In & Around Horse Country

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IN & AROUND HORSE COUNTRY, 60 ALEXANDRIA PIKE, WARRENTON, VA 20186

VOLUME XXIII / NUMBER 6 • THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE VIRGINIA STEEPLECHASE ASSOCIATION • OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2012

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IN & AROUND HORSE COUNTRY • OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2012

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CUBBING

Orange County Hounds Nelson Gunnell (front), Thomas Gunnell (on the paint), Carley Leins. Janet Hitchen photo

Orange County Hounds Huntsman Reg Spreadborough and hounds. Janet Hitchen photo

Middleburg Hunt at Creek Hill, September 29, 2012 Ava Ellis and Andrew Looney. Middleburg Photo.

Piedmont Fox Hounds, Old Welbourne, September 6, 2012 Tad Zimmerman, jt-MFH. Middleburg Photo.

Piedmont Fox Hounds, Old Welbourne, September 6, 2012 Rachael Allen.

Middleburg Photo.

Fairfax Hunt, The Kennels at Red Hill, Sept. 8, 2012 Huntsman Kevin Palmer.

Middleburg Photo.

Blue Ridge Hunt Huntsman Guy Allman; Anne McIntosh, MFH; and whipper-in Neil Amatt. Janet Hitchen photos

Orange County Hounds Victoria Monroe (left) and Carol Meade. Janet Hitchen photo

Visitors to Orange County Hounds from abroad: (left to right) David Wilkinson, MFH and head of the Ireland Hunting Association; David Lalor, MFH, Vice Chairman, Irish Masters of Foxhounds; and Graninne Kavanagh, DVM, also from Ireland. Local foxhunter Richard Thompson is on the bay. Janet Hitchen photo

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SPORTING LIFE HIGHLIGHTS Washington International Horse Show Verizon Center, October 23 – 28 An equestrian tradition since 1958, the Washington International Horse Show is the country’s leading metropolitan indoor horse show. Each October more than 500 of the top national and international horses and riders, including Olympic veterans, come together in Washington, DC, to compete in six days of thrilling competition.

Highlights include the $100,000 President’s Cup Grand Prix, the Puissance high-jump competition and the WIHS Equitation Finals featuring the country’s top junior riders. Kids’ Day, Barn Night, special exhibitions and boutique shopping round out this family-friendly event.

Since its debut, the Washington International has been a Washington institution attended by presidents, first ladies, celebrities, business and military leaders, as well as countless horse enthusiasts of all ages.

For more information and to order tickets, go to www.wihs.org.

••••

Orange County Hounds Hunt Team Event Planned for Oct. 28 The Orange County Hounds Cross Country Team Event will be held Sunday, October 28th, at Old Whitewood Farm near The Plains, Virginia, with the popular Junior Hunter Championship. In 1987, the OCH Team Event, modeled after the English Team Chase, was created to offer an event with something for every level of foxhunter.

The event features teams of three to four horses or ponies galloping over a rolling course of walls, coops, rails, and hay bales in two main divisions: Limit Hunters and Genuine Hunters. Team prizes are awarded for ideal time, best turned out, and best hunt team. A Genuine Hunter championship also is awarded.

Call 540-687-5552 for prize lists. Entries close Monday, Oct. 22, at 6:00 p.m.

••••

Equine Emergency Preparedness Clinic to be Held at Morningside Training Farm, Nov. 3-4 To provide those responsible for the welfare of horses with the skills and knowledge necessary to act quickly and effectively in emergency situations, a two-day clinic will be held at Morningside Training Farm, The Plains, Virginia, on November 3rd and 4th.

A sobering list of possible situations is given in the event’s info sheet: “Barn fire, cast horse, stuck in mud, trailer overturned, trapped in a barn collapse, horse down on the trailer, evacuating because of a natural disaster, etc.”

Three highly qualified specialists in the field of horse behavior and emergency rescue will conduct the clinic. The instruction will focus on prevention tactics to minimize the risk of an emergency situation, developing a response plan for the wide range of possible events that could occur, and assembling resource information that can be quickly accessed when an emergency strikes.

Horse Country Saddlery will host the participants at a wine and cheese gathering, Friday evening, November 2, from 6:00 to 7:00 pm at the store in Warrenton.

For more information and to register for this informative and instructive program, contact: Kelly Sigler 803-522-4395 • kelly@kellysigler.com • www.kellysigler.com Tori Miller 910-494-8210 • NC4HoovesFarm@hotmail.com • www.4HoovesSMART.com

Fairfax to Host 2012 Virginia Field Hunter Championship The 2012 Virginia Field Hunter Championship will take place at Winter Farm in Middleburg, Va., on Sunday, Nov. 11. This year’s hosting club is the Fairfax Hunt as the 2011 Field Hunter Champion was Chase, owned and ridden by Fairfax member Karyn Wilson.

The Virginia Field Hunter Championship is an invitational competition where MFHs are invited to nominate two members to compete in the event. Riders will compete in a flat class and an optional appointments class, followed by a short mock hunt. Finalists will then negotiate a handy hunter course.

For more information, contact Honorary Secretary Gin Richardson at 703957-4633 or Paul Wilson, MFH, at 703-431-8861.

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Warrenton, Upperville, and Keswick Horse Shows Receive USEF Heritage Competition Honor The United States Equestrian Federation Board of Directors, at its recent MidYear Meeting, considered nine applications for USEF Heritage Competition status. The Warrenton Horse Show was among those granted this notable distinction.

Also included among the honorees were the Upperville Colt & Horse Show and the Keswick Horse Show. Completing the 2012 list were the Fairfield County Hunt Club June Benefit, Waterloo Hunt, Menlo Charity, Portuguese Bend National, Buffalo International, and St. Louis National Charity Horse Shows.

The designation of a USEF Heritage Competition is reserved for competitions that have been in existence for a quarter-century or more, promoted and grown equestrian sport, and made contributions to the community outside the gates of the horse show by achieving, maintaining, and promoting the equestrian ideals of sportsmanship and competition.

“These shows have become a part of the fabric of the American showing scene,” said USEF Chief Executive Officer John Long. “With their endurance, dedication to philanthropic efforts, and impact on their communities, they are perfect examples of what we look for when designating Heritage Competitions.”

The nine shows selected this year join five existing Heritage Competitions: the Pin Oak I, Pin Oak Charity, Hampton Classic, Deep Run, and Devon Horse Shows. Impressive company, indeed. And well-deserved.

••••

Rita Mae Brown Will Be Signing Latest Sister Jane Book at Horse Country Author Rita Mae Brown, MFH, will be signing copies of her new Sister Jane book Fox Tracks at Horse Country on Saturday evening, November 17, 2012, from 6:00 to 9:00 pm. It will be a great evening with the author. Refreshments will be served.

The intrigue in Fox Tracks begins when a pack of cigarettes on a murdered man’s chest provokes Sister Jane to find an answer to this strange murder. She almost gets it right until she, too, is caught in a rifle’s crosshairs.

Regular subscription 6 issues $25.00, U.S.A. First Class subscription $35.00, Europe, Canada, etc. $45.00

PHOTOGRAPHERS: Liz Callar lizcallar.com Richard Clay richardclayphotography.com Lauren R. Giannini

ON THE COVER: Blue Ridge Hunt’s new British huntsman Guy Allman with hounds.

Gulfstream Park Janet Hitchen 540-837-9846 janethitchenphotography.com Teal Hoins Keeneland Douglas Lees 540-270-1946 Douglaslees@comcast.net Jim Meads, U.K. 011-44-1686-420436 Middleburg Photo middleburgphoto.com NYRA Betsy Burke Parker Eric Schneider eschneider@gmail.com Wells Fargo Bank, NA. 2012

Janet Hitchen photo LAYOUT & DESIGN: Kate Houchin

is a bimonthly publication.

Editorial and Advertising Address: 60 Alexandria Pike, Warrenton, VA 20186 For information and advertising rates, please call (540) 347-3141, fax (540) 347-7141 Space Deadline for the December/January issue is Nov. 15. Payment in full due with copy.

Publisher: Marion Maggiolo Managing Editor: J. Harris Anderson Advertising: Mary Cox (540) 636-7688 Horse Country (540) 347-3141 Contributors: Aga; J. Harris Anderson, Lauren R. Giannini, Jim Meads, Will O’Keefe, Betsy Burke Parker, Barclay Rives, Virginia Thoroughbred Association, Jenny Young Copyright 2012 In & Around Horse Country®. All Rights Reserved. Volume XXIII, No.6 POSTMASTER: CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED

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FOXHUNTING

Prepping Puppies To Tally Ho! Part Two

By Lauren R. Giannini In Part One three very different hunts discussed how they turn cute, adorable, clumsy, playful puppies into card-carrying members of the pack.

In Part Two, three more unique hunts provide insight into how they accomplish the ultimate goal of developing a cohesive, biddable working group of hounds. One major key is to establish pack discipline without inhibiting drive and enthusiasm. Bloodlines contribute greatly to the important genetic stamps of conformation and inborn hunting instinct, but nose, drive and personality are also influenced by handling and environment. To borrow several golden rules: breed the best to the best and hope for the best, and also teach your hounds well – be firm but Coupled but contrary: Young hound says, “I don’t want to go there.” Older hound says, “Belt up, lad, and pack up!” Teal Hoins photo. fair.

Once again, country and quarry contributed significantly to the replies given by each hunt. The huntsman is also a key ingredient to the pack dynamics. Part Two offers the techniques and approaches for training puppies as practiced by Juan Tomás Hounds, Golden’s Bridge Hounds, and Potomac Hunt.

Hunting in New Mexico with Juan Tomás Juan Tomás Hounds, several couple American and 10 couple Crossbred, are kenneled at Field Ranch, owned by MFH Jim Nance’s family, about 70 miles southwest of Albuquerque in the portal to the most remote part of New Mexico’s high country, the Land of Enchantment. The country is a vast expanse of desert and mesas, punctuated by arroyos (ditches carved during the rainy season), lots of cholla and other cacti.

The terrain is deceptively trappy. What appears to be relatively flat is full of surprises, especially steep descents that often become almost frightening vertical ascents, which can trip the unwary rider and less than sure-footed horse. While local ranchers, including Nance, have a history of hunting lion and bear with hounds, Juan Tomás hunts only coyote.

Hooked on hunting in the early ’90s, Nance picked the best brains he could find about hounds and started carrying the horn as huntsman about 16 years ago. When queried how he gets puppies ready to hunt, the rancher punctuated his reply with humility.

“It’s so easy: I let the old hounds train the youngsters,” said Nance. “When we go out walking and a pup goes off on a rabbit, he looks back and all the rest are just sitting there. He realizes he is an idiot and comes back. Quite often when they come back, an older hound or two will jump on them and chastise them. By the way, I’m always happy when you ask my opinion, but Larry [Pitts, huntsman Potomac] and Antony [Gaylard, huntsman Toronto & North York] taught me all I know.”

Nance keeps puppies in a pen close to the ranch house. Hunting, a family affair, involves his wife Beth and their sons Adren Nance, jt-MFH, and James L. Nance, who share huntsman duties.

“We interact with them all the time,” explained Nance. “We use treats and make eye contact with them and say their name and toss a treat to them. When we feed, we make every hound wait at the gate to the feeding pens until they are called by name.

If one runs in when not called, they are put at the end of the line and have to wait a little extra time before eating.”

Back in the early 1970s, Helen M. Kruger, senior MFH, started Juan Tomás with hounds from Potomac. The effectiveness of Potomac bloodlines within the pack gets support from the fact that Nance continues to favor stallion hounds from Potomac.

He has also bred his bitches to a Walker acquired from Gaylard and to lion hounds from Orvel Fletcher.

“We’re a small pack and breed one of our bitches only once a year,” admitted Nance. “We do take puppies from Larry and Antony, and we have taken some from Grand Canyon. I have given hounds to Grand Canyon and High Country, both in Arizona, but we’re far from most hunts and transporting hounds safely is difficult. I am very proud that lion hunters want hounds from Juan Tomás. Our hunting conditions are so different from back east. Our hounds have to be able to cold trail. I figure if our hounds can follow lions, they can follow coyote.”

Field Ranch has plenty of rabbits, deer, antelope and even elk to make life more interesting on home turf for the hounds. Hunting riot is not allowed.

“We call them back. If we let hounds chase trash (local term) – even lion hounds have to be broken off deer – we would never get anything done,” said Nance in his trademark no-nonsense way. “The older hounds have a way of helping train the new entries. If a young one takes off, he will eventually turn around and, out there all alone, soon realizes his error. We take the hounds out at least once a day on foot.”

Riot-proofing hounds is their biggest lesson. Nance can tell what they’re hunting by how they sniff and act: if they chase riot, they’re stopped immediately. He gives offenders several chances to mend their ways before he finds them new jobs.

His elderly hounds get pensioned out at the kennels. When they get too slow to keep up with the pack, they hunt only on home fixtures where they can find their own way to the kennels. “I don’t give them out to members,” said Nance. “Our hounds are like Spartans – they’re happiest living with their pack.”

Hunting in New York with Golden’s Bridge Irish-born Ciaran Murphy, 29, grew up riding to hounds and hunting with lurchers, terriers, and gun dogs, to name a few. Ten years ago he arrived in the US and spent one season with Why Worry (Aiken) before moving to Golden’s Bridge Hounds (NY) where he has served nine seasons as huntsman. He tries to learn something from everyone he meets, and cited as major influences on his hunting career George Chapman, MFH, and huntsman Billy Connors, both of Island Hunt (IRE), and Dr. Marvin Beeman, jt-MFH/huntsman Arapahoe (Colorado).

“The Penn-Marydel is my preference in a hound and also without question the best hound for Golden’s Bridge’s country, but a good hound is a good hound no matter what the breed, size, or color,” stated Murphy. “Our country is very tight, so I like hounds to cast within my eyesight. Also, the roads are a big issue here, and we need hounds that will stop when we need them to, although at times it can be like trying to stop the ocean tide from coming in! I try to stay away from independent, hardheaded hounds, but I like a hound with a good nose, voice and lots of drive.”

Golden’s Bridge hunts diverse terrain and four distinct seasons ranging from 100% humidity and heat in August to wintry 20-degrees and wind chills in the single digits. A hound that can do well whatever the weather is important, but attitude and personality are key factors for Murphy, who said: “I have more time for a backward hound that goes about its job than overly confident hounds. They tend to get into trouble or hunt for themselves, rather than for you.”

Golden’s Bridge has bred to stallion hounds at Millbrook and Mt. Carmel, but prefers to draft in a brood bitch with the desired bloodlines, especially if she has been around for five or six seasons. Murphy breeds at least two bitches a year, having learned early not to wait to breed a good hunting bitch whose lines he wanted to keep going.

“Sometimes things happen that are out of your control, and I have lost one or two bitches whilst waiting to breed them,” said Murphy. “I really like my dog hounds, hence the reason for drafting in brood bitches. Mostly I look for a bitch that is consistent, steady, and reliable in the hunt field. Also I look for longevity.”

Golden’s Bridge hounds have been drafted to Millbrook, Marlborough, Tennessee Valley, Moore County, Red Mountain, Rose Tree, Aiken, Why Worry, De La Brooke, and Tryon. “I tend not to give pups away, I wait until they’re a year old,” said Murphy. “I consider myself very lucky that Golden’s Bridge hounds are in great demand and that I have spots for older hounds that are still good hunting dogs but too slow to keep up with our pack and for younger hounds that don’t work out for us. ” When Golden’s Bridge puppies are eight weeks old, Murphy takes them on little walks, because they still have a strong desire to follow. By the time pups are five months old, the walks stop, because they’re old enough to assert their independence and pick up undesirable habits.

Continued

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Golden’s Bridge Hounds and huntsman Ciaran Murphy cubhunting.

Teal Hoins photo.

Great day at 2012 Virginia Hound Show: (l-r) Jillian Stark, Lulu Moore, Harry Stark with Champion Penn-Marydel puppy Phoenix (black & tan), Ciaran Murphy with Champion Penn-Marydel Lumber, Ellena Parvin, Teal Hoins, and Willow Bennett.

Lauren R. Giannini photo.

Walking Golden’s Bridge Hounds, huntsman Ciaran Murphy, with Niamh, his four-year-old daughter, riding on his shoulders, assisted by Rowan Bennett.

Teal Hoins photo.

Golden’s Bridge Hounds won the pack class in 2012 (l-r): Davar Parvin, Ellena Parvin (kneeling down), Rowan Bennett, Teal Hoins, Ciaran Murphy with the trophy and hounds, Sam Forte, Jillian Stark and Harry Stark.

Lauren R. Giannini photo.

About two months before the hound shows, Golden’s Bridge encourages the pony club children to help walk the puppies on leashes. They start learning their names, get used to the chaos of having kids around and interact with different people. Murphy noted: “Harry Stark, who helps at the kennels, is a frequent visitor with his daughter Jillian, who loves to walk pups.”

When Murphy started with GBH, hounds hunted 70% fox and 30% coyote. Now it’s more like 90% coyote, 10% fox, a dramatic change.

“In our country coyotes run like a good red fox – most of the time! – but it’s difficult to enter young hounds on coyote in this country: pups get left behind very easily with all the hills and swamps,” said Murphy.

“All that the pups learn during cubbing when the pack gets up a coyote is to run as fast as they can to keep up: hunting does not always come into it. I would much rather hunt only red fox in August and September. That is a much more solid foundation for any young hound.”

Hunting in Maryland with Potomac Hunt Larry Pitts has walked the walk as huntsman for 32 seasons at Potomac Hunt. He is an old-fashioned houndman, dedicated to breeding and training foxhounds that excel in the field and at shows. He has shared this hound-centered existence with his wife/whipper-in, Peggy, and daughter Laura. Son Justin preferred fourwheelers to horses, but was never pressured. That reflects how keen Pitts is to figure out hounds and people and what they do best.

“Peggy’s very astute at seeing what’s going on – she tells you what’s happening and it makes sense, whether it’s good or bad,” said Pitts. “She has a real eye for hound conformation, too. Laura’s low key, really good with all animals, and she shows a hound better than I do.”

