In & Around Horse Country

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

VOLUME XXV / NUMBER 6 • THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE VIRGINIA STEEPLECHASE ASSOCIATION • OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2013

IN & AROUND HORSE COUNTRY • OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2013

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FIELD HUNTERS

Field Hunter Championship of North America Glenwood Park, Middleburg, Virginia • October 6, 2013 • Janet Hitchen photos

Mrs. Jean Derrick on Dixie, Belle Meade Hunt, Georgia.

The Bonnie family: Shelby Bonnie, Julie Gomena Bonnie, Nina Bonnie, and Ned Bonnie.

Best Turned Out Patty Brantley on Debonair, Live Oak Hounds, Florida.

Most Suitable Marilyn Ware on Bellevue’s Gray Smoke, Keswick Hunt, Virginia.

Sportsmanship Award Kathy Noffsinger, Live Oak Hounds, Florida.

Champion Field Hunter Teresa Croce on Greyland Woods, Loudoun Hunt, Virginia.

Reserve Champion Field Hunter Karen Russell on Turnadieu, Orange County Hounds, Virginia.

Honorable Mention Best Turned Out Patricia Smithwick on Nottingham’s Friar Tuck, Snickersville Hounds, Virginia.

Reserve Best Turned Out Eduardo Coria on Denali, Casanova Hunt, Virginia.

IN & AROUND HORSE COUNTRY • OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2013

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SPORTING LIFE HIGHLIGHTS Upcoming Events In & Around Horse Country It’s a busy time in Horse Country. Here’s a list of some upcoming events. (A tip of the cap to Susan Monticelli for collecting some of this information.)

Junior North American Field Hunter Championship For riders 18 and under on ponies or appropriate hunting horses. The annual competition is held in September and October. There are two divisions, north and south, with meets hosted by hunts in Virginia, Maryland, and Pennsylvania. The finals will be held on November 10 at Green Spring Valley Hounds. For more information, visit the Facebook page “Junior North American Field Hunter Championship.”

Orange County Hounds Team Chase Sunday, October 27 Old Whitewood Farm, The Plains, VA Pippy McCormick: 540-454-2854 doverhse@earthlink.net Jane Bishop: 540-687-6965 jcb.waverly@mac.com

National Sporting Library Wednesday, October 30, 6:00 – 8:30 pm: Philip Dutton Book Signing www.nsl.org

Fall Races Saturday, November 2: Montpelier Races, Montpelier Station, VA For more details and contact information, visit www.centralentryoffice.com.

Booksigning: Rosemary Groux Thursday, November 7, 5:00 – 7:00 pm: Horse Country Saddlery, Warrenton, VA Rosemary Groux will be signing copies of her new book Finding Truth, the first of her Brynwyd Legacy trilogy.

Middleburg Christmas Parade Saturday, December 7 Middleburg, VA www.middleburghunt.com

Santa Comes to Horse Country Wednesday, December 11 Horse Country Saddlery, Warrenton, VA Santa, accompanied by Mrs. Claus and an elf, will visit Horse Country Saddlery where he’ll be greeting and taking wishes from the younger set from 4-6 p.m. and from adults, after the bar opens, from 6-9 p.m.

There will be a trunk show with several makers attending, good food, and door prizes. www.HorseCountryLife.com

Low Country Hunt Weekend Thursday, January 16 through Sunday, January 19 Charleston, SC www.thelowcountryhunt.com

Masters of Foxhounds Assoc. Annual Seminar & Masters Ball Thursday, January 23 and Friday, January 24, 2014 New York, NY www.mfha.org

Belle Meade Hunt Week Sunday, January 26 through Saturday, February 1, 2014 Thomson, GA www.bellemeadehounds.com

Hunt Week in Aiken Wednesday, February 5 through Thursday, February 13, 2014 Aiken, SC www.whiskeyroadfoxhounds.com ••••

Meet the New Author, Rosemary Groux When we published Rosemary Groux’s article on the Equine Emergency Preparedness Clinic in the February/March 2013 of In & Around Horse Country, we had no idea the young teenager was already close to completing her first fulllength novel. Rosemary was 15 when, on a family trip, she began to entertain her younger sister with a story – inspired by C.S. Lewis, J.R.R. Tolkien, Brian Davis, and other fantasy authors Rosemary had read as a child. With a newfound passion for storytelling, she then started to weave the tale that would become the Brenwyd Legacy trilogy. Nine months later, she completed the first book, Finding Truth.

At the age of 17, Rosemary has now finished the second and third books. The first book was published Rosemary and Harmony. this fall by Believe Books, of Washington, DC, with the rest of the trilogy coming in 2014 and 2015.

Finding Truth is the tale of Cassie Pennington, a teenage girl on an epic quest to rescue her kidnapped parents and discover the truth about her own identity and destiny. Her life takes a turn for the adventurous when she learns that she is descended from the Brenwyds, an ancient group of people who are as much in danger as they are gifted.

Currently a junior at Highland School, Rosemary is a member of the Casanova-Warrenton Pony Club. In 2013 she was recognized as a “High School Equestrian Athlete” by the United States Equestrian Federation.

Rosemary will be signing copies of her book at Horse Country Saddlery in Warrenton on November 7, 2013, from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm. Light refreshments will be served. Come by and meet this promising new author.

••••

Museum of Hounds and Hunting NA Opens Satellite Art Gallery in Middleburg The public is invited to 112 West Washington Street, Middleburg, Virginia, where the Museum of Hounds and Hunting NA is presenting an exhibition by contemporary sporting artists. The exhibition, open Friday through Monday from 11 am to 6 pm through mid-December, features beautiful works in oils, pastels, prints, and bronzes that highlight foxes, hounds, and hunting.

This is a rare opportunity to view a collection from the talented hands of some of the best-known artists on today’s sporting scene: Sandra Forbush, Gail Guirreri Maslyk, Anita Baarns, Nancy Kleck, Alice Porter, Cynthia Benitz, Dana Lee Thompson, Mary Cornish, Juli Kirk, Belinda Sillars, and Jean Clagett.

The Museum of Hounds and Hunting North America is most grateful for the donations and support of these artists and MHHNA members while it strives to increase the awareness and membership of the Museum.

You can also visit the main galleries at the Museum’s location in the Mansion at Morven Park, Virginia, where the MHHNA has been serving the public since 1985. For more information, visit www.mhhna.org.

COVER PHOTOGRAPHER: Janet Hitchen

ON THE COVER: Colvin G. Ryan, jt.-MFH, Piedmont Fox Hounds and Snickersville Hounds, leading the Mock Hunt portion of the North American Field Hunter Championship at Glenwood Park, Middleburg, Virginia, October 6, 2013.

PHOTOGRAPHERS: Richard Clay www.richardclayphotography.com Lauren R. Giannini Janet Hitchen 540-837-9846 www.janethitchenphotography.com Allison Howell Ingrid Krampe www.bellavitaequestrian.com Douglas Lees douglaslees@comcast.com Jim Meads, U.K. 011-44-1686-420436 Karen L. Myers www.klmimages.com Betsy Burke Parker Eric Schneider Debby Thomas Judy Tobias

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

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 Email: hcmaryads@embarqmail.com Contributors: Aga; J. Harris Anderson; John J. Carle II, ex-MFH; Lauren R. Giannini; Jim Meads; Will O’Keefe; Betsy Burke Parker; Virginia Thoroughbred Association; Sophia Vella; Jenny Young LAYOUT & DESIGN: Kate Houchin Copyright 2013 In & Around Horse Country®. All Rights Reserved. Volume XXV, No.6 POSTMASTER: CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED

IN & AROUND HORSE COUNTRY • OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2013

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FIELD HUNTERS

Youth No Barrier to National Championship Croce, Greyland Woods Claim Field Hunter Title

By Betsy Burke Parker She may have been one of the youngest competiBoucher plus Middleburg Hunt’s Karen Nutt tors, but if the 20-year-old college sophomore felt Kingsley and Loudoun Hunt’s Beth de Stanley) to the pressure, it didn’t show. confer once again. They opted for a second test for Riding Thoroughbred gelding Greyland their five favorites, asking riders to canter a small Woods, Teresa Croce beat out some 40 of her eldjump with a red hunt coat draped across it (to sugers to claim the coveted North American Field gest a coat hung over a wire fence, McCormick Hunter Championship October 6 at Middleburg’s explained), gallop to a large drop jump, and finish Glenwood Park. It culminated a long and testing with a strong gallop towards the crowd and halt. week of qualifying competition and an arduous Karen Russell went first aboard Magalen O. championship finals held prior to the second day of Bryant’s Thoroughbred mare Turnadieu, riding for the Virginia Fall Races steeplechase meet. the Orange County Hounds. Next up was 2012 “I can’t believe it,” Croce chanted over and champion Gold For Glory, another Thoroughbred, over after she was announced best following twin with Lissa Green representing Piedmont. Croce “final test” rounds held on the infield of the historic followed with Greyland Woods, with 2011 Virginia steeplechase track. “There are so many good riders Field Hunter champion Chase and Karyn Wilson here, so many good horses. I’m so excited.” for Loudoun Fairfax next. Keswick’s Marilyn Ware Croce wasn’t faking humility: the field was on Bellevue’s Gray completed the test. one of the most competitive yet in the 28th annual Again, not a single horse had a visible bobble, Field Hunter Champion Greyland Woods and Teresa Croce. event. The field included last year’s winner, a pair forcing another lengthy conference between the Janet Hitchen photo of Virginia Field Hunter Championship winners, four judges. and a clutch of finalists from the Masters of Foxhounds Centennial Championship “We loved Teresa’s horse,” Boucher said after the announcer at last called out as well as professionals and hunt staff from some of the nation’s most premiere the winners. “There was a lot of discussion, because all the horses were so very, hunt clubs. very good. But her horse really stood out.”

“It was a top group,” said judge Jean Derrick of Georgia’s Belle Meade Hunt, “You really have to gallop in the hunt field,” said Boucher, a former steeplepart of a four-person panel that scored horses and riders all week during the Sept. chase jockey and active jump and flat trainer, as well as a regular in the hunt field 30-Oct. 4 preliminaries, and Sunday at Glenwood for the finals. Derrick and the with Mr. Stewart’s Cheshire Foxhounds in Pennsylvania. “Sometimes, you have other officials rode alongside competitors hunting with the Keswick, Casanova, to ‘hold hard’ from a real run. That’s what we wanted to measure. I think we set Snickersville, and Piedmont packs, marking scorecards and selecting favorites up a real, legitimate test.” based on movement, style, manners, and tractability. It takes brains plus beauty, Other prizes included Best Turned Out champion Patti Brantley and Debonair judge Lilith Boucher noted. “There were a lot of very nice horses,” she said. Still, representing Florida’s Live Oak Hounds, and reserve Eduardo Coria and Denali judging for a real, bona fide foxhunter, Boucher added, is about form, function, riding for Casanova. Patricia Smithwick, riding for Snickersville Hounds on Nottingham’s Friar Tuck, was given an Honorable Mention nod in the Best Turned and a whole lot more.

Out competition. Lucy Wallace’s Orion, riding for Keswick, was judged Most “It’s about having the skill to gallop a fence, maybe race down a hill and all Suitable. Live Oak rider Kathy Noffsinger won the Sportsmanship Award. of a sudden ‘hold hard,’” sliding to an abrupt—and complete—halt at the bottom if necessary to avoid freshly planted crops, hardtop road, or errant hound.

College Girl Greyland Woods presented the entire package, Boucher said. The gelding has Croce is splitting her time between horses and school right now, carrying a full hunted 12 seasons, primarily with owner Karen Martz, Croce’s mother. “He’s just course load as a sophomore liberal arts major at Lord Fairfax Community College. a good horse,” Martz said of the 17-year-old veteran. “One of those horses that She’s uncertain of her plans after graduation, only sure that she’ll continue until was always good at hunting, from the first season we had him” at age 6. she earns enough credits to graduate.

Greyland Woods was chosen on the final day of preliminaries at Piedmont, She’s ridden her whole life: a member of the Middleburg Orange County but all week the gray stood out for his striking good looks and kind eye, fluid galPony Club, Croce qualified for the U.S. Pony Club mounted games national chamlop, and floating gaits, Boucher said. “I noticed him right away” early in the week. pionship three times, and earned a slot at the President’s Cup and a berth in the Judges confer, organizer Pippy McCormick explained, at each check during the Virginia Regional championship in show jumping. hunting week, and after each portion of the final testing process on championship She quit after she earned her C-1 and started racing on the Virginia point-today. point circuit in junior field masters’ ‘chases. Croce works for steeplechase trainer The Specifics Twenty-five took part in the finals, starting with judging for the Best Turned Out awards. Next, Piedmont and Snickersville joint-master Gregg Ryan led the group on a mock hunt route that began and ended on the Glenwood course, looping to the north around Middleburg Hunt territory. Judges were posted along the route to mark their cards, though Boucher stressed that the final day was only “a portion of the overall judging. The horse’s manners and hunting ability make up a great deal of the scoring.”

Nine were picked for part one of the final test, a short handy-hunter course that included galloping a fence away from the simulated “field at a check,” jumping up, and back down, an earthen bank (a three-day event obstacle built for the Middleburg Horse Trials,) an open gallop across the racecourse infield, and the all-important “hold hard” before quietly “popping” a small jump and halting on the far side in front of a row of pumpkins that judges told competitors represented a freshly seeded crop field.

Not a single major mistake was made in the test, leaving judges (Derrick and

Jimmy Day at his farm near Millwood when not in class.

“I’m not sure it can get any better than this,” Martz said of the title. “It’s my two babies, winning the championship.”

History The championship began in 1984, brainchild of the late Dot Smithwick and Kitty Smith. They created the event as an avenue to showcase the nation’s top foxhunters—typically left out of show competition, and another way to support the Virginia Fall Races beneficiary, the Loudoun Hospital.

The championships are named for longtime Piedmont Fox Hounds master Theodora Randolph, whose Armanative won the first championship.

Though most competitors come from the mid-Atlantic region, the event is open to all foxhunters; riders this year traveled from Florida, South Carolina, and Georgia.

For details on how to get involved in the 2014 championship, log onto www.VaFallRaces.com.

IN & AROUND HORSE COUNTRY • OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2013

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HOUND SHOWS

The View From The Basset Ring

By John J. Carle II, ex-MFH • Karen L. Myers photos

Judge Jake Carle evaluating a Skycastle brood bitch presented by Jim Scharnberg.

Brood Bitch winner Ripshin Brassy.

Champion Basset Ripshin Vic, shown by Edgar Hughston.

Basset Pack Class winner Calf Pasture Bssets with Jeep Cochran.

I began my “official” association with the Bryn Mawr Hound Show at around age 15, when my father got me a steward’s position in the Basset Ring. Now, my father was an old-fashioned, and often gruff, Quaker gentleman, and a devoted aficionado of the English hound, so to him, basset conformation was total anathema. When I—hoping for a foxhound ring—complained about my assignment, Dad replied, “Thee has to start at the bottom (expletive!).” And the bottom it proved to be for me, because no one, it seemed, walked out their hounds before classes began, and at least one basset—and usually several—in every class stopped to empty. Of course, as newcomer, it fell to my lot to operate the “pooper-scooper,” a job at which I became quite proficient by day’s end. I can still hear Judge Alexander Mackay-Smith’s nasal whine, “Steward! Steward!” as he pointed at an odiferous calling card, which he seemed to take as a personal affront. At these moments the other stewards became oblivious, being engrossed in pouring over their show catalogues. One fellow I clearly recall was so enthralled that he read his catalogue upside-down! By day’s end the entire ringside gallery were in gales of laughter, cheering me on.

I’d not set foot in the basset ring since until this year, when Mrs. Peyton S. Cochran, MB, Calf Pasture Bassets, Chairman of the Basset Committee, took the insane gamble of asking me to judge. Although I had judged once at the Aldie field trials bench show and once at the Sandanona Puppy Show, this was my first shot at the Big Time. Stepping to center ring, I was far more nervous than ever I was way back in the Pleistocene when I apprenticed to the late Wilbur Hubbard in the American ring. I needn’t have been; the entire day was an ever-escalating delight. What the exhibitors thought, however, was possibly not so delightful; yet no one complained. Thank you!

Although competition was intense, it was always good-natured, laughter ringing in every class, and nary a grumble, as all too often forms the unpleasant undercurrent in some rings. These exhibitors were clearly here to have fun, and fun we all had. Even Steward Lee Reeser had only a couple of chances to showcase his considerable skills with the pooper-scooper! As the day evolved, the most spirited competition was between two packs, the Ripshins from Ellerslie, GA, and Glyndon, MD’s Calf Pasture. The overwhelming popularity of the Ripshin breeding program (both afield and “on the flags”) was brilliantly reflected in the fact that in all but the two-couple and veteran doghound classes, every winner was either by a Ripshin dog or out of one of their bitches.

Furthermore, in four classes Ripshin blood highlighted the pedigrees of all three winners, and those of all the champions and reserves! This is, obviously, also a reflection upon the judge’s choice of type. Every judge has a preference: some prefer the heavier, lower-slung AKC type, others a leggier, freer-moving and more airily balanced hound. This day, the latter prevailed.

Sandanona won Unentered Dogs with “Rathbone,” a son of Ripshin “Bradley” ’09, to open the festivities. Then Ripshin “Vic” ’12 (Ashland “Veronese” ’05 x Ripshin “Brassy” ’09) came dancing into the Entered Dog class, and immediately made his mark against a formidable field. Broken-coated, leggy

and with strong, tight feet, he has the well-laid shoulder and generous elbow-slash that give him a long, free stride. His powerful back and strong hind leg propel him like a pocket rocket. These are attributes inherited mainly from his dam; his intriguing bluemottled color comes from his sire’s Bleu de Gascon blood. He emphatically set the standard for the day.

Ripshin blood dominated in Stallion Hound, as their “Bevin” ’09 won over Monkton Hall’s Sandanona “Able” ’10 (by RB “Bradley” ’09) and Calf Pasture’s Ripshin “Redskin” ’09 (by the grand old man and huntin’ demon, RB “Rattler” ’05). “Able” then stepped up to win with two of his get. “Vic” was a clear choice as Champion Dog over “Bevin.”

