seller told me, “Phillip hunts, too. You might want to pick up a hunt saddle for him.” “Bah!” said I, deciding I would indeed ride out with the hunt on an informal trail ride, but in my trusty western saddle. One hop over a small stonewall drop-jump was convincing evidence that a saddle without a saddle horn would be a necessary and immediate investment if I wanted to ride with these people and remain intact. That week, my darling wife gifted me with boots and breeches. I joined the hunt, and you know the rest of the story: I found heaven on horseback. Soon thereafter we moved to Aiken, South Carolina, where there are enough clubs that a person could hunt seven days a week. I can’t imagine life without hunting. For this, my wife is entirely to blame. I do still live by the cowboy code, which says you should never sell your saddle. I still have mine — on display in the bedroom, where its broad seat serves as a handy shelf on which to pile my breeches. 28 | COVERTSIDE
Sally and Cary, mid-smooch.
Foxhunting Spouses BY SALLY CRANE COX, JOINT MFH, ROCKY FORK HEADLEY HUNT
I first laid eyes on Cary Cox in September of 2010, only six months after the death of my spouse. It was opening day, always one of our best-attended hunts, falling almost predictably on a beautiful autumn day and followed by a bountiful breakfast for all riders at a lovely old country club. Expecting a big crowd that day, I made it a point to arrive early to help direct traffic. I was the second to arrive, however; a handsome stranger was already unloading his horse from a two-horse trailer. I hurried over and introduced myself — not in an effort to make his ac-
quaintance, but to inform him that those with “little trailers” had to park in the grassy field downhill and allow room in the parking lot for the “big trailers.” In retrospect, perhaps the phrasing was a little awkward, challenging him on the size of his trailer, having only just met him. All I knew is that he smiled and asked if I could hold his horse while he moved his trailer. That’s the last I remember seeing of him that day. He was the guest of a young woman in our hunt, and I was wrapped up in my job — hunting the hounds — and in just getting through each day by putting one foot in front of the other. I couldn’t miss, of course, that there was a bit of a buzz about the good-looking, eligible bachelor who showed up that day. As mythologist Joseph Campbell would say, there are only two plots in literature: a
person goes on a journey, and a stranger comes to town. Fast-forward one year: The young woman who had invited Cary to hunt was now married — to someone else; I had regained some of my equilibrium; it was, again, Opening Hunt on a beautiful day in September. The handsome sort-of stranger, not seen in a year, had sent a note requesting to ride, and had reappeared and parked appropriately. We renewed our acquaintance at the long wooden bar in the country club at the post-hunt breakfast. Exhilarated foxhunters were downing Bloody Marys and white wines and raising their voices to be heard in the din of stories about jumps, near-falls and exciting gallops. Cary and a couple of other riders and I were at the end of the bar chatting when I said to him, “I like your tie.” He wore a gold silk number with foxes
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FALL 2017 | 29
OUR FUTURE
National Headquarters Dear Friends and Supporters, The Masters of Foxhounds Association is entering an exciting new era, building a legacy for the future. The new headquarters and museum will be a symbol of our historic traditions and commitment to hunting’s future. It will be a platform to educate the public about our rich history, expound the values of hunting and rural tradition, and grow our sport. There are many ways for you to be part of this legacy and your donations are tax deductible. Patrick Anthony Leahy MFHA President
T HE M F H A RE PR E S E N T S F OX H UN T IN G F O R AL L O F US! Whether you give $5 or $5,000, you can be a part of our new headquarters, building on our mission to Promote, Preserve, and Protect mounted foxhunting for future generations! SUPPORTER:
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They will be
embroidered on it — the exact same one I was wearing, both purchased at English Country Classics in Middleburg. It was meant to be. In the months that followed, we spent more and more time together, often horseback riding. He had grown up in rural Tennessee where they would ride whatever they could catch; I had grown up in suburbia with equitation lessons. But we were both in a place now where we loved the thrill of a good gallop after hounds, or a quiet trail ride, just the two of us. Foxhunting together is exhilarating, but it can also be a little distracting to have your new boyfriend trailing you obediently in the field while you carry the horn. Some thoughts that have occurred to me while Cary was behind me: I hope he admires the view; I hope he doesn’t think I’m a crazy b*** after I lost my temper during
the hunt; I hope he didn’t notice that I just fell off my horse as it was running downhill and tripped (it was just a little slip off his shoulder and I was right back on!). And then there is the power dynamic. At work, Cary is a big corporate businessman; but in the hunt field, this is my office and I’m the boss. Cary is now a whipper-in, and luckily, we’ve had words only once, that I can recall, and I thought it was handled well by both of us. Last January, our hunt lost our 88-year-old MFH, my Joint Master and our friend. He had taken up foxhunting at the age of 57 so that he could spend time with his wife, doing what she loved, and they became one of our great foxhunting couples — a pair to admire and emulate. Like them, Cary and I share this passion and count ourselves among the most blessed of people.