They are a familiar sight, especially at the Virginia Hound Show on Memorial Day weekend. In kennel coats with velvet hunt caps, Peggy and Laura could be sisters. Pitts is quintessentially Larry, happiest when surrounded by hunting dogs. At hound shows, if he’s sitting down, the hound he is showing just about climbs into his lap. It’s obvious that Pitts loves his hounds, and the following offers sound advice on how he strengthens the invisible thread connecting pack and huntsman.

“You have to spend time with each one every day even if it’s for a couple minutes, and you have to give them confidence – they have to trust you and you have to trust them,” said Pitts. “Never lie to hounds. Keep it simple so they understand what you want. Don’t get after them for nothing. Use the same words or phrases so they learn what you mean. Hounds want to please you, and you want to keep them willing to please you.”

If a hound doesn’t meet his ideal standard for the Potomac pack, it doesn’t mean that hound isn’t good for hunting, just that this particular individual isn’t meant to stay with Potomac. Pitts does his best to ensure that hounds given away or drafted end up with the right pack. He usually gives two or three and often the ones that didn’t meet his ideal fit right in with their new hunt and do a brilliant job.

In fact, many packs across the country cherish their distinctive red and white American hounds whose bloodlines guarantee great cry and drive. Ask anyone: Pitts is extremely generous about giving away good hounds. He breeds up to four bitches a year. After litters are weaned, pups of the same age live together in a separate pen. When they’re about 10 months old, they go into their own run in the kennels to learn the routine, where the food is, and what they need to know before they move in with the older hounds. It’s all done in stages.

“Whatever you do, don’t get after a hound if it doesn’t understand what you’re asking it to do,” said Pitts. “I don’t think screaming at hounds does any good.

You gotta make it understandable. Handle them enough so you can handle them, but not so much that they hang around you out hunting – and don’t ever try to help them if they’re at a loss unless you can actually help them. Teaching hounds to hunt red fox is mostly about your attitude.”

Pitts won’t hunt coyote; red fox is the only quarry Potomac chases. He feels that you have to set standards for the hounds. “There’s only one thing you’re looking for and interested in – that’s fox,” he emphasized. “If you know you have a hound that forgets to focus on fox, you have to tell your whips – watch that dog and give him one if he keeps doing this. You can’t let them get away with it. Your attitude is about what you’re doing more than anything else.”

What Pitts has been doing is living what he learned as a child and also from three huntsmen who mentored him. When he was eight, Pitts had redbone hounds; as a teen he started crossing his beagle pack with black and tan ’coon hounds. “I was driving around North Carolina to see what hounds I wanted,” recalled Pitts. “I wanted my beagles a little bigger, a little faster and with more voice.”

Even though Pitts was hunting hounds as much as possible, he had no experience with foxhounds prior to meeting his first mentor, Ian Milne, the professional huntsman then at Sedgefield Hunt (NC). Pitts’s passion for hounds quickly embraced foxhunting. Milne needed help at the kennels, Pitts took the job, and the two men forged a lifelong friendship as hounds sang hallelujah.

After a year of working in the kennels and learning about following hounds on horseback, Pitts whipped-in professionally to Milne for two seasons.

“Ian told me a lot of things that no one else ever told me,” said Pitts. “He could teach me something new every day. He was the best. He told me to take the job whipping-in to Mr. Bill Brainard at Old Dominion – that I would learn a lot from Mr. Brainard, and Ian was right. When I had been there one season, Mr. Brainard came to the kennels one day and told me that he was retiring. He told me that there was a job open with Major Kindersley at Eglinton & Caledon in Canada and that he thought I should do it. Ian said it was a great opportunity, and so I went, because Mr. Brainard was retiring and he had been the best. The Major was also a good, hands-on master, who had hunted hounds for 20 years. He put in the effort and had high standards. They all taught me that you gotta do it like you mean it.”

That intention also signifies drive, exactly what has characterized the Potomac hounds for decades. When asked about how the breeding and training of young entry has been affected by changes in their country, particularly more traffic on the roads from development, the huntsman replied with his customary candor.

“Changes in our country ain’t the reason for the changes in our hounds,” said Pitts. “The way I hunt hounds, I give them drive. I got a lot of drive and our hounds like me. But I’m slowing them down a little.

I’m breeding hounds that are not so forward. I’m preparing for my retirement. I don’t want somebody to come in and not be able to handle my hounds with all their drive. These hounds two years ago would have scared anybody who came in here. It’s easier for someone to take over a pack that’s a little slower and calmer than my hounds have been.”

Make no mistake: the pack that greets the next huntsman will still have drive and plenty of speed. After all, Pitts will be the first to tell you he doesn’t like a hound that dwells.

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“Most of our Penn-Marydels come from Donald Philhower now that he’s at Millbrook – he’s a fabulous huntsman,” said Pitts. “He loaned us Millbrook Kingston about two or three years ago and I bred three bitches and got about seven big dogs and bitches we kept. I think they’re going to really contribute to the way I want to leave these hounds for the next person. They’re only in their second season, fabulous hounds. They’re not interested in deer, they’re all about fox. They’re personable.

They like you and try to please you. In another season, they’re going to be a great part of the pack.”

The Penn-Marydel influence is small but comes from superior hunting dogs with great heart, like Kestrel, who was out of a bitch Pitts had given to Philhower called Potomac Wander. “She was a little slow, couldn’t stay with them, she never did anything wrong,” recalled Pitts. “Donald wanted to know why I sent that hound to him, because he told me for years that Wander was his best hound, straight American Foxhound, and had as good a nose as any of his.”

The infusion of Penn-Marydel isn’t going to change the fact that for many other people, the Potomac hounds will always provide fast-paced chases. All that Pitts is doing is safeguarding the essential red and white American Foxhound that has evolved during his tenure.

Pitts also discussed what it takes to be a huntsman, especially with a pack like Potomac’s. Many might feel the call to carry the horn, but not all huntsmen are equal.

It’s like everything else in life: some are better than others. According to Pitts, being a huntsman takes single-minded dedication to a job that is, when performed properly, not glamorous. Hounds are animals, no matter how glorious they look and sound in full cry out hunting. The biggest requirement to be a huntsman is someone who loves hounds so much that they’re willing to live with being slobbered on and dealing with the dirty aspects of the lifestyle, including kennel cleaning and feed-room scrubbing, coping with whelping bitches and the incredible messes produced by hound pups.

“Being a huntsman takes somebody who really likes hounds and hunting – if they do it as a job, that’s not what they should be doing,” explained Pitts. “When someone takes over a pack, you leave hounds at home if they’re a problem. You work with the good ones, and add the others in a little at a time. You have to get the staff on the right program and working with you. You have to get the new huntsman working with the hounds. They have to learn to trust each other, have confidence in each other. That takes time and patience. Spend time with them, get to know them and them to know you. You gotta like your hounds.”

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When Pitts retires in another season or two, it will be the end of an era, for sure.

Meanwhile, Pitts and his hounds are still going strong. If you haven’t yet capped with Potomac and want to experience Pitts and his thrilling hunting calls (for years he figured in the top results in Horn Blowing contests against the likes of Milne and Allen Forney who now helps Pitts with the hounds and whips-in at Potomac, to name just two), carpe diem and do it soon. As for dealing with changes in the country, Potomac uses radios to safeguard hounds.

“People think you use walkie-talkies to hunt better, but it’s about staying up with hounds to keep them safe,” said Pitts. “You try to get onto the road where hounds will cross. Before it was always guessing where hounds were going. Now you can find out if you have a whip out there. It gives you confidence that you know where hounds are. It’s communication between the whips and the huntsman. You can also tell them if it’s safe to leave the road. It’s not for people telling you there’s a fox here or there.

I always tell them, don’t tell me that! We just go hunting the way we always did.

Walkie-talkies are not for hunting. They’re for the care of the hounds.”

To date, Potomac hounds have seen a few coyote, but show no interest in them, and this will continue as long as there are red fox to run. “But you can tell where the coyotes are – we go places and there are no foxes,” admitted Pitts. “When I leave, I don’t know what will happen, but I know that Millbrook hunts a lot of foxes – the red fox came back after the initial shock of the coyotes. Genesee Valley has a lot of foxes now. Seems like it’s a 12-15 year cycle. But I won’t hunt coyote here, not in my lifetime.”

When Pitts is no longer huntsman of the Potomac pack, he plans to travel around during the fall season. He hasn’t exactly declared that he’s going to serve as the Chef Ramsey of the hunting world, but he sure could show the new generations a thing or two.

Special thanks to the hounds and the huntsmen for their contributions to this story and for taking Part Two to a new level. Preparing puppies to hunt requires someone to hone the inherent genetics of the hounds and to keep them inspired and enthusiastic about the chase. Many years ago, J. Arthur Reynolds said, “The hounds do all the work.” To a certain extent that’s true, but it takes two to tally ho: every pack needs a huntsman. Hounds are hounds, but the huntsman must wear many hats: nanny, headmaster, parent, kindred spirit, hound-man, and choral director. That’s not a job per se, that’s a vocation.

To find out more about hounds and hunting, please visit: www.mfha.org

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FOXHUNTING

Middleburg Hunt: The Future of Our Sport

By Lauren R. Giannini Middleburg Hunt has a long tradition of sport, histoturned-out.” ry, and social relevance in its gorgeous country in Middleburg hilltoppers include enthusiasts northern Virginia. Yet, for all of Middleburg’s retired from the jumping field who still want to hunt, longevity, the Masters of Foxhounds, Penny Denegre lots of kids, and riders bringing along green field and Jeff Blue, have been planning for the future of hunters. their organization.

“In many cases our hilltoppers see more fox “We think it’s very important to consider the and more hound work than the jumping field,” said future of Middleburg Hunt now,” said Blue. “We Blue. “Our first true hilltopping leader was then have been facing the need to adapt, to make some joint-master Melissa Cantacuzene, who led that field changes from the last 25 years. We want to perpetufor many seasons. I learned a lot about hilltopping ate the sport and that means that we must do things from Melissa and I think that hilltoppers are an that we feel will guarantee the sport will continue. We important asset for the future.” had to ask ourselves some questions and probably the Hilltopping helps to keep people safe whether most important one concerned what we do differentthey’re on green horses or hunters a little past their ly now than 25 years ago.” prime. Hilltopping also accommodates people who couldn’t, wouldn’t, and/or shouldn’t jump. This Showing The Best Sport Possible group requires a good field master, adept at organiFor both Denegre and Blue, the huntsman is the key zation and knowledgeable about navigating the factor for showing their subscribers the best possible country, in order to control where hilltoppers go in sport. Hounds go out three times a week, and the the course of the day’s sport. At Middleburg Hunt, human “alpha dog” can make or break a pack in terms subscribers can remain hilltoppers indefinitely and of biddability and enthusiasm for its job. are not pressured to move into the jumping field.

“When we hire a huntsman, the first question we ask ourselves is: does this person have the fire in his All On, All In belly? This is one thing we won’t compromise on,” In the good old days, 25-30 years ago, before traffic said Blue. “Another thing we won’t compromise on is created gridlock throughout the major roads connecting Middleburg and its rural environs with the the tradition of the sport.”

Middleburg Hunt Joint Masters Jeff Blue and Penny Denegre.

D.C. Beltway, hounds that got left out at the end of Both masters agree that they do everything they Janet Hitchen photo a day were relatively safe. A neighbor might help to can to maintain the traditions of foxhunting, because round them up and keep them in a barn or bring them back to the kennels. Times that’s what it’s all about. Showing good sport doesn’t stop with the jumping field; have changed. it includes the hilltoppers, another big difference from 25 years ago when there “Today we get all our hounds in at the end of the meet,” said Blue. “We simwere very few organized hilltopping groups to accommodate those not ready to ply can’t leave our hounds out overnight. They can hunt all night and when they’re jump or those who have retired from jumping. in full cry, their voices are loud and carry. Then you have angry and upset neigh“We feel very strongly about our hilltoppers,” stated Denegre. “When we bors. We also can’t take a chance with a hound being injured because of the started our hilltopping group, we didn’t want them to feel like second class citiincreased traffic” zens. At the beginning there was a master leading the hilltoppers. Jeff was also a Middleburg’s pack is still composed of American Foxhounds. While drive is stickler about calling them hilltoppers as opposed to second field, second flight – an essential trait of all hounds, too much independence can result in hounds that second anything. Our hilltoppers are knowledgeable, well-mounted, and well refuse to come in with the rest of the pack. Great effort is made to foster biddability within the pack. Hunt staff members don’t carry guns or radios, and hounds do not wear tracking collars. Also, Middleburg chases red fox only, in keeping with their respect for the traditions of hunting. They are justifiably proud of their “well-foxed” country.

“We have a remarkable huntsman, Barry Magner, now in his fourth season with us,” said Blue. “He’s the right huntsman to take the Middleburg pack into the future. He’s 100% keen to hunt and has shaped our hounds into the most biddable pack we have ever seen. Barry has done a great job. When hunting’s finished for the season, he walks hounds sometimes twice a day. He hangs out with them. The hounds love him.”

Hound Retirement American hounds make great house pets. Anyone who has taken a retired hound into their home will regale dinner guests with hilarious tales about life with a retired hunting dog. Hounds are big (no teacups here!) and their need for room to run can be a deciding factor in how they take to retirement. They are pack animals: when it comes to meals, grass does not grow under their feet.

Hounds will inhale any food that is handy – bowl of cold steamed shrimp in the shell, huge wedge of Brie, baked ham just out of the oven with guests in the next room. They eat anything, especially carrion, which often results in tummy upsets (oriental rugs are great for camouflaging the aftermath of a whoopsie).

American hounds are funny and affectionate, making wonderful companions once they get used to their new “lodge” and its rules. Little compares with being greeted by a hound’s joyous yodeling.

Middleburg Hunt occasionally allows qualified subscribers with the right cirMiddleburg Huntsman Magner. cumstances to take home hounds after they retire from hunting.

Janet Hitchen photo

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“A hound could use another house-dog or two to show them the domestic ropes,” stated Denegre. “As puppies, they look to the older ones as mentors. So, it follows that when a hound retires from kennels, it needs time and patience during that period of adjustment and good examples to follow.”

Juniors Are The Future Middleburg Hunt makes every effort to get juniors involved. The cap for 14 and under is free. The junior subscription up to 21 years old costs only $100 for the entire season, and the subscription is greatly reduced for enthusiasts from 21-25.

“We want young people to come out and hunt with us and experience the sport,” said Blue. “We think it’s very important to get kids involved and interested and having fun. We want everyone to enjoy hunting with Middleburg. We have social subscriptions, too, and those subscribers are some of our greatest supporters.”

Middleburg Hunt holds an annual hunt ball, an October Night Hunt on foot, and an autumn “Puppy Auction” open to all to bid for the privilege of naming a puppy. As an added attraction children show the puppies being auctioned. There is nothing more fun than the combination of youngsters and puppies. At the traditional Memorial Day Weekend Virginia Hound Show Middleburg’s young enthusiasts show in the Junior Handlers classes which were started by Joyce Fendley, MFH Casanova, and Blue about nine years ago and continue to grow in popularity.

Middleburg maintains a close connection with Foxcroft School, founded in 1914 by Miss Charlotte Noland, who began her 20-year hunt mastership during WWII. Their November Fox/Hound Day is an intramural celebration that kicks off with the hunt meeting at the school.

“The riding director chooses junior hunt staff. Students accompany Barry, Jeff and me; others go with our whippers-in,” explained Denegre. “They get up close for a personal view and experience of hunting. One three-day event rider from Foxcroft told us that hunting that day was the most fun she’d ever had on the back of a horse.”

Bringing in new subscribers, whether they are junior riders or senior social subscribers, provides the best source of enthusiasm to fuel the future of the hunt.

There is nothing like word of mouth, and the best part about hunting is that a great day of riding to hounds gets written on every face with big smiles.

Conservation “We’ve been very fortunate – many of our new landowners are our greatest supporters,” stated Blue. “We don’t have a lot of huge farms in our country and as a result we have a lot of landowners. We are grateful for their generosity. Our opening meet breakfast is held in honor of our landowners.”

Middleburg Hunt is very fortunate that the economy has not had a huge negative impact on land over which they hunt. Most are there because they can’t imagine living anywhere else.

“We’re also lucky that we have subscribers who make hunting their priority,” said Denegre. “They have so much enthusiasm and they try hard and they’re very welcoming.” Blue added, “They’re happy and having a good time.”

Conservation is a huge endeavor. Unfortunately, the more east and north one travels from Middleburg itself, the harder it is to find land that can be conserved.

Middleburg Hunt still feels justifiably proud about Marcia and George de Garmo, landowners and hunt supporters, who won an MFHA Conservation Award in 2011, but as the masters point out, “No matter how much you do for land conservation, it’s a project that never ends. We have conserved a lot of country, thanks to our subscribers who include a Piedmont Environmental Council board member and a former co-chair of the Goose Creek Association. We have a lot of landowners who own small farms, but even the ones with just a few acres are extremely supportive of conservation.”

Please note: anyone who has land in easement in Middleburg’s country is invited to hunt as a guest of the masters.

The bottom line is that Middleburg Hunt acknowledges that they are not alone in wanting to preserve and perpetuate the sport of foxhunting and its traditions. What works for them might not work for others, but they’re happy to share their ideas.

Denegre and Blue voiced the same thought: “This isn’t about any one person.

It’s about the organization. We keep asking ourselves, ‘What will be for the greatest good of Middleburg Hunt, its subscribers and its future?’ Because that’s what this is all about - the future of the sport. The Middleburg Hunt has been around for more than 100 years. We’d like to see the organization and the timeless beauty of riding to hounds continue for at least another century.”

HUNTERS CHASERS, LLC Where we have horses of all sizes for riders of all sizes!

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540-974-5167

Photo by Liz Caller

Kiss Me Kate: (shown above) 9 year old 13.2 Bay Welsh Cross Mare—a hunting machine, careful jumper, fancy mover, honest - 12.5K Echo: 10 year old 16.3 Bay Irish Gelding—handsome, excellent jumper, fun and easy. Has also evented and schooled lower level dressage - 25K Rochambeau: 7 year old 16.2 Bay Warmblood Cross Gelding—green to hunting but very willing. 1st level dressage training, straight forward jump, bold cross-country - 30K Key Race: 10 year old Bay TB Gelding—lovely canter, ground covering gallop, willing jumper, snaffle mouth - 15K Brook: 9 year old 17.1 Chestnut Crossbred Mare—in her 5th season in Virginia, kind and sensible, tactful jumper, ratable, well-schooled on the flat and over fences - 25K

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RACING

Fall Races

By Will O’Keefe

Blue Ridge Fall Races Maiden Hurdle Majaly (right) – 1st, Mark Watts up, Bluegrass Chat – 2nd.