Calf Pasture “Rhumba,” a RB “Bradley” daughter, was Unentered Bitch winner ahead of Skycastle’s stylish sisters, “Yvette” and “Yarrow.” In Entered Bitches Calf Pasture’s stunning “Bramble” ’12 topped Monkton Hall’s “Ribbon” ’12 and Ripshin “Rapid” ’12 (all winners were by Ripshin sires, in order: “Redskin” ’09, “Beckford” ’08 and “Barker” ’08).

“Vic’s” dam, Ripshin “Brassy” ’09, won Brood Bitch plaudits over Skycastle “Tropette” ’09 and Monkton Hall’s Ripshin “Rita” ’08; and then triumphed with two of her produce. Calf Pasture “Bramble” continued her campaign by marching to the Bitch Championship, defeating Ripshin “Brassy.”

Best Unentered Basset saw Sandanona “Rathbone” pinned over Skycastle “Yvette”; but Skycastle won Veteran Dog with Gebebe L. S. “Larry” ’09. Veteran Bitch went to Ripshin “Norma” ’06, 2012 Champion Basset, who was showing the effects of her recent maternity.

In the Championship set-to, the heat seemed to get to “Vic,” as he apparently lost his taste for biscuits, disdaining the chase for which “Bramble” still had enthusiasm. “Stubborn buggers,” one English whipper-in calls all bassets; and for a while “Vic” fell into that category. But suddenly he realized that Jeep Cochran’s biscuits tasted better than Edgar Hughston’s, and he briefly flashed his brilliance to become Champion Basset.

The Pack Class was a tight race, with no disastrous performances. In a close call, Calf Pasture won it all for their first time ever, putting a euphoric smile on the face of their Huntsman, Mrs. Cochran. Calf Pasture was also Highest Scoring Pack overall.

Skycastle’s charming fuzzies were second, Tewksbury’s lemon-and-white pack third. MostImproved Pack, the Reedy Creek, with Rachel Caine, MBH carrying the horn, came within an ace of winning a ribbon, doomed by one hound going slightly wide. Next year!

A day that began with trepidation ended all too soon. I found the basset ring to be warm and welcoming, a wonderful venue. Best of all, daughter Sarah came into the ring to apprentice during the championship classes, displaying a sharp eye and an unexpectedly astute grasp of the basics of balance and movement. I can only hope that the powers that be will consider their gamble a success and will some day invite me back. If they do, I’ll sure be there, because I’ve learned that if this ring is on the bottom, then the bottom’s the place to be!

IN & AROUND HORSE COUNTRY • OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2013

HUNTER TRIALS The 2013 New England Hunter Trials Hosted by Green Mountain Hounds, Shoreham, VT, October 6, 2013.

Eric Schneider photos

Kami Wolk, huntsman and joint-MFH of Wentworth Hunt, the winner of the 2013 Heard Cup.

The team jumping class was won by Chris Dayton (L) and Christa Kemp (R) of Green Mountain Hounds on a pair of matching grey mounts.

Eric Schneider Photos

FOXHUNTING

Myopia Horse Show, August 31-Sept 1, 2013. Hamilton, Massachusetts Anna Pavlov and Adelante, winners of the $2500 Myopia Hunter Derby.

Wentworth Hunt Opening Meet, Huntsman Kami Wolk, joint-MFH.

Green Mountain Whipper-in Chris Dayton.

Wentworth Hunt Opening Meet, September 28, 2013.

Yorkfield Farm, Kensington, New Hampshire Sue Levy, joint-MFH leading first field.

Green Mountain Hounds Blessing of the Hounds, September 22, 2013.

Bottum Farm, New Haven, Vermont. Field Master Martina Lussi leading the field.

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IN & AROUND HORSE COUNTRY • OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2013

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PERSONALITIES

Ian Silitch Is Still All About The Horses

By Lauren R. Giannini

Ian Silitch at HITS Culpeper, coaching one of his riders between riding in jumper and hunter classes. Lauren Giannini photo

Ian with sons, Alex leading the pony and Spencer aboard, practicing for leadline at a horse show many years ago. The boys are teenagers now.

Photo Courtesy of Jaci Silitch

Ian Silitch and Vanita, owned by Gaston Family Investments LLC, on the Level 7 1.40m jumper course at Culpeper Finals, the last HITS summer show in Virginia in September: the duo topped the open jumper standings on the Culpeper circuit. Lauren Giannini photo

Ian Silitch is a horseman. He doesn’t own a smartphone, but he texts. He doesn’t do Facebook and no website extols his equestrian expertise. He stays busy, riding lots of horses, teaching many lessons.

He divides his time between the winter circuit in Florida or in Boyce, Virginia, at Bakersfield Farm for the summer and early autumn, or on the road at various horse shows up and down the East Coast.

“I have never advertised—it’s all been word of mouth,” said Silitch. “My business has grown quietly. People want me to ride their horse. Then they want a lesson. Then they want another lesson. I have customers who have been with me for more than 25 years.”

Like Sarah Scott, who started riding with Silitch after college and competes in adult amateurs and low-level jumpers. “Ian is an extremely talented rider and teacher,” she said. “He is also kind. I’m not particularly talented, but he can bring out the best in horse and rider.”

horses won a lot.”

Silitch gleaned dressage principles from Karl Mikolka, former chief rider at the Spanish Riding School of Vienna. After moving to the US in the early 1970s, Mikolka based his training at Ulrich’s farm in Massachusetts. “I took several clinics with Karl—he was a very good guy and I learned a lot about dressage from him,” stated Silitch. “It came in handy, because I used to go to Australia a couple times a year and while I was there I had to teach dressage.”

Silitch summed it up: “There are two things.

When you put your leg on, let go. When you pull on the reins, it says stop. When you remember that and you can get your horse to move in a straight line, the rest is easy.” Even with his simplistic (yet accurate) view of dressage, he is serious about the importance of smart flat work to get from fence to fence and also to strengthen and develop the horse’s back, because it is not mature until the age of nine.

Growing Up Born in Manhattan, Silitch spent a lot of his childhood in New Hampshire and Vermont. He credited his equestrian mother, Clarissa MacVeagh Silitch, for getting him into horses. His mother’s aged junior horse, Spats, taught the young rider some essential lessons. “Spats was perfect,” recalled Silitch. “He had a canter, that’s really important, and he always saw his spot at the jump. Horses were my schoolmasters, but there were a few people who influenced me.”

Julie Ulrich, now based in France, ran Friar’s Gate Farm in Massachusetts and then Virginia. “Ian was a unique [working] student, as you can imagine,” replied Ulrich. “He read more than me, which is hard to do. He was the only student I ever had that had more energy than me. His energy is one of his greatest assets.”

They were kindred spirits, and lessons harvested from Ulrich enhanced and substantiated what Silitch learned on his own. “Julie was the first jumper rider I spent any time with, and I think I drove her crazy,” recalled Silitch. “She was great to me, very fair, and an amazing teacher. I had to make money and went off on my own, which is the reason why I left after three months. But I learned from Julie, and I treat everybody the way she treated me: you worked hard, but you got it back—you got to ride every day, had a lesson every day.”

Another major influence is Thom Hardy, who rode for the USET (his family had Highfields Farm in New Jersey). They met on the train from Florida to Virginia. “I hadn’t had a lesson or help in forever, and a couple weeks later I had a lesson with Thom and he got on my little tiny crazy Thoroughbred,” recalled Silitch. “In five minutes Thom had that horse eating out of his hand. I said. ‘I want some of that!’ I rode on and off for a couple years with him.

I had been very successful in lower level jumpers— I was a mini-prix king—Thom taught me how to get the rear end of the horse to the front end. After that, things took off for me—I was 32 or 33—and I started winning big classes everywhere. Actually, the

Big Ambitions Silitch didn’t go to a horse show until he was 18 and he wasn’t around any jumper riders until Ulrich.

“Julie was straight up—no drugs, no banging their legs,” he said. “I think I was very naïve. I wanted the partnership, not the shortcuts. I was riding with someone who told me that I wouldn’t get anywhere if I didn’t go along with the program. I was in my late 20s, early 30s—you’re living in this little world and you find out there’s a different side to the business.”

His goal was to ride for the USA, but various factors, aside from his ideals about partnership and humane training methods, impeded his progress. For one, the horses Silitch rode were always for sale. For another, when he had a really good prospect with the talent and scope for international competition, the owner had the final say.

“I was asked to try out for the Pan Am selection trials on a mare named Margo, but the owner wasn’t interested in letting her jump for no money,” Silitch recalled. “It was a big disappointment at the time. I had helped clients to get on their teams— Australians, British riders—but I didn’t get the opportunity. Down the road, you could say that it worked out all right. Going for the team is tough on the horses. The biggest thing about me is that I love them. When it comes to the horse or me, it’s always the horse.”

A good example is Cable, 15.1hand Welsh Cob-Thoroughbred jumper. “Cable was amazing— that horse gave me everything, and he won and won—over $300,000 worth,” recounted Silitch. “We had won the $100,000 grand prix in Ocala and the following year we went back, same class, same horse. Cable was great, he was clear and we turned the corner and something felt funny. I pulled him up the third fence from the last. The vet came. Cable had a little swelling, and they scanned him. It was his suspensory. If we had gone on, he would have been done. He was a good horse and he owed me nothing. I retired him. He’s 23 or 24 now.”

IN & AROUND HORSE COUNTRY • OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2013

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“Feel” is a vital quality for riders to possess. Silitch has “feel” to an extreme. People have asked if he’s a horse whisperer. Maybe, but the key to Silitch and his success with horses is how sensitive he is with each equine.

“Ian wants to help every horse he sees having problems,” his wife Jaci said. “He feels it is his responsibility.

At a horse show Ian had seen a horse having problems while being schooled. He wanted to help the horse. Several years later he saw that same horse at another show. Ian asked the rider if he could give them a hand. After Ian rode the horse for Ian Silitch and Vanita, owned by Gaston Family three days, the horse and rider went Investments LLC, on the Level 7 1.40m jumper course at in and won the grand prix. Shortly Culpeper Finals, the last HITS summer show in Virginia thereafter, the horse was sent to in September: the duo topped the open jumper standings Europe to be sold. He arrived with a on the Culpeper circuit. Lauren Giannini photo note saying. ‘If you have any trouble with this horse, call Ian Silitch.’ The agent eventually contacted Ian, and Ian put together a little syndicate of like-minded, horse-loving customers who also wanted to do the right thing. They brought the horse back here where he was shown lightly with moderate success.

But Ian decided the horse deserved to be retired and spend his golden years being carefree and eating green grass. That is how much Ian loves horses.”

Horses: His Past, Present, and Future For more than 15 years Silitch worked out of Thornton Hill Farm in Sperryville, Virginia.

From that base, he often showed hunters and rode foxhunters for people in Upperville and Middleburg and hunt members from Middleburg Hunt, Piedmont Fox Hounds, and Orange County Hounds, to name a few.

“My job has always been to keep the horse going, to get it ready for the rider. At a show I can ride about 30 horses a day, half hunters, half jumpers. I love the hunters, but I’m known primarily for the jumpers,” Silitch admitted. “Some professionals have sent tough horses to me to sort out, and I get horses other people don’t want to ride. I like my horses. I like helping people get along with their horses. I think outside the box.”

Silitch has ridden many horses, but some of his fondest memories involve the ones he introduced to jumping. This roster includes: Margo (30 now, living at his farm and still full of beans) and Margo’s offspring, Marlon; CC Dundee, owned by Heather St. Clair Davis, the late great British Sporting Artist and equestrian; Reminiscent, owned by Rolling Acres Show Stables (Mary Lisa Nicholson Leffler); The Bomb; Reilly; Navigator; Kindred Spirit; and others.

“It was really difficult to sell the horses I rode and trained,” admitted Silitch. “El Star, who did juniors and hunters, got sold to Calvin Klein’s wife—he was retired after winning everything all over—but when El Star left, I couldn’t watch him get on the truck. I really do like my horses.”

Through the years, his goals and dreams have evolved. He was 45 when he figured out he didn’t want to be a team person. “I had my whole life focused on it, and I Ian, riding backwards on the hood, catches a lift from the rings at came off the rails a little, HITS Culpeper back to his stabling. but I’m good,” stated Lauren Giannini photo Silitch. “I have my boys, and it’s not so much about me, it’s about them. They’re 13 and 15. They rode, learned to walk, trot, canter, and jump, but they’re into other things—swimming, soccer, and tennis.”

Jaci, his wife of 16 years, has returned to their home in Florida so that their two teenaged sons could start the school year on time.

Maybe the boys will get back into horses, maybe not. Jaci used to ride, but being a fulltime mom doesn’t leave her with much spare time. Whatever they want to do, Silitch will be there to encourage. His own course, however, is very clear.

“I like what I’m doing, I’ll probably teach forever, but you get to ride their horses and show them how it’s done,” Silitch said with a grin. “I enjoy waking up in the morning and going to the barn. Sometimes you’re tired, but it’s a pretty good world. You’re in all of the great places—Virginia, Canada, Vermont, Kentucky, Florida. I totally like the winning part.

I have won grand prix in three different decades. I like the making of horses. I’m good for a lot of years yet.”

Ian Silitch working with Sarah Scott and Stanley (low level jumpers and Adult Amateurs) in the ring at Bakersfield Farm, his base in Berryville, Virginia. Scott has ridden for 25 years with Silitch whom she describes as being an extremely talented rider and teacher, as well as kind, who brings out the best in horse and rider. Lauren Giannini photo

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IN & AROUND HORSE COUNTRY • OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2013

FOXHUNTING

Belle Meade: “Gone Away With The Wind” Hunt Week

By Lauren R. Giannini Chasing coyote, first flight blazing through seemingly endless country, that’s riding to hounds, Belle Meadestyle. The enthusiasts in eastern Georgia might speak with easy drawls that flow like molasses, but they like their sport to sprout wings. Thanks to their trademark seasonBelle Meade Masters: Dr. Gary Wilkes, Epp Wilson, and round four flights, Belle Meade makes sure that visitors, Charlie Lewis. Allison Howell photo whatever their age, skill level, and extent of participation (on horseback and aboard Tally Ho Wagons), enjoy not only outstanding Southern hospitality, but also that they will return home with great memories of their sporting experience.

Belle Meade’s second annual Hunt Week, January 26 through February 1, includes a full week of sport, socializing, shopping, and splendid country, which happens to be the key to sport with Belle Meade Hunt. Their country encompasses 40,000 acres, mostly pine forests with very few houses, and rarely do they have to stop because of a BMH Hunt Week 2013: The field moves off to draw. Guests road or property line. They have red fox, but many more included (l-r) Jerry Wade, Bull Run Hunt (VA); Rosie coyotes. Next to nothing human-made exists to impede Campbell, MFH, Bull Run Hunt; Whipper-in Barbara Smith, the chase when hounds are in full cry.

Marlborough Hunt (MD); and Mary Wade, Bull Run Hunt.

Ingrid Krampe, www.bellavitaequestrian.com, photo “We have one of the largest hunt territories east of the Mississippi, so we rarely have to stop hounds because of a boundary—we can hunt and gallop on like we mean it,” stated Epp Wilson, Jt-MFH. “There isn’t a lot of grazing land, so we never have to cancel when the ground is wet like in most other hunt territories. We are very blessed at Belle Meade and we enjoy sharing our blessings with other foxhunters.”

The idea to hold their own Hunt Week cropped up in 2012 while discussing hunt fundraisers. Dr. Nancy VanderMolen Wilson, Epp’s wife, made the suggestion, based on her own attendance at many similar events Tommy and Barbara (whipper-in) Lee, Nancy and Epp across the US, as well as helping to plan and put on two Wilson, MFH/huntsman. of the 2007 Centennial Hound Performance Trials, which Ingrid Krampe, www.bellavitaequestrian.com, photo celebrated the 100-year anniversary of the MFHA. The “craic”-loving Belle Meade enthusiasts figured that they could put on one heckuva Hunt Week and, from January 14-19, 2013, that’s exactly what they did.

“After our inaugural Hunt Week, we realized that this fundraiser had turned into a ‘fun-raiser’ for our entire membership,” Wilson said. “Most of us had taken off work for the entire week. With more hunts and more hunt parties, our Hunt Week turned into a celebration of our sport at the very peak of the season. Hunt Week serves one of our missions—to spread the good news about foxhunting—and welcomes other people and entire families to participate in this most wonderful sport. We want to share hunting and help keep it going for many generations Belle Meade encourages parents to bring their offspring to to come.”

Hunt Week and to the Hunt Ball. Daddies and daughters From One Week To A Month dancing: Dr. Steve Currier and Ashley; Gary Gilmer and This season Belle Meade launches their first-ever “Hunt Isabelle, Dick Dozier and Neilly.

Ingrid Krampe, www.bellavitaequestrian.com, photo Month,” which will wrap up on February 28 and March 1 with the Performance Trial hunts, offering breakfast and awards each day. “Hunt Week is the focus—we added ‘Gone Away With the Wind’ to Hunt Week, because we thought that makes the name even better and ties in with the old-time Southern hospitality and tradition that we BMH Junior Abby Sandifer with mother bring to the Hunt Week concept,” explained Wilson.

“We decided to hold Hunt Month to let folks know Jennifer SandiferVisscher and Klaas that Belle Meade welcomes visitors all season—not just Visscher. during Hunt Week,” he continued. “We enjoy some of our best sport in January and February when most hunts in Ingrid Krampe, www.bellavitaequestrian.com colder climates are shut down by snow, ice, and freezing temperatures. We take the hounds out three times a week

that time of year. We purposely scheduled our Hunt Week and our Performance Trials four weeks apart—to anchor each end of Hunt Month with special activities.”

“Gone Away With The Wind” Hunt Week features four Belle Meade meets and an additional hunting option on Tuesday with Aiken Hounds in the famous Hitchcock Woods. Wilson confesses a sentimental attachment to Aiken, the first pack with which he hunted for the two seasons before his father James Wilson and several friends started Belle Meade in 1966. “I learned to say ‘Good Morning, Master!’ and ‘Thank you, Master, for a fine day!’ to current MFH Linda Knox McLean’s mother, Mrs. Knox—that was 49 years ago,” recalled Wilson.

“My days hunting behind Linda’s mother and Pete Bostwick are precious to me.”