dropping like
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ASK THE HUNTSMAN
It’s All About Options
Aiken Hounds’ Huntsman Katherine Gunter speaks to Covertside about how Aiken has branched out. BY AMY GESELL PHOTO BY NICK BRIDGES
K
ATHERINE GUNTER HAS BEEN THE hard-working huntsman for the historic Aiken Hounds since 2008. During that time, she has made successful efforts to foster a well-bred, happy pack of hounds to create enjoyment for the field. The care that she puts into her work is evident in the look and behavior of the hounds. Gunter, however, shares the trait that defines many hunt professionals: She has an intense natural drive to improve her own skills and those of the hounds in her care. That desire to challenge herself has led Katherine to set her sights on adding live hunting (with a separate pack) into Aiken Hounds’ roster.
Covertside: Aiken has been hunting its territory (Aiken’s 2,200-acre Hitchcock Woods) as a drag pack since 1914. It’s a formula that seems powerfully successful. What led you to the idea of adding live hunting to the schedule along with your traditional drag hunting? Gunter: After eight years of hunting drag, I really wanted to move into live hunting. In discussing this with the Masters at Aiken, I found a great deal of encouragement. The Masters offered me the opportunity to take on this new challenge. After two seasons of this experiment, we continue to hunt our traditional drag pack and we have added a day of live hunting to the schedule. Our members seem pleased with having the option to hunt live, drag or both in one week.
Covertside: Now that you’ve added live hunting into your program, have you received feedback from the Masters and members?
Gunter: Yes! Members and Masters are really enjoying it! Ultimately, I want everyone to have a good time. Drag hunting allows us great gallops, some predictability and guarantees a fast hunt. The pauses that live hunting brings give me the opportunity to allow the field to feel included in 32 | COVERTSIDE
the actual hunting process. The field can get very close to the action as hounds are working, which allows me to give the field a summary of what the hounds are doing and why. I’m not the type that requires everyone to “back off.” As long as people are quiet and respectful of the work going on around them, I enjoy the chance to give a short summary of what the hounds are doing. We’ve had a lot of visitors from other hunts to our live hunts this year. It’s been fun! We’re enjoying both the consistency of the drag and the unpredictability of the live. We are hunting our traditional drag twice a week and live once or twice a week, as the schedule allows.
Covertside: There is a long-standing belief that a hound bred to drag won’t hunt live and vice versa. You seem to have found success and are getting both from the same litter. Gunter: What I am working with right now is one drag pack and one live pack. I do have one couple of hounds that will hunt both — but they are exceptional hounds. Those two are everything anyone could want in hunting hounds. The remainders are firmly casting their ballots as to their preferences by way of their level of excitement. I will tell you that I firmly believe that a dog must be bred to drag. That desire is he-
reditary. What I started to notice, however, was that I would have puppies that were not necessarily enthusiastic about the drag, but when drafted to live hunts or exposed to live hunting at joint meets, they’d really come alive. I wanted to give those hounds a chance to do a job they were obviously eager to do. To get them used to the horn and hunting with the pack, I start all of the hounds on the drag in an environment without interference. They get used to the horn and hunting with the pack. Then, I will put new entry on the roster for a day of hunting with our live pack and see how they do. Some sling gravel in their excitement to hunt live! Others have hidden under bushes as if to say “Excuse me. Take me back to the [Hitchcock] woods, please.” It’s a lot of hard work, but it makes me feel pretty good to have these hounds tell me exactly what they want to do. I have a couple of brothers that probably would never care to go on a drag hunt again. Their enthusiasm was so great on a live day, that they are pretty much on the live roster from here on out. My latest litter is split right down the middle — half preferring live and half drag. It’s been work, but it’s been fun!