Liz Callar photo.

Blue Ridge Fall Races Open Hurdle Final Straw – 1st, Willie McCarthy up.

Liz Callar photo.

Blue Ridge Fall Races Maiden Timber Almarmooq (left) – 1st, Roddy Mackenzie up, Derwin’s Prospector – 2nd.

Betsy Burke Parker photo.

Blue Ridge Fall Races Open Flat Zulla Road – 1st, Roddy Mackenzie up, Orchestra Leader – 2nd.

Betsy Burke Parker photo.

Blue Ridge Fall Races 9-22-2012 When Thornton Hill decided not to have a fall meet, the Blue Ridge Fall Races became the lone opportunity for horsemen to prep for the Virginia Sanctioned circuit. The result was the most entries in the short history of the meet for this year’s races at Woodley Farm near Berryville on Saturday, September 22. In spite of the firm ground, the entries in most races held up very well.

The first two races were splits of the maiden hurdle race. The first went to B-More Hopeful Stables’ Majaly, and the second was won by Bettina L. Gregory’s Go For Green.

In the opener Mark Watts sent Majaly to the front at the start, and they stayed in that position with Silverton Hill LLC’s Bluegrass Chat (Paddy Young) posing a threat at the last fence that fell ½ length short. In the second division Carl Rafter rated Go For Green slightly off the pace. With a quarter mile to run, Rafter asked for more and he got it when Go For Green pulled away and won easily by 8 lengths.

Rangaley Rapids (David Benson) had set the pace but had to settle for second. Jazz Napravnik and Carl Rafter trained the winners.

The open hurdle race followed with a very popular local winner. Final Straw is owned and trained by Millwood’s Teddy Mulligan, and he got the job done winning by 8 lengths under Willie McCarthy. Final Straw was reserved off the pace, rallied down the backside the last time around and won easily. Randy Rouse’s Hishi Soar (Roddy MacKenzie) rallied belatedly but was never a threat to the winner.

Silverton Hill LLC’s Darkwatch broke his maiden on the flat for the husband and wife team of rider Paddy and trainer Leslie Young. Gordonsdale Farm’s Canyon Road (Carl Rafter) set the pace with Darkwatch racing well within striking distance. Darkwatch accelerated on the turn, took the lead at the head of the stretch and won handily by 1¾ lengths. Canyon Road held on for second.

The open flat race was won by Celtic Venture Stable’s Zulla Road (Roddy MacKenzie) in a game effort. Zulla Road stalked Questioning (Zoe Valvo), who led down the backside of the course. He put Questioning away on the turn and held off Bruce Smart’s Orchestra Leader (Paddy Young), who closed with a rush that fell short by a neck.

Winning trainer Charles McCann will now point Zulla Road for a fall campaign over timber.

The timber races scratched down leaving three horses to contest the maiden race and two to run in the open race.

In both races it was proven that it doesn’t take a lot of entries to make an exciting race. In the maiden race Teddy Mulligan’s Liverpool Gloves (Willie McCarthy) set the pace with Irvin S. Naylor’s Almarmooq (Roddy MacKenzie) and Lilli Kurtinecz’ Derwin’s Prospector (Jacob Roberts) close behind. Almarmooq moved to the lead over the last fence and held off Derwin’s Prospector, who came again in the stretch and just missed by a nose. Liverpool Gloves fell at the last fence after surrendering the lead to Almarmooq and Derwin’s Prospector. Kathy Neilson was the winning trainer.

Only two horses faced starter Graham Alcock in the open timber race, but they put on quite a show. For most of the race, Annie Yeager set the pace on Don Yovanovich’s Cat Walkin, but Jacob Roberts had Mary Fleming Finlay’s Hey Doctor in Cat Walkins’ shadow. Roberts made his move to engage Cat Walkin on the final turn, and they raced to the last fence as a team. Hey Doctor made a mistake there nearly losing his rider. This could have easily taken both horses down, but Roberts miraculously recovered. Hey Doctor righted himself and was pulling away as they crossed the finish to win by 1¼ lengths. Shortly after the race, Annie Yeager claimed foul against the winner. After reviewing the films of the race, the Stewards disqualified Hey Doctor for interference around the last turn and to the last fence.

Angie (Elizabeth Wallace - small pony), Jordan (Erin

Swope - large pony), and Airolo (Brett Owings - horse) won the field masters chases that closed the day’s races.

Foxfield Fall Races 9-30-2012 Trainer Lilith Boucher has had great success at the Foxfield Fall Races near Charlottesville the past two years. A year ago she saddled two winners of races over fences, and this year on Sunday, September 30 she matched that number of victories by winning one race over hurdles and another on the flat.

The Virginia bred flat race attracted eleven starters and after a thrilling stretch duel, Boucher greeted Mede Cahaba Stable LLC’s Complete Dyno and husband and rider Richard Boucher in the winners’ circle. This was a hard earned win as Magalen O. Bryant’s Southwest (Jacob Roberts) nearly matched strides with Complete Dyno for the length of the stretch. At the finish Complete Dyno won by a neck. For Complete Dyno this was a homecoming because he was one of the many Mede Cahaba Stable horses born at Phyllis Jones’ Smallwood Farm in nearby Crozet. Mede Cahaba Stable belonged to the late Mignon Smith, who was a great supporter of the Virginia horse industry.

Lilith Boucher’s second win was in the filly and mare maiden hurdle race. Boucher sent out a two horse entry, Teddy Alexander’s Kisser N Run (Paddy Young) and Mede Cahaba Stable LLC’s Class Launch (Richard Boucher).

Kisser N Run was reserved off the pace that was set by Joseph Davies’ Eat Cake (Jacob Roberts) and Class Launch.

When Eat Cake tired on the turn, Class Launch took command, but Paddy Young had Kisser N Run on the move and won in the stretch by 2¼ lengths.

Kisser N Run was the second horse that Paddy Young rode for Lilith Boucher. In the first race, a maiden event over hurdles, he was up on Westerley Farm’s Windsor Court, who ran well but was second best to Over Creek Stables LLC’s Arrakis. Actually Windsor Court rallied to catch pacesetter Arrakis at the final fence, but Arrakis came again in the stretch to win by 2¼ lengths. Carl Rafter rode Arrakis for trainer Julie Gomena.

Foxfield Fall Races Virginia Bred or Sired Training Flat Complete Dyno - 1st, Richard Boucher up, Southwest - 2nd.

Betsy Burke Parker photo.

Foxfield Fall Races Maiden Hurdle Hishi Soar (left) – 1st, Roddy Mackenzie up, Manacor – 2nd.

Betsy Burke Parker photo.

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Randy Rouse is a steeplechase legend and at ninetyfive continues to train and saddle winners on the flat and over fences. He added another win at Foxfield when his regular rider, Roddy MacKenzie, rode Hishi Soar in a thrilling maiden hurdle race. Mrs. S. K. Johnston’s Three Piece Band (Barry Walsh) had a comfortable lead at the third fence out but fell leaving Hishi Soar to inherit the lead. Daybreak Stables’ Manacor (Danielle Hodsdon) closed with a rush and just missed by a head in a photo finish.

In the training flat race Jubilee Stables’ Wantan (Bernard Dalton) was rated off Karen Gray’s Cuse (Gus Dahl), who set the pace. Wantan went to the lead with a quarter mile to run and won in hand by 3 lengths. Cuse faded to third and William Pape’s Slice of Gold (Darren Nagle) rallied for second. Ted Thompson was the winning trainer.

Virginia Fall Races 10-6-2012 Robert A. Kinsley’s Incomplete hasn’t lost a timber race in Virginia since last year’s National Sporting Library Chronicle Cup at the Virginia Fall Races. He finished sixth that day but came back two weeks later to win the International Gold Cup and repeated this spring at Great Meadow in the Virginia Gold Cup. He easily avenged last year’s loss by winning the Chronicle Cup at Glenwood Park near Middleburg on Saturday, October 6. Paddy Young got the mount this year and his patient style suited Incomplete to a “t.” He was reserved off the pace, launched a rally with three furlongs to run, took the lead entering the turn for home and won going away by 1¾ lengths over Michael Wharton’s Grinding Speed (Mark Beecher). Michael A. Smith’s Triple Dip (Carl Rafter) finished third after making much of the running. Last year’s winner, Al Griffin, Jr.’s Aero, made a bid at the final fence but faded to fourth in the last furlong. Ann Stewart has done a masterful job training Incomplete, who is now the leading money winner this year over timber.

There are two words to describe Paddy Young’s status.

“He’s back!” Paddy has been the leading rider for the past three years, but this year an injury in March and a subsequent stay on the sidelines threatened to derail his 2012 campaign. Prior to Saturday’s races he had won only four races over fences this year, but you can double that total now. Not only did Paddy win the feature, he added wins on Farndale for Tom Voss, Bluegrass Chat for Leslie Young, and Wolverton for Jimmy Day. Mrs. Thomas Voss’s Farndale was kept off the pace in the maiden timber race, but was moving best of all around the turn and got up in the final stride to nose out Irvin S. Naylor’s Almarmooq (Roddy MacKenzie), who had led the final three furlongs but lost by the thinnest of margins.

Silverton Hill LLC’s Bluegrass Chat raced in the middle of the eleven horse field of maiden claiming hurdle horses. Young rallied him to assume command on the turn for home and won easily by 3¼ lengths over Arcadia Stable’s Three Hundred (Xavier Aizpuru). It was a Young family affair in the winners’ circle as Leslie is Paddy’s wife.

In the Virginia owned and trained maiden hurdle race Young again used come-from-off-the-pace tactics. His winning rally received a huge boost when Bettina L. Gregory’s Go For Green went to the outside rail on the turn for home and went from first to fourth in an instant. Daybreak Stables’ Wolverton took the lead entering the stretch and won easily by 3 lengths over Mrs. George L. Ohrstrom, Jr.’s Gawaarib (Ross Geraghty), who rallied but was never a threat to the winner.

Trainer Jimmy Day had also saddled S. Bruce Smart, Jr’s Orchestra Leader, who won the three-year-old maiden hurdle race with Danielle Hodsdon up. Kinross Farm’s More Tea Vicar (Bernie Dalton) led on the turn for home but could not hold off Orchestra Leader, who won by a neck after a driving finish through the stretch.

Normally Paddy Young would have had the mount on Silverton Hill LLC’s Darkwatch for his wife, but Tom Voss has first call for his services, and Young had to ride Fox Ridge Farm’s Ahgogo. Ahgogo finished fourth, but Young had a good view of Darkwatch, who won with Bernie Dalton up. Charles C. Fenwick, Jr.’s Puller (Ross Geraghty) ran evenly for second but could get no closer than 3½ lengths at the finish.

Karen Gray’s hard knocking Cuse won the optional

9

allowance/claiming hurdle race. Apprentice Gus Dahl sent Cuse to the lead entering the backside the first time around and led the rest of the way. Steve Yeager’s Mischief (Annie Yeager) rallied from far back but could not threaten the winner, who won by 5¾ lengths. This was Cuse’s fifth win in the past two years.

Virginia Fall Races 10-7-2012 The second day of the Virginia Fall Races on Sunday, October 7 was sanctioned by the Virginia Steeplechase Association and featured an amateur rider timber race and an open hurdle race with four additional races on the flat.

The amateur highweight timber race was interesting from the start. When Graham Alcock dropped the flag, Black and Blue Stable’s Monstaleur (Forest Kelly) dwelt at the start and gave the rest of the five horse field a significant head start. Assisted by a rather slow pace, Monstaleur caught up with the field and went to the front at the head of the stretch. Morning Star Stables’ Thermostat (McLane Henriks) had been reserved well off the pace but was moving best of all in the final quarter mile. Thermostat kept coming in the stretch but missed by a length. The Stewards quickly declared an inquiry after the race. It was confirmed that Forest Kelly had received assistance following the start, and Monstaleur was disqualified. This was McLane Hendriks’ first win over fences, and was a proud moment for his father Ricky, who was the National Steeplechase Association champion rider in 1986 and 1987.

In the open hurdle race Michael Moran’s Irish-bred Staying On (Bernie Dalton) led for most of the race fending off several challenges along the way. The most serious threat was posed by Hickory Tree Stables’ fellow Irish-bred Slaney Rock (Paddy Young), who rallied from third on the backside to jump the last fence alongside Staying On. These two battled through the stretch, and the final winning margin of a head by Staying On denied Paddy Young his fifth win of the weekend. Michael A. Smith’s veteran campaigner Humdinger (Jacob Roberts) closed well for third and received a good prep for his next sanctioned start at Great Meadow in the steeplethon, which he won a year ago.

Indian Run Farm’s steeplethon specialist Swimming River also got a good tightener in the amateur/apprentice rider flat race. Mary Motion went to the front with Swimming River with Randy Rouse’s Sir Gus (Bruce Daley) assuming a stalking position. Sir Gus took the lead with less than a quarter mile to run and proved best over Charles McCann’s Evening Taps, who rallied under Keri Brion, to win by 1¾ lengths. Swimming River faded to fourth but gained condition in defeat. He won the steeplethon at Great Meadow this spring beating Humdinger, who finished second.

Keri Brion had her own trip to the winners’ circle following the maiden flat race. She put William L. Pape’s Powerofone on the front end shortly after the start, relinquished the lead down the backside but regained the advantage on the turn and won easily giving Hall of Fame trainer Jonathan Sheppard one more win. Willie McCarthy’s rally on Alix White’s Profeta fell 3 lengths short.

Lilith Boucher has a stable full of Virginia-breds and had two in action in the Old Dominion Turf Championship qualifier on the flat. She won the opener in this series at Foxfield with Mede Cahaba Stable LLC’s Complete Dyno and won at Virginia Fall with Rebecca Shepherd’s Pride of the Fleet, who was impressive under Mark Watts. Pride of the Fleet was far off the early pace, rallied to take the lead at the head of the stretch and won handily by 4½ lengths. Mrs. Magalen O. Bryant’s Southwest had finished second at Foxfield, and this time her Well Fashioned (Jeff Murphy) was the runner up.

The filly and mare seven furlong sprint on the flat went to Colleen Mahoney’s Colleen’s Charm. Rider Willie McCarthy had the winner within striking distance with a half mile to run while racing in third place. In the last quarter mile Colleen’s Charm moved towards the front with Mrs. Bryant’s Quiet Flaine (Jeff Murphy) matching strides. These two battled into the stretch where Colleen’s Charm pulled away to turn Quiet Flaine away by 2½ lengths. Middleburg’s Tim White trains the winner, who was bred in Middleburg by the Virginia Tech Foundation.

Virginia Fall Races 10/6 National Sporting Library/Chronicle Cup Incomplete - 1st, Paddy Young up. Douglas Lees photo.

Virginia Fall Races 10/6 Maiden Hurdle Puller - 2nd, Darkwatch - 1st, Bernie Dalton up. Douglas Lees photo.

Virginia Fall Races 10/6 The Bon Nouvel Optional Allowance/Claiming Hurdle Race Final Straw - 3rd, Cuse - 1st, Gustav Dahl up. Douglas Lees photo.

Virginia Fall Races 10/7 Open Hurdle Triton Light, Dr. Bloomer, (#7) Staying On - 1st, Bernie Dalton up, Fogcutter. Douglas Lees photo.

Virginia Fall Races 10/7 Flat Race (#10) Quiet Flaine - 2nd, (#8) Colleen’s Charm - 1st, Willie McCarthy up. Douglas Lees photo.

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TRAINING

Stagecoach Heading East

By Barclay Rives

It’s an early wake-up call for the team as they work together to prepare the stagecoach and horses for the first shots at dawn. © 2012 Wells Fargo Bank, NA. All rights reserved.

An amazing team of chestnut horses, all lined up and ready to go! © 2012 Wells Fargo Bank, NA. All rights reserved.

The horses get some well-deserved TLC from one of their trainers. © 2012 Wells Fargo Bank, NA. All rights reserved.

Two happy, playful horses take a break. © 2012 Wells Fargo Bank, NA. All rights reserved.

Even though the stagecoach horses don’t play football, Robin Wiltshire makes them line up to be haltered and led out of the pasture…because he can.

Six chestnut horses pull a red Wells Fargo Concord stagecoach with yellow wheels quietly out of the mist. Coach and horses ascend a small rise then careen down a steep grassy track beside a gray stone wall. Driver and passengers wear 19th century attire and hats. Though it is 2012, the Virginia hunt country setting is timeless. A leather suspension system causes the body of the coach to sway as it passes over uneven terrain. Mark Twain called the Concord-coach a “cradle on wheels.” While proceeding downhill at a fast trot, the driver uses the coach’s brakes for control and safety. At the bottom of the slope, the coach slows and turns behind the three pairs of horses sweeping in a wide arc.

The Wells Fargo team has been planning to film the signature company stagecoach crossing an eastern landscape since 2008 when Wells Fargo acquired Wachovia. They chose the Middleburg area countryside after scouting locations throughout the east coast. Five days of filming were scheduled far in advance, with no guarantee about Virginia May weather. Now, rain is coming down harder, prompting crew and cameras to move atop the hill to film the coach passing over more level ground below. The film crew perseveres with the photo shoot through both sun and rain. The coach driver, Australian horseman extraordinaire Robin Wiltshire, guides the horses, stagecoach, and passengers safely and securely, as in years past.

Almost every American who owns a television has seen the work of Robin Wiltshire. He trained Budweiser Clydesdales to play football for a 1996 Super Bowl advertisement. Besides Wells Fargo and Budweiser, his clients include Philip Morris, Chevrolet and Coors. The football game, which took months of training, was entirely real footage, except that the ball’s flight over the telephone pole goal posts was sped up by computer. The commercial ends with one cowboy saying to another, “They always do that?” “Nah, they usually go for two.” Robin used Clydesdales from the Anheuser-Busch Colorado breeding farm. He trained the horses to line up along boards he would lay on the ground. A Clydesdale named Roy was the kicker and one named Lenny was the holder. Frank Escalona, executive producer of production company Wessel Duval who frequently collaborates with Wiltshire, says the more controlled moments were filmed first. When first shown the script, Escalona asked Wiltshire if they could possibly do it. Wiltshire replied, “We have to.” The advertisement won awards.