Even more precious to Wilson was realizing his own passion for hounds and the chase at the age of 14 when he began whipping in to his huntsman-father’s new pack. “It wasn’t a lightning bolt change, because I started whipping in gradually—I just never wanted to do anything else,” Wilson said. “My father made it possible for us to try all sorts of horse sports. I never quit hunting, but we tried everything my father wanted to do with his four boys, and it was always hunting that drew me back. My father took me to MFHA meetings, I got the horses ready for hunting, I was the first one in the truck. It was my connection with the Belle Meade hounds that really set me on my course.”

The Right Flight Is Easy To Find When BMH members rave that their hunts aren’t like anything you have ever experienced in first flight while chasing foxes, they ain’t just whistlin’ Dixie. Whoa: before you decide that you aren’t up to visiting Belle Meade, consider the possibility of joining a different flight whose experienced field masters are skilled at setting a saner pace without dumbing down the sport itself.

Former Marine and true southern gentleman, Dr. Jim Moncrief brings class and a soft-spoken strength to his duties: he has served 13 years as the First Flight Field master and as Senior Field Master in charge of all fields, plus 25 years as a foxhunter. He explained that Belle Meade offers four flights to accommodate everyone’s comfort zone, not only for themselves, but also for their horses. “If the coyote pace of the first flight isn’t your cup of tea, you can run and jump at a foxhunting pace in the second flight,” he said. “The third flight usually has the most views and the fourth flight has many families. Belle Meade has exactly what the doctor ordered if you love to foxhunt in gorgeous country and I can guarantee that you will have an unbelievable time and be the envy of your friends.”

Jean Derrick serves as First Flight Field Master in Dr. Moncrief’s absence. “Belle Meade has made a religion out of chasing coyote. We experienced a real growth of the coyote population in the last 10 to 15 years, and we have a fast Crossbred pack which provide us with great sport,” Derrick said. “If people need to hire horses, they can contact Epp and arrangements will be made in advance. But if they have their own horses, and the horses are reliable and steady field hunters, they will be able to find the right flight to maximize their enjoyment. It’s the peak of our season—the land is wide open, there’s no deer hunting after January 1—it’s a special time and place.”

IN & AROUND HORSE COUNTRY • OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2013

Winser Exum Scarbury, Second Flight Field Master, grew up hunting with Belle Meade, thanks to her parents, Bill and Barbara Exum. Scarbury and her non-hunting husband have one daughter, 16, who received her hunt colors two years ago. “She’s in the second field mainly because she likes to ride with me, but she can go first flight,” Scarbury said. “She likes to whip in sometimes with her friend Perry’s father, Jim Hicks, but mostly they like to ride with me. I work fulltime in the electronic banking world, and I intend to use a week of my vacation for our Hunt Week. Hunting makes me happy to the soul. My goal as flight leader is what hunting with Belle Meade is all about: having fun and coming back safe.”

Susan Saccone, Third Flight Field Master, started riding at the age of 45 with a trainer who happened to whip-in at Belle Meade. In less than two years Saccone made her hunting debut with Belle Meade and ended up going full throttle. If a Belle Meade chase lasts at least 40 minutes from start to check, it is considered a Rough Ride and, if at season’s end, you have been on more than half, you are recognized as a Rough Rider. Of the 67 hunts on record last season, more than half were Rough Rides. “I have 10 years as a Rough Rider and was Rough Rider of the Year three or four times,” stated Saccone.

In February 2011 Saccone suffered devastating leg injuries while exercising a young horse. It took a year before she could walk without a cane, but when she did, she posed the $64,000 question to her orthopedic surgeon. “Can I ride? He said just be careful,” she recalled.

In February 2012 she started riding and soon returned to hunting. By that fall, she was leading second and third flights.

“For me, it was a balancing act with the third flight—so many levels of riders and so many levels of horses,” Saccone said. “In second flight, we probably go slower down hills and ratchet back if anyone’s having problems with the pace for any reason. My Hilltoppers (third flight) have had several Rough Riders—from six-year-olds to close to 70. Being field master is a privilege I take very seriously. I tell all my riders: we’re going to be safe, we’re going to have fun.”

Fourth Flight Field Master Mollie Exum Hall endorses wholeheartedly the themes of fun and safety that comprise Belle Meade’s field mission. This is an Exum family legacy thanks to her parents, still active members, whose two daughters serve as flight leaders.

Hall has two foxhunting daughters: the 10-year-old rides with mom, but the 13-year-old has moved up to third flight.

“My sister Winser and I live in Macon—that’s 100 miles one way—so we hunt only on Saturdays, pretty much every Saturday,” Hall said. “My goal this year is to be there from the git-go of Hunt Week. We treat everybody with Southern hospitality and respect—it’s all about community, family, and friends. Master James Wilson, the founder of the hunt, created such a good environment and he and his wife were like grandparents to us. We have older and younger members and people with green horses. Be safe and have fun is my philosophy. I keep an eye on my rear view mirror to make sure everybody’s all right. I won’t leave anybody in the woods. Fourth Flight is very much a part of the hunt.

All four flights move on. We all view, and at the end of the day we come in with the Master.”

Masters & Juniors Epp Wilson was elected Master in 1985 and has hunted the hounds 27 seasons. Charlie Lewis became a Master in 1999 and Dr. Gary Wilkes joined the MFH ranks in 2002. All three whipped-in to Master James Wilson for many seasons before becoming Masters themselves. They are all dedicated foxhunters and devoted to Belle Meade Hunt. Lewis and Wilkes still serve as whippers-in. Lewis, sidelined by antibiotics to treat Lyme disease that required him to stay out of the sun at the start of cubhunting, was champing at the bit to get out and whip-in.

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Belle Meade hounds hack to first cast with whippers-in Natalie Gilmore and Jim Hicks, Jr., MFH-huntsman Epp Wilson and Dr. Nancy VanderMolen Wilson; in background: juniors Perry Hicks and Elizabeth Armstrong, Whippers-in David Twiggs and Ed Maxwell.

Ingrid Krampe, www.bellavitaequestrian.com, photo

“Everyone had a good time at last year’s Hunt Week. We showed them good sport,” Lewis said, who sounds and looks much younger than 73. “I’m excited about our second Hunt Week. We have fun. We aren’t stiff and starched. We have a strong group of juniors— phenomenal juniors. Some are only four years old.

Recently we hosted several masters and guests from Texas, Kansas, Georgia, and even Australia. At every hunt, we want guests and members to have a good time and good sport—and make sure they want to come back.”

Ready to stand in as huntsman if Wilson can’t carry the horn is Dr. Wilkes. “I get to hunt hounds three or four times a season, but I whip in the rest of the time,” Wilkes said. “I enjoy whipping-in. It’s a little easier: you try to protect your side—you can try staying a little closer to hounds when they’re on fox, but with coyotes you want to stay out on the flank and not get too close.”

Like many Belle Meade enthusiasts, Wilkes has several generations out in the field. “My granddaughter Emalaine Cooper, seven, rides with me and my son-inlaw, Terry Cooper, who also whips-in,” he said. “We have the same flank. Terry keeps up with the huntsman and I stay with Emalaine. Sometimes she takes off on her pony and I can’t keep up with her. My horse and I have had to slow down a little—he’s 20 and I’m 67. I think that Hunt Week will appeal to a lot of foxhunters.

Visitors just have to find the field that suits them. You can go fast if you want or drop back and go at an easier pace. We have something for everybody.”

Re: Jumping—Belle Meade’s country doesn’t have much pasture and the number of jumps has decreased since a landowner stopped raising cattle. Existing panels are mostly coops, three-foot max. Some days you might not jump at all in first and second flights, other days you might encounter 10 to 15 or more efforts, depending on where the coyote leads the chase. “I think we have an undeserved reputation—we don’t have much white tape on jumps,” Wilkes commented wryly.

“We pray that the horses can see the jumps even if we can’t, but yes, we often come home in the dark.”

Visitors are always impressed to be met by a Tally Ho Wagon with refreshing beverages, but that’s Belle Meade.

Erin Dozier grew up hunting with Belle Meade.

Her husband Dick Dozier and their four kids (5, 6, 7, and just turned 9) all ride to hounds. Erin whips in occasionally, edits Belle Meade’s magazine, and admits that she spent four years producing offspring, but did not hunt pregnant. “We have two kids in third flight and two in fourth flight—if Dick and I aren’t riding with the children, we help whip in—we’re everywhere, we go wherever we need to be,” Erin admitted. “We can leave the two older ones with another parent. Mollie is great with the kids in fourth flight. You’re never too young to

learn and love foxhunting. We took all our kids on lead line as three- and four-year-olds for an hour. They have to have good supervision out there, an instructor or an experienced parent with them, and absolutely the right pony to give them confidence. We have our four on kick-along ponies—older, experienced really good hunt ponies. Last year two of my children got acknowledged as Rough Riders. They love to hunt, and Belle Meade is very kid-friendly.”

Going, Going, Gone Away With the Wind…

Perhaps your interest is piqued and you’re thinking about planning a jaunt to eastern Georgia at the end of January. The sport is guaranteed to please, the other activities ditto, whether you are into shopping, socializing, or local history. Non-riding spouses, children, and companions can ride on the Tally Ho Wagon. There is something for everyone.

Barbara Smith, honorary whipper-in for 20 years with Marlborough Hunt in Maryland, was one of the inaugural Hunt Week guests. “It was the fastest hunting I have ever done,” she declared. “Epp Wilson was hunting hounds, and I was flying flat out in first flight on my Thoroughbred ex-racehorse, barely keeping up and hardly ever viewing the quarry we were chasing. That was some of the most fun I have ever had on horseback!

I had such a great time that I’m going back again this season.”

The cost of the Hunt Week (including all hunts, trail rides, and meals) is an amazing value, priced accordingly for adults, juniors, and non-riders. You can find the registration form on the Belle Meade website (www.bellemeadehounds.com) under the Hunt Week 2014 tab. Lodging for participants is very close to where your horses will stay. Every possible detail has been worked out to make your Gone Away With The Wind Hunt Week a most memorable sporting holiday.

“Last year we had four days of great hunting here at Belle Meade, and Aiken Hounds provided a fine day for us as well,” Wilson stated. “The social events were outstanding. The meals, the food, and the fellowship all were tops. The Silent Auction always adds fun to the Hunt Ball. All in all, it was an exceptional week of hunting and fun gatherings. This year will be even better. Paddy Ann and Latham Burns are hosting us in their lovely home, the Pink House on Easy Street in Aiken, on Thursday evening of Hunt Week. We’ve booked a fabulous East Coast dance band, the Root Doctors, for live entertainment at Hunt Ball. Families are encouraged to bring their children to Hunt Ball, too. Our top priority is hunting, of course, and we strongly suggest that folks bring more than one horse. Our next priority is having fun social events. Team Belle Meade is really good at both. We invite you to come and see for yourself.”

IN & AROUND HORSE COUNTRY • OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2013

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JUNIORS

CUBBING

My Experiences at the Junior North American Field Hunter Championship

By Sophia Vella

Bijou Springs Hunt Whipper-In Jerry Kalamen demonstrates the “proper” way to deal with a rattlesnake. Judi Tobias photo

Hunter Challenge, Colorado Style

Sophia Vella, representing Warrenton Hunt, rode Curious George to the championship in the 2012 Junior North American Field Hunter competition. Richard Clay photo

I remember the feeling I had while I tacked up my pony for my first qualifying meet in the Junior North American Field Hunter Championship at Bull Run Hunt in 2009. Butterflies filled my stomach as I tried to imagine what it would be like riding with an unfamiliar Hunt; trappy jumps, territory that was foreign, and a field master that I was unaccustomed to. What exactly would the next hours entail? I was one of two dozen or more junior riders that day who would be judged in the field during the hunt by experienced foxhunting judges, and only a few riders selected from the field at each qualifying meet would go on to the finals. I felt a combination of excitement and anxiety as we set off and all these things swirled through my mind. Hunting and competing with my friends and making new friends along the way made the experience even more special.

I discovered that each hunt I was fortunate enough to explore throughout the years of qualifying had their own characteristics and styles. For instance, the hounds’ pitch was a certain tone, and the resonance of the huntsman’s horn was specific to the man who blew it. However, none of these variations were more important than a hunt’s territory and distinctive affect it has on shaping the sport.

The Junior North American Field Hunter Championship immersed me in all types of territory, each beautiful in its own right. Preserving this vast countryside for my generation and the many that follow is crucial to maintaining historic hunts and the rich tradition the sport has held across America.

Once the various qualifying hunts were over and the junior foxhunters were selected for the finals, we looked forward to the final competition, consisting of a mock hunt and a field trial to test both the riders and their horses. The night before the finals, the riders from the different hunts who had been selected and their families are treated to a wonderful dinner at the home of one of the members of the hunt hosting the finals, and the camaraderie and kinship we all felt was really memorable.

Eventually winning the championship, first at the finals hosted by Mr. Stewart’s Cheshire Foxhounds and most recently at the finals hosted by Radnor Hunt, was not only a thrill, but it was a privilege to ride over such beautiful country and meet so many people who love to hunt. Participating in the Junior North American Field Hunter Championship has given me a greater appreciation for our beautiful countryside and the enduring traditions of our sport of foxhunting, and I encourage all junior foxhunters to share in the adventure and discovery the Junior North American Field Hunter Championship affords. It’s an opportunity you don’t want to miss.

Colorado’s Bijou Springs Hunt opened their 2013 cubbing season on September 8 in their home country near Kiowa. Despite unseasonably warm temperatures, hounds found on three coyotes and good runs resulted each time.

Afterward, members and guests retired to the kennels area where everyone enjoyed a fabulous potluck barbecue lunch. Huntsman Nancy Mitchell and her staff showed off their lovely new hounds generously given by the Knoxville Hunt in Wyoming and from the Arapahoe Hunt, Bijou Spring’s neighbors to the north.

This was followed by the Hunter Challenge, a fun event to show off a horse and rider’s ability to handle various tasks in the hunt field. The challenges include those familiar to all foxhunters, such as opening and closing a gate and jumping a couple of small logs. However, one task more likely to pop up in the Centennial State than in other areas is to demonstrate the ability to kill a “rattlesnake.” (The serpent used in the competition is actually a length of foam rubber with the shape and markings of a rattler drawn on it.) Whipper-in Jerry Kalamen once found himself faced with this situation for real and modeled the “proper” way to slay a snake. He dismounted, removed a stirrup leather, and swung the iron at the venomous beast. Saint George would surely have approved. [Editor’s Note: We admire the pluck and resourcefulness of Dr. Kalamen and his fellow Bijou Springs members. But we admit that faced with this situation, we would be more inclined to remain in the saddle and ride briskly in the opposite direction.)

JANET HITCHEN PHOTOGRAPHY 540-837-9846 www.janethitchenphotography.com

Miles Clancy

IN & AROUND HORSE COUNTRY • OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2013

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IN & AROUND HORSE COUNTRY • OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2013

The Lowcountry Hunt Hunt Weekend – January 16-19, 2014 Experience South Carolina hospitality and foxhunting at its best. Ride beautiful historic plantations along avenues of live oaks draped in Spanish moss. View the abundant wildlife including alligators, bald eagles and water fowl while we search for fox and coyote. Enjoy great fellowship, fabulous lowcountry cuisine and festive social events at locations selected for your pleasure and enjoyment. Enjoy an Oyster Roast on the banks of the Ashepoo River while listening to music under a ceiling of moon and stars. Hunt beside fresh water marshes, tidal creeks and hardwood forests. Attend Lowcountry's Hunt Weekend and see why so many come back year after year!

Stunning Estate

Thursday - Trail ride along the Ashepoo River; Kick Off Party and Oyster Roast at Airy Hall Plantation Friday - Noon lunch under the oaks, afternoon hunting followed by Hoedown and music at Hayne Hall Plantation Saturday - Hunt with Breakfast following; Evening Cocktail party all at Ravenwood Plantation Sunday - Hunt with Breakfast following at Airy Hall Plantation

For full details visit our website: www.thelowcountryhunt.com For information, contact Melinda Shambley, MFH 843.571.1934 or melinda@shambleyequine.com

Dana Guanciale 301.529.9573 Donna Pfeiffer 301.370.3200 19861 Century Blvd Germantown,MD 20874 www.23801PeachTreeroad.com

Rare Find Montgomery Co., MD 6 BR, 5.5 baths, 2 master suites, 1 first floor master, marble master bath, large living room, dining room and kitchen; perfect for entertaining. 47+ acres with spectacular views, spring-fed pond, 19th c. cattle barn with 2 hay lofts, 2 paddocks, wrap wire fencing, adjacent to extensive trails. Minutes to Potomac Hunt, 45 minutes to DC, close to shopping and entertainment, in the sought after Ag Reserve.

If you haven’t visited Horse Country recently, get ready for a retail foxhunting experience like no other.

We’ve redecorated the store—all 15,000 square feet—to showcase the fine wares, requisites, and clothing so appreciated by our equestrians and mounted sportsmen.

an d I n P p e l t ac S e In

From the saddlery department, we have an unsurpassed selection of handcrafted English leather goods.

Our riding attire for both hunt field and show ring is vast and varied, and the expanded country clothing area includes a huge selection of winter wear for ladies, gents and children. You’ll also find the new and rare books library enlarged. Our gift offerings, including table settings and linens, rugs, pillows and lamps, desk accessories and stationery, estate antiques and jewelry, is more

Old Fox Mask Door Knocker.

Brass. (HC1A) $159.00

visible and easier to shop. A gift chosen at Horse Country is truly valued and appreciated.

As we enter our 44th year, we invite you to visit the store in Warrenton. If you aren’t planning

Horse Country

a trip to Virginia this year, orders may be placed conveniently at

®

(540) 347-3141 • 800-882-HUNT (4868)

60 Alexandria Pike, Warrenton, Virginia 20186 Store Hours: Monday–Friday 9 AM - 6 PM, Saturday 9 AM - 5 PM (ET)

Visit us online! www.HorseCountryLife.com All prices subject to change without notice. All items subject to availability. IAHC 11-2013

www.HorseCountryCarrot.com or just telephone 800-882-HUNT. Our knowledgeable staff provides excellent advice and service.