Amy Gesell, a frequent Covertside contributor, resides in South Carolina with horses, hounds and the huntsman of Wiggins Hounds.
FALL 2017 | 33
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FARE & FLASK
FAIRFIELD COUNTY HOUNDS: MAMIE’S After a hunt through the idyllic farm fields and forest of the Berkshire foothills, Fairfield County Hounds’ members often kick back at Mamie’s, an adorable bakery/cafe where dining facilities include picnic tables on a broad front lawn. Mamie’s autumn menu features magnificent root vegetable hash. 162 Baker Rd., Roxbury, CT. 860-210-0618, www.mamiesrestaurant.com
After the hunt, Aiken hunters gather at the grand Willcox Hotel.
HUNTERS’ HAUNTS From fine dining to dive, foxhunters frequent these favorite eateries. STORY AND PHOTOS BY MICHAEL STERN
A
good hunt rouses mighty appetites. That is why posthunt breakfasts and tailgates tend to be so plentiful. But what about days when no meal is planned? How do hunters assuage hunger? Many clubs have a favorite nearby eatery where they congregate over food and drink for recaps of the day’s chase. Such a hunters’ haunt can be an upscale dining room or a déclassé dive and the bill of fare can be as basic as baloney sandwiches and lemonade or as soigné as crustless canapés and strawberry Bellinis. If the favored restaurant doesn’t welcome guests with muddy footwear, at least you can expect it to have a boot scraper by the front door. Here are a few favorites spots where hunters gather.
36 | COVERTSIDE
AIKEN HOUNDS: WILLCOX HOTEL After Tuesday afternoon’s drag hunt through Hitchcock Woods, you will find Aiken Hounds folk at the Willcox Hotel, a grand, white-pillared reminder of the city’s heyday as a winter colony of 20th century equestrians. Along with horse people of all disciplines (eventers, dressage riders, even cowboys), they enjoy the kitchen’s legendary pâté with cool mojitos or hot toddies. 100 Colleton Ave., Aiken, SC. 803-648-1898, thewillcox.com SAXONBURG HUNT: THE HILLTOP When Pennsylvania’s Saxonburg Hunt comes to South Carolina for the winter, members often follow a morning’s hunt at the Hilltop Cafe, a tumbledown roadside gem in the rough where proprietor and chef Hat-
tie Williams serves exemplary soul food. There is no menu; you get the meal that Hattie has prepared that day, which usually includes fried chicken along with pork roast or meat loaf and a constellation of hearty southern vegetables with, of course, sweet fruit cobbler for dessert. 1130 S. Dixie Rd., Salley, SC. CAMDEN HUNT: EVERYDAY GOURMET As casual as a deli can be, Everyday Gourmet welcomes Wednesday’s Camden Hunt members with a menu of salad, soup, and lovely made-to-order sandwiches from PB&J to brie and bacon. If the fried avocado BLT is available as the day’s special, it’s a must! 2204-1/2 Broad St., Camden, SC. 803-425-1907, everydaygourmet.net
GOLDENS BRIDGE HOUNDS: HAYFIELDS MARKET You often will find the posthunt crowd of Goldens Bridge Hounds having snacks at Hayfields, a multi-purpose roadside stand with gardening supplies, local produce for sale, dry goods, and a short menu of wraps and sandwiches. I love the grilled-crisp “French Press Panini,” which is smoked ham and brie with honey mustard and tomato. To drink, there is a full menu of espresso beverages as well as smoothies, super smoothies, and “lean shakes.” 1 Bloomer Rd., North Salem, NY. 914-669-8275, hayfieldsmarket.com TRYON HOUNDS: THE HARE & HOUND I first got acquainted with the Hare & Hound at a glorious Tryon Hounds hunt breakfast that the restaurant catered. This hospitable pub in the Blue Ridge Mountains has a full menu that includes post-hunt prime rib Saturday night as well as North Carolina mountain trout seven days a week. 101 E. Rutherford St., Landrum, SC. 864-457-3232, www.thehareandhound.com CAZA LADRON: HORSEMAN’S HAVEN Long ago before I discovered the joy of hunting, I fell in love with Horseman’s Haven in my lifelong quest for America’s best