Robin Wiltshire and his wife Kate started collecting and training horses at their Wyoming ranch for the Middleburg Wells Fargo filming in January, five months in advance. They looked for chestnuts or bays that were built to run. They did not care if the horses had ever been in harness, and their choices included Thoroughbreds, Quarter Horses, warmbloods, and various crosses. From an initial training of 50, they selected 32 who would make the trip east. Along with a couple of mares, they selected mostly geldings who tend to be less temperamental.

The “base” the stagecoach returns to while the camera location changes is a group of three gooseneck trailers parked together at the opposite end of the field. One of the trailers is filled with brown harness and collars. Another trailer carried seven chestnut horses to the event while the third held seven bays. The seventh horse in each group is a spare in case one of the six horse team goes lame. When the vehicles first arrived, horses were brought out, tied to the trailers and each was given a feed bag. The seven bays are heavier built warmblood types while the chestnuts look more like Thoroughbreds. The chestnuts do more stomping and pawing than the bays as they wait for their feed bags.

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IN & AROUND HORSE COUNTRY • OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2012

The horses’ coats appear well groomed and shiny, though their manes are longer and less even than hunting or show horses. Kate Wiltshire explains that the six man crew has been “clipping and cleaning like mad” as the horses traveled east and down from the 7,000 foot altitude of their ranch. At a few stops along the way, some of the horses got their first taste of lush spring grass, a commodity unknown in their Wyoming neighborhood that receives a ten inch average annual rainfall.

Tall and friendly, Robin Wiltshire loves animals, which is a basis for his genius in training them. Robin was a rodeo cowboy in his native Australia before coming to America when he was 19, lured by the legend of the American Wild West. He competed in all events in American rodeos, but also enjoyed teaching horses tricks to perform during rodeo intermissions. He ran the Jackson Hole, Wyoming, rodeo in the 1980s, giving him the chance to train and stage more crowd pleasing horse performances. His Turtle Ranch near Dubois, Wyoming, has become a destination for commercials that include animals. He says every horse can do at least one trick.

Blonde and blue-eyed Kate Wiltshire grew up in Australia, “on a 60,000 acre sheep station in the middle of nowhere.” As a child Kate had a white pony she taught to rear, and on whom she could stand and “Roman Ride.” Her home was not too distant from Robin’s, but the two did not meet until Kate was traveling around the world for her Australian walkabout. Someone had suggested she look up an Australian cowboy living in Wyoming. The walkabout ended there. Kate and Robin have a son Patrick who has starred in Dorito commercials. Patrick rides a black horse who lies down, enabling Patrick to recline against the saddle in a lonely western landscape. The crunch of the Dorito chips draws a hungry crowd of longhorns.

In an interview on the Turtle Ranch website, Robin explains that his performing horses or other animals need to focus on him, his voice, and nobody else.

He uses a whistle, buggy whips, and some pocket treats that must be magic. How else could twenty Clydesdales be persuaded to act like football players? Robin says one of the most difficult animals to train was the sheep who was the “streaker” in a later Clydesdale football sequence. The menagerie of spectators includes buffalo and caribou. A sheared sheep bursts from a herd of wooly companions and runs

11

between the opposing Clydesdale teams. One cowboy remarks to the other, “Streaker. We didn’t need to see that.” “Nope.” Robin says the sheep had to be conditioned to be comfortable around the horses and vice versa.

The cameras are ready back in the rainy field. Robin drives the stagecoach into view, then watches a truck drive the course intended for him. The cameras follow the truck’s trial run. A member of the crew says the area was meticulously combed for rocks and holes earlier in the day. The Wells Fargo team observing the filming proudly declare the stagecoach is one of the world’s most recognized and inspiring corporate symbols.

Wells Fargo was founded in 1852 by Henry Wells and William G. Fargo who had both also helped found American Express in 1850. The two men wanted American Express to open western offices to serve gold rush customers, but were vehemently opposed by members of the board of directors. Wells and Fargo started their own company in New York City and soon established branch offices in every California mining town. Wells Fargo established its stagecoach lines to transport passengers, mail and treasure across the country. The distinctive red coaches with gold lettering and yellow wheels were built by the Abbot-Downing Company of Concord, New Hampshire. Once the ultimate in modern innovation, custom craftsmanship, and durable design, they could carry eighteen passengers including driver and “shotgun” who guarded the treasure box under the driver’s seat. The 2,160 mile passage from Atchison, Kansas, to San Francisco took 22 days, with stops at relay stations every 12-18 miles for change of horses.

Still photographers and film crew record the coach making several passes back and forth across the wet field. Optimists in the crowd say the rain gives sheen to the horses’ coats. Others like the look of the coach’s lighted lanterns and the tan raincoats. The rain intensifies, and filming is halted for the day. Sunny weather is forecast for the following two days. Robin Wiltshire is disappointed that the wet conditions and short distances curtailed the horses’ speed. They will go faster during tomorrow’s filming from a helicopter. Despite the rain, I am delighted to witness an amazing horseman at work. Says Kate Wiltshire about her husband, “I’m amazed what he can do with horses and I see it every day.”

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IN & AROUND HORSE COUNTRY • OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2012

FIELD HUNTERS

Championship Win for Gold For Glory

By Betsy Burke Parker After Gold For Glory’s victory in the 2012 North small gelding competed last year, even qualifying American Field Hunter Championship, it seems for the handy test on the last day. “His test was good almost like he was born to it. last year,” she said. “But this year, he was great.

In many ways, he was.

He’s just that much more mature, and that much betHomebred by Nina Bonnie, daughter of competer. It’s a lot of work to get him here. It’s nice to get tition honoree Theodora A. Randolph, the near-black rewarded for it.”

Thoroughbred won the October event finals held at The Details Middleburg, Virginia’s Glenwood Park. It was the Riding alongside mounted judges, contestants huntculmination of a week of judged foxhunting with ed with Warrenton, Bull Run, Fairfax, and Old Virginia clubs, in which some 50 competitors were Dominion all week, in an ongoing event marked by marked on manners and movement by mounted offiunseasonably warm temperatures and rainstorms cials who hunted alongside them in the field. A few that vexed hunt hosts and required last minute horses were selected at each of the four qualifiers to schedule changes. Only the Monday meet at return for the championships’ final test October 7 at Warrenton went off as originally scheduled. The Glenwood to choose the best in the popular event.

Fairfax meet was switched from Tuesday to Friday; Gold For Glory, ridden by Lissa Green, was Orange County, originally scheduled to host on noticed on day one, selected as a finalist out of the Wednesday, had to scratch; Bull Run stepped up on Champion Field Hunter, Gold For Glory ridden by Elizabeth (Lissa) field at a meet hosted by the Warrenton Hunt. “He short notice to fill in on Thursday; and by Saturday Green and owned by Shelby Bonnie, Piedmont Fox Hounds. caught our eye immediately,” said judge Chris ground conditions in Old Dominion’s territory had Janet Hitchen photo Ambrose. “He had all the qualities we’re looking improved enough for the fourth trial hunt to go forfor.” ward. Ordinarily, competitors have Friday and Saturday off to rest up and prepare Ambrose, who joined Peter Walsh, Barbara Batterton, Katherine Berger, and for the Big Day. But the weather this year put an extra level of pressure on the conGeorge Hundt to judge the competition, explained that in addition to conformation testants. and gaits, the panel is most interested to find “a horse that can get out of a tricky Because of the wet footing, and because of forecast rain for the Sunday finals, spot. I remember watching Gold For Glory at this trappy fence, come into it off a event officials shortened the format, canceling a scheduled “mock” hunt and going blind turn, one stride and ‘boom,’ just fly over this big coop. Didn’t bat an eye. only with the handy-hunter test. After a short hack class, riders took turns over the We’re looking for flawless performance.” complicated course: canter stacked rails away from the crowd, then roll-back to a Ambrose said the level of competition at the championship demands it. “This big coop. Another 180˚-turn up over an airy fence, then a hand-gallop up and over was an excellent group,” he said. a big log. Riders pulled up and lowered a light rail on a small show jump, backed Warrenton Hunt master Rick Laimbeer was Reserve Champion on wife up and jogged over for the final element.

Alice’s gray hunter Nikiya.

In addition to Gold For Glory and Nikiya catching the judges’ eyes, “Best Gold For Glory is owned by Randolph’s grandson Shelby Bonnie, joint mas- Turned Out” went to last year’s champion Dudley with Kathleen O’Keefe, with ter of Virginia’s Piedmont Fox Hounds. Theo Randolph was Piedmont MFH 1956 Julie Matheson and Ambrose (no relation to the same-named judge) second best to her death in 1996. turned out.

Green trains Bonnie’s horses in his Salem and Oakwood farms, working out “Most Suitable” went to paint draft-cross PoPo and Makayla Boggs, with the of the historic bank barn where Randolph herself kept up to 19 field hunters for her sportsmanship award to Warrenton’s Amy Robinson. seven-day-a-week hunting obsession at the height of her nearly 40-year tenure at The championship began in 1984, brainchild of Virginia Fall Races board Piedmont. Green said she occasionally opens a dusty tack trunk in one of the member Dot Smithwick, who died before last year’s competition, and Kitty Smith. estate’s many outbuildings or a forgotten hayloft and finds beautifully crafted and They created the championship as a way to showcase the nation’s top foxhunters – meticulously maintained pieces of harness and other fine bridle leather left behind typically left out of show competition – as well as another way to support the race after Randolph’s death. meet’s beneficiary, the Loudoun Hospital.

“It’s almost like a time capsule,” Green said of her training quarters at The champion earned a $2,500 prize for her home hunt. Green whips in to the Bonnie’s Upperville farm. “I feel like I’m working in her shadow. You can still feel Piedmont pack three days a week. her presence here.”

A Maryland native, Green grew up hunting with Green Spring Valley. She The championship was established in 1984. The first winner was Randolph’s graduated from Bryn Mawr and the University of Virginia. A lifelong rider – Armanative. hunters, jumpers, eventers (she was 2004 national training level champion) – Green How They Did It was a varsity letterman and polo All-American in college. Green coached polo at In the finals, held before a big crowd on the Glenwood Park infield prior to the Oct. Maryland’s Garrison Forest from 2003 to ’08, then moved to Bonnie’s Salem Farm 7 Virginia Fall Races, Green was first on course to perform a short handy hunter in 2010. test to determine the winners. Even though she is relatively young – 31 – compared Gold For Glory – a 2006 son of Devil His Due out of the Forty Niner mare to many of the 25 finalists, and though at age six Gold For Glory was among the Gold N’Glory – was bred by the Bonnie family’s Kingfish Stable. “Kingfish” was youngest to compete, she actually liked her send-off position. “It was tough going Theo Randolph’s nickname. first over [the complicated course], not getting to watch anybody do it.” But Green The Kentucky-bred won on the racetrack once in seven starts – he broke his said she “hates to sit around watching everybody go, and getting more and more maiden at Arlington Park – but was retired after he failed to hit the board twice tense. It was fun to go on and go, then to get to watch everybody else.” after that. He was sent to Green in 2010 to make as a field hunter for Bonnie’s mas“What we were looking for was a smooth, easy performance,” said judge ters’ string. “He’s just the best hunter,” said Green. “I have eight horses to choose Ambrose. “It was top competition, but, in the end, it was an easy, unanimous deci- from [to hunt with the field, or whip off of] and he’s my first pick, every time.” sion. The winner was incredible.”

Green said Gold For Glory is just as sensible and steady hunting at the back of the Ambrose said that though Gold For Glory’s final test was very accurate and field on days she takes him with the group as he is off on his own when she whips. well-done, he reminds spectators that judges had watched the horse under actual “He’s such a pleasure,” Green added. “He just loves it. foxhunting conditions, even more important to the final result, he explained.

“Every horse they chose in the finals deserves to be there,” Green said of the “He handled everything perfectly today, but also during the week,” Ambrose stiff competition. “I appreciate the judges, who recognize a horse that enjoys his said. “It was an easy choice.” job.”

It wasn’t the first championship finals for Gold For Glory; Green said the Log onto www.VaFallRaces.com for more details about the championship.

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IN & AROUND HORSE COUNTRY • OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2012

13

FIELD HUNTERS

Field Hunter Championship of America October 7, 2012, Glenwood Park, Middleburg, Virginia • Photos by Janet Hitchen

Most Suitable Pair PoPo, owned by Mary Ann Gahadban, ridden by Makayla Boggs, Warrenton Hunt.

Champion Field Hunter, Gold For Glory ridden by Elizabeth (Lissa) Green, Piedmont Fox Hounds.

Nikiya ridden by Rick Laimbeer and owned by Alice Laimbeer, Warrenton Hunt.

Sportsmanship Award Amy Robinson and Limerick, Warrenton Hunt.

Best Turned Out Kathleen O'Keefe and Dudley, Casanova Hunt.

Reserve Champion Field Hunter Rick Laimbeer and Nikiya owned by Alice Laimbeer, Warrenton Hunt.

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IN & AROUND HORSE COUNTRY • OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2012

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PICK THE STYLE FOR YOUR VEST. Ladies' hunting vests in Viyella, English doeskin and lightweight wool.

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DETAILS DOWN FROM TOP TO BOTTOM… We offer a large selection of better hunting shirts, English hand stitched leather belts, English and Italian handmade gloves.

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FORMAL VEST AND TIE

MONTPELIER EVENING TAILS

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PAPIER-MACHE FOX MASK

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1211-6d. Kick On Collection.

Sterling with White pearl.

Necklace (1177-hsp) $98.00 Earrings (1177-sppew) $98.00 Also available (not shown) Clip earrings in Vermeil $145.00 Clip earrings in Sterling $125.00 Charm. 1” disc in Vermeil or Sterling $89.00 Charm on a light sterling bracelet $166.00

1211-6a. Vintage Collection in either silver or gold.

Necklace (3634-815g) $58.00 Matching Bracelet (not shown) with heavier weight chain. (3634-1654g) $75.00 Large Horse Shoe as a Charm (not shown) (36341202g) $25.00

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Available with a White, Blue or Sage pearl. (ep-16bl) $125.00

"ONLY A MINIMAL AMOUNT OF JEWELRY SHOULD BE WORN IN THE HUNT FIELD." HUNTING ETIQUETTE POLICY

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Necklace (ep6-gr) $145.00 Bracelet (1177-sp1102-gr) $145.00

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Three-Legged Shooting Stick This feather-light shooting stick features three legs for ample support and a platform seat for maximum comfort.

Seat height is 22 ½”, walking height 33”.

Can support up to 224 pounds. (HC4B) $95.00

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Platter, white porcelain with pewter handles.

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THE BELMONT COLLECTION A flash of silver can elevate any meal into something extraordinary. Whether you serve your roast on the platter, adorn your napkins with ornate bit rings or understated silver stirrups, put your seasonings in our polo boots, or chill your Moët in our champagne bucket, everyone will know they’re in for an excellent meal and memorable occasion. Our Belmont Collection makes the perfect gift for any special occasion. Brides, call us to register your wish list.

DBit Napkin Rings, pewter, set/4 (HC11B) $110.00

Fox Bell, pewter, 4"t.

(HC11D) $36.00

Stirrup Napkin rings, pewter, set/4. (HC11C) $36.00

Belmont Pewter Tray.

(HC11E) $675.00

Perth Field Boots Pewter salt and pepper shakers.

(HC11F) $69.00 set

Wine Bucket, pewter with two horse heads, 5.75." t (HC11G) $145.00

H ORSE C OUNTRY ® 800 882 HUNT HC11 www.HorseCountryCarrot.com

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A DASH TO THE FINISH. Horse Country stocks all the important equipment trainers, jockeys and horses need. ÂœVÂŽiĂžĂŠĂƒÂˆÂ?ÂŽĂƒ]ĂŠ,>ViĂŠ`ˆVÂŽiĂžĂƒ]ĂŠ ˆ˜}iĂ€Â?iĂƒĂƒĂŠ}Â?ÂœĂ›iĂƒĂŠUĂŠ,>ViĂŠÂŤ>Â˜ĂŒĂƒĂŠÂˆÂ˜ĂŠĂ€i}Ă•Â?>Ă€]ĂŠĂ€>ˆ˜]ĂŠ ˆ˜‡LÂœÂœĂŒĂŠ>˜`ĂŠÂœĂ›iÀ‡LÂœÂœĂŒĂŠĂƒĂŒĂžÂ?iĂƒĂŠUĂŠ ÂœVÂŽiÞÊ ĂžVĂ€>ĂŠĂƒÂ…ÂˆĂ€ĂŒĂƒĂŠ>˜`ĂŠ ĂžVĂ€>ĂŠĂ€>ÂˆÂ˜ĂŠĂƒÂ…ÂˆĂ€ĂŒĂƒĂŠĂŠĂŠ UĂŠ-Â…iiÂŤĂƒÂŽÂˆÂ˜ĂŠĂŒÂœiÊÀÕLĂƒĂŠUĂŠ ÂŤÂŤĂ€ÂœĂ›i`ĂŠL>ĂŒĂƒĂŠĂŠUĂŠ Âœ}}Â?iĂƒĂŠÂˆÂ˜ĂŠvÂˆĂ›iĂŠÂ?iÂ˜ĂƒĂŠVÂœÂ?ÂœĂ€ĂƒĂŠ>˜`ĂŠĂƒiĂ›iÂ˜ĂŠ Vœ“Lˆ˜>ĂŒÂˆÂœÂ˜ĂŠVÂœÂ?ÂœĂ€ĂƒĂŠUĂŠ Ă€Âˆ`Â?iĂƒ]ĂŠ,iÂˆÂ˜Ăƒ]ĂŠ-Â…>`ÂœĂœĂŠ,ÂœÂ?Â?Ăƒ]ĂŠ Â?ˆ˜ŽiĂ€Ăƒ]ĂŠ ÂœĂ€ÂŽĂƒ]ĂŠ9œŽiĂƒ]ĂŠ Cavessons, Figure 8s plain and with sheepskin and Figure 8 corded nosebands UĂŠ"Ă›iĂ€}ÂˆĂ€ĂŒÂ…ĂƒĂŠ>˜`ĂŠ1˜`iĂ€}ÂˆĂ€ĂŒÂ…ĂƒĂŠÂˆÂ˜ĂŠĂ€i}Ă•Â?>ÀÊ>˜`ĂŠiĂ?ĂŒĂ€>ĂŠÂ?œ˜}ĂŠÂ?i˜}ĂŒÂ…Ăƒ]ĂŠ`ÂœĂ•LÂ?iĂŠLĂ•VÂŽÂ?iĂŠ undergirths in regular and extra long lengths UĂŠ,>ViĂŠÂ?i>ĂŒÂ…iĂ€ĂƒĂŠÂˆÂ˜ĂŠĂƒiĂ›iĂ€>Â?ĂŠÂ?i˜}ĂŒÂ…ĂƒĂŠUĂŠ ÂˆĂŒĂƒĂŠ New! >˜`ĂŠ ÂœÂœĂŒĂƒĂŠUĂŠ->``Â?iĂŠVÂ?ÂœĂŒÂ…ĂƒĂŠĂ€i>`Þʓ>`iĂŠ Leather exercise >˜`ĂŠÂˆÂ˜ĂŠVĂ•ĂƒĂŒÂœÂ“ĂŠVÂœÂ?ÂœĂ€ĂƒĂŠUĂŠ ÂˆĂ€ĂŒÂ…ĂŠVÂ…>˜˜iÂ?ĂƒĂŠ>˜`ĂŠ saddles with forward ĂŒÂˆÂ“LiĂ€ĂŠĂƒÂ…ÂˆÂ˜ĂƒĂŠUĂŠ+Ă•ÂˆÂ?ĂŒi`ĂŠÂŤ>`Ăƒ]ĂŠ,Ă•LLiÀʍ>`Ăƒ]ĂŠ flaps, made in England. ÂœÂœĂŒÂ‡Ă€Ă•LĂŠÂŤ>`Ăƒ]ĂŠ Â…>Â“ÂœÂˆĂƒĂŠUĂŠ+Ă•>Ă€ĂŒiĂ€ĂŠĂƒÂ…iiĂŒĂƒ]ĂŠ paddock sheets, custom embroidery, trophy Leather weight pads, made in England. coolers Lead weight.