Please peruse these pages which highlight

some

of

the

newest

country clothing and gifts in place for the current season. Enjoy!

www.Facebook.com/HorseCountryLife

Great selection with online convenience. Order now! www.HorseCountryCarrot.com

Great selection with online convenience. Order now! www.HorseCountryCarrot.com

Polar Quilt Jacket. Nylon outer with plush polar fleece inside. Washable. In Navy (shown) and Olive. Sizes M (38-40), L (42-44) and XL (46-48) (HC2B) $249.00

BARBOUR LETS YOU LEAVE YOUR WORRIES ON THE DOORSTEP.

Fieldspar. This heavyweight waxedcotton jacket trimmed with corduroy inner facings and cuffs. front zip with buttonclose storm flap. Three exterior pockets, two interior pockets (one zipped). Waxed cotton. 31” long. Brown. Sizes M(38-40), L(42-44), XL(46-48). (HC2D) $399.00

Bedale. Our most popular Barbour jacket used by equestrians worldwide.

Classic shorter length hunting, riding or shooting coat in medium weight 6-oz thornproof waxed cotton. Corduroy collar studded to accept the optional hood.

Two large bellows pockets on the front with handwarmer pockets. Two studded side vents in the back. Lined in Barbour tartan. 100% waxed cotton. Cold sponge. No soap. About 32" long. In Olive (shown) and Navy, by special order.

Sizes 34-52. (HC2A) $379.00 Zip-in quilted lining available by chest size. Optional hood, too. Call store to order.

Lowerdale. For brisk fall days yet light enough to layer under a jacket. Quilted outer shell with Polarfleece lining. Two outer snap pockets.

Washable. 27” length. In Navy and Olive (shown).

Note: Vest has a fitted cut. Order regular size but expect a fitted vest. Sizes: M(38-40), L(42-44), XL(46-48). (HC2C) $179.00

We have a large selection of Barbour clothing for men. Please visit www.HorseCountryCarrot to see our full line or call the store for you particular needs. (800-882-4868)

Le Chameau. We are pleased to offer a selection of natural rubber Le Chameau boots made in France since 1927. 85 years later, Le Chameau is still the leading producer of quality, natural rubber boots worldwide. Elevated training standards, unique skills and techniques have been passed down from generation to generation, ensuring each pair of boots is designed with the same care, quality and fine craftsmanship.

Kirkham. A heavy cable knit cardigan sweater in a half button style. Felted wool trim under the placket and distinctive football buttons. Rib-knit cuffs and hem.

Washable. In Grey Marl. Lambswool.

Sizes: SM, MD, L. (HC2E) $199.00 Men's Jameson

Men's Jameson Low Cut

Horse Country offers the waterproof Goretex lined Jameson boot as well as the Chassuer and Vierzon rubber boots for equestrian and field pursuits.

Jameson tall leather boot. Chocolate. Sizes 5-12. (HC2F) US $520.00 Jameson low leather boot. Chocolate. Sizes 8-12. (HC2G) US $520.00 Others styles from $178.00

HC2 H orse C ountry ® 800 882 HUNT Visit us online! www.horsecountrylife.com

All prices subject to change without notice. All items subject to availability. IAHC 10-2012

www.HorseCountryCarrot.com

Great selection with online convenience. Order now! www.HorseCountryCarrot.com V25

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Viyella Shirts. Blending 80% long-staple combed pima cotton with 20% Australian Merino wool before spinning the two choice fibers into yarn gives this Viyella fabric its unique combination of durability and softness that only gets better with age. These generously cut shirts are completely singleneedle tailored, with a button-down collar, patch pocket, and two-button cuffs. Sizes Sm, Md, Lg, XL and some XXL. (HC3A) $134.00

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For our full range of men’s Viyella shirts, visit www.HorseCountryCarrot.com or call 800-882-4868.

V22

Final Touch. Made in Portugal. Your turnout is impeccable; your boots shine like mirrors. You reach into your pocket and pull out … a wad of damp tissues? No, that just won’t do! A proper handkerchief is what you need and we offer three styles. Hunt Cap. (HC3B) $15.95; Bay Horse. (HC3C) $15.95; Saddle. (HC3D) $15.95

Vests. Perfect for fall and winter country life. Our Merino wool vest is lightweight, warm and wrinkle resistant. With a full front zipper for easy on and off and two front pockets. Available in three colors, Rust, Gold and Olive, with contrasting knit collar lining. Sizes Sm, Md, Lg, and XL. (HC3E) $198.95

V26

V24

V28

SUN OR NO SUN, IT'S ALWAYS WARM AND COMFY ON THE HORSE COUNTRY SIDE OF THE STREET.

Blenheim Belt. Made in England.

We’ve expanded our belt collection adding two new colors to our popular Blenheim belt. Each is available in waist size 32"-44”.

A. Chestnut, with brass stirrup buckle.

11/4” wide. (HC3F) $175.00 B. Newmarket with brass stirrup buckle.

1” wide. (HC3G) $175.00 C. Black with silver stirrup buckle.

11/4” wide. (HC3H) $175.00

H orse C ountry ® 800 882 HUNT HC3 www.Facebook.com/HorseCountryLife

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All prices subject to change without notice. All items subject to availability. IAHC 10-2012

Great selection with online convenience. Order now! www.HorseCountryCarrot.com

Men's Borsalino Fair Hill Hats.

Handmade fur felt hats since 1857. Dark Brown, Black, Olive, Medium Brown.

21/2” brim. Sizes 6 7/8 - 7 5/8.

(HC4A) $395.00

Pocket Squares. 100% silk.

Hunt Plaid. Available in Gold/Hunter Green (HC4B) or Hunter Green/Gold (HC4C) $59.00 Pocket Square. 100% cotton. Navy, Black & Red (HC4D) $45.00

GRAB YOUR HAT... AND DON'T FORGET THE PERFECT POCKET SQUARE TO MATCH.

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Men's Tweed Cap A. Kirlin 550 (HC4E) $78.00 B. Kinloch 6007 (HC4F) $79.00 C. Dahl 5021 (HC4G) $79.00 D. Pinter 6003 (HC4H) $79.00

J. Johnston's Tweed (HC4N) $93.00 K. Cheviot Olive (HC4P) $89.00 L. Grey HB (HC4Q) $89.00 M. Olive HB (HC4R) $89.00 N. Cheviot Brown (HC4S) $89.000

E. Ashton 5022 (HC4J) $79.00 F. Kinloch 6006 (HC4K) $79.00 G. Gifford 6004 (HC4L) $79.00 H. Kinloch 6010 (HC4M) $79.00

HC4 H orse C ountry ® 800 882 HUNT Visit us online! www.horsecountrylife.com

All prices subject to change without notice. All items subject to availability. IAHC 10-2012

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Great selection with online convenience. Order now! www.HorseCountryCarrot.com Mufflers. 90% Wool and 10% Cashmere these long scarves are reversible to give you two options for wearing. Perfect for keeping warm and cozy while looking great.

Tan/Brown/Blue Plaid with Navy reverse. (HC5A) $84.00. Navy Plaid with Navy reverse. (HC5B) $84.00

iPAD Leather Cases with Gold Embossed Running Fox. Made in England. Green or Brown Leather. #1578-002. (HC5C) $259.00

York. Made in England. Supple Dark Brown and Mahogany gloves with a thin, soft knit lining. Men's sizes 8-11, including half sizes. (HC5D) $140.00

Dinwiddie Deerskin. Medium Tan or Black. Men's sizes 8-11, including half sizes. (HC5E) $95.00

Barbour Mufflers.

Left to right:Tartan green (HC5F) $55.00, Newmarket Plaid Sage (HC5G) $49.00, Ancient Plaid (HC5H) $50.00

Tweed Ball Caps. Made in England. Scottish tweed cloth with suede brims.

Sizes Sm-Md and Lg-XL. Cheviot Dark tweed (HC5J) or Cheviot Light tweed.

(HC5K) $69.00

Fox and Hound Needlepoint Flask.

Hound on one side, running fox on the other. 2463-FHF. (HC5L) $65.00

H orse C ountry 速 800 882 HUNT HC5 Shop online! www.horsecountrycarrot.com

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Ladies' Hartpury Olive.

Sizes: US 6 - US 12.

(HC6A) $440.00

Ladies' Cavalry Vest.

Juniper. Sizes: US 6 - US 12.

(HC6B) $179.00

Ladies' Cavalry Polar Quilt.

Blue. Sizes: US 6 - US 12.

(HC6C) $279.00

LADIES' BARBOURS, COMFORTABLE ELEGANCE, STYLISHLY DURABLE.

Ladies' Quilted Utility.

William Morris Print.

Sizes US 6 - US 14.

(HC6D) $249.00

Covert Coats. Made in England. The finest cloth and British design by Chrysalis. Field coats and covert coats are in stock. US sizes 2-14. (HC6G) $1150.00

Ladies' Merino Cardigan Navy or Olive. Sizes: US 6-US 12 (HC6E) $199.00

We carry Barbour, Chrysalis, McIntosh, Asmar, Arista, Ariat, and Shires

Ladies' Jameson.

Made in France.

Le Chameau's handmade waterproof country boot in a beautiful shape with trim ankle and attractive sole. Full length zipper with leather buckle detail.

European sizes 38-41.

(HC6F) $500.00 Cashmere Vest. Loro Piana double cashmere with suede closure. Navy front with grey back.

LG and XL. (HC6H) $950.00 Grey front with grey back. Md. (HC6J) $950.00

HC6 H orse C ountry 速 800 882 HUNT Visit us online! www.horsecountrylife.com

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Great selection with online convenience. Order now! www.HorseCountryCarrot.com Asmar Metro Vest. Available in Red (Shown) and Midnight Navy Sizes: SM, MD, LG, XL. (HC7B) $140.00

New! Asmar Rider's Jacket.

Olive. Sizes: SM-XL. (HC7C) $220.00

Asmar Long Riding Jacket.

All-Weather-Rider™ Brown Plaid. Sizes: SM (36-38), MD(3840), LG(40-42), XL (42-44).

(HC7A) $320.00 Also available in Black and Navy Plaid.

SMART RIDING VESTS AND JACKETS. HORSE OPTIONAL.

Ariat Bristol Vest. Red. Sizes SM - 2XL. (HC7H) $89.95 Arista Wool Blend Plaid Vest.

Camel Tan or Solid Black.

With silver bit embellishment on back. Sizes MD, LG, XL. (HC7D) $129.95

Ariat Bristol Jacket. Navy & Brown Houndstooth.

Sizes SM-2XL. (HC7E) $119.95

Ariat Bristol Jacket. Red. Sizes SM - 2XL. (HC7F) $109.95 Matching vest. Sizes Sm-2XL. (HC7G) $89.95

H orse C ountry ® 800 882 HUNT HC7 www.Facebook.com/HorseCountryLife

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Great selection with online convenience. Order now! www.HorseCountryCarrot.com Loxeley. Muffler.

50% Silk /50% Cashmere.10" x 71" (HC8A) $289.00

Hornsea. Shawl.

90% Wool/10% Mohair.

18" x 78" (HC8B) $200.00

Penistone. Muffler.

50% Silk /50% Cashmere.10" x 71" (HC8C) $289.00

COUNTRY STYLE WITH A HINT OF URBAN CHIC. Adult Knit Beanie.

Olive/Grey with embroidered bits. #HC692. (HC8G) $22.95

Ladies' Blair.

European Sizing 37-41. (HC8H) $129.95

Adult Knit Beanie. Grey with embroidered horse. #HC691.

(HC8F) $22.95

Ladies' Shannon River Canvas.

European Sizing 36-41.

(HC8D) $149.95

Ladies' Shannon River III. European Sizing 37-41.

(HC8E) $179.95

HC8 H orse C ountry 速 800 882 HUNT Visit us online! www.horsecountrylife.com

Adult Pilot Knit Cap. Pink, embroidered four bits. #HC689. (HC8J) Chocolate, embroidered four bits. #HC690.

(HC8K) $31.50

All prices subject to change without notice. All items subject to availability. IAHC 10-2012 www.Facebook.com/HorseCountryLife

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Great selection with online convenience. Order now! www.HorseCountryCarrot.com Ladies' Felt Fedora.

Rust (HC9A), Blue (HC9B), Camel (HC9C), Chocolate (HC9D). $60.00

Ladies' Nancy Wax & Tweed Hat. Brown. (HC9E) $95.00 Ladies' Nancy Wax & Tweed hat.

Olive. (HC9F) $95.00

SO MANY NEW HATS, WE NEEDED TO BUILD A SPECIAL SHELF UNIT JUST TO HOLD THEM.

Ladies' Barbour速 Dalton Felt.

Navy (HC9G) or Olive (HC9H) $89.00

Ladies' Fedora with Flower. Chocolate. (HC9K) $58.00 Ladies' Fedora with Flower. Black. (HC9L) $58.00 Ladies' Verna Wax & Tweed Hat. Olive. (HC9J) $99.00

Ladies' Felt Fedora Chain Band.

(HC9M) $72.00

Ladies' Katherine Wax Hat. (HC9N) $45.95

H orse C ountry 速 800 882 HUNT HC9 Shop online! www.horsecountrycarrot.com

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All prices subject to change without notice. All items subject to availability. IAHC 10-2012

Great selection with online convenience. Order now! www.HorseCountryCarrot.com Running Fox. Plush, 14" nose to tail.

(222-0815) (HC10A) $21.95

ELEMENTS OF THE CHASE, NURSERY EDITION.

Fox Tooth Fairy. 11" (HC10C) $18.95

"Button" Plush Horse.

(HC10B) $14.95

Plush Foxes 12" Farley Fox. (HC10D) $25.00 16" Marley Fox. (HC10E) $36.95 Newsboy Fox. (HC10F) $64.00 Fox Travel Pillow. (HC10G) $25.00 Fox Ring Rattle. (HC10H) $11.50 Fox Head Blankie. (HC10J) $15.95

Fox Tag Blanket.

(HC10K) $26.95

"Horse on Wheels" Layette Set. Convertible Gown to Romper. Sizes 3 months, 6 months.

(HC10L) $31.95 Applique Horse Bib. (HC10M) $12.50

All Pink and Swirls. Plush pony, 14" tall when sitting.

(222-9385) (HC10P) $16.95

"Horse on Wheels" Burp Cloths. Set of 2.100% Cotton. (HC10N) $24.95

HC10 H orse C ountry 速 800 882 HUNT Visit us online! www.horsecountrylife.com

All prices subject to change without notice. All items subject to availability. IAHC 10-2012

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Inside Out Pony. Plush, 14" long. (222-09912) (HC10Q) $17.95

Great selection with online convenience. Order now! www.HorseCountryCarrot.com Burgundy frame with horse and rider emblem.

5"x7" (775-620257) (HC11A) $30.95 Black leather frame with full cheek bit.

4"x 6" (775-680746) (HC11B) $26.95; 5"x7" (775-680757) (HC11C) $29.95 Dark Blue frame with rider on jumping horse.

5"x7" (775-620357) (HC11D) $30.95

EVERY PICTURE TELLS A STORY, EVERY FRAME MAKES IT MEMORABLE.

Black leather frame with fox on horn.

4"x6" (775-687046) (HC11E) $26.95; 5"x7" (775-687057) (HC11F) $29.95 Black frame with dog collar and small bones.

4"x6" (775-591864) (HC11G) $36.95 Red leather frame with saddle.

4"x6" (775-687146) (HC11H) $26.95; 5"x7" (775-687157) (HC11J) $29.95 Tan leather frame with fox on horn.

5"x7" (775-687357f) (HC11K) $29.95 Black croco leather frame with D bits.

4"x6" (3085-f2001) (HC11L) $130.00 Other sizes available in both silver and gold bits.

HC11A

HC11G

HC11B

HC11H

HC11D

HC11K

HC11E

HC11L

Horse Country Notes. This faux book features the racehorse favorite “Gold Dust” on its cover. Set of 20 blank cards and envelopes in four assorted styles (five of each style).

(HC11N) $18.95 Foxhunting Journal. An old adage says “A short pencil is better than a long memory.”

Finished in a rich red with a gold fox mask and piping on all edges in gilt. This leather-bound journal provides columns to record the date, meet, huntsman, hounds, cap, horses, and your remarks on the affairs of the day. 61/4” by 81/2” (HC11M) $169.00

Lucite Note Holder.

Pewter horsehead emblem.

(3370-np-571) (HC11P) $29.95

H orse C ountry ® 800 882 HUNT HC11 Shop online! www.horsecountrycarrot.com

www.Facebook.com/HorseCountryLife All prices subject to change without notice. All items subject to availability. IAHC 10-2012

Great selection with online convenience. Order now! www.HorseCountryCarrot.com Muir Horse Oval Platter.

14" Orange. #1618-TP65 (HC12A) $39.95

Other scenes available. Call store.

Cheese Boards. Virtually indestructible... 5 times stronger than regular glass, these tempered glass boards will look new for years in your kitchen. These 12 X 15 inch boards can also be used as a counter saver for hot dishes or as a cheese serving tray. (HC12E) $55.00

Muir Horseshoe Coasters.

4.5". Choose from Olive, Orange, Red, Blue.

(HC12C) $7.50 each

LITTLE TOUCHES THAT MAKE A BIG DIFFERENCE.

Muir Horse Melamine Plates.

9". Choose Olive, Orange, Red, Blue.

(HC12D) $11.50 each

Stirrup Napkin rings. Pewter, set/4. (HC12H) $36.00

Riding Hat Wooden Coat Rack CRRH. (HC12F) $39.95 Curled Fox Wooden Coat Rack CRFX (HC12G) $39.95 Fox Wine Caddy.

3456-WHFX (HC12L) $44.95

Amber Fox Tealight.

Hand-crafted fused glass with handpainted accents. Use with standard-size tea light candle only. 3" x 2.5" x 2.25" (HC12J) $7.50 each 10% discount when ordering six or more.

Rabbit Glass Votive (HC12K) $18.95

HC12 H orse C ountry 速 800 882 HUNT Visit us online! www.horsecountrylife.com

All prices subject to change without notice. All items subject to availability. IAHC 10-2012

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Great selection with online convenience. Order now! www.HorseCountryCarrot.com Cheese Board.