local food in the most colorful places, in this case a gas station diner. Covertside editor and CL member Emily Esterson recommends a bowl of “blow your socks off” green chile stew or a breakfast burrito “green” — the local vernacular for green chile on top. She notes also that Horseman’s Haven is a hunters’ favorite because the gas station location offers ample parking for horse trailers. It is not fancy, Emily notes, but it is “hearty and delicious with enough food on the plate to satisfy the hungry hunter after a few hours out on Caza Ladron’s rugged desert territory.” 4354 Cerrillos Rd., Santa Fe, NM. 505-471-5420 OLD DOMINION HOUNDS: ORLEAN MARKET When Old Dominion Hounds field members come in from a chase through Fauquier and Rappahannock counties, they often gather at the rustic wooden tables of the Orlean Market, a 1900-vintage crossroads country store. Burgers are superb, as is the pork belly sandwich with sriracha and house-made pickles. Cakes and pies are showstoppers. 6855 Leeds Manor Rd., Marshall, VA. 540-364-2774, www.orleanmarket.com ARAPAHOE HUNT: CAVALRYMAN STEAKHOUSE Arapahoe Hunt begins its fall hunt season at the Monaghan
Hattie at work on The Hilltop’s fried chicken.
Ranch just outside of Laramie, Wyoming, where the Cavalryman Steakhouse grills steaks that Master Mary Ewing describes as “melt-in-the-mouth good.” It’s an evening meal, Friday night, in anticipation of Saturday’s cattle drive (for which tack is rider’s choice of English or Western) and a Saturday night barbecue and dance in the Jackalope Saloon.
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4425 S. 3rd St., Laramie, WY. 307-745-5551, wyomingsteakhouse.com HOWARD COUNTY-IRON BRIDGE HOUNDS: LU & JOE’S Master Crystal Brumme Pickett says the HCIB gang tend to go “wherever we can get the trailers in and out easily, that’s close, that serves alcohol, and where we can get food quickly, as we are hungry.” Their favorite is Lu & Joe’s, a biker bar that serves both Thai food (pad thai, sate, drunken noodles) and traditional pub grub (wings, burgers, ribs) with a Maryland accent, i.e., plenty of crab. 1024 Ridge Rd., Mount Airy, MD. 301-831-5577, luandjoes.com
OUTFITTING traveler’s
ADVENTURES
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36205 SNAKE HILL ROAD, MIDDLEBURG, VA 20117 540-687-3333 / WWW.GOODSTONE.COM FALL 2017 | 37
THE FIND
Rub and Scrub Grooming Glove from Pyranha These gloves’ unique configuration, with scrubbing nodules on the fingers and palms, help to release accumulated hair, while gently massaging the horse and promoting circulation. Buy them from your local feed store or visit www.pyranha.com.
Draw It Out Draw It Out linament alleviates swelling and soreness safely and effectively without any carriers or chemicals. Odorless and colorless, Draw It Out helps you care for your horse without hassle or mess. www.drawliniment.com
Silver Horse Ring by Michael Tatom This lovely horse ring comes in silver, gold or bronze and is available with gemstone eyes. www.michaeltatom.etsy.com
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HOOD ORNAMENTS
L ouis L ejeune L td.
info@louislejeune.com
38 | COVERTSIDE
www.louislejeune.com
SADDLERY • CLOTHING • GIFTS EVENTING - FOX HUNTING - PONY CLUB - SHOWING
Many leading Brand Name Products for Horse and Rider at Competitive Prices. FOR YOUR PETS: ALL NATURAL PET FOODS
Pet tags engraved while you wait.