Leftovers

HORSE COUNTRYÂŽ ON 5TH Our Clearance Store!

15 N. 5th Street, Warrenton, VA.

At Horse Country Leftovers Store, we have something for everyone.

We have brand new (leftover) merchandise featuring your favorite brands such as Barbour, Ariat, Good Rider, Puffa, IRH, and GPA, just to name a few. Select winter items are being reduced for even greater savings, so hurry in for knockout deals.

Some new items at Leftovers: 7iÂ?Â?ˆiĂŠ,Ă•LLiÀÊ ÂœÂœĂŒĂƒĂŠUĂŠ iÂ˜ÂżĂƒĂŠ >Ă€LÂœĂ•Ă€ĂŠ-Â…ÂˆĂ€ĂŒĂƒ iÂ˜ÂżĂƒĂŠ iĂŠ Â…>“i>Ă•ĂŠ*>``ÂœVÂŽĂŠ-Â…ÂœiĂƒ John Partridge Jackets and Vests ,>“LÂœĂŠ ˆ}Â…ĂŒĂŠ7iˆ}Â…ĂŒĂŠ/Ă•Ă€Â˜ÂœĂ•ĂŒĂŠ-Â…iiĂŒĂƒĂŠUĂŠ6>Â?i˜>ĂŠ ˜ŽÂ?iĂŠ ÂœÂœĂŒĂƒ

iÂ˜ĂŒ>ÕÀÊ-ĂŒ>LÂ?iĂŠ-Â…iiĂŒĂƒĂŠUĂŠ i>ĂŒÂ…iÀÊ"ˆÂ?ĂŠUĂŠ Ă€ÂœÂœÂ“ÂˆÂ˜}ĂŠĂœÂˆÂŤiĂƒĂŠUĂŠ/>VÂŽ Books, Gifts and so much more.

Coupons are available for use at Leftovers, see Horse Country for details.

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Visit us at Leftovers!

15 N. 5th Street, Warrenton, VA Store hours: Open Tuesday and Friday only, 9:30 AM - 3:30 PM Â?Â?ĂŠĂƒ>Â?iĂƒĂŠw˜>Â?ĂŠĂŠUĂŠĂŠ >ĂƒÂ…ĂŠÂœĂ€ĂŠVÂ…iVÂŽĂŠÂœÂ˜Â?ÞÊÊ Bring your own bag

Horse CountryÂŽ

To WINCHESTER, I-66 & I-81

(540) 347-3141 U 800-882-HUNT (4868)

Rt. 17 By pass

29

17 BROADVIEW Ave.

1-/" ,ĂŠ- ,6 ĂŠ ĂŠ +1 , -\ĂŠ (540) 347-3141

Visit us online! www.horsecountrylife.com

To SPERRYVILLE & I-81 211

St .

MAIN St.

HORSE T COUNTRY

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WATERLOO St. RT. 29/17 Bypass

24 HOUR FAX: (540) 347-7141 For Orders Only: 800-882-HUNT(4868) Store Hours: Monday–Friday 9 AM - 6 PM, Saturday 9 AM - 5 PM (ET)

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IAHC 10-2012

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IN & AROUND HORSE COUNTRY • OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2012

PAT CARTER

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IN & AROUND HORSE COUNTRY • OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2012

Janet Hitchen Photography

Man's best friend

(540) 837-9846 • Email: Janeth@crosslink.net www.janethitchenphotography.com

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IN & AROUND HORSE COUNTRY • OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2012

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ACROSS THE POND

UK Hound Shows, Puppy Shows, And Mink Hunting

By Jim Meads

North Shropshire Hunt Puppy Show, July 2012 The two Joint Masters James Haselwood and Richard Cambray, Huntsman.

North Shropshire Hunt Puppy Show Martin Jarrett, who has been in charge of the kennels since 1985, showing the Young Bitches to the Judges Fred Eames, MFH and Simon Hall.

North Shropshire Hunt Puppy Show It rains heavily! Here are 5 young puppy walkers and 2 couple of hounds under one umbrella!

Peterborough Royal Foxhound Show, July 18, 2012 Packed ring for the class for 2 couple of entered dogs.

What with the “hunting with dogs” ban in the UK and the recession, the last thing I expected to be attending was the opening of brand new kennels for a pack of foxhounds. Yet this is exactly what happened when the North Shropshire held their puppy show (on another wet day) at new, purpose-built kennels, complete with huntsman’s house and outbuildings, a few miles north of the ancient market town of Shrewsbury. This major venture is a shot in the arm for foxhunters and a kick in the butt for the “doom and gloom” brigade who say that “there is no future for hunting with dogs.” Amazingly, I was part of the celebrations and was honored by being asked to cut the ceremonial ribbon and declare the kennels officially open. For the record, I first photographed the North Shropshire Foxhounds as long ago as March 22, 1951, when hounds caught a well-hunted fox on the 1335-foot summit of the “Wreckin,” which I understand hasn’t happened since. As well as new kennels, there is a new mastership, Richard Cambray, who will carry the horn, and James Haselwood, while Martin Jarrett, huntsman since 1985, stays on as kennel huntsman to their Old English pack.

The puppy show judges were Fred Eames, MFH, and Simon Hall, and they had 3 couple of dogs and 6½ couple of bitches to sort from three litters by different stallions. The young dogs were headed by “Lancelot” (Holderness “Lancer” x “Parsley”), with the top bitch being “Satchel” (Sir W. W. Wynn’s “Sampson” x “Buckle”), with “Lancelot” being Champion. Then the young puppy walkers came into the very wet ring with couples of hounds which they had walked, and the winners were India and Oliver Matson, with “Sampson” and “Satin,” and we then rushed into the tea tent to dry out.

The 2012 Peterborough Royal Foxhound Show was the 124th renewal, and the 66th which I’ve attended, taking pictures of the champions for posterity, which, as years go by, show how hound fashions change.

This year was even more interesting than usual, not only because 27 modern English and 6 Old English packs sent entries, but because 9 modern packs and Peterborough Best Couple of Entered Dogs from 3 Old English packs restricted packs Bicester with won classes. The Whaddon Chase “Farmer” and R e s t r i c t e d “Porridge.”

U n e n t e r e d Doghounds was won by the local pack, the Fitzwilliam, with “Benwick,” while the Open Class for Unentered Couples was headed

by North Cotswold “Carbine” and “Capetown” (by Heythrop “Stormer”), the latter being named as Unentered Dog Champion. The best Peterborough Couple of Restricted Best Unentered Doghound from restricted packs Fitzwilliam Entered Dogs was the “Benwick.”

Bicester with

Peterborough Royal Foxhound Show Best 2 Couple of Entered Bitches Duke of Beaufort’s “Bobtail,” “Bottle,” “Startle,” and “Stylish.”

Whaddon Chase, showing a pair of broken-coated hounds, “Farmer” and “Porridge.” Then, in the Two Couple of Entered Dogs, the Vale of White Horse began a great run by winning with four unrelated hounds, then scoring in the Stallions with “Rancher” ’09 and taking the Championship with the homebred “Ptarmigan” ’10. The bitches were judged after lunch, with the Chiddingfold, Leconfield & Cowdray winning the Restricted Unentered Class with “Habit,” who joined with her sister Peterborough “Hassle” to take the Best Couple of Unentered Dogs Open Unentered North Cotswold “Carbine” and Couples, while “Capetown” (nearest) was Champion Grove & Rufford Unentered Doghound.

“Duchess” (by Heythrop’s “Stormer”) was named as Unentered Bitch Champion. The Cotswold then scored in the Restricted Class for Entered Couples with “Siphon” and “Stanza.” It was at this time that we were hit by a thunderstorm and monsoon rain, which flooded the collecting ring, as it had in 2001 when Marty Wood, MFH Live Oak, Florida, was judging.

However, we carried on with the class for Two Peterborough Champion Old English Doghound Couple of Entered Hurworth “Monarch.”

Bitches, it being won by the Duke of Beaufort’s, and then to much cheering, Crawley & Horsham “Aspic” (by VWH “Aztec” ’06) headed the Brood Bitches. Then came a nail-biting Bitch Championship, which went to the homebred VWH “Summer,” thus completing a great day for this Gloucestershire-based hunt. In the Old English section, despite their outdoor ring becoming flooded, the Champion Dog was Hurworth “Monarch” ’09 and Champion Bitch was Sir W. W. Wynn’s Peterborough Champion Old English Bitch Sir “Budget” ’09.

W.W. Wynn’s “Budget.”

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Peterborough Royal Foxhound Show Suffolk Huntsman Sean Hutchison and whipper-in Will Parker taking hounds to their lorry at the end of the day through floodwater on the show ground!

The Brecon & Talybont Foxhound packs combined in 1996 and have since operated as one unit, hunting country which has a vale, woodland, and open hills rising to 2964 feet at the summit of the Brecon Beacons.

Their kennels are alongside the Brecon Canal, busy with cabin cruisers in the summer, and since 2011 former Toronto & North York Huntsman Mark Powell and his Whipper-in wife Emma, who are both Welsh, have been in charge of the pack of mostly Welsh Foxhounds.

Since 1962, Sir Martyn Evans-Bevan has been Master (latterly as the longest serving MFH in the country) with Geraint Phillips and Roger Price as Joint Masters for the past six seasons. This year’s puppy show, held at the freshly painted kennels and judged by Gary Barber and Charles Owen, Joint Masters of the Pembrokeshire Foxhounds, had greater than usual significance, as it was the last for Sir Martyn EvansBevan, who has retired after 50 years in office.

There was an assortment of puppies with smooth and broken coated hounds among the 1½ couple of dogs and 4 couple of bitches. Interestingly, the top young doghound, also Champion, was “Kickback,” while his sister “Kindly” was best bitch. Their breeding is unusual, as they are by Fife (Scotland) “Billinge” out of Windy Hollow (USA) “Kitkat,” so are full of Ben Hardaway’s famous Midland “K” line! Top puppy walker was Whipper-in Ann Bowen. After she had received her prize, attention turned to Sir Martyn, as his retirement brings to an end an iconic era in this history of the Brecon Hunt. Speeches were made, tearful eyes were wiped, and after his presentations, a huge iced and decorated cake made by Emma Powell was ceremonially cut and carved, so that everyone was able to enjoy the cake and wish Sir Martyn “Good Luck” in his retirement, with many thanks for his 50 years as Master.

In 1903, the Border Counties (North Wales) Otterhounds were formed, with a wonderful country containing superb rivers such as the Conway, Dee, Dovey, Severn & Weaver. During the 1960s and 1970s, tremendous sport was enjoyed under the mastership of Ray and Jackie Williams, until in January, 1978, the otter achieved “protected” status. So packs turned to hunting mink, resulting in several changes in mastership, including three members of the Newton family.

When Mark Newton resigned at the end of the 2011-12 season, the hunt was in difficulties, but a completely new setup was arranged, with David Lowe as Chairman. A young couple, Stuart Roscoe and Stephanie Dawson, who both held office with the Tanatside Foxhounds, were appointed Joint Masters, and amazingly, they organized new kennels and a fixture card to enable hunting to begin at the end of May, 2012!

My visit – the first day’s hunting of my 63rd season – found me at Llangedwyn Bridge to hunt the River Tanat, where I was joined by about 40 keen followers, including David Lowe and daughter Amy; former Master and Huntsman John Newton; and Peter Cooper, a former Master of the Three Counties Mink Hounds.

Then the hounds arrived with Huntsman Stuart Roscoe, MH, and his Joint Master Stephanie Dawson, with a brace of Terriers. Hounds are a mix of Welsh, English, and Old English Foxhounds. After a stirrup cup or two, they were taken to draw; luckily the river had returned to a normal level after all the heavy rain. Soon they began to speak, and we made our way along the riverbanks, pushing through really thick and lush undergrowth with difficulty. An enjoyable day followed, with much exercise and banter and wet feet, before “Home” was blown and the Joint Masters were congratulated on the success of their new venture.

All too soon, the final major hound show of my summer schedule arrived.

This is Rydal, the most important Fell Foxhound show of the year, and it takes place on the most beautiful showground of all, sited as it is in the Rydal Hound Show Lake District of northwest Champion Beagle Doghound Old Berkeley “Murcott.”

England. As well as classes for Fell Foxhounds, there are rings for Harriers, Beagles, and Terriers. Of course the day began wet, but a large crowd of knowledgeable hunting folk turned up, and by the time proceedings began with the local hunt, the Coniston’s, puppy show, it was still pouring.

Blencathra Huntsman Barry Todhunter, enveloped in rain gear, judged and awarded the Champion Trophy to “Sonnet,” walked by Alan Cummings. At midday the rain stopped, and the Fell Hound Judges, Otis Ferry, MFH, and Heythrop Huntsman Julian Barnfield, took center stage, with the Best Group of Five Hounds being won by the Ullswater, shown by former Toronto and North York (Canada) Huntsman John Harrison. The Eskdale & Ennerdale had the Best Couple of Doghounds, while Coniston Huntsman Michael Nicholson showed the Best Couple of Bitches, which also took the Couples Championship.

Then came the class for Unentered Doghounds, won by Melbreak “Poacher,” with the 2011 Champion Ullswater “Stormer” heading the older dogs. The Young Bitches Class was won by the impressive Melbeak “Duchess,” while the Senior Bitches, in the biggest class of the day with 63 entries, went to Blencathra “Melody.” The Fell Championship was won by the unentered bitch, Melbreak “Duchess,” to the delight of young Huntsman Edward Liddle, with Ullswater “Stormer” Best of Opposite Sex. In the Harrier ring, the Holcombe, Pendle Forest & High Peak won classes, with the Championship going to the entered dog, Pendle Forest & Craven “Forger,” with Reserve being Holcombe “Barrister.” There were large entries in the Beagles, where the Old Berkeley, Hunsley Beacon, Newcastle & District, and the Warwickshire won classes. The Champion was the entered bitch Newcastle “Wisdom,” and the Best of Opposite Sex was Old Berkeley “Murcott.” After lengthy discussions between the combined judges, the Supreme Championship went to the Beagle, Newcastle “Wisdom,” with Master since 1983 Rupert Gibson accepting the Bruce Logan Memorial Trophy from his daughter, Claire Logan-Stephens.

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Brecon & Talybont Hunt Puppy Show Huntsman Mark Powell showing the young hounds to the judges Gary Barber, MFH and Charles Owen, MFH.

Brecon & Talybont Hunt Puppy Show Huntsman Mark Powell with the champion young hound “Kickback.”

Border Counties Mink Hounds, July 21, 2012 The new Joint Masters Stuart Roscoe (Huntsman) and Stephanie Dawson, bringing hounds to the meet at Llangedwyn Bridge.

Rydal Hound Show Grand Champion Foxhound Melbreak “Duchess” with Huntsman Edward Liddle.

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IN & AROUND HORSE COUNTRY • OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2012

COMPETITIONS

Courses for Horses (and Riders too)

By J. Harris Anderson North American Field Hunter Championship The first human to climb onto the back of a horse A “field hunter” is a horse. While the skills of the created a revolution in transportation. The second person riding that horse certainly play a significant person to do so created competition. role in how well the animal does, the “champiWhose horse runs faster? Jumps higher? Looks onship” goes to the horse, not the rider. That pedannicer? Behaves better? Which rider is more skillful? tic distinction notwithstanding, in common parlance The most elegant? The bravest? the rider is cited as the “winner” more often than not.

The drive to show off the talents of horse and One benefit of notching a win in this event is rider has spawned a plethora of competitive events that such an accolade on the horse’s resume can throughout the world of equestrian sports, several boost the animal’s price tag should the owner wish to just within the hunt community alone. We thought it sell. The rider’s market value, however, is not so might be helpful for our readers if we provided a influenced. brief description of a few of the more common conThe North American Field Hunter tests. The criteria for inclusion in our list are that at Championship is, as the name implies, open to all least a significant portion of the action occurs outside across the US and Canada. (Yes, we know “North a ring and the horses and riders have a hunt affiliaAmerica” includes Mexico, but our good neighbor to tion. the south is sadly bereft of recognized hunt clubs.)