12” round pewter horse heads (HC13C) $55.00

"Sound the Horn" Box. 6.25"L Removable Lid, Felt Lined made of Bone. (HC13A) $52.00

Needle Point Jockey Silk Coasters. s/4 - 1193-0045 (HC13B) $55.00

Cheese Board. 14” rectangular (HC13D) $55.00

Bounding Fox Tray Reverse painted glass by artist Dagmar Cosby for Horse Country. 12" x 7" (HC13F) $65.00

" Fox Hunting" Box. 6.25" L Hinged Box made of Bone. (HC13E) $34.95

Horse Riding Luncheon Napkin.

Foxhunters jumping on one side, standing hunter on the reverse.

3-ply, 6.5" x 6.5" folded. 20 napkins per package.

(HC13G) $6.25

Equestrian Tweed.

Triple-ply soft-tissue napkins printed in Germany. 20 napkins per package Luncheon 13"x13" Folded (HC13H) $6.95 Cocktail 10"x10" Folded (HC13J) $5.25

Horse Riding Cocktail Napkin. Race horse and jockey on one side, horses grazing on the reverse. 3-ply, 5" x 5" folded. 20 napkins per package (HC13K) $5.25

Tally Ho Mug. Made in England.

Our light as a feather, thin as a fine teacup bone china mug has vintage hunting art all the way around. (HC13L) $16.95

Fox with Fowl Shelf 15" x 14" x 9" (HC13M) $265.00

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H orse C ountry ® 800 882 HUNT HC13 Shop online! www.horsecountrycarrot.com

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Great selection with online convenience. Order now! www.HorseCountryCarrot.com

Damask Kitchen Towels Made in Italy. Equestrian themes woven in exquisite and substantial cotton. Left to right: Dog Gone, Gray. (HC14A) $32.00 In the Stable, choose soft Red, soft Green, or Orange. (HC14B) $32.00 Portrait, Orange. (HC14C) $32.00

On the Hunt Suede cloth table runner trimmed in natural burlap embroidered with foxhounds.

71" x 16½”. (HC14E) $118.00

Embroidered Guest Towels.

We have a large selection of guest and hand towels. This year, along with pheasants, foxes, and rabbits, we offer this new theme. Riding helmet and leathers, in russet Red, Gray, and Persimmon. (HC14D) $32.95.

Many others are available at www.HorseCountryCarrot.com.

PERFECT IN ANY HOME.

Winning Colors.

Placemats, s/4. 13" x 19" (HC14F) $40.95 Napkins, s/4. 20" x 20" (HC14G) $32.95

Muir Horse Alpaca Throws. Available in Orange, Green and Aqua. 50" x 70" (HC14H) $380.00 From the Graphic.

Equestrian Hand Towels in neutral cotton cloth with Java Brown design.

Thoroughbred (HC14J) $16.95 Horseshoe (HC14K) $16.95 Blanketed Horse (HC14L) $16.95

HC14 H orse C ountry ® 800 882 HUNT Visit us online! www.horsecountrylife.com

All prices subject to change without notice. All items subject to availability. IAHC 10-2012

Gibson Girl Oval Pillow. 23" square. (770-023) (HC14M) $165.00 Gibson Girl Square Pillow. 23" square. (770-022) (HC14N) $165.00

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Great selection with online convenience. Order now! www.HorseCountryCarrot.com Belmont Stirrup 5-piece Flatware Set. (HC15B) $176.00

Belmont Pewter Tray.

(HC15A) $675.00

SERVING PIECES WITH A DISTINCTIVE THEME. COMPLIMENTS FROM GUESTS GUARANTEED. Both style decanter tags are available in Bourbon, Tequila, Rum, Gin, Vodka, Whiskey and Scotch (shown).

Fox Hunt "Scotch" Decanter Tag. Pewter.

21/2" W x 13/4" T. (HC15F) $22.00

Belmont Julep Cup. (HC15C) $115.00 Belmont Stirrup Spoon. 5.75"L. (HC15D) $19.00

Horse "Scotch" Decanter Tag. Pewter.

21/2" W x 13/4"T. (HC15G) $22.00

Platter. White porcelain with distinctive pewter handles. Large: 20½” handle to handle. (HC15L) $260.00 Small: 17½” handle to handle. (HC15M) $240.00 New! Oval Serving Dish. 14" handle to handle.

(HC15N) $210.00

Belmont Stirrup Hor D'oeuvre Fork. 6 1/4" L. (HC15H) $19.00

Belmont Stirrup Steak Knives.

Set of 6. 7 3/4" L. (HC15J) $275.00

Belmont Bits and Straps Ice Bucket.

Made in the USA Stirrup and straps Ice Bucket. Elegant ice bucket with leather straps and pewter stirrups. 71/2" tall.

(HC15E) $320.00

Horse head cake stand.

(HC15K) $124.95

Belmont Bits and Straps Pitcher. Made in the USA. Curved glass pitcher. Elegant pitcher with leather straps and pewter stirrups. 8" tall.

(HC15P) $185.00

H orse C ountry ® 800 882 HUNT HC15 Shop online! www.horsecountrycarrot.com

All prices subject to change without notice. All items subject to availability. IAHC 10-2012

Great selection with online convenience. Order now! www.HorseCountryCarrot.com

BEADS AND BAUBLES. FANCY AND FUN. Foxhunter

Leather Knotted Necklace.

Fawn colored nubuck suede with 22k gold vermeil horseshoe disc with a pearl accent. Magnet closure. Specify horseshoe (large disc) or foxhunter (small disc). 10" (HC16D) $220.00

Horse and Jockey to Post.

Equestrian necklace in plexi-glass by London jewelry designer Philippa Kunisch. Only one of each color is available.

Horseshoe

Horse and Jockey on elaborate bead and crystal necklace in hot pink, yellow or white.

On jeweler wire approx.

16" long. (4102-n01) (HC16A) $245.00

Horse and Jockey on tiny bead necklace in hot pink, yellow or white. (4102-n02) (HC16B) $155.00

HC16 H orse C ountry ÂŽ 800 882 HUNT Visit us online! www.horsecountrylife.com

Horseshoe Charm Bracelet with white pearl.

(1177-eqb) (HC16E) $166.00 Horse and Jockey on jeweler string in hot pink, yellow or white. (4102-n03) (HC16C) $140.00

All prices subject to change without notice. All items subject to availability. IAHC 10-2012

Little Fox on Plaited Cord.

Leather plaited cord with lasso closure and fox dangle.

22k gold vermeil. Available in Turquoise, Crème, Lavender, Chocolate as well as Black and Orange (not shown).

9" (HC16H) $140.00

Green Plaited Necklace and Bracelet. 22k gold vermeil bit and toggle closure on plaited leather.

Bracelet (fsub1) (HC16F) $215.00; Necklace (fsln1) (HC16G) $220.00

Great selection with online convenience. Order now! www.HorseCountryCarrot.com

A

B C

Vintage necklaces for our sporting enthusiasts.

Only one of each.

A. 8" long. (3635-n1571) (HC17A) $145.00 B. 9" long. (IK-141001) (HC17B) $165.00 C. 13" long. Mother of Pearl. (1025-009) (HC17C) $895.00 D. 12" long. (3635-n1571) (HC17D) $145.00 E. 14" long. Ivory. (1025-008) (HC17E) $1695.00

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Bit Bracelet. Sterling silver with amethyst pyramids and cabochons. (fsb1) (HC17F) $310.00

Sterling necklaces with equestrian highlights.

Only one of each.

11" long. (1025-003) (HC17G) $795.00 14" long. (1025-007) (HC17H) $795.00

THE AGE OF ELEGANCE LIVES ON.

14k racehorse with large diamond eye. (9200-003) (HC17J) $2200.00

14k and 1.25” wide cuff embellished diamond and precious stone ornaments including a coach, jockey cap, Belmont Park race program, race horse, sailboat, dog, champagne bucket, elephant and others. (9200-002) (HC17L) Enquire with store.

14k and platinum stockpin. (9306001) (HC17N) $1595.00

14k with crystal foxmask. Tiffany. (9079014) (HC17P) $2400.00 14k large crystal cufflinks. (4701-0611-001) (HC17K) $2495.00

14k with diamonds and horse crystal.

3” t by 2.5” w.

(9200-001)(HC17M) Enquire with store.

14k with crystal horsehead. Tiffany.

(9079-016) (HC17Q) $2400.00

H orse C ountry ® 800 882 HUNT HC17 Shop online! www.horsecountrycarrot.com

All prices subject to change without notice. All items subject to availability. IAHC 10-2012

Great selection with online convenience. Order now! www.HorseCountryCarrot.com Minton Plates, set of 12. 101/2” Handpainted. (5000-022511) (HC18A) $1595.00

Vintage delicate carnelian beads with 14k gold fox mask. (HC18B) $450.00

OLD WORLD CHARM.

Cocktail Shaker. c. 1900, rare red glass with sterling silver. 14" tall with eight 31/2" tall glasses. Original cork. Excellent condition. Made in Czechoslovakia.

(HC18C) Enquire with store.

Beswick grey hunter. 11.5" tall by 14.5" long. (HC18D) $495.00

We have now added new items to our www.HorseCountryCarrot.com’s estate and jewelry collection.

HC18 H orse C ountry ® 800 882 HUNT Visit us online! www.horsecountrylife.com

All prices subject to change without notice. All items subject to availability. IAHC 10-2012

Hand painted demitasse cups and saucers. Fox mask, signed Rinebold. Set of 12. (HC18E) $1200.00

Impressive fox in sterling silver.

Made in England. 20" long by 7" tall.

(HC18F) $2495.00

Vintage Gent’s crystal and 14k gold cufflinks. (HC18G) $2400.00

Great selection with online convenience. Order now! www.HorseCountryCarrot.com

Fox Champagne.

Made in Italy. Silver plated 1960s. 15”h.

(5201-043) (HC19A) $2500.00

Equestrian epergne and desk piece.

Made in England.

19th c. silverplate.

23”x12”x8”. (341710303) (HC19C) $1995.00

Sterling Goblets. Made in England. 1826.

(HC19B) SOLD

Car hood ornament.

Made in England.

Chrome over bronze. (5201043) (HC19D) $495.00 Fox on silver ashtray. Made in England. 5”.

(HC19E) $350.00

CLASSICALLY ECLECTIC. Foxes. Call store for prices.

H orse C ountry ® 800 882 HUNT HC19 Shop online! www.horsecountrycarrot.com

All prices subject to change without notice. All items subject to availability. IAHC 10-2012

Great selection with online convenience. Order now! www.HorseCountryCarrot.com

A

Tray. Made in USA. Dominick and Haft. Sterling.

Hunt scene on border.

14”x19” (4701-0713-001) (HC20A) $3495.00

B

Candle Holder with Boot. Made in England.

3”x 3”x 3” (9318-011) (HC20D) $350.00

Foxes. Made in Germany.

A.Two foxes 7”x12”x4” (333-09912-003) (HC20B) $650.00 B. Single fox 7” (333-09912-002) (HC20C) $499.00

Small Fox. Made in England.

4”x 3”x 2” (977047) (HC20E) $210.00

FOR THE NOTJUST-ANY HOME. Davenport Plates. Made in England.

A. Set of 12, 6½” (5100-1212-04) (HC20F) $695.00 B. Set of 7, 9” (5201-027) (HC20G) $650.00

Match Holder. Made in England. Bronze hound on pillow. 6”.

(3471-11123) (HC20J) $795.00

Hunt Scene Pillow. 1950s cloth.18”x18” down filled. (HC20H) $225.00 each.

Two available (770-1011-002) Bolsters also available in the same cloth.

HC20 H orse C ountry ® 800 882 HUNT Visit us online! www.horsecountrylife.com

All prices subject to change without notice. All items subject to availability. IAHC 10-2012

Hunt Scene Pillow.

1970s cloth. 17” x 17”down filled.

A. Red tone (HC20K); B. Green tone (HC20L) (770-1011-004) $195.00 each.

Great selection with online convenience. Order now! www.HorseCountryCarrot.com Demitasse. Made in USA. “Tally Ho” Towle. Set of 6 cups and saucers.

(5201-100) (HC21A) $350.00

Ink Well.

Made in Germany.

6”x 8” (3/94-004) (HC21C) $565.00

Paper Clip.

Made in England. Two sterling horns on oak board. (9318-011) (HC21B) $1900.00

Coasters.

Made in England.

Hand painted china with sterling rim. Set of 2. (HC21D) (9318-01) $350.00 Book Holder. Made in England. Silver with bronze dogs. Spring tension. c1840.

12” x 14”x 8” (813-009) (HC21E) $4500.00

Footed Glasses.

Moser. Highly detailed enameled with gold rim. Game includes fox, boar, badger, stag, rabbit, deer.

5” tall. (4701-07130020) (HC21F) $1995.00

Demitasse. Made in England. Royal Crown Derby. Set of 6.

(5201-092) (HC21G) $350.00

H orse C ountry ® 800 882 HUNT HC21 Shop online! www.horsecountrycarrot.com

All prices subject to change without notice. All items subject to availability. IAHC 10-2012

Great selection with online convenience. Order now! www.HorseCountryCarrot.com

Antique Weathervane.

Sidesaddle Huntress, Fox and Hounds.

Copper. (5100-1011-001) (HC22A) Enquire with store.

Antique Clock/Barometer with key.

(4700-052010-001) (HC22B) $2400.00

Hermes Tobacco Set. 51/2” t by 81/2”w.

Silver. (999-22010) (HC22C) $2400.00

ARTFUL REPRESENTATIONS OF SPIRITS PAST.

Sconces. Pair, 1930s hunting horn design, made in France. (4218-001) (HC22D) $2400.00

Hunt Scene. John Alfred Wheeler (British 1821-1903) 1896. Overall size 12" by 18”. (5000-0708) (HC22E) Enquire with store.

Rushing. E. Frank Gillet (British 1874-1927) Watercolor. Overall size 27" by 20". (2118-1008-001) (HC22F) Enquire with store.

HC22 H orse C ountry ® 800 882 HUNT Visit us online! www.horsecountrylife.com

All prices subject to change without notice. All items subject to availability. IAHC 10-2012

Nothing Doing.

E. Frank Gillet (British 1874-1927) Watercolor.

14” by 13” (2508-003) (HC22G) Enquire with store.

Great selection with online convenience. Order now! www.HorseCountryCarrot.com Hunt Scene.

Charles Rosner (American 18941975) Oil on board.

291/2” by 151/2” (1245-020) (HC23A) Enquire with store.

Whistlejacket.

Weathervane.

15” nose to tail. Arrow is 28” long, 191/2” floor to ear. Molded zinc head on copper body.

Trace of gilding. Backside shows damage.

(4216-001) (HC23C) Enquire with store.

Breaking Cover and A Rattling Kill. Arthur A. Davis (British- active 1877-1905) Oil on canvas.

Overall 32” by 44”.

Breaking Cover (3359-001); A Rattling Kill (3359-002) (HC23B) Enquire with store.

Beaujolais.

Majolica French horsehead. 21” t.

(5100-101210-001) (HC23D) Enquire with store.

Polo Plates. Set of 8. 101/2”. Handpainted.

(5100-0311-004) (HC23E) $1450.00

H orse C ountry ® 800 882 HUNT HC23 Shop online! www.horsecountrycarrot.com

All prices subject to change without notice. All items subject to availability. IAHC 10-2012

Great selection with online convenience. Order now! www.HorseCountryCarrot.com Signature Ornaments with Ribbon. 3” round porcelain. Made in the USA. (HC24A) $14.00 each

Basset (2346-055)

Romantic Horse (2346-064)

Corgie (2346-054)

Fox Mask with Circling Hounds (2346-063)

Fox Mask in Horn (2346-059)

Bouncing Fox (2346-058)

Standing Hunter (2346-065)

Bouncing Hound (2346-062)

Horse Country Signature Comfort Mat Half inch thick foam mat with a field hunter on a ticking background with big eggbutt bits. (1567-009) (HC24B) $44.00

ENTICING TOUCHES FOR TABLES AND TREES.

Horse Country Signature Placemats. Reversible laminated placemats. One side has the hunter green border with bits and horns showing the fox, hound, field hunter and huntsman. The other side has an informal woven background with hunt crops and thongs showing the fox, basset, rabbit and hound. Set of four. (4603001) (HC24C) $42.95

Marble Coasters. 4” sq tumbled marble coaster with cork back. Polo (2346-015) (HC24D); Race Horse (2346-012) (HC24E) ; Recumbent Fox (2346-001) (HC24F) $12.95 each Jack Russell (2346-057)

Race Horse (2346-066)

www.HorseCountryCarrot.com

Lots of other designs available in the store.

(540) 347-3141 • 800-882-HUNT (4868)

To WINCHESTER, I-66 & I-81

60 Alexandria Pike • Warrenton, Virginia 20186 CUSTOMER SERVICE AND INQUIRIES: (540) 347-3141

www.Facebook.com/HorseCountryLife

Visit us online! www.horsecountrylife.com

29

BROADVIEW Ave.

St.

MAIN St.

HORSE COUNTRY

®

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)

Rt. 17 By pass

17

W IN CH ES TE R

To SPERRYVILLE & I-81 211

To WASHINGTON via I-66

Pk. DRIA ALEXAN

Horse Country®

To CULPEPER & CHARLOTTESVILLE

IAHC 11-2013

IN & AROUND HORSE COUNTRY • OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2013

13

IN & AROUND HORSE COUNTRY • OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2013

14

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$479,000

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IN & AROUND HORSE COUNTRY • OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2013

15

IN & AROUND HORSE COUNTRY • OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2013

16

FOXHUNTING

A Family Treasure Following a Silver Hunting Horn from the 19th Century to Today

By Betsy Burke Parker

Robert Taylor riding Knocka, Cumberland Farmers Foxhounds, England, 1966. Taylor Family photo

The silver Kohler horn, handed down from generation to generation in the Taylor family. Betsy Burke Parker photo

Robert Taylor, MFH, holds a family treasure in his hand—a 19th century silver Kohler hunting horn— and matter-of-factly says it’s “the single-most perfect acoustical machine I’ve ever seen.” With the horn, he can trace the history of his family, hand to hand, from Ireland in direct tail-male line right into his weathered hand in 21st century Maryland.

Taking it strictly as the tale of a dainty bit of silver, the horn’s story is long and filled with hunting tales and thrills. It bears more passport stamps than a Belfast ambassador, passing from Ireland—north and south—to England to Australia to Maryland’s western hunt country, once making an unintended but very exciting visit into a deep layer of autumn leaves that left Taylor in tears before it sprang—almost by provenance—back to the grateful hands of its keeper.