667 Zachary Taylor Hwy (Rt.522) Flint Hill, VA 22627 • 540-675-1650 Store Hours: Monday thru Saturday 10am - 5pm
For your online needs visit: www.horsenhound.com
BONNIE LINGERFELT
Fine Equestrian Properties & Country Homes
Tryon, North Carolina Home of the 2018 FEI World Equestrian Games at TIEC
TryonProperties.com 828-817-0166
Advantage Realty 177 N. Trade St. Tryon, NC 28782
NEED A LEG UP? Try a Step Up Stirrup®! The Safest, Easiest, Fastest way to mount your horse. Call 505-428-8494
See how it works at www.stepupstirrup.com
FALL 2017 | 39
LAST RUN OF THE DAY Photo by Adrian Jennings
Fall Colors Mooreland’s Huntsman Rhodri Jones-Evans and Hon. Whippers-in David and Jack Goodman travel through the woods during autumn hunting (October 2011).
EDITOR’S NOTE: Do you have a photo, story or essay to share with Covertside? Send high-resolution, 300 dpi photographs or essays to editor@covertside.net, or snail mail to Covertside, 2329 Lakeview Rd. SW, Albuquerque, NM 87105 40 | COVERTSIDE
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w e l c o m i n g y o u h o m e f or a l i f e t i m e • CLOVERLAND | THE PLAINS
MIDDLEBURG • 540-687-6321 PURCELLVILLE • 540-338-7770 LEESBURG • 703-777-1170 ASHBURN • 703-436-0077
MiddleburgRealEstateAtokaProperties AtokaProperties MiddleburgRealEstate
Start your search at MiddleburgRealEstate.com
MOUNT AIRY | UPPERVILLE
PURCELLVILLE RD | PURCELLVILLE
E IC PR ION OR CT AJ DU M E R
Overlooking 149 acres in Orange County Hunt, Cloverland Farm is truly a masterpiece of fine country living. Exquisite home constructed of the highest quality, designed by architect William Lawrence Bottomley in 1932 & built by William Hanback. Grand foyer, Stately Rooms, Gourmet Kitchen, Conservatory, Indoor Pool, Tennis Court. $6,500,000 Peter Pejacsevich 540-270-3835 Scott Buzzelli 540-454-1399
Extraordinary brick colonial on 50+ gorgeous acres in prestigious Greystone. Over 9,000 square feet of spectacular living space featuring three beautifully finished levels. Heated pool, tennis court, pond, and mountain views in a private and secluded location. $2,749,000
Peter Pejacsevich Scott Buzzelli
LEEDS CHAPEL LN | MARKHAM
MORELAND RD | DELAPLANE
MONTROSE FARM | THE PLAINS
Wonderful opportunity for complete country living. Charming stone & stucco 3BR, 2BA farmhouse w/ 5 stall banked barn, 1 bedroom 1 bath guest house. Wide plank HW floors, fireplaces, large porches for entertaining. Plenty of room for horses, multiple paddocks w/water. A must see! Close to I66 at exit 31, 45 minutes to Dulles Airport. Orange County Hunt Territory $1,995,000 Peter Pejacsevich 540-270-3835 Scott Buzzelli 540-454-1399
540-270-3835 540-454-1399
Stunning 104 acres with mountain views and a stream. Not in easement. Potential for 20 lots using AR1 cluster zoning. Serene country living where you can hear the whip-poor-wills sing and the babbling of Brens Run creek. Gently rolling topography. Listing includes three parcels totaling 104 acres. Tax IDs are:44748774, 447392786, 447401217. $2,080,000 WWW.PURCELLVILLELAND.COM Suzanne Ager 540-454-0107
165 +/- acres on Little Cobbler with amazing views! Pond, Open Land, Pool, Hot Tub, 4 Lvls, 4 BR, 4 BA Brick Home w/2 Bay Garage/Guest quarters to the left of main residence, Machine Shed, Screened Porch, Wet Bar, Large Stone Courtyard and Terrace, Full House Generator, 3 Fireplaces, Approx.6,500 sq.ft. Property is in Land Use and includes 2 parcels. $1,950,000 Peter Pejacsevich 540-270-3835 Scott Buzzelli 540-454-1399