Hunter Pairs (or Pace) These events are most commonly held in the spring, Pairs participating in a Hunter Pace can compete for either fast time over In reality, the fixed location for the championship fences or optimum time over fences or on the flat. Richard Clay photo. finals in Virginia at Middleburg’s Glenwood Park as hunt season is winding down or has ended, but results in a heavy concentration of participants from the Mid-Atlantic region, preferably before horses have been let down too long after the final “Going Home” although some enthusiasts are likely to haul in from more distant locales. has been blown. Sponsored by the various hunts in a given area, one objective, This event is much more structured than the local Hunter Paces (or Pairs). besides good sport and camaraderie, is to raise money for the club. Entry fees are Entrants pay to ride with four Virginia hunts during the week before the champicharged and unless the organizers spend too much on prizes and stocking the bar, onship finals. (This year’s entry fee was $250; not a bad deal compared to what a few shekels may end up in the club’s coffers. four individual caps would cost.) Mounted judges ride along and select those A course is laid out across the country, typically a jumping line over huntdeemed worthy of competing in the championship finals on Sunday. Riders selectstyle obstacles and an optional flat course. A map is prepared and made available ed early in the week have the option to continue hunting for the remainder of the a few days before the event. Riders are encouraged to visit the site, pick up a map, week but are not required to do so. The fourth and final hunt is scheduled for and walk the course (at times a challenging undertaking if there are stream crossThursday so all contestants, both riders and horses, have two days off to rest up ings involved; tall waterproof boots are advised). and prepare for the Big Day. (This assumes the weather and ground conditions A pair of riders, preferably masters or staff, take a timed spin around the cooperate, which is not always the case, as was seen this year when it was necescourse, attempting to maintain a reasonable “hunter pace.” The result is the optisary to schedule trial hunts on both Friday and Saturday.) mum time, which the competitors try to match but which is kept as a closely guarded secret until after all the riders have finished. The pair that comes closest The finalists then compete over a hunter course designed to test the horses’ to the optimum time wins, and the placings then proceed down the line based on manners and hunting abilities. (Note: It does not say anything about testing the rideach team’s relative proximity to the mystery time. Ribbons are often given out ers’ skills.) This consists of a mock hunt, led by a field master, who takes the field down to fifth or sixth place. into the hunt country surrounding Glenwood Park and then back to the racecourse To vary the options, there are categories for fast time adult; adult optimum where the finalists are narrowed down once again and required to negotiate a over fences; adult/junior optimum over fences; and adults, juniors, or adult/junior handy hunter course for the championship title. They might be asked to dismount optimum on the flat. and re-mount from a log, unlatch a gate and close it from horseback, or trot over Preregistration may be required to be eligible for prizes, ribbons, and series a fallen tree. The judges ask the riders to show each horse’s different hunting points, although post entries may be allowed at the club’s discretion. If so, post skills, and after these individual tasks are completed, a champion is chosen. entries will likely be considered hors concours, out of the competition. Horses are Trophies are awarded for Field Hunter Champion, Reserve Champion, Best to have been “fairly hunted” to be eligible, meaning they have gone out with an Turned Out, Most Suitable, and Sportsmanship. A $2,500 cash prize is awarded to organized hunt for a minimum number of outings during the previous season as the Field Hunter Champion’s Hunt by The Bonnie Family certified by a master. Riders represent their hunt clubs, although mixed pairs are This competition was created in 1989 to honor the memory of Mrs. Theodora allowed and not uncommon.

A. Randolph, Master of the Piedmont Fox Hounds for over 40 years and grandWhere there are enough hunt clubs in close proximity, such as in Northern mother of Shelby Bonnie, current joint-MFH of Piedmont. (See pages 12-13 for Virginia, these events are combined into a series in which riders earn points for Betsy Burke Parker’s report and Janet Hitchen’s photos of this year’s winners.) awards at the end of the season.

Now, is it “Hunter Pace” or “Hunter Pairs”? This seems to be a suit-yourself matter. Both versions are correct to a degree, but under closer scrutiny each has its deficiency. True, the object is, for the most part, to come closest to the predetermined, unrevealed “hunt pace.” Unless you’re competing in the “fast time” category where the “pace” be damned, dig in your heels, and let ’er rip. (Of course, for some clubs that is the typical pace.) As for “Pairs,” yes, it’s mostly teams of two riders competing as a unit. But a third rider may sometimes be allowed to tag along. Or maybe a fourth. And a trainer may shepherd an entire troupe of juniors for schooling purposes, although such a group would likely not be considered among the competitors.

Regardless of what you call them, these events are a fun option for low-pressure competition. It’s a chance to ride across lovely hunt country at a steady pace, Many hunt-related competitions require the finalists to negotiate a Handy Hunter course. This opting for either the jumping or flat course to suit your preference, or going at a includes a variety of natural-style jumps (coops, stone walls, hay bales, log piles, etc.) as well as Grand National gallop if there’s a “fast time” option and that’s your style. There other challenges such as opening/closing a gate, ponying a horse, or, as seen here, dropping a rail are no big money prizes nor major prestigious awards, but there’s sure to be a tailand then taking the jump.

Richard Clay photo. gate afterward where everyone can swap lies and have a good time.

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Junior North American Field Hunter Championship Quoting from www.juniorfieldhunter.com: “This event is designed for junior riders, 18 and under, on foxhunting ponies or appropriate hunting horses.” The stated goal is to focus on “the junior rider and their pony or horse; the foxhunting mount and its proper turnout is important, but their suitability for the young rider is foremost. We hope the children, the future of our hunts, will come out for…a great day of hunting, meet new friends, see new country, and realize how important our countryside is and do their best to protect it for their future generations…

There will be four to five hunts in each region [a Northern Region with meets in Maryland and Pennsylvania and a Southern Region in Virginia] where you can qualify. We try different hunts every year. Judges will be present at each of these meets and those children qualifying will be invited to the finals.”

There are both hilltopper and first flight divisions, with the first The Junior North American Field Hunter Championship fight group divided between 12 is designed for junior riders, 18 and under, on foxhunting ponies or appropriate hunting horses. and under and 13 and over. As the Richard Clay photo. juniors would be unable to skip a week of school for several straight days of hunting – although many would doubtless be happy to do so given the option – the qualifying meets are mostly held on Saturdays and spread out over several weeks. A convenient holiday, such as Columbus Day, also allows for a Monday meet when possible. This year’s schedule began on September 17th and concludes with the finals on Sunday, November 4th, at the Radnor Hunt, PA. Virginia Field Hunter Championship The Virginia version of a field hunter championship, usually held in early to mid November, differs from its North American cousin in three ways.

First, it’s an invitational event. The masters of Virginia hunts are invited to nominate two members to compete. No trials to qualify, but no open registration either. With 27 recognized hunts in the Old Dominion (plus a farmers pack or two whose members may participate), a good sized field can be raised even with the limit of two riders per club.

Second, the day may include a live hunt. Rather than a mock hunt or attempts to match an imagined hunt pace, the hosting hunt has the option to cast hounds and, hopefully, provide a brief bit of sport for the judges to make their marks under actual hunting conditions.

Third, the hosting duties rotate yearly based on the results. The hunt whose rider won is accorded the privilege of hosting the following year.

Other elements of the competition are similar to the broader field hunter championships. The day begins with the judging of Best Turned Out and a hack on the flat. Following the hunt, whether mock or live, finalists are announced who then must negotiate a handy hunter course.

Spectators gather to watch and cheer on their favorites. Some masters have been known to do so in a state of double-mindedness. Surely, they wish to see their club honored by a member’s horse earning first place. But along with the thrill of victory comes the burden of planning and hosting the next year’s event. Maybe second place would be okay.

Orange County Hounds Team Chase The Orange County Hounds variation on our theme is an adaptation of the English team chase. It’s akin to a Hunter Pace/Pair, with some elements of Handy Hunter, and a few original twists. Competitors must belong to an organized hunt (recognized, registered, farmers pack, etc.) and while a team can be made up of riders from different clubs, they must ride under a single team name. (Some catchy monikers have been created to meet that requirement.)

The day begins with Hilltopper Pairs, suitable for children or hilltopper adults, who compete over an infield course of 13 fences, 2’4” to 2’6”. Next comes Limited Hunters, teams of three to four riders who ride out over a 1½-mile course featuring 15 fences at 3’. The program describes this class as suitable “For junior riders (age 16 or younger), first year hunters, young horses, and/or riders of any

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In the Orange County Team Chase “Genuine Hunters” category, teams of three or four riders must complete a 2½-mile course with 22 fences from 3’ to 3’6”. Richard Clay photo.

age who desire a shorter course.” The day concludes with Genuine Hunters, also teams of three or four, riding horses that have been fairly hunted, over a 2½-mile course with 22 fences from 3’ to 3’6”.

The advantage of moving off with four rather than three riders is that if one member of the team falls or must withdraw from the course, the other three may continue on. As long as at least three riders cross the finish line, the team won’t be disqualified.

Each class begins with a Best Turned Out Parade. The Hilltopper Pairs are judged on their performance over the infield course. Limited and Genuine Hunters shoot to come closest to an ideal time. But there’s a separate award in each of these two categories for Best Hunt Team.

After all Limited Hunter teams are in, six to eight junior riders are called back to hack and perform a handy hunter test individually. Similarly, six to eight Genuine Hunters are invited back for a similar individual test.

Prizes include ribbons; a trophy crafted by the late Eve Fout, who with Margaret White, created the competition in 1987; a quarter sheet from Horse Country Saddlery; checks for $100 to winning hunts; and, perhaps most coveted of all, a glass jar filled with M&Ms (did we mention the connection between Orange County Hounds and the Mars family?)

Always held the last Sunday in October, and historically at Mark and Karin Ohrstrom’s Old Whitewood Farm, this year’s event is dedicated to the memory of Jimmy Young, long-serving MFH of Orange County Hounds.

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IN & AROUND HORSE COUNTRY • OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2012

CONSERVATION EASEMENTS

Protecting the Future of Open Land

By J. Harris Anderson, Managing Editor Our June/July issue contained an article focusAs for Wood’s point to seek input from ing on the importance of maintaining stream others who have granted easements, the quescrossings on riding trails (“Stream Crossings: tion arises as to how to make these contacts.

A Sensitive Topic”). Several highly credenA given land trust may not be either willing or tialed and knowledgeable experts were quoted, legally permitted to divulge the names of its universally giving voice to the need for better grantors. Neighboring property owners may awareness of this topic and citing the unpleashave posted signs announcing that their land ant consequences that can ensue if proper is in conservation easement, but that might maintenance of such areas is not practiced. prove a spotty approach at best. A search of Following the publication of that article, county land records will likely provide the another experienced and respected voice promost thorough results. Easements must be vided some additional thoughts, particularly entered into a registry of deeds and a search regarding the application of this topic to land there should turn up both grantor and grantee that has been placed in conservation easement. information. If the county records are comDaphne Wood, Jt. MFH of Florida’s Live puterized, as most are these days, the search Oak Hounds, has been a volunteer at the Tall can be conducted from the comfort of your Timbers Research Station and Land keyboard.

Conservancy for 32 years and currently serves In addition to polling those who have It’s the beauty of open spaces such as this conservation easements seek to protect for the enjoyment of future generations. Janet Hitchen photo as chairman of the easement committee which had experience with a given land trust, other oversees conservation easements on more than factors can bear on the selection process. Cost 120,000 acres of land. A foxhunter for 46 seasons, and past president of the Masters of may be a consideration. State or county agencies generally do not charge fees for proFoxhounds Association, Daphne and her husband/joint master C. Martin Wood, III cessing the easement whereas private organizations typically do. The desired timehave donated five easements on property they own. frame may also influence the choice. If the potential grantee prefers a slow and delibObviously, this is a subject of great importance to Mrs. Wood and one about erate path, a government agency may be the way to go. Private land trusts tend to move which she can speak with authority. Her input inspired us to not only pass along her more quickly. Some land trusts have a specific mission, such as historic preservation thoughts but to look further into conservation easements and provide some additional or protecting an endangered species population. information on this important topic.

Benefits: Economics and Emotions Consider the “What-ifs” “In crafting an easement,” Wood says, “it is vital to document in great detail traditional uses and reserved permitted future uses. Water crossings, roads, and trails should be shown on maps attached as exhibits to the easement and the right to use and repair them as needed should include the right to add permeable materials (clay, sand, or stones) as well as the right to trim or remove any tree or plant, regardless of species, that blocks trails used for horseback riding.”

Wood further advises, “You should carefully scrutinize the organization that will hold your easement (the Grantee). Some are pro-hunting and totally support sustainable use of renewable resources and some do not. Talk to others (Grantors) who have donated easements to the organization you are considering to be certain their monitoring of the easement property has been a fair and pleasant experience.”

To expand on the subject of conservation easements, we spoke to two other knowledgeable experts: Steffanie Burgevin, President of the Land Trust of Virginia (LTV), and Donald Owen, LTV Executive Director. Owen provided clarification about the purpose of conservation easements, particularly as defined in the tax code, as well as what cannot be included in an easement’s purpose. “A conservation easement protects ‘conservation values,’ including natural resources, historic resources, open space, and agriculture. Seeking to protect the land for the use of a private hunt club does not qualify as a separate conservation value under the federal tax code.”

That’s not to say the one doesn’t mesh well with the other. In fact, the objectives are highly similar. Foxhunting requires open land. The essential purpose of a conservation easement is to achieve exactly that, to assure that development does not whittle away at open, natural, rural spaces.

Selecting a Land Trust Burgevin and Owen concur with Daphne Wood’s counsel that property owners interested in placing their land in conservation easement should investigate the organization they are considering dealing with. Depending on where the property is located, there could be several choices to select from, ranging anywhere from those with a nationwide scope (e.g., The Nature Conservancy, Ducks Unlimited) to small operations with a local or special purpose focus.

Don Owen puts the number of land trusts in the US at approximately 1,700. Of these, only 181 are listed as accredited by the Land Trust Accreditation Commission.

Although as Executive Director of an accredited land trust Owen naturally speaks in support of this credential, he is quick to point out that the absence of accreditation alone is not necessarily a red flag. For example, some land trusts are governmental or quasi-governmental agencies and hence accreditation by an outside entity is not applicable.

The overall benefits to the grantor of placing land in conservation easement are the same regardless of the size or scope of the selected grantee. These benefits fall into two categories: economics and emotions.

As mentioned, the federal tax code encourages the protection of “conservation values” offered by easements on properties that meet the legal requirements: the donor of a qualified conservation easement is eligible for a federal tax deduction.

Furthermore, placing development restrictions on the property typically lowers its assessed value, which serves to lower both local property taxes and future estate taxes.

A handful of states go even further, allowing as much as a 40% state tax credit.

(According to Don Owen, this list currently includes Arizona, Colorado, Georgia, and Virginia.) In some states, Virginia being one such, the tax credits allowed by the conservation easement are transferrable to another taxpayer, thus delivering an immediate monetary benefit to the grantee.

The emotional aspect speaks of the peace of mind that comes from knowing the property will remain forever open, that it is protected for all time through a conservation easement that is a legal, enforceable attachment to the land. No future owner of the property, whether through purchase or inheritance, can circumvent that restriction.

The very presence of the easement will likely dissuade any prospective purchaser from even considering the property if the objective is to acquire land for development, and potentially encourage prospective purchasers who are seeking rural farm or forest lands with lots of open space.

Managing the Land Returning to Daphne Wood’s words of caution, she offers a further piece of advice.

“The easement document should be as brief as possible because changing it in the future will all but require an Act of Congress! You should have a separate Management Plan outlining such things as details of your timber harvesting, agricultural, road building rights, etc. Any future development rights will have to be enumerated in the easement.”

“Any future development rights”? Isn’t the point of an easement to protect the land against development? Specific kinds of development, yes. But a conservation easement does not mean the land can never be touched in any way. Land still needs to be managed and depending on the type of use there may be allowances for certain types of construction. For example, an easement on a working farm might allow the addition of necessary agricultural structures, preferably with specifically enumerated details as to number, size, and location. An easement might even permit some degree of subdivision for additional residential structures, but with minimum acreage set to assure the overall property retains its “conservation value.”

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BOOK REVIEW Flying Change: A Year of Racing and Family and Great Steeplechasing

Janet Hitchen photo

Managing the land also needs to be defined. Don Owen described one situation that ties in with our previous article about stream crossings. The management plan included wording that called for the placement of culverts at identified stream crossings, with the option for an additional culvert depending on the location of livestock.

This clause of the easement document stated that the culverts should be placed “in accordance with ‘best management practices’ for stream crossings for agricultural use, as determined by the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service.”

Landowner & Land Trust: Communication is Key Once all relevant details have been covered in the management plan and the easement is finalized, it then becomes a matter of the landowner and the land trust working together to assure the easement is honored. This brings us back to the merits of a thorough evaluation process before selecting the grantee Along with the variations in size and scope, land trusts also differ in their followup procedures. Ideally, a representative of the trust should visit each property on which it holds an easement at least once a year to assure all conditions are being faithfully observed. LTV’s Don Owen recounted an instance where an easement allowed a property owner to build a barn but with specific stipulations as to the allowable size of the structure. Years later, the owner built a large barn without first alerting the LTV to the planned construction. When a representative of the trust visited the property, it initially appeared that the size of the barn was in excess of the allowable limit. Fortunately, after a careful examination of the terms and conditions of the easement, it was determined that no action was necessary. However, the situation illustrates the importance of regular communication between the property owner and land trust that holds the easement. Had the owner submitted the plans for the new barn to the LTV first, this problem would have been avoided.

An attentive land trust, and one supportive of horse sports, can help assure a property retains both its conservation values and its functional integrity. For example, a property on which the Virginia Outdoors Foundation (a state agency) holds an easement was set aside expressly for the use of the local hunt but is also open to others for casual trail riding. To minimize the horse traffic on a low-lying boggy area, the landowner and VOF posted signs asking the local trail riders to stay clear of that portion of the property. The hunt, however, is permitted to follow hounds there if necessary. This, then, reduces pressure on a sensitive area while not compromising a central portion of the property for use on hunting days.

Reasonable certainty that the land trust will continue to function far into the future is another consideration. Should the selected land trust cease to operate, the easement could fall into legal limbo with no one to exercise the rights enumerated in the document. This further supports the selection of an accredited organization such as LTV or Florida’s Tall Timbers of which Daphne Wood has been a supporter for more than three decades. (For a listing of accredited land trusts, go to www.landtrustaccreditation.com.)