It’s been dropped, dinged, lost, found, polished, shined, blown, thrown in disgust, and cuddled with quixotic tenderness.

When Robert Taylor lifts the silver beauty to his lips, it warbles oversized through an oversized bell, producing music so beautiful it makes you want to cry, like he did when he lost it last year.

To be sure, his is not strictly the history of the hunting horn. The narrative links one Irish huntsman to another, following music and culture, politics and passion, intrigue and history. There’s not one discordant note in this richly complex story, with exquisite,

symphonic soundtrack. There’s also quality of mysticism, a Celtic touch that lends the horn itself a character all its own. Compressing thousands of miles, thousands of hounds, thousands of hunts, and thousands of grateful sportsmen into a singularly distinctive staccato, the Kohler follows a path much like the title Red Violin of Francois Girard’s 1998 movie following a priceless masterpiece through three centuries and a half-dozen owners. The Kohler has that kind of sweep.

Robert Taylor’s evolution takes him from sonof-a-son of a huntsman in Northern Ireland, to pony kid, to college, to professor, to international sportsman, to Maryland horseman and one of the popular figures in the centuries-old U.S.-Ireland horsemen exchange. It’s impossible to separate the two players.

As longtime huntsman of Maryland’s Goshen Hounds and now New Market-Middletown Valley Hounds, Robert carries the historic hand-me-down four times a week each season. And he’s done it most of his 64 years.

All in the Family In 1863 London, a German immigrant and master craftsman John Kohler and his son labor day and night in a factory on London’s busy Henrietta Street.

It’s a modest, squat building, tucked in an industrial neighborhood northeast of city center, southeast of the putrid Hackney Marsh and balanced above the River Thames oxbow. A relentless stream of merchant traffic on the water underlines the crush of commerce on the short, narrow lane.

In the dark, hot production rooms, men crouch over work tables. They gently coax form from thin sheets of silver, copper, and brass. From three-foot long coaching horns and tiny children’s bugles, Kohler already has a reputation as a skilled horn manufacturer. Kohler has plied his trade since 1790, and no foxhunting horn is more precious than a Kohler.

It’s unknown how this particular silver Kohler— nine inches long and delicately voluptuous—found its way across the Irish Sea, to County Down, and

into the hands of legendary Killultagh huntsman Arthur Stringer where the story begins. “He’s sort of a relative, a few ties back,” Robert Taylor explained vaguely. But he insists it was Stringer who first set into motion the path that continues to this day.

“I know it sounded just the same” for Stringer and, a few years later, for his grandfather Thomas “Tommy” Taylor, Robert said. “Same today, 21st century, as back then.”

Tommy entered hunt service in the 1890s under his uncle Jack Painter at Killultagh then whipping to the County Down Staghounds in the north of Ireland.

He became huntsman in 1923.

All six sons, including Robert’s father Jack, whipped at Killultagh, and when Tommy Taylor retired, he handed the horn over to his son, Tom Junior, huntsman to the Killuleath Hunt.

The horn passed to Robert’s father Jack Taylor, huntsman at East Antrim 13 seasons and England’s Cumberland Farmers’ for 16 years, he explained.

“But he had a copper Barclay that he preferred.” So the horn was used by “Uncle Tommy.”

The Kohler thus passed to Robert, then a junior whip at Cumberland, when his uncle retired. “Uncle Tommy gave it to me,” he says proudly. Robert recalled his first notes on the lovely silver horn: “Rich, penetrating” through the oversized bell. He practiced on it, but didn’t actually use the horn.

Robert hunted a lot and excelled at pony jumpers and showing; he represented Ireland in international junior competition at 14.

Robert squirreled the horn away for the better part of 20 years while he studied and earned a degree at England’s Liverpool University, and in 1974 moved to Australia to teach school and riding lessons. He worked as a course designer, show organizer, and judge, and was involved with the Trotting Association as owner, trainer, and driver. He was games coach for the Pony Club’s international teams, and he served as ringmaster for the Darwin Royal Show. He wrote on horsemanship and mounted games for many national horse magazines.

IN & AROUND HORSE COUNTRY • OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2013

Robert met his wife, USA international games coach Kathy Jones, at exchanges throughout the world. Kathy’s father, Rick, was master at Goshen, providing the Kohler’s entree to American foxhunting; Robert—and the Kohler—moved to the US in 1994, the same year he started as huntsman at Goshen. He was made master in 2006. Then he took the horn with him to New Market-Middletown Valley in 2009.

The couple operate TaylorMade Stables in Montgomery County for boarding and training field and show hunters. Robert gives riding and carriage driving clinics worldwide, and both continue competitive games training. Daughter Mackenzie was 2012 International Mounted Games Association individual champion. Son Hunter won the Northern Ireland Games Championship in 2012.

It’s through Mackenzie that many hope the Kohler will continue its journey. “She’s amazing on the horn,” said NM-MTV member Marcia Brody, adding that Mackenzie played French horn in the high school band. “We expect great things from her.”

The junior Taylor’s talent doesn’t surprise most hunt members. “I’ve hunted with Robert both at Goshen and New Market-Middletown Valley over the last 15 years,” says member Charles Shaffer. “To be sure, Robert is known for his horn work; which definitely is superb. Having heard all sorts of notes, tooted over lots of hunting horns, for many years, I have come to believe that Robert pays homage to his grandfather’s horn.”

Maker’s Mark It’s a thing of beauty, this few ounces of precious metal. Burnished to a gleam from years of handling, it’s clear this is a beloved tool, not a notional abstraction. When Robert pulls it out of its leather sheathing, you notice there are dings from top to bottom. A brass ring was used to patch two halves back whole a few years ago when Robert nearly broke it, accidentally.

The horn’s mark—”Kohler and Son Makers.

Henrietta St. Covent Garden. London.”—and two tiny medal medallions marked “1851” and “1862” verify the horn’s manufacture in 1863. Kohler moved from Henrietta Street in 1864.

Robert takes his role as the Kohler’s keeper quite seriously. It hasn’t left his care in nearly 50 years, he said. Well, unless you consider a short period last hunt season. One day out with the New Market-Middletown Valley at their Terrapin Neck fixture along the Potomac, hounds were leading a lively chase around the crop fields and thick woodlands along the river. A brief loss had Robert reaching in the case to call back the pack.

The horn wasn’t there. Robert panicked. He’d fumbled 150 years of history.

“Life wasn’t worth living,” Robert mocklamented, recounting the tale. He combed the woods and fields in vain. “I thought I’d lost a treasure.”

Near tears and ready to give up, Robert turned in frustration and glared at a patch of woodland he’d searched for hours. A glint of wan October sunlight illuminated the half-inch mouthpiece, poking from a bed of leaves where it had landed straight down.

You can almost imagine, if you let yourself, something gave the horn a push.

“It was eerie,” Robert said.

“I know it was an act of God. That horn wanted me to find it again.”

17

The Taylors make an appearance at a TV station in 1960: (l-r) George Taylor, Jack Taylor (Robert’s father), Tommy Taylor (Robert’s grandfather), Tommy Taylor Jr., Ernie Taylor. Taylor Family photo

Robert Taylor, MFH/Huntsman, cub hunting along the Potomac River. Betsy Burke Parker photo

Dating Kohler Hunting Horns Kohler, and later Kohler & Sons, manufacturers of hunt horns from 1780 to 1907, began smithing in Germany, but moved operations to England soon after getting started.

Horns were marked around the mouthpiece with an address, which helps date their horns quite accurately.

The company achieved Royal Appointment in 1801. They were registered at various addresses over the years. One of the earliest marks was I. Kohler—Whitcomb Street London, 1790-1793.

Horns made between 1830 and 1863 usually carried the 35 Henrietta Street address. Between 1851 and 1862 an Exhibition medal was added to the mark.

Horns made between 1863 and 1881 carried the 12 Great Chapel Street, Westminster address. In 1863, the inscription became Kohler & Son. Horns made between 1882 and 1888 were marked with the 116 Victoria Street, Westminster address. They moved down the road in 1888; from 1888 to 1896 the address changed to 61 Victoria Street.

The address between 1902 and 1904 was 167 Edbury Street, Eaton Square, London, then from 1905 to 1907 marks said 185 Piccadilly. In addition to foxhunting horns, Kohler made long coaching horns, signal horns, and whistles.

In 1907 the company was acquired by Swaine & Adeney.

IN & AROUND HORSE COUNTRY • OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2013

18

RACING

Fall Races

By Will O’Keefe

Foxfield Fall Races Maiden Claiming Hurdle A three-way photo finish: He’s A Fireball (#3, Bernie Dalton, up) – 1st; Mr. Buckaneer (hidden, Barry Walsh, up) – disqualified and moved to 4th; Super Saturday (hidden, Willie McCarthy, up) – finished 3rd but was moved to 2nd; Pie Town (#8, Danielle Hodsdon, up) – finished 4th but moved to 3rd. Betsy Burke Parker photo

Foxfield Fall Races Filly and Mare Maiden Hurdle (l-r) Rhetorical Question (Bernie Dalton, up) – 4th; Flagrant Honor (Willie McCarthy, up) – 3rd; Missteria (Carol-Ann Sloan, up) – 1st.

Betsy Burke Parker photo

Foxfield Fall Races VA Bred or Sired Training Flat Prima Facie (Jeff Murphy, up) – 1st. Betsy Burke Parker photo

Virginia Fall Races National Sporting Library/Chronicle Cup On The Corner (Mark Beecher, up) – 1st. Douglas Lees photo

Foxfield Fall Races 9-29-2013 Through most of the summer, turf courses in Virginia were lush with Mother Nature seeing to it that regular rain kept them that way. Unfortunately when it rains it pours and when it doesn’t it doesn’t.

A month ago Mother Nature turned off the spigot resulting in hard ground and short fields at Foxfield on Sunday, September 29, at the Foxfield Race Course near Charlottesville. In spite of the going the races were wide open; and no owner, trainer, or rider could muster more than one win.

The card opened with a maiden claiming hurdle race that went to Virginia’s leading owner, Magalen O. Bryant. Leading trainer Neil Morris saddled Bryant’s He’s A Fireball, who was debuting over hurdles. Bernie Dalton sent He’s A Fireball to the front where Barry Walsh moved Robin Hansen’s Mr. Buckaneer up to challenge. These two took turns setting the pace and approaching the last fence Katherine Neilson’s Super Saturday (Willie McCarthy) and Alexander Gordon-Watson’s Pie Town (Danielle Hodsdon) were closing well. In the run to the finish He’s A Fireball prevailed by a neck over Mr. Buckaneer, who was disqualified when a claim of foul was made by Danielle Hodsdon, the rider of Pie Town. They had crossed the finish line in fourth place but were placed third when Mr. Buckaneer was moved down to fourth. Super Saturday was moved up to second from third.

In the filly and mare maiden hurdle race Michael Leaf’s owner-trained Missteria also won at first asking. Under apprentice rider Carol-Ann Sloan, Missteria was part of a tightly bunched five horse field. On the last turn she emerged from the pack to lead over the second to last fence and steadily drew away to win easily by 6¾ lengths. Magalen O. Bryant’s Flagrant Honor (Willie McCarthy) was second and Holbrook Hollow Farm’s Ray de Light (Martin Rohan) was third.

Brian E. Murphy’s owner-trained Where’s The Beef totally dominated his rivals in the maiden hurdle race.

Willie McCarthy sent Where’s The Beef to the front when the flag dropped and none of the other starters could mount a challenge. The final margin was 18¼ lengths with Magalen O. Bryant’s Casual Creeper (Jeff Murphy) a distant second and Foxfield Races Maiden Hurdle Westerly Farm’s Mr. Where’s The Beef (Willie Lickety (Richard McCarthy, up) – 1st.

Betsy Burke Parker photo Boucher) was third.

Willie McCarthy had won the training flat race earlier on the card for trainer Doug Fout with Betsy B. Mead’s So Far Away. Jeff Murphy set the pace with Daybreak Stables’ Out Playing; but when the field turned for home, McCarthy made his move and drew alongside the leader. Murphy urged Out Playing vigorously through the stretch but couldn’t hold off So Far Away who won by a head. Doug Fout also trained the third place finisher, Beverly R. Steinman’s Secret Reward (Annie Yeager).

Jeff Murphy had much better luck in the

Virginia bred or sired flat race for trainer Simon Hobson. He took control on James H. Falk, Sr.’s Prima Facie shortly after the start and held off Why Not Racing LLC’s Complete Dyno by 1¼ lengths.

Complete Dyno rallied in the stretch under Richard Boucher but had to settle for second, and Sara Collette’s Wahoo (Bernie Dalton) finished third.

This was Prima Facie’s first win this season in Virginia bred races after having been second twice in the spring.

Virginia Fall Races 10-5-2013 Everyone looks forward to the races at Glenwood Park near Middleburg, Virginia. This year’s recent drought conditions dampened that enthusiasm but, unfortunately, not the race course. There were heavy scratches on both cards at the Virginia Fall Races on October 5 and 6. Horsemen had entered hoping for some rain; and when their hopes were dashed, many scratched their entries.

The featured race on the card was the National Sporting Library Chronicle Cup over the timber course. A field of five went under starter Graham Alcock’s orders, and they all finished with the outcome in question until the final furlong. Kinross Farm’s Old Timer (Bernie Dalton) took the lead the second time around, and appeared to be on his way to victory when he jumped the last with a clear lead.

Ivy Hill Stable, LLC’s On the Corner had a lot of ground to make up in the run in from the last, but he responded to Mark Beecher’s urging and caught Old Timer at the head of the stretch to win going away by 1¾ lengths. Alicia Murphy had saddled On the Corner to break his maiden a week before at Shawan Downs and was set up perfectly to become a stakes winner.

Leading rider Paddy Young found the conditions to his and his horses’ liking as he only finished worse than first once in four mounts, and that was a second place finish. His hat trick started in the first race when he won the optional allowance/claiming hurdle race on Dale K. Thiel’s Call Me Sonny for trainer Ricky Hendriks. Call Me Sonny did not get away with the leaders, but it didn’t take long for him to move to within striking distance of Pleasant Woodman (Willie McCarthy), who set the pace. At the last fence Call Me Sonny moved alongside Pleasant Woodman and drew away in the run in to win by 4¾ lengths.

Paddy Young’s second win was in the maiden claiming hurdle race on his wife’s Dubai Echo, who she also trains. Katherine S. Neilson’s Gokokogo (Willie McCarthy) set the pace with Dubai Echo and Alicia Murphy’s Jungle Chief (Jeff Murphy) close behind. Paddy asked Dubai Echo to quicken with three furlongs to run and he got the desired response. He led over the last fence and romped home alone by 14½ lengths over Gokokogo with Jungle Chief third.

The Young family was at it again when they won the maiden hurdle race with Irvin S. Naylor’s Irish bred Jamarjo. He was reserved off the pace, made a move down the backside the final time, and took the lead three fences from home. Virginia Lazenby’s Dreamin Fool (Willie McCarthy) rallied for second but was never a threat to win. The final margin was 1 length.

IN & AROUND HORSE COUNTRY • OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2013

The only blemish on Paddy’s record on Saturday was a second place finish on Wendy Hendriks’ Cry Vengeance in the three-year-old maiden hurdle race.

Virginia Fall Races Theodora A. In that race another Randolph Memorial Cup Maiden winner from the Hurdle - Jamarjo (IRE, Paddy Young, up) – 1st.

Shawan Downs Douglas Lees photo meet made his way to the winners’ circle. Janet Elliot had saddled Edition Farm’s Run To Class to a come from behind victory last Saturday, and he won at Glenwood with Bernie Dalton using similar tactics. He rallied down the backside and joined the leader, Magalen O. Bryant’s Class Fuss (Willie McCarthy) at the last fence. He put Class Fuss away on the final turn and held off Cry Vengeance, who rallied belatedly. The final margin was 2¾ lengths.

Irvin S. Naylor had another winner on the card when trainer Teddy Mulligan won the allowance timber race with The Editor. Kinross Farm’s Ed’s Big Bet (Darren Nagle) made most of the running but could not hold off The Editor, who made his move approaching the second to last fence. He flew that fence under Jeff Murphy, and won very handily by seven lengths. Ed’s Big Bet stayed for second with Naylor’s Almarmooq (James Slater) third.

The two other maiden hurdle races on the card went to William L. Pape’s Sully’s Approach and Sara E. Collette’s Wahoo. Trained by Hall of Fame trainer Jonathan Sheppard, Sully’s Approach made easy work of the other two starters in the filly and mare claiming race. Sully’s Approach was content to let Randy Rouse’s Wild Ball (Roddy Mackenzie) set the pace. When asked by Bernie Dalton, Sully’s Approach rallied to take the lead three furlongs from home and distanced Jason Cole’s Out o’ the Clouds by 19 lengths. Wild Ball faded to third. Sara Collette’s Wahoo (Darren Nagle) was even more impressive leading all the way to win by 44 lengths over Margaret R. White’s Mystery Maeve (Gerard Galligan) in a match race that amounted to a mismatch. Under the tutelage of VSA’s leading trainer Neil Morris, Wahoo was well seasoned with two wins at the point-to-points this spring, and Mystery Maeve was a maiden over hurdles on all levels. This race was restricted to Virginia owned and trained horses.

Virginia Fall Races 10-6-2013 The finals of the Theodora A. Randolph Field Hunter Championship of America took center stage prior to the Sunday card of races sanctioned by the Virginia Steeplechase Association. The steeplechase community was well represented as graduates of the Junior Field Masters Chases took top honors. The overall champion was Karen Martz’s Greyland Woods, who was ridden by her daughter Teresa Croce. Teresa won a number of field masters chases on her Circe several years ago and was in action riding flat races in 2012. The runner up was Magalen O. Bryant’s Turnadieu, who also competed successfully in junior field masters chases after a brief racing career; and his rider, Karen Russell, has been a regular on the hunter pace circuit. America’s all time leading amateur steeplechase rider, Colvin (Gregg) Ryan, MFH, was the field master for the cross country phase of Sunday’s competition.