Horse Farm, storybook setting in wine region. Beautiful 25 acres with panoramic mountain views. All brick 5 BR, 5BA , 4 FP, 6 stall barn, fencing, decks, balconies, patios, porches, sheds, whole house generator, butlers pantry, gourmet kitchen with 2 dishwashers, main level full bath, office/bedroom. Finished walk-out basement, full steam bath, rec room, bedroom! $1,095,000 Rocky Westfall 540-219-2633
COLCHESTER RD | PURCELLVILLE
MT. PLEASANT | STRASBURG
CIDER MILL RD | PURCELLVILLE
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Gorgeous Victorian w 360 views of the Blue Ridge and Foothills! 30+ Incredible Acres perfect for Equine, Vineyard, Animals, etc! Custom Home boasts Superb Architecture, 4 BR, 3.5 BA, Gourmet Kitchen, Views from every window, 2 Beautiful Stone FP, Spacious Dining Room, Lovely Master BR & BA, Beautiful Flag Stone Porch, Historic Stone Fence, Creek, and More! $1,250,000 Joy Thompson 540-729-3428
Antique brick and stone set the stage for this country property on 6.5 beautiful acres with mountain views. 7 fireplaces and solid cherry floors are part of the reason this home is so special. Main house features 5 BR with 3 1/2 BA, large great room with views, separate dining, lovely sunroom. Carriage house wing has 2BR/ large living area/kitchen area. Appt only. $1,249,000 Scott Buzzelli 540-454-1399 Peter Pejacsevich 540-270-3835
C. 1812. Federal manor home of brick crafted on-site. Original heart pine floors, magnificent staircase & beautiful millwork. 5 BR, 5 BA, 8 FP. High ceilings, great flow for entertaining. 107 Ac. Country kitchen, tenant house, bank barn, spring house. Weekend retreat, year around residence, or B&B. 1+ hr to DC. On National Register. $1,200,000 Carole Taylor 703-577-4680 George Roll 703-606-6358
ALDIE GOLD | ALDIE
RUNNYMEDE FARM | ROUND HILL
ST LOUIS RD | PURCELLVILLE
ST
JU Ideally located, perfectly remodeled! 30+ ac. Sparkling, light filled, great open floor plan, gorgeous wood floors throughout. Gourmet kitchen, granite counters, open breakfast room with fireplace. 5 BR, 3 FB, 1 HB, Main level BR, beautiful land gently slopes from well-sited home to country lane. Plenty of room for horses. Close for commuting & shopping - with a rural feel. $1,195,000 Carole Taylor 703-577-4680 George Roll 703-606-6358
C. 1777. Totally updated for today's lifestyle. Spacious stone manor house sits on 20 beautiful acres. 4 BR, 2 FB, 3 HB. Interior stone walls, terrace. Gourmet kitchen, separate dining room with FP, tavern room with built-in wetbar, walk out to huge terrace with spa overlooking fields. Old springhouse, small barn. Entire property fenced. Very commutable, yet feels a world away. $1,120,000 Carole Taylor 703-577-4680 George Roll 703-606-6358
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Unique country house on 8.5 ac with paddocks & riding ring. Visit your horses just out front door, or use 3 stalls as a dramatic feature of a future atrium joining both wings of the home. No horse? Sit by the stocked pond with its own sandy beach! 2 main BRs plus two guest rooms/office. Possible main-lvl BR. Mountain views. 4-car garage. Seller not resp for Land Use tax. $782,500 Peter Pejacsevich 540-270-3835 Scott Buzzelli 540-454-1399
10 E WASHINGTON STREET MIDDLEBURG, VA | 115 NORTH 21ST STREET PURCELLVILLE, VA 21020 SYCOLIN ROAD, SUITE 100, ASHBURN, VA | 1 S KING ST LEESBURG, VA