None of this is intended to dissuade a property owner who is considering placing land in easement from taking action to do so. Indeed, it is hard to imagine any reader of this publication being anything less than fully supportive of conservation easements as a way to help keep land open for horse sports. It is, however, a process that requires forethought and a close working relationship between the grantor and grantee at every step to assure all objectives are met and the property’s future is maintained for all time as the grantor desires.

Special thanks to Daphne Wood, Steffanie Burgevin, and Don Owen for their valuable input that made this article possible. IAHC managing editor J. Harris Anderson lives on a Virginia horse farm protected by a long-standing conservation easement.

By Lauren R. Giannini A number of American families boast sporting traditions rooted in the horse world, but the Smithwick clan remains unique in providing fascinating fodder for writers. In Flying Change, Patrick Smithwick does not disappoint. He continues to pen his adventures as the only son of the legendary A.P. (Paddy) Smithwick, Hall of Fame steeplechase jockey.

This oeuvre chronicles what happens when the nearly middle-aged “chip off the old block” can’t resist steeplechasing’s siren song and climbs back into the irons for a chance at the Maryland Hunt Cup. That’s right: after 25 years of retirement from racing, Smithwick Junior finds himself reaching for that elusive brass ring of youth and decides he wants a whack at the most testing and prestigious jump race for amateur jockeys. You don’t need a skullcap or flak jacket to read this book, but be prepared for a wild ride.

Flying Change showcases the evolution of a writer whose scholarly pursuits, graduate studies, schoolteaching and family-man experiences add poetic and existential touches of class to his adept turns of phrase. This is not your average memoir. Not one split infinitive or misused apostrophe will grate on the nerves of grammatical purists. This is, simply and elegantly, the song of Smithwick’s life: a baring of his soul as he reaches for lost youth and pursues the Holy Grail of fulfilling his legacy from a wildly romantic, totally steeplechaseand racing-obsessed father.

This sequel or extended postscript to Racing My Father begins in the 48th year of Smithwick’s life. While on vacation at a cabin rented in the middle of a teen summer camp, at the picturesque lake fed by a waterfall, he ends up feeling like “an old fart” partially due to aches and pains, but also because of the contrast of the daring of his offspring and their friends jumping and diving off the rocks into Saranac Lake. While trying to take a photo of his daughter, he leans back against a rock, but keeps going until he comes to a crumpled halt against a boulder: “I wanted to leave. If I were to put myself on the line, let it be on a horse, live flesh.

Let my legs be wrapped around a fellow being with a soft, smooth, bay or gray or chestnut coat, a moving jigging, snorting body, a galloping, racing, flying animal. Let me sail through the air on an animal that can respond to my directions and let his or her legs be moving, be galloping, be suspended in flight over the turf, and leave these stones–unforgiving, uncaring, unchanging– to others.”

That night, Smithwick has a horse dream in which he rode Ben Nevis, winner with Charlie Fenwick in the irons of the Maryland Hunt Cup and the Grand National at Aintree, England. His next dream conjures up foxhunting at the Voss Farm, Atlanta, where he’s galloping Florida Law across the Elkridge-Harford racecourse and Mimi, Tom Voss’s wife, shouts encouragement, to let the horse go on and hit a good lick, to help prep him for the racing season. Then the dream takes Smithwick back to the cosseted safety of being a student at Gilman School.

But the dreams generated by the author’s subconscious mind plant seeds in his waking mind and you’re simply going to have to read Flying Change to experience Smithwick’s incredible journey. Racing fit is a far cry from hunting fit, and there were all those years of academia to soften up his resolve, let alone his nerve, let alone his physique.

Out in the hunting field, there are options: riders so inclined can find an easier way around a five-bar gate or trappy hunting panel. In racing there is only you and your horse, alone among the other contenders, and the course. The Maryland Hunt Cup double-dares you to face its challenges, 22 jumps in all, the most daunting amateur timber race in North America. Keep in mind that winning the Maryland Hunt Cup two years running (1977 & ’78) convinced owner-rider Fenwick that Ben Nevis might conquer Aintree, which they did in 1980.

One very special feature is that Smithwick begins each of the first 22 chapters with recollections of an actual course walk conducted by his uncle, D.M. (Mikey) Smithwick.

These italicized passages underscore the drama of the Maryland Hunt Cup, which runs the last weekend in April. Some readers might wonder why anyone would want to risk life and limb, and in the course of his sporting tale Smithwick tries to explain why he got back into the jump game.

You will experience the entire gamut of the author’s emotional roller coaster, and at times you might want to shed some surreptitious tears, but you’ll end up feeling as if you were there. In fact, you may identify so much with elements of Smithwick’s life, whether he’s being pulled in several directions by what he knows is right and by what he wants to do more than anything (gallop, school over timber and race) that your shoulders and legs might ache in sympathy, but it’s a glorious ride of a read.

Flying Change offers its readers the rare gift of a very personalized glimpse into family life wherein the paternal head of a household realizes he is flawed and lacking for his heartfelt desire to risk life and limb to experience once again the excitement and challenge of racing over timber. It is the next best thing to the real deal. If you have unrequited dreams, beware: Flying Change might inspire you to take that leap.

Hard cover, dust jacket, 351 pages. $30.00. Available from Horse Country, (800) 882-4868.

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Myopia Hunter Derby, Myopia Horse Show, September 2, 2012 [Myopia Hunt Secretary Pam deVries Mehlman provided the following information about the $2,500 Hunter Derby held recently in Hamilton, Massachusetts.]

The Hunter Derby is becoming increasingly popular in recent years, as horse shows try to create a more traditional test of a quality hunter. They incorporate more natural looking obstacles, with optional approaches and tests of handiness.

They look for a horse that can jump well on a true outside course, that can turn quickly as he may have to in the hunt field, and be clever. Trot jumps and galloping unrelated distances are the usual tests in the Hunter Derby.

The Myopia Horse Show offers what is increasingly rare [in rated shows] – a true outside course over permanent jumps. For over 100 years, the field has showcased hunters over natural stone walls, hedges, coops, and other fences found in hunt country. A much larger-sized field than the usual horse show Adelante with Anna Pavlov up, winners of the $2500 Myopia Hunt ring, it is highly popular Derby. Eric Schneider photo with riders from all over New England.

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AGA’S SAGAS

25

I’m With Chubby

Well, here it is, October already. There’s a nip in the air thought, with the tent being so crowded, more people and mornings smell crisp. When Marion takes us on our would’ve dropped delicious morsels on the ground for me walks, the deer scent is just heady. Leaves are changing to nibble on.” and it’s getting dark earlier. The Warrenton Horse Show “Well, maybe that was the problem. The food the show has come and gone, so clearly it is autumn. provided was so tasty that everyone licked their plates.”

Speaking of the WHS, it was another fabulous show.

“Whatever the reason, I was disappointed.”

The horses and riders rode to perfection and everyone had While Joan was holding our leashes and Marion a great time. Some of us more than others, but more about schmoozed, Bunsen spotted a fallen canapé through the that later. crowd. Rather like a bull moose, Bunsen bolted nearly First I have to tell you the redecorating at the store is pulling Joan off her feet. Rude, I tell you, the boy is just almost complete. The store looks completely different. rude.

Wait till you see what Marion and her design team have “Did you even see what I was after? T’was a piggy in done. It’s amazing what you can do with the right paint a blanket! One of my favorites!” colors, a little carpet, and some architectural details.

“Doesn’t matter. Still rude. You know Joan has a bad Everything has been moved around, giving more space to back.”

Bunsen and Aga hunt clothing, gifts, and tack. The lower level, where you After being chastened, we retired to our usual spot were never allowed to go, has been opened up and is the under a table. Later, as the party was breaking up, Marion new home of all the finest saddles, bridles, bits, and accessories you’ll find anycalled for us, but only I emerged from under the table. Bunsen was missing. where. The bridles are displayed so that it is easy to find the style and size you Concern quickly turned to near panic when all the guests were asked to look under need. The saddles have room to breathe now, making it simple to take one down their tables and there was no sign of him. As Marion headed to the Secretary’s and sit in it.

Office to have a lost dog announcement made, a woman came up to the tent leadI can tell you that you’ve never seen a saddle shop like this. Well, maybe if ing Bunsen on his leash. She explained he’d wandered into her vendor booth some you’ve been to France and visited that famous shop I can never remember the time earlier, lay down and went to sleep. She knew he was one of the Scotties from name of. Or maybe Rodeo Drive or Worth Avenue if you’ve been clothes shopHorse Country but couldn’t remember his name. She asked a friend who replied, ping. Please come in and take a look, but do plan for extra time because no mat“I can’t remember his name, either, but he’s the fat one.” Oh boy, I laughed at that. ter what you’ve come in for, you’re going to want to take the whole tour with me.

I’ve written this column for years, and he’s the fat one. I’m still laughing.

I’d say Bunsen would take you on the tour, but at last he’s finally found the per“That’s nae nice, lassie. My feelings were verra hurt by her choice of words, fect job! and by your laughter.”

Just the other day Bunsen was in his chair just inside the front door. As usual, “Well… I am sorry about that, but you have to admit it was pretty funny.” he was sitting stock still, unmoving, with his eyes fixed in infinite space, when a “I don’t admit anything of the sort. I walked away to a quiet place for a nap, customer walked in. She was perusing the front counter when Bunsen adjusted his and the next thing I know everyone is laughing at me.” handsome self. Well the woman JUMPED and exclaimed, “He’s real! I thought he We went back to the show for Hunt Night where Marion was one of the sponwas a statue!” Arf! Arf! Arf! A living model – Bunsen’s dream job! sors for the evening. All night long people came up to say hello to Marion and I, on the other hand, am hard at work checking in the new stock. Fine leather thank her for being a sponsor. As people walked past me, without a word, they gloves that a lesser dog would covet as a chew toy. New scarves to freshen your greeted Bunsen, “Hey there, big boy,” “Hi there, you handsome devil,” “Good look have arrived. Personally, I want a new Thermatex dog blanket (and I’m betevening, buster.” Did anyone say hello to me? Not once! What am I, chopped ting your dog does too). You could launder your horses’ sheets (again) and have liver? It went on forever. Bunsen was the “Scottish laddie,” the “one with the them repaired (again) or you could just get a nice new one. We’ve gotten in all of brogue,” the “fine looking lad.” I was ready to start gnashing my teeth when someyour favorites in a whole range of prices. Since it’s October, Halloween is on our one came over to us, pointed at Bunsen and said, “Oh look, it’s the fat one!” radar and we’ve got beautiful Italian fox and horse masks for your fancy dress I may have injured myself because I was laughing so hard I fell over squirmneeds. For our foxhunting friends, new tweeds are here and now we have even ing. Most people just thought I was scratching my back, however. more room for you to try them on and see just how gorgeous you look. Fabrics you “I’m telling you, lassie, that was nae kind. Nae kind at all.” will not find anywhere else, yet so completely traditional. Hunt vests in several “Well, Bunsen, you could just as well be laughing at me, because at least peopatterns as well as canary. Stock ties that complement your tweeds, whether an old ple said hello to you; I was being totally ignored.” friend or a new purchase. New men’s ties have arrived so men can select the per“But my girl, you’re such a wee slip of a thing, you can barely be noticed!” fect one to match both their suits and their cubbing jackets.

So there you have it. The latest column from “The Wee One” and “The Wide Although the focus now is on hunting, a fresh array of gift items is arriving One” for those of you who believe in early shopping. New books have arrived, both fiction and elaborate coffee table books on a variety of subjects with amazing photographs.

I would be remiss not to give you a heads up that Rita Mae Brown will be coming to Horse Country on November 17 to sign her newest Sister Jane hunt club mystery, Fox Tracks. Please plan on joining us. More details will be forthcoming closer to the date. Rita Mae is always a popular guest, so we know you’ll want to put the evening on your calendar. Bunsen’s favorite caterer will be providing the food, so you know he’ll be there!

Now back to the Warrenton Horse Show. This year’s show will forever go down in history as the year Bunsen got lost.

“I was nae lost, lassie. I knew exactly where I was.”

“Well, Marion didn’t know where you were, and before you say it, she knew exactly where she was, so she wasn’t lost. It was you.”

“Tatoe, tattie. Is nae different.”

Bunsen and I attended the show the Saturday night of the Hunter Classic.

Marion’s friend Joan came along with us and we were all having a great time under the Exhibitors Tent.

“Speak for yourself. I was not getting nearly enough treats. You’d have

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26

JENNY’S PICKS I hoped to have a new batch of used books to offer this time, but there hasn’t been the opportunity to get them priced yet, thanks to the store renovations that have kept Marion busy overseeing the progress. (You should come see the new tack and supplies room. It’s gorgeous!) Here are some more new books.

Most of our calendars are now in and can be viewed at www.horsecountrycarrot.com, our online ordering website, where you can view both front and back. Please note that we have only two or three copies available for most of our wall calendars, the exceptions being Foxes and Foxhunting Life, so if you want one, order right away. We just received our shipment of Norman Fine’s lovely foxhunting calendars. (This is not the same calendar as that put out by the MFHA.) Whether you prefer fast-paced action or long-range scenic shots, this one is sure to please.

Foxhunting Life Calendar. Beautiful photographs of foxhunting include the Piedmont, Toronto & North York, Mr. Stewart’s Cheshire Foxhounds, Myopia Hunt, Orange County Hounds (VA), Blue Ridge Hunt, and Four Winds Foxhounds from North America, the Wicklow Foxhounds from Ireland, and the Border Foxhounds from the UK, plus a red fox in full and wet flight, junior handlers at the Virginia Foxhound Show, and hounds in full cry. Many of the photographers, such as Janet Hitchen, Douglas Lees, and Liz Callar, are regularly featured in In and Around Horse Country. $19.00 Horse Lovers Pocket Calendar. Just the right size to fit in your purse or suit coat pocket, this handy two-year calendar is there when you need it to keep track of your appointments. Plastic laminated soft-cover. $5.99 Horse Lovers Weekly Engagement Calendar. With a beautiful horse photograph opposite every week, you’ll enjoy writing in this, whether you use it as an engagement calendar or, as I do, a mini-diary to review in years to come. It also would make an excellent training book to record your schooling sessions and/or lessons. Hardcover and spiral-bound. $15.99 A couple of new books for the kids (remember, Christmas is right around the corner!): Burns, Deborah. Dream Horses/A Poster Book. Photographs by Bob Langrish can be removed from this book and framed if desired; 9½” x 12” in size, they feature horses in dream-like settings running free, some photoshopped into unicorns or flying horses.

Two pages of text tell of mythical equines like Pegasus from around the world. Great for a youngster’s bedroom or tack room walls. Paperback, unpaginated. $10.95 Littlefield, Cindy. Horse Games & Puzzles.

102 brainteasers, word games, picture puzzles, and more to entertain horse-loving kids.

Great for those “Mommy, I’m bored!” moments, rainy days at horse camp, or those interminable snow days when the household is snowbound. Paperback, 138pp. $9.95 For adults we have a hodgepodge of useful or enjoyable new books. The first is bound to appeal to all our foxhunters, especially those new to the sport. Written in the spirit of Beckford’s Thoughts on Hunting, it offers practical, modern advice to nouveau huntsmen. As is common with such books, the advice is certainly useful to the rest of the

HORSE COUNTRY BOOKSELLERS Specialists in New, Old & Rare Books on Horses, Foxhunting, Eventing, Polo, Racing, Steeplechasing & Sporting Art 60 Alexandria Pike, Warrenton, VA 20186 • 800-882-HUNT • 540-347-3141 field as well.

Barclay, Andrew. Letters to a Young Huntsman. The author has plenty of experience to call upon in this handy guide to novice huntsmen; he spent seven years whipping-in at Green Spring Valley Hounds before taking over as huntsman for twenty years. As he mentions in his introduction, he figures by the time you become a huntsman, you probably know most of this, but he wrote as much for the field’s instruction as for huntsmen. The more you know about hunting, the more you can enjoy it – assuming you’re seriously interested in hound work and aren’t out just to run and jump across country. I think you’ll enjoy this new addition to the foxhunting library. Hardcover, 116pp. $27.95 Brenner, Kate; and Genie Ford. Middleburg.

Another in the “Images of America” series, this brand-new issue deals with the town of Middleburg, Virginia, heart of hunt country in Virginia. The equine set is prominently featured, as are celebrities from Jackie Kennedy to Sheila Johnson, in sepia-toned photographs from the past. There are photos of old buildings, some still extant, others demolished; shots of the famed AmericanEnglish foxhound competition; and a few reproductions of artwork depicting the area.

As with others in the series, text is minimal, focusing on the pictures. Softcover, $21.99 Imus, Brenda. The Gaited Horse Bible.

Many pleasure riders are turning to gaited horses as a more comfortable alternative, and they’re not looking for a “big lick” Walker or a fancy five-gaited show Saddlebred.

Instead, they just want a nice, uncomplicated ride that won’t jar their teeth out. Here the author has brought together a host of information on buying, training, and riding various naturally gaited breeds, with an emphasis on humane techniques. Here you will find suggestions for training the young horse without ridiculously large shoes, soring, or tail-setting. The focus is on preparing a companion animal for the trail. A particularly useful chapter includes cutaway drawings of different bits in the horse’s mouth and how they work. Highly recommended for anyone interested in gaited horses! Softcover, 244pp. $29.95 Letts, Elizabeth. The Eighty-Dollar Champion. This bestseller is now back in print as a paperback. It’s the story of Snowman, the plow horse that Harry de Leyer rescued from the back of a truck of horses destined for the slaughterhouse.

Snowman made a nice lesson horse, but was sold – and kept jumping fences to get back to de Leyer’s stable. Finally de Leyer gave in to the inevitable and repurchased the horse.

From there he went on to show jumper competitions and just kept getting better, until he reached the pinnacle: Madison Square Garden. Paperback, 339pp. $16.00 Lodge, Ray; and Susan Shanks. All-Weather Surfaces for Horses. Third enlarged edition.