The first race was a flat race restricted to ama-

teur or apprentice riders. This race had good entries, but when the dust settled (pardon the pun) there were only two starters, and both belonged to Gordonsdale Farm, and were trained by Chris Kolb. This past spring’s point-to-point novice flat rider champion Zoe Valvo was aboard Canyon Road; and popular apprentice Kieran Norris was up on Deep Run. At the drop of the flag it was obvious that they were going to race as a team and probably arrive at the finish with very little ground separating them. That was the result as Canyon Road got the nod by a nose.

Canyon Road not only won the race but broke his maiden in the process. This result also continued the junior field masters thread as Zoe Valvo is a very successful graduate of that series.

The amateur highweight timber race was next to come, and this race was a thriller. Morning Star Stables’ Thermostat made most of the running under McLane Hendriks. Walden 4’s Here Comes Badness stalked the leader much of the race. These two hooked up a quarter mile from home and sprinted eyeball to eyeball to the last fence. The quick pace proved to be a problem for first time starter Here Comes Badness and his first time timber rider Frenchman Vincent Chenet. Thermostat jumped flawlessly, but Here Comes Badness made a mistake.

To his credit within two strides after nearly taking a nosedive, Vincent had righted the ship and was riding hard to the finish. When McLane saw Here Comes Badness rallying in the stretch, he let out a notch; and Thermostat held on to win easily by 2¼ lengths. Thermostat has been a great amateur rider’s horse having won this race a year ago and having numerous winning efforts on the Delaware Valley Circuit. McLane’s talent did not fall far from the tree. His father Ricky was the NSA leading rider on several occasions in the 1980s. Unfortunately McLane’s physical stature kept him from following in his father’s footsteps to that level, but this is a great spot for him to have some fun.

James H. Falk, Sr.’s Prima Facie has had two races this fall in preparation for the Old Dominion Turf Championship at the International Gold Cup on October 19. If two dominating wins do not make him the favorite, I don’t know what it takes. For the second week in a row, Jeff Murphy put Prima Facie on top immediately. Once again they were never threatened and won easily. Rebecca Shepherd’s Searubyrun (Richard Boucher) finished second 2¼ lengths behind with Noble Stables’ Rhetorical Question (Bernie Dalton) finishing in third place.

Richard Boucher had better luck in the filly and mare flat race. He rated Why Not Racing LLC’s Class Energy off the pace, took the lead with a quarter mile to run, and won handily by 2 lengths.

Stillmeadow Farm LLC’s Terrys Dancer (Bernie Dalton) was second and James H. Falk’s Rare Match (Jeff Murphy) was third. The rider’s wife, Lilith Boucher, trained the winner.

When the open hurdle race scratched down to one lone entry, Kinross Farm’s Schoolhouse Woods, that race was declared a walkover. Neil Morris was the winning trainer and Bernie Dalton was the rider.

In the last race of a long weekend, George Sigalos’ Sonny Crewe Jack (George Wood) won the maiden flat race by ¾ of a length over Born To Run Thoroughbred’s In the Leather with Richard Boucher in the irons. After Sara E. Collette’s Yarella (Bernie Dalton) faded, Sonny Crewe Jack and In the Leather entered the final turn on even terms. In The Leather went wide losing valuable ground in the process.

19

Virginia Fall Races Bon Nouvel Optional Allowance/Claiming Hurdle (l-r) Call Me Sonny (Paddy Young, up) – 1st; Pleasant Woodman (Willie McCarthy, up) – 2nd. Douglas Lees photo

Virginia Fall Races Daniel C. Sands Cup Maiden Claiming Hurdle Dubai Echo (Paddy Young, up) – 1st. Douglas Lees photo

Virginia Beach Memorial Amateur Highweight Timber (l-r) Here Comes Badness (Vincent Chenet, up) – 2nd; Thermostat (McLane Hendriks, up) – 1st. Douglas Lees photo

Virginia Fall Races Nancy Lee Filly & Mare Maiden Claiming Hurdle Sully’s Approach (Bernie Dalton, up) – 1st. Douglas Lees photo

IN & AROUND HORSE COUNTRY • OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2013

20

ACROSS THE POND

Three Major Hound Shows

By Jim Meads

Welsh Hound Show, July 2013 Champion Welsh Doghound (right) Gelligaer Farmers’ “Topper,” Huntsman Martyn Arnold. Champion Welsh Bitch (left) Teme Valley “Tally,” Huntsman David Savage.

Back (l-r) David Jones, judge; Neville Owen, steward; Eirfyl Price, judge.

Welsh Hound Show Best Welsh Dog and Bitch Couple Llanwnnen Farmers “Gypsy” and “Gomer” with Ianto Evans, MFH.

Welsh Hound Show Best Couple of Welsh Doghounds Llanwrthwl “Tudor” and “Brenin,” Huntsman Mark Jones.

Welsh Hound Show Champion English Bitch Duke of Beaufort’s “Bobtail.”

Peterborough Royal Foxhound Show, July 2013 Best Unentered Doghound from Restricted Packs Vine and Craven “Pagan.”

Peterborough Royal Foxhound Show, July 2013 Best Couple of Unentered Doghounds V.W.H. “Steptoe” and “Dealer.”

Peterborough Royal Foxhound Show, July 2013 Champion Bitch Duke of Beaufort’s “Rapture.”

The Wales & Border Counties Hound Show is the premier one of the season for Welsh Foxhounds, where every huntsman dreams of winning. This year, entries were up, especially in the Unentered classes, where the top young doghound came from my home pack, the David Davies, with huntsman’s wife Amy Bradley showing “Butcher.” Gelligaer “Topper” headed the older dogs, with L l a n w r t h w l “Brenin” and “Tudor” winning the Couples. The unique Dog and Bitch Couple was taken by Llanwnnen “Gypsy” and “Gomer.” David Davies’ “Glider” ran away with the Stallion class, with Welsh Hound Show, July 2013 Best Unentered Welsh Doghound Gelligaer “Topper” David Davies “Butcher,” Amy Bradley. being named as Champion Dog. In the bitches, Gelligaer “Dancer” took the Unentered, with Teme Valley “Tally” leading the older bitches, while a very old pack, the Penrhiwfer, scored in the Couples with “Damsel” and “Dimple.”

Teme Valley “Tally” took the female Championship.

There was also a ring for English hounds. In the Dog classes, there were wins for the South Shropshire, North Cotswold, Bicester & Duke of Beaufort, with the Champion being Beaufort “Sampson.” In the Bitches, wins were had by the South Shropshire, North Cotswold, Cotswold, and Beaufort, who took the Championship with “Bobtail.”

Next came the most famous show of all, the 125th renewal of the Peterborough Royal Foxhound Show, the 67th I’ve attended with a camera! Entries were down through kennel cough, and classes for Old English hounds had to be cancelled, but still a large crowd gathered in their seats in the hallowed arena. In the first doghound class for young dogs from a Restricted pack, the result brought much applause for the winner, Vine & Craven “Pagan.” This was the first time I can recall this pack scoring at Peterborough.

In the Unentered Couples, V.W.H. “Dealer” & “Steptoe” took top spot. The Restricted Couple of Entered Dogs brought another surprise when the East Sussex & Romney Marsh won with “Ragtime” and “Rambler.” The two-couple was headed by the North Cotswold, and then came the eagerly awaited appearance of Ardingly Champion, East Sussex & Romney Marsh “Dante,” who duly won the Stallion Class.

“Dante” then proceeded to win the Dog Championship, bringing the loudest cheers heard at Peterborough for years. In the female classes, the East Sussex & Romney Marsh’s winning run continued when their “Bunting” took the Unentered Class, with the Couples going to V.W.H. “Pumpkin” and “Strawberry.” In the Restricted Entered Couples, the Bicester took the top prize with “Pampas” and “Parable,” while the Two-Couples were headed by the Beaufort, who also took the Bitch Championship with “Rapture.”

The season’s final major show was held at Rydal in the Lake District of northwest England, and this is a Mecca for Fell Hounds, always drawing a big crowd.

Rydal Show, August 2013 Ullswater Huntsman John Harrison showing the Best Group of 5 Fell Hounds.

After the Coniston Puppy Show, the first open class for a group of five hounds was won by the Ullswater, shown by Huntsman John Harrison, and then the Coniston won the Couples for Michael N. Cholson. In the Fell Dog Classes, the Blencathra won both, with “Sergeant” and “Rebel,” for Barry To d h u n t e r, while in the Bitches the Rydal Show, August 2013 Best Group of Harriers shown by the Pendle classes were Forest and Craven. won by Ullswater “Barmaid,” and Coniston “Lyric,” with the latter being awarded the Fell Championship. For the Harriers, the two most successful packs were the Pendle Forest, with the Dog Couples and Best Group, while Rydal Show, August 2013 the Holcombe took the Bitch Champion Harrier was Holcombe “Batman.”

Couples, then the Championship with “Batman.” The Beagle ring was monopolized by the Newcastle & District, who took the Group, the Reserve Championship with “Warrior,” and the Championship with “Wisdom” for the third successive year, to the delight of Master since 1983 Rupert Bigson. In the Supreme Championship, Coniston “Lyric,” shown by Whipper-In M i c h a e l Burton, took the splendid Bruce Logan Cup.

Rydal Show, Supreme Champion of the Show Coniston “Lyric,” shown by whipperin Michael Burton.

Behind are Fell Hound judges Sandy Wilson and Andrew Bobb.

IN & AROUND HORSE COUNTRY • OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2013

AGA’S SAGAS

21

Excitement in the Autumn Air

Well, I admit… I wouldn’t mind a few extra biscuits every day. Let’s see if we can get Marion to add it in.

Fall also means the return of racing and tailgating. By now you know we have everything you need to ensure that your guests will be full of compliments long after the races have entered the history books. From tableware and linens to serving pieces and cheese boards, you’ll find it here.

I particularly like marking on them, and then watching I would be remiss if I didn’t offer our heartiest conthem blow away to carry my scent far and wide. gratulations to the Keswick Hunt for winning the Bunsen! TMI! TMI! Warrenton Horse Show Hunt Night Championship, and Makes it smell like I am everywhere, and a verra to the Warrenton Hunt for winning Reserve. Horse important force in the neighborhood.

Country was proud to sponsor Hunt Night and decorate the tables of the Exhibitors’ Party. Over the past few Ugh. Anyway, I must admit fall is my favorite season, months, Horse Country has donated prizes to various because as the leaves come down, all our new merhunts, and we are pleased to do so. We know that our chandise comes in! The only thing more colorful than foxhunters are our most devoted clients, and we enjoy autumn leaves are our new covert coats, field coats, giving back to those we strive to serve. Our congratulaand hacking jackets from England. Marion has tions go to all the winners of the Horse Country gifts. found the most beautiful fabrics in traditional browns, We hope you enjoy them! mustards, and greens, with little pops of unexpected Although we are enjoying beautiful weather, we must color that elevate them from simply lovely to just fabadmit that inclement weather is waiting in the wings. To ulous! New windowpane, check and herringbone patthat end, Marion has ordered in a full range of Barbour terns—all made from sturdy Scottish wools that will Aga and Bunsen watch for treaters from the carriage. jackets from the classic Bedale to the sporty quilted last for years. jackets in a wide array of colors with interesting Liberty and William Morris print ’Tis the reason Marion chooses Scottish woolens and Scottie dogs. Both are verra linings. And back by popular demand are the quilted jackets with polar fleece linsturdy! ing for both men and women. If it’s time to retire your current Bedale to the barn, Some of us are sturdier than others, Bunsen. Some, you might even say, are built come in and choose a country coat that will be your go-to best friend for the next like brick houses! decade.

Aye, like I said, lassie. Sturdy!

In addition to classic rain gear, Marion has brought in a wide selection of sweaters, hats, scarves, mufflers, gloves, and mittens to suit everyone. Whether If you pair your hacking jacket with one of our new Tattersall shirts for men and your look is classic, light-hearted, or simply practical, we’ve got it covered. women, you are sure to look smashing. The best part about our Tattersall shirts?

I’ve saved the best news for last. SANTA IS COMING! SANTA IS COMThey are equally at home in the hunt field, at the hunt breakfast, or even in the ING! Santa, Mrs. Claus, and an elf will be coming to Horse Country on December workplace. Imagine a shirt that looks equally smart for any venue, can be worn for 11. He will be noting wishes from the younger set between 4 and 6 p.m., and then, years, and gets softer and more comfortable with every washing. Available in after the bar opens, he will field wishes from us adults. I’m sure either Santa’s elf washable wool/cotton blends, they’re one of my favorite new items. or one of our own elves will be happy to note down items that Santa can obtain Lasts for years…must be Scottish. from Horse Country to put under your tree.

Actually, Bunsen, I think the cloth is made in England.

I canna wait to see Santa again! I’m sure there was some mistake made last year.

Pffft!

Must’ve been an oversight that I did Of course, all these clothes are on display in our now fully redecorated first nae get my personal steak. This year floor—which, by the way, is just AMAZING. I patrol it daily, and every day I have I will sit on his lap and make sure he a new favorite vignette by Charles, or appreciate the extra space devoted to understands that I want a two-pound breeches. I just drool over the jewelry in the display cases when I’m picked up and sirloin with my name branded on it. It allowed to take a peek. does nae e’en have to be cooked, just thawed.

Hah! Ye just like the heat from the wee lights in the showcase, lassie!

Happy autumn, everyone! Isn’t this particular year’s foliage just beautiful? Aren’t the colors glorious? Yes, Bunsen and I can see them. You humans have just discovered what we have experienced all along; dogs can see in color, and we love going out for our walks at this time of year, because the leaves rain down and make delightful piles for us to roll around in.

Well, there is getting to be a nip in the air now! But our customers have been oohing and aahing when they come in. Somehow, no matter what they came in for, they always spend some extra time browsing and find things they’ve never seen before, since a lot of merchandise has been displayed in new places and in ways that catch your eye.

My zebra chair still has pride of place, however. I truly enjoy greeting our guests as they arrive.

If by “greeting” you mean opening one eye and going back to sleep, then you certainly do, Bunsen.

Well, I must say I’m verra disappointed that the only design input I made was ignored.

What was that?

That a fancy table should be placed near the front door with a distinguished looking antique glass jar full of biscuits. That would make a verra nice statement, don’t you think, lassie?

Bunsen, let’s revisit your definition of “sturdy,” or “hefty,” or even “big as a house.” With a jar of biscuits by the door, you’d become immense in no time.

I’m just saying I would be more inclined to wake up if I thought there was going to be a biscuit in it for me.

I haven’t decided what I want for Christmas. Maybe a book Marion can read aloud to us, or a new DVD on foxhunting that we haven’t yet seen.

Those are always rollicking good fun! We should check with Jenny. She knows everything about our books and videos.

How can ye nae want a steak, lassie?

Pffft, Bunsen! First we have to get through Thanksgiving. We always eat quite well sitting underneath the din- Bunsen invites his hero, huntsman Melvin Poe, to sit in the zebra chair at Horse Country. ner table.

For those of you who don’t have the patience to wait for Santa, many of our gift item classics are already back in stock, waiting for your selection. Jean—yes, JEAN—is back! Three days a week, she can help you find the perfect choice of gift or clothing. So don’t be a stranger! Come in and let us show you around. We are so proud of our beautiful store. We know you’ll love our new look!

Yours in Autumnal Splendor, Aga

22

JENNY’S PICKS

IN & AROUND HORSE COUNTRY • OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2013

HORSE COUNTRY BOOKSELLERS

By the time you read this, foxhunting will be in full swing; those in the more northerly climes may even be into formal season. It’s time to start planning the new year, and to Specialists in New, Old & Rare Books on Horses, Foxhunting, help you keep track of the hunt ball and other important dates, we have several foxEventing, Polo, Racing, Steeplechasing & Sporting Art hunting calendars to offer, as well as a 60 Alexandria Pike, Warrenton, VA 20186 • 800-882-HUNT • 540-347-3141 handful of other dog and horse calendars.

For the complete line, check out our web- Surtees. 31pp. (6157) $45.00 clean and sound. Illus. w/photos. Modern site, www.horsecountrycarrot.com.

Note: for those of you looking for a copy in foxhunting in England, America, Ireland, Foxes – 2014 Wall Calendar. Mostly reds, better condition, we have two @$150 and and Australia is examined by a former a couple of grays, and an Arctic fox are two @$175 for you to consider. Please spec- Country Life correspondent. Hardcover, caught in a number of appealing poses. My ify which you want when you call.

240pp. (6274) $20.00 favorite is the gorgeous red set against a Deep Run Hunt Pony Club. Saladin Speaks Whyte-Melville, G. J. Songs & Verses. field of snow… but then there’s the pair of to Pony Clubbers about Manners and London, Constable & Co., 1924. Good gray cubs gazing at the camera… I’m sure Customs in Foxhunting. Capital Printing cond., no dj, bumped corners & edges, 8 you’ll enjoy them all year long! $14.99 Co., 1972. Paper-covered pamphlet, fair color plates by Lionel Edwards intact.

Foxhunting Life 2014 Wall Calendar. cond., cover soiled, interior clean & sound. Contains verse written on a wide range of Norman Fine has once again produced a Produced by the Deep Run Hunt Pony Club topics, including some on hunting (fox and lovely hunting calendar with a number of to introduce pony clubbers to the joys and stag). All illustrations are of both forms of thrilling photos: a trio of young foxes, a responsibilities of foxhunting. Saladin is hunting. 149pp. (6127) $80.00 powerful gray hunter negotiating a formida- one of the foxhounds. Illustrated with Young, James. A Field Of Horses/The ble ditch-and-bank combo, a flood of the charming line drawings by unidentified World Of Marshall P. Hawkins. Dallas, notable Orange County “red ring-necks” artist.15pp. (6162) $10.00 TX, Taylor Publishing Co., 1988. First ed. pouring over a stone wall, two riders sailing Frederick, Sir Charles. Lonsdale Library of Oblong 4to, signed by the author, numbered over a huge hedge reminiscent of the course Foxhunting. London, Seeley, Service & 118/1000. Poor condition – chewed edges of at Aintree, and more. $19.00 Co., n.d.. Vol. VII of the Lonsdale Library. both book and dj, dj faded at edges and Just Basset Hounds 2014 Box Calendar. Four color plates plus b&w photos. No dj. price-clipped. Interior of book is clean and For you basseters out there, we have a bas- Good condition, but cover stained dark sound, however, so if you’re looking for a set-a-day box calendar so you can have a around edges; interior clean & sound. copy of this out-of-print book at a reasonnew photo of your favorite breed every day. 367pp. (6133) $95.00 able price, it is a beautiful retrospective of $13.99 Mackay-Smith, Alexander. American the career of photographer Marshall New fiction from two favorite authors: Foxhunting Stories. Millwood, VA, Hawkins. Hardcover, 192pp. (6275) $25.00 Brown, Rita Mae. The Litter of the Law. Millwood House, Ltd., 1996. Red cloth Next, some fiction. The Tami Hoag novels It’s time for another Mrs. Murphy mystery, cover, no dj, fine cond. Unsigned. A collec- do not have anything to do with horses or due out mid-October, and we’ll have copies tion of short works on foxhunting, both fic- hunting, but we were given them to sell, and on hand for our many Rita Mae fans. Since tion and nonfiction, collected by Matthew if you enjoy suspense and don’t mind some it isn’t published yet, I can’t tell you any- Mackay-Smith. It includes all of a former foul language, she does keep you on the thing beyond a brief teaser: Harry and her work, “American Foxhunting, An edge of your seat. husband, out for a spin with their pets in the Anthology” and 22 additional pieces. Brown, Rita Mae. Cat of the Century. New back seat, pull over to settle a squabble Various illustrations and b&w photographs. York, Bantam Books, 2010. Fine condition, among them and discover that a scarecrow 257pp. (6119) $75.00 dj very good w/minute tear top of spine. A in a nearby field isn’t really a scarecrow but Meeks, Trevor and Michael Clayton. Sneaky Pie mystery, in which Aunt Tally is a corpse. Hardcover, 256pp. $26.00 Hunting Year, The. London, England, Reed turning 100 and her alma mater wants to Francis, Felix. Dick Francis’s Refusal. International Books, Ltd, 1994. Sm4to honor her – and use it as a school fundraisWhy the publishers insist on putting the late oblong, book and dj fine condition. er. But there’s a suspicious entry in the Dick Francis’s name on the title is beyond Photographs by Trevor Meeks. Fine cond. school’s books, and the board member me; it’s high time Felix got credit on his An authoritative and entertaining narrative responsible goes missing. Of course Harry own for being a good writer. Here he brings by Clayton and photos by Meeks make this Harristeen and her pets get involved in the back a favorite protagonist of Dick’s, Sid a beautiful book on foxhunting, from Horse mystery. Hardcover, 219pp. (6131) $15.00 Halley, the one-handed former jockey, who & Hound magazine. Hardcover, 128pp. Brown, Rita Mae. The Purrfect Murder. is trying desperately to avoid being part of (6267) $50.00 New York, Bantam Books, 2008. Fine conthe investigation into an accusation of race- Phipps, Lawrence C. Jr., MFH. Forty Years dition, dj very good – a few wrinkles. A fixing. No matter how hard he tries to stay of the Arapahoe Hunt. Privately Printed. Sneaky Pie Mystery. Harry Harristeen, out of it, however, an unknown enemy Very good condition, no dj, corners lightly recently remarried to Fair and no longer the insists on endangering him and his family. bumped, slight faded spot on front. Clean & postmistress of Crozet, has turned farmer, And there’s another theme running through sound. Unnumbered copy of a limited edi- growing grapes and sunflowers. When a the book: he investigates the possibility of a tion. A compilation of information on the new arrival in the area is found murdered, hand transplant! (Hmm – does this mean Arapahoe Hunt, including some old photo- Harry naturally gets involved, as an archiFelix is considering having him return to the graphs, lists of hounds and hunt members, tect friend of hers who was working with track?) Hardcover, 371pp. $26.95 and reminiscences. Hardcover, 112pp. the lady is found in incriminating circumstances beside the body. Hardcover, 247pp.

Your response to my last column was fan- (6148) $95.00 tastic! Almost all the used books have been Reeve, J. Stanley. Golden Days Of (6132) $15.00 sold. I really appreciate that, folks. Now I’m Foxhunting, The. Philadelphia, PA, Brown, Rita Mae. Full Cry. New York, going to list some of the used ones that have Dorrance & Co., 1958. Ltd ed. Sm4to, #255 Ballantine Books, 2003. First edition. Near arrived recently. Since it’s hunting season, of 500. No dj; slipcase in good cond. though fine condition in near fine dust jacket. DJ faded, ½” tear at top. Book in fine cond., turned up lightly at top & bottom, several let’s start with some foxhunting books.

Bodkin, Thomas. Noble Science/John illus. w/ photos. Selected chapters from interior pages very slightly out of alignment Leech in the Hunting Field. London, many of Reeve’s earlier books comprise this but otherwise very good sound condition.

William Collins Sons & Co., 1948. collection of the best hunting days in Third in the Sister Jane series, this volume reveals Sister’s choice of a new joint master Hardcover, poor cond., no dj, cover soiled Pennsylvania. 375pp. (6134) $225.00 and frayed, covers bumped, spine “broken,” Watson, J. N. P. Book Of Foxhunting, The. and a new hunt club president. As always, some foxing. However, colored plates are in New York, NY, Arco Publishing Co., 1978. there’s a mystery involving the deaths of good cond. A collection of some of the fox- Sm4to, very good condition, dj has a little several local drunks to complicate the plot, hunting lithographs by John Leech, includ- stain and rub and is price-clipped. Gift and plenty of foxhunting as well. $20.00 ing a few done to illustrate the novels of inscription inside front flyleaf. Interior Hardcover, 387pp. (5896)

Brown, Rita Mae. The Hunt Ball. New York, Ballantine Books, 2005. Fine condition, dj fine, autographed inscription by Rita Mae. Fourth in the Sister Jane series of mysteries. We are introduced to Custis Hall, a girls’ school, and several of the young ladies who are interested in foxhunting, with a murder at the school’s Halloween party.

Hardcover, 310pp. (6265) $25.00 Culbertson, Crispin. The Grandeur of the Dooms. New York, Derrydale Press, 2005.

Book clean and sound but without dj; stains on back cover. A series of short stories, the first about a horse race; the last, a boar hunt.

Autographed. Hardcover, 113pp. (6115) $15.00 Grand, Gordon. A Horse for Christmas Morning and Other Stories. New York, Winchester Press, 1970. Limited ed. Fine condition in very good slipcase that has several minor stains. Edition limited to 1450 copies. Gift inscription and owner’s address sticker on front flyleaf. Four stories about Col. Weatherford and his friends and relatives. These had not been published in earlier of Grand’s story collections and apparently were not intended for publication, but have been assembled here by Gordon Grand, Jr. Hardcover, 115pp. (6255) $65.00 Hoag, Tami. Deeper than the Dead. New York, Dutton, 2010. Hardcover, like new cond. w/like new dj. Autographed. A serial killer terrorizes a California community.

(6124) $19.95 Hoag, Tami. Down the Darkest Road. New York, Dutton, 2012. First edition.

Hardcover, fine condition, dj fine.

Autographed. When Lauren Lawton’s 16year-old daughter disappears, she knows the identity of her kidnapper but cannot prove it. Now, four years later, he reappears in the town she has moved to with designs on the younger daughter. Detective Tony Mendez attempts to prevent another tragedy but likewise lacks the legal authority to do anything. 432pp. (6125) $19.95 Hoag, Tami. Secrets to the Grave. New York, Dutton, 2011. Hardcover, fine condition, dj vg. When an artist is brutally murdered and her four-year-old daughter talks about “Bad Daddy” killing her, Sheriff’s Deputy Tony Mendez tries to piece together the puzzles that surround the victim’s life.

449pp. (6123) $19.95 James, Will. Smoky. New York, NY, Charles Scribner’s Sons, 1929. 4th ed., 1st. printing. Sm4to, good cond., binding a little loose & ragged, corners bumped. The story of a great western cow horse, illus. with 6 full color plates by the author. This is The American Classics Edition. Hardcover, 263pp. (6128) $50.00 Self, Margaret Cabell. A World of Horses.

New York, McGraw-Hill, 1961. First edition. Hardcover, good condition, no dj, cover shows wear, interior sound and clean.

Gift inscription on inside front flyleaf. An anthology of favorite horse stories, many of which are not usually found in anthologies.

Hardcover, 385pp. (6173) $10.00 Stranger, Joyce. The Running Foxes. New York, Viking Press, 1965. Hardcover, good condition, no dj, wear to cover edges; interior sound & clean. A novel about foxes and foxhunters. Hardcover, 152pp. (6174) $10.00

IN & AROUND HORSE COUNTRY • OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2013

GEORGE WHITE FENCING AND SUPPLY

23

EDITORIAL

Avoiding the “O” Word Installation • Repairs • Fence Painting Portable Barns and Sheds FERNANDO VILLAVICENCIO

By J. Harris Anderson, Managing Editor

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 hcmaryads@embarqmail.com 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. Washington Fine Properties. 204 E. Washington St., Middleburg, VA.

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HORSE TRAILERS FOR SALE 2006 SUNDOWNER two horse TL, bumper pull, dressing room, excellent condition. $10,000 Call Kathy Armstrong at 301-916-4212 or 301509-5086.

1977 6 HORSE VAN. International 1800 Loadstar (gas). Box in excellent condition. Truck in very good condition, low mileage. $12,500.

FOR SALE David Carter (540) 522-4985 or (540) 672-3810.

LADDER BACK CHAIRS, two, 3 slats, mid Email hareforest@aol.com.

1800's, provenance known, Captain Richard Phillips (304) 599-5125.

The tusks, which clashed in mighty brawls Of mastodons, are billiard balls.

The sword of Charlemagne the Just Is Ferric Oxide, known as rust.

The grizzly bear, whose potent hug, Was feared by all, is now a rug.

Great Caesar’s bust is on the shelf, And I don’t feel so well myself.

Arthur Guiterman

Regular readers of IAHC have surely noticed that this publication is a vehicle for “good news.” For more than twenty years we have focused on positive, informative, entertaining, and uplifting stories. One word we’ve tried to avoid using, a mainstay of most other news outlets, is “Obituary.”

Lately, though, it seems that words such as “Memoriam” and “Remembrance” have been appearing in our headings with unpleasant frequency. We’ve even opted for such euphemistic titles as “Personalities” and “Sportsman” in an effort to downplay the obvious: These are obituaries.

Most, though not all, of these “remembrances” have been about figures from the foxhunting world—master, huntsman, secretary, enthusiast. One was a local musician; another was our own former co-worker. Coverage ranged from a few short paragraphs to multiple pages.

Some attained what could be considered a “ripe old age.”

Too many, though, left us far short of that.

How, then, do we reconcile this with our “good news” policy? More importantly, how do we address this delicate topic without being flippant in the one extreme, maudlin in the other?

The answer lies in recognizing that each of these people found something they loved to do and crafted their life around it. Whether vocation or avocation, the passion for one particular pursuit comes through clearly in every remembrance. It may have been foxhunting, whether taken on as a full time profession or through voluntary service as a master, secretary, or field member. For one it was playing bluegrass music. For another it was her love of books.

The message is clear: Find something that draws you to it and throw your heart into the pursuit. You may be among the fortunate few who can combine your passion with your life’s work. But whether job or hobby, it’s the sense of a calling answered that makes the effort worthwhile.

It seems to us that this is especially applicable to the horse world. Horse sports, certainly foxhunting as well as many other disciplines, are not to be dabbled in lightly.

They require commitment, dedication, time, effort, and expense. To enjoy the rewards, one must accept the risks.

Our view from Horse Country Saddlery has given us a deep understanding of the horse enthusiast, especially the foxhunting personality, since the store opened in 1970. Foxhunters are not dabblers. They are passionate about their sport. And this shows in multiple aspects of their life, from the horses they ride and care for to the clothing they wear to the way they decorate their homes—even to the way they arrange their work and travel schedules.

We’d like to think IAHC will be a “memoriam-free” newspaper for many issues to come. But whenever we next need to use that heading, or some euphemism designed to soften the sting of loss, we know it will be a celebration of a passionate life, lived to the fullest. That’s just how people are here in horse country.

24

HORSE RACING

IN & AROUND HORSE COUNTRY • OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2013

Horses and People to Watch Virginia Thoroughbred Association

Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation Open Barn The Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation (TRF) at the James River Correctional Center held their annual Open Barn on September 15. The event attracted a huge crowd that included Virginia’s Secretary of Public Safety Marla Decker, Deputy Secretary Bryan Rhode, and former New York Racing Association and Maryland Jockey Club Racing Secretary Lenny Hale.

TRF President Anne Tucker touted the event as a tremendous success.

“We had a huge crowd and you could just feel the enthusiasm in the barn,” Tucker said. “I think people were very inspired by hearing the men talk about the horses they cared for. I think they were very pleased with The Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation's annual Open Barn event at the James River Correction Facility was held on the way all the horses September 15. Debby Thomas photo looked.”

Organized in 2007 by bloodstock agent L. Clay Camp and former Virginia Racing Commission Chairman Robin Traywick Williams, the program has rehabbed and adopted out 35 horses and certified more than 50 inmates using the Groom Elite curriculum. There are currently 22 horses in the herd.

Williams highlighted the importance of Hale’s attendance. Hale is a TRF National Board member and the head of the TRF’s committee for prison programs (the Second Chances Program).

“It is great to have someone with Lenny’s experience in the industry on the TRF board,” Williams said. “The fact that he’s also a horseman means he has the respect of the volunteers caring for herds at the local level. It certainly meant a lot to all of us at the James River chapter that he drove down from Baltimore to see the program and meet our officers and volunteers.”

Secretary of Public Safety Decker and Deputy Secretary Rhode spent a couple of hours at the event, talking to inmates about the program, meeting volunteers and discussing the program with TRF officials. They both seemed to enjoy themselves. Rhode has horses and Decker professed to Inmate Brandon Frye with one of his partners in TRF’s love horses.

Second Chances Program. Debby Thomas photo “We were so pleased to have a member of Gov. McDonnell’s cabinet there,” Williams said. “The governor has put a lot of emphasis on re-entry programs for inmates being released, and we were glad to have a chance to show Secretary Decker how ex-racehorses can contribute to successful re-entry for motivated inmates.”

The barns stayed full throughout the day, with shuttle drivers making many trips from the parking area to the barn.

“We had one of our old-timers and hard-keepers out back and we explained how some of these horses have special needs and how we are trying to address those needs,” Tucker said. “It was just a great day.”

•• •• All Virginia Gold Cup Races To Be Virginia-Bred Preferred As Part Of The Old Dominion Turf Championship For the first time at the fall International Gold Cup Races this year, all races will be Virginia-bred-preferred in order to encourage Virginia-bred ownership. The change grew out of the success of the Old Dominion Turf Championship and is part of the Gold Cup’s continuing efforts to promote both attendance and participation.

“We wanted to rebuild participation by Virginians in horse racing,” said Gold Cup consultant Mike Pearson. “Say a person had a steeplechase horse, you wouldn’t necessarily know you were going to get in at the Gold Cup Races. This way the owner of a Virginia-bred can plan to enter his horse in Gold Cup and know he has first preference to participate and make the corresponding invitations and party plans for a day at the races.”

Pearson cited the success of the Old Dominion Turf Championship as part of the driving impetus behind the change. The Old Dominion Turf Championship is a series of races held at the Foxfield Fall Races, the Virginia Fall Races, and the

International Gold Cup Races in which Virginia-bred or Virginia-sired horses are awarded points in lead-up races. Leaders are preferred in the Championship race, held at the International Gold Cup Races and run for a $15,000 purse.

“It’s a terrific opportunity for Virginia-breds to perform in front of a home audience,” Pearson said. “We looked at the value of that and that’s one of the reasons that the Gold Cup has gone to Virginia-bred-preferred in all races.”

“We want to encourage people to be a part of the day as participants in the mutuel system, but also as participants in the racing and by having a Virginia-bred, we can almost guarantee that,” Pearson said.

Virginia Breeders Fund Yearling Futurity Results The VTA hosted the thirteenth annual Virginia Breeders Fund $15,000 Yearling Futurity on August 31 at the Warrenton Horse Show. Judged by Fasig-Tipton luminary (and Virginian) Bill Graves, the Futurity also included ringside commentary

by Virginia horsewoman Susie Hart and a seminar hosted by Mr. Graves.

After a VTA breakfast of coffee and bagels, a good crowd gathered ringside

Breeder Nellie Mae Cox with 2013 VBF Yearling Futurity Grand Champion, a filly by Desert Party.

Richard Clay photo

during the futurity to hear Susie’s commentary. She pointed out the characteristics that are desirable in young racehorses as each class was judged, emphasizing both conformation and walk. The fillies dominated the day, with the first and second place in that division taking Champion and Grand Champion.

After the pinning, the crowd moved under the tent to hear Mr. Graves give his thoughts on common traits seen in successful racehorses. He answered questions from the group and went through images of each Virginia-bred that sold at FasigTipton Saratoga.

Results were as follows: CHAMPION/FIRST PLACE FILLIES DIVISION: Unnamed Dark Bay or Brown filly Desert Party x Zamgo by Zamindar Breeder: Nellie M. Cox & Rose Retreat Farm Owner: Nellie M. Cox RESERVE CHAMPION/SECOND PLACE FILLIES DIVISION: Unnamed Bay filly City Zip – Thors Daughter by Tiznow Breeder/Owner: Morgan’s Ford Farm FIRST PLACE COLTS DIVISION: JUMP SHIP Dark Bay or Brown Colt Jump Start x Britannia by Sea Hero Breeder/Owner: Althea Richards SECOND PLACE COLTS DIVISION: JOHN’S KITTEN Chestnut Colt Kitten’s Joy x Lido Lady –Lido Palace (CHI) Breeder/Owner: Magalen O. Bryant

Thoroughbred Celebration Horse Shows On October 25 through October 27, the Virginia Horse Center Foundation presents the Thoroughbred Celebration Horse Shows, the only three day Hunter/Jumper horse show in the United States for Off the Track Thoroughbreds or those bred to race.

Class information, rules, and entry forms can be found at www.horsecenter.org. For more information, contact Krista Hodgkin at 540-2937994 or at khodgkin@horsecenter.org.

Reminder: Register your Virginia-bred foals by December 31 to take advantage of the $25/foal fee.