The science of horse arena footing has progressed a long way from the sand-and-bluestone of the last century. A wide variety of materials is being used to either supplement or replace that combination, in hopes of improving footing and reducing dust. The author’s mechanical engineering experience led him to experiment with different surfaces and new filtration systems when his daughter needed a new all-weather arena; his results led him to install many systems in Great Britain and abroad. He discusses site work, selection, surface choices, base or foundation work, the issue of material migration, maintenance, construction alternatives, and much more. Line drawings and color photographs illustrate. Hardcover, 112pp. $41.95 Lush, Debby. The Successful Dressage Competitor. If you compete or are considering competing in dressage, this will help prepare you and your horse to perform your best. From proper attire and attitude to evaluating the judge’s comments after your ride, Lush gives helpful suggestions, supplemented with color photos. She explains what the judge wants to see for each movement, how to ensure that you get it, and how to fix it when it’s wrong. This is one of the most useful books on dressage competition that I’ve seen. Softcover, $45.00 McDonald, Leslie. Musings of a Horse Farm Corgi. Beamer is a charming Corgi puppy with a potentially fatal flaw – he is what’s termed a “fluffy,” a long, fine-haired Corgi that many breeders would have culled, because his coat makes him unfit for herding and therefore unfit for showing or breeding.

But he’s fortunate; his breeder finds a loving home for the cute puppy who just wants people to love him. Written as if by the Corgi himself, his adventures learning about horses and farm life are lighthearted and endearing.

Beamer is a real Corgi, and his pictures will make you want to own one just like him.

Paperback, $12.95 Mullins, Peggy. Everybody Loves Ika. Ika is a pit bull. Pit bulls are mean, unpredictable killers, right? But nobody told Ika, and Ika is a sweet, happy dog that loves everybody.

(I’ve met and petted Ika, and he is adorable, with a broad canine grin.) Ika came from a terrible background, a dog-fighting breeder whose blood-lust and callous disregard of the sanctity of other people’s pets was fortunately interrupted by authorities in time to rescue Ika’s mother who was near labor but in poor health due to neglect. Ika was one of a few surviving puppies who was lucky enough to be adopted by a caring woman who also happens to be a horsewoman. This is the true story of Ika’s development into a wonderful, friendly pet that draws strangers everywhere to come admire him. Along the way you will be introduced to Peggy’s other animals and her husband, who helped make her life whole. Paperback, $14.95.

Petersen, Olaf. Design, Building & Riding the Showjumping Course. Books on course

design have come and gone; this is the first DVD I’ve seen on the topic. Petersen shows the various types of course design and discusses the effects of different colors, wings, and decorations. Distances, design of combinations, water jumps, design of lines, and safety are all considered. DVD, $45.00 Troup, Melissa. An Instructor’s Guide to Teaching Children to Ride. In addition to basic instruction advice, the author gives innumerable exercise diagrams and lists games to make lessons more interesting. In the back is an appendix containing sample written tests of your youngsters’ knowledge, ranging from True-False to “What’s wrong with this picture?” Many color photos illustrate topics covered. Troup has written several other riding books and co-authored two British Horse Society workbooks. This is a very good addition to your instruction library! Paperback, 144pp. $39.95 Van Nassau, Rob. Hoof Problems. “No foot, no horse” is an old and true adage oft quoted by horsemen, and many are the ailments that trouble the hoof. They are extensively covered in this terrific book, with a multitude of color photographs and illustrations that show problems both external and internal and many before-and-after photographs of treatments of the ailments, be they farrier-remedied or veterinarily corrected. If you’re a farrier or veterinarian, you need this if only to carry around and show your clients what’s going on. If you’re a horse owner or stable manager, it will give you a wealth of information. Well worth the cost! The author has over 30 years’ experience as a qualified farrier working in a specialist equine veterinary clinic. Hardcover, 224pp. $45.00 The following two books I don’t have in hand to review at this time but should be out in October or November; once I have a copy in hand I can write a proper review. Let me know if you’d like me to set one aside for you! And don’t forget to put your name on the list to buy Rita Mae Brown’s Fox Tracks, the next in the Sister Jane series We can have it autographed for you when she comes to the store, if you can’t make the booksigning in November yourself.

Tweedy, Kate Chenery; and Leeann Ladin.

Riva Ridge/Penny’s First Champion. Riva Ridge, winner of the Kentucky Derby and the Belmont in 1972, has been eclipsed by his fabulous stablemate, Secretariat. Feeling that Riva, too, deserves a book, the authors of Secretariat’s Meadow have produced this, with a foreword by Penny Chenery. Due out October 1. Softcover, 84pp. $20.00 Rawnsley, Douglas. Fraud Catcher. This novel, written by a former Warrentonian, centers around a fraud investigator and contains a chapter that takes place here in Warrenton. It should be out by November.

You may remember a previous book of his, Account Overdue. I have no further details as to price at this time, but a typical hardback usually runs around $25.00.

Francis, Felix. Dick Francis’s Bloodline.

Due out Oct. 2, Felix Francis’s latest book centers around race caller Mark Shillingford.

When his twin sister, a successful jockey, places second in a race she should have won, Mark accuses her of fixing the race. She storms off after an argument, and is later found dead below her hotel balcony. Has she committed suicide – or is something more sinister afoot? Hardcover, 368pp. $26.95

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IN & AROUND HORSE COUNTRY • OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2012

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GEORGE WHITE FENCING AND SUPPLY Installation • Repairs • Fence Painting Portable Barns and Sheds FERNANDO VILLAVICENCIO General Manager Office: 540-687-5803 Licensed & Insured Fax: 540-687-3574 www.georgewhitefencing.com

TO GET YOUR AD IN THE NEXT ISSUE

CALL MARY COX (540) 636-7688 OR HORSE COUNTRY (540) 347-3141

CLASSIFIEDS REAL ESTATE

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

www.lizcallar.com FOXHUNTING PHOTOGRAPHER

EMPLOYMENT RED MOUNTAIN HOUNDS is seeking a Huntsman for the 2013-2014 season.

Candidates currently under contract with another hunt may be considered for this position only with the approval of their Masters. The Hunt is located in North Central North Carolina approximately 30 miles from the Durham/Chapel Hill area. Housing is provided. A valid Driver’s License is required. The Huntsman will be responsible for the care of the hounds and kennels. The hounds are a well-established pack of Penn-Marydels. Inquiries will be accepted and considered from whips, staffs, and other professional personnel interested in a Huntsman position. Inquiries and resumes should be directed to Lewis A. Thompson, III, P. O. Box 535, Warrenton, NC 27589, (252) 257-2201 or (252) 432-4783.

HORSE AND DOG SITTING Professional qualified caring for your horses and dogs while you are on holiday or otherwise out of town. One day to one month. References available. Contact Mairead Carr at 540-687-3814 (h) or 540-687-0155 (c).

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Janet Hitchen Photography

Richard Clay Photography www.richardclayphotography.com rclay@hughes.net

(540) 837-9846 www.janethitchenphotography.com

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IN & AROUND HORSE COUNTRY • OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2012

Horses and People to Watch Virginia Thoroughbred Association

VA-Breds at Keeneland September Yearling Sale 007 C, Bernardini - Our Legacy, Eaton Sales, Agent - $130,000, Charles and Maribeth Sandford, LLC, ($250,000 Keeneland November Sale (Kee Nov)), Bred by Estate of Edward P. Evans.

025 C, Malibu Moon - So Probable, Taylor Made Sales Agency, Agent LXXIV - $300,000, Maverick Racing, ($230,000 Kee Nov), Bred by Estate of Edward P. Evans.

045 F, Smart Strike - Untouched Talent, Brookdale Sales, Agent for Audley Farm Equine LLC $1,300,000, Donato Lanni, Agt. for Sikura and Lunsford, Bred by Audley Farm Equine LLC. 135, F, by Tiznow - Never a No Hitter, Three Chimneys Sales, Agent - $130,000, Jerry Hollendorfer ($115,000 Kee Nov weanling), Bred by Morgan’s Ford Farm.

174 C, Broken Vow - Pink Champagne, Brookdale Sales, Agent for Audley Farm Equine LLC - $160,000, David Redvers Bloodstock, Bred by Audley Farm Equine LLC. 252 F, More Than Ready - Rough Water, Lane’s End, Agent - $360,000, Stephen Carr ($170,000 Kee Nov weanling), Bred by Edward P. Evans.

306 C, Rock Hard Ten - Shy Lil, St. George Sales, Hip #45. Keeneland photo Agent XIX - $85,000, Kenneth McPeek, Agt. Bred by Hart Farm.

367 C, Malibu Moon - Summer Delight, Mill Ridge Sales, Agent for Lazy Lane Farms LLC $200,000, Friarstown Stud, Bred by Lazy Lane Farms LLC. 389 F, Malibu Moon - Tap Dance, Paramount Sales, Agent LXXV - $180,000, Hoffman Thoroughbred, LLC ($120,000 Kee Nov weanling), Bred by Estate of Edward P. Evans.

390 F, Stormy Atlantic - Tap Gold, St. George Sales, Agent XXIV - $40,000, Christina R. Jelm, Agt. for Green B. Smith ($6,500 Kee Nov weanling), Bred by the Estate of Edward P. Evans.

612 C, Tapit - Cee’s Irish, Brookdale Sales, Agent for Audley Farm Equine LLC - $150,000, Shortleaf Stable. Bred by S. Barton Inc. 616 F, Elusive Quality – Charitabledonation, St. George Sales, Agent XXII - $50,000, PTK LLC/Paula Haughey ($30,000, Kee Nov weanling). Bred by the Estate of Edward P. Evans.

704 C, Hard Spun - Divorce Settlement, Lane’s End, Agent - $210,000, David Redvers Bloodstock ($85,000 Kee Nov weanling). Bred by Estate of Edward P. Evans.

720 C, Empire Maker - Dundrummin’, Brookdale Sales, Agent for Audley Farm Equine LLC - $32,000, Brown Island Stables. Bred by Audley Farm Equine LLC. 796 F, Arch - Go Baby Go (IRE), Morgan’s Ford Farm - $340,000, Justice Racing. Bred by Morgan’s Ford Farm.

936 C, Mr. Greeley - Life in Seattle, Dapple Stud, Agent for Lazy Lane Farms LLC $410,000, Shortleaf Stable. Bred by Lazy Lane Farm.

969 C, Malibu Moon - Mambo Bell, Lane’s End, Agent - $200,000, Jeff Treadway. ($200,000 Kee Nov weanling). Bred by the Estate of Edward P. Evans.

992 C, Street Sense - Minishaft, Royal Pegasus LLC - $110,000, Red Castle Farms ($120,000 Kee Nov weanling). Bred by the Estate of Edward P. Evans.

1014 F, Malibu Moon - Miz United States, St. George Sales, Agent XIX - $160,000, Nick de Meric, Agt. (Not registered.)

1197 F, Tale of the Cat - Uncanny Ability, Taylor Made Sales Agency, Agent CXXXIII $35,000, Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners. Bred by Lady Olivia at North Cliff, LLC. 1363 C, Rock Hard Ten - Gone Surfin’, Lane’s End, Agent for Smitten Farm - $32,000, IVA. Bred by William Backer.

1454 F, Not For Love - More Hennessy, Lane’s End, Agent - $80,000, Chester Stables, LLC. ($80,000 Kee Nov weanling). Bred by the Estate of Edward P. Evans.

1641 C, by Malibu Moon - Beautiful Stranger, Blackburn Farm (Michael T. Barnett), Agent $60,000, Grove Stud. Bred by Hart Farm.

1675 C, Mineshaft - Cielo Girl, Warrendale Sales, Agent for Lazy Lane Farms LLC - $90,000, Crupi’s New Castle Farm. Bred by Lazy Lane Farms LLC. 1729 C, Arch – Exceptionally, Brookdale Sales, Agent for Audley Farm Equine LLC $160,000, McMahon & Hill Bldstk., Agt. for Lake Lonely. Bred by Audley Farm Equine LLC. 1764 C, Tale of the Cat - Ghost Dancing, Knockgriffin Farm, Agent - $25,000 Woodford Thoroughbreds Sales. ($80,000 Kee Nov weanling). Bred by the Estate of Edward P. Evans.

1771 C, Hard Spun - Gone for Christmas, Warrendale Sales, Agent XIII - $43,000, Santa Rosa Racing Stables, LLC. ($80,000 Kee Nov weanling). Bred by Edward P. Evans.

2199 C, Quiet American - Hawaiian Love, Eaton Sales, Agent - $80,000, Fox Hill Farm/Tom McGreevy, Agt. Bred by Mrs. C. Oliver Iselin, III. 2210 F, City Zip – Humorlee, Eaton Sales, Agent - $26,000, Barbara Houck. Bred by Mrs. C. Oliver Iselin, III. 2284 C, Colonel John - Night Breeze, Warrendale Sales, Agent for Lazy Lane Farms LLC $105,000, Acker, Allen or Lindo. Bred by Lazy Lane Farms LLC. 2362 C, Tale of the Cat - Steady Play, Knockgriffin Farm, Agent - $80,000, Barry and Joni Butzow. Bred by the Estate of Edward P. Evans.

2385 C, Tiz Wonderful - Tico Breeze, St. George Sales, Agent XIX - $65,000, Michael Sucher.

Bred by Hart Farm.

2486 F, Elusive Quality - Cat Minstrel, St. George Sales, Agent XVI - L.S. Racing, $38,000. Bred by the Estate of Edward P. Evans.

2541 C, Ready’s Image – Evangel, Ashview Farm LLC (Bryan Lyster & Gray Lyster), Agent - $20,000, Ed Moger. Bred by James S. Carter & Walmac Farm.

2560 F, Roman Ruler - Gal’s Victory, St. George Sales, Agent XIX - $30,000, Dale Romans, Agent. Bred by Hart Farm.

2594 C, Cowboy Cal – Honorett, Indian Creek, Agent - $67,000, James McIngvale. Bred by Morgan’s Ford Farm.

2595 F, Exchange Rate - Honour Old Glory, St. George Sales, Agent XIX - $60,000, Michael Pino. Bred by Hart Farm.

3205 C, Mineshaft - Amy’s Gold, Burleson Farms, Agent - $10,000, Gary Tussey. Bred by Chance Farm.

3299, C, Jump Start - Flying Ten, Burleson Farms, Agent - $7,500, Black Burn Farm. Bred by Chance Farm.

3317 C, Ready’s Image - Gucci Gulch, Four Star Sales, Agent - $10,000, Monarch Thoroughbreds, LLC. Breeder not in VTA database.

3362 F, Jump Start - Lone Flight, Burleson Farms, Agent - $17,000, Randy Littlepage. Bred

by Chance Farm.

3435 F, Aragorn (IRE) - Smash Review, Eaton Sales, Agent - $4,000, R. B. McCutchen. Bred

by Wolver Hill Farm.

Audley Filly Sells For $1.3 Million No doubt everyone at Audley Farm in Berryville, VA was disappointed when Virginia-bred Bodemeister, the runner up in this year’s Kentucky Derby and Preaknsess, was suddenly retired from racing in August due to a shoulder injury.

That disappointment was surely assuaged when Bodemeister’s Virginia-bred half-sister recently sold at the Keeneland September Yearling Sale for $1.3 million to a partnership of John Sikura and Bruce Lunsford. The pair outlasted a group of Japanese buyers to land the filly from the Liebrecht family’s well known Virginia nursery.

The filly will be trained by Bob Baffert who conditioned her half-brother Bodemeister.

Bodemeister raced for Zayat Stables and won the Grade 1 Arkansas Derby before finishing second in the first two legs of the Triple Crown. He retired from racing with $1,304,800 in earnings.

Sikura, whose Hill ’n’ Dale farm is well known in the industry, was already quite familiar with the filly’s dam, Untouched Talent. He had bought her in partnership for $500,000 as a 2-year-old in 2006, and campaigned her to a victory in the Grade 3 Sorrento Stakes and a second in the Grade 1 Del Mar Debutante Stakes.

Hill ’n’ Dale subsequently sold Untouched Talent to Audley Farm for $1.2 million at the 2007 Keeneland November sale in foal to Unbridled Song, and Audley later sold Bodemeister to Zayat at the 2010 Keeneland September Yearling Sale for $260,000.

Audley’s Equine Consultant Dr. Jens von Lepel DVM was all smiles after the filly sold, saying, “We are more than pleased. It’s amazing. It’s the best reward for my owners and my crew – they did so well. And we really have to thank Joe Seitz from [Brookdale, who consigned the filly]. They did a great job. It’s a dream come true. Bodemeister made us so happy through the spring, and we knew we might have a chance with her if we put her on the market.”

Virginia-Bred Stakes Winners Virginia-bred Dominus and former Virginia-bred Champion In The Rough both won stakes races in September.

Dominus, by Smart Strike, out of Cuando by Lord At War (ARG) had never raced on turf, but his pedigree strongly suggested that he’d love the surface. Trainer Todd Pletcher took the hint, tried the lightly-raced four-year-old in the Grade 2, $250,000 Bernard Baruch Handicap at Saratoga, and Dominus dominated wire to wire.

Owned by George Bolton, Stonestreet Stables and Spendthrift Farm, Dominus was sent off as the 9-5 second choice in his turf debut, and his second start off a nearly yearlong layoff.

Dominus had the advantage of being the controlling speed, as well as an eight-pound concession from 122-pound highweight Data Link.

Cruising to the front with Julien Leparoux, Dominus got away with comfortable fractions of :24, :48 and 1:12.

Dominus completed 1 miles on the firm Mellon Turf in 1:40 to earn his second career stakes victory, following last year’s Grade 2 Dwyer Stakes at Belmont Park. The dark bay ridgling returned $5.70, $2.90 and $2.50.

Dominus was bred by the late Edward P. Evans and Dominus. NYRA photo now sports a record of 8-4-2-1, $439,329.

Former Va-bred champ In the Rough, narrowly beaten in a pair of turf stakes earlier this season, didn’t have to settle for second best in September’s $62,300 Forever Together Stakes at Delaware Park.

Under Alex Cintron, the five-year-old mare rallied along the rail in the stretch to score by 1¼ lengths in the one-mile turf race for fillies and mares. She completed the distance over firm turf in 1:37.58 for her first win since last October. Although 0 for 6 this season prior her win, In the Rough had missed by a head in the Dahlia at Pimlico in April and surrendered the lead in deep stretch to lose by 1¼ lengths in the restricted Brookmeade at Colonial Downs in July.

A daughter of Stormy Atlantic trained by Monmouth Park-based Kelly Breen and owned by George and Lori Hall, In the Rough is now 5 for 29 lifetime with earnings of $313, 445.

In the Rough was bred by Lazy Lane Farms.

In The Rough. Gulfstream Park photo

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