In & Around Horse Country Holiday 2015

VOLUME XXVII / NUMBER 5 • THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE VIRGINIA STEEPLECHASE ASSOCIATION • HOLIDAY 2015

Photo by Isabel J. Kurek

IN & AROUND HORSE COUNTRY • HOLIDAY 2015

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OPENING MEETS

Snickersville Whipper-in Gale Cayce.

Middleburg Photo

Snickersville Hounds Opening Meet from Gregg Ryan’s Creekside Farm, Middleburg, VA, October 18, 2015 Joint-Master and Huntsman Eva Smithwick moves off with hounds. Middleburg Photo

Casanova Hunt Opening Meet from Casanova Green, Oct. 17, 2015.

Hounds spring into action. Robert McClanahan photo

Snickersville Hounds Joint-Master Gregg Ryan and his son John. Middleburg Photo

Casanova Huntsman Tommy Lee Jones.

Douglas Lees photo

Joyce Fendley, Casanova MFH, leading the field through Cedar Run on Opening Day, Douglas Lees photo.

Joyce Fendley, Casanova MFH, leading the field.

Robert McClanahan photo

Jeff Woodall, new Huntsman for Old Dominion Hounds, has a word with his pack prior to Opening Meet, October 31, 2015, from Tony Horan and Susy Trotter’s Blue Dog Farm near Orlean, Virginia. Sandra Forbush photo

Piedmont Fox Hounds Opening Meet, Oakley, November 5, 2015, Huntsman Jordan Hicks. Liz Callar photo

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IN & AROUND HORSE COUNTRY • HOLIDAY 2015

SPORTING LIFE HIGHLIGHTS Old North Bridge Hounds Holds Blessing at Historic Site On October 17, 2015, the Old North Bridge Hounds had their Blessing of the Hounds on the grounds of the historic Longfellow’s Wayside Inn, Sudbury, Massachusetts. The blessing took place at Henry Ford’s Martha Mary Chapel. It was a perfect fall day in New England, with clear blue skies and beautiful fall foliage. Master and Huntsman, Mrs. Virginia Zukatynski, staff, mem- Mrs. Virginia Zukatynski, Master and Huntsman of the Old North bers, and guests joined in Bridge Hounds at the Blessing of the Hounds, October 17, 2015, Martha Mary Chapel, Sudbury, Massachusetts. Jack McCrossan photo as hounds and foxhunters passed the Inn to proceed to the chapel for the blessing.

Spectators loved seeing and hearing horses cross the brick pathways, with the field of riders led by Jt. Master Marjorie Franko. Everyone crossed the old bridge, led by the sounds of the bagpiper, just as other hunts have passed through a hundred years ago. People stood on the lawn of the chapel to hear the blessing and photograph hounds and horses before the start of the hunt. The hunt proceeded across Wayside Inn road to the Grist Mill and then through areas of Sudbury, with a stirrup cup hosted by Mr. and Mrs. Richard Souchek. At the end of the hunt everyone enjoyed a luncheon at the Inn. Longfellow’s Wayside Inn has a long history of hosting foxhunts on their property. In 2016, the Inn will celebrate 300 years as the country’s oldest continuously operating Inn, providing food and lodging for man and beast. Foxhunting was photographed on the property over 100 years ago showing a joint meet with the Millwood Hunt and Norfolk Hunt. When the Millwood hunt was disbanded some of the members formed the Old North Bridge Hounds. We are honored at being invited to hunt at the Inn again. Old North Bridge Hounds is preserving a tradition, as well as providing an opportunity for others to view and appreciate the sport of foxhunting.

•••• Huntsmen’s Reunion at Red Mountain Foxhounds Red Mountain Foxhounds (NC) hosted a Pre-Season Party on September 13 at their Kennels to honor all of their Huntsmen, past and present. Fred Cockerill was the first Professional Huntsman (and longest serving) having started at the founding of the Hunt in 1969 and continuing to hunt the hounds until his retirement in 1990. Next up was Jean Roberts (ex-MFH New MarketMiddletown Valley Hounds); followed by Richard Buswell; Peter Howe; Garry Riggs, The Huntsmen of Red Mountain Foxhounds: (l-r) Peter MFH; David Raley (unfortu- Howe; Richard Buswell; Garry Riggs, MFH; Jean Roberts, nately unable to attend as he ex-MFH (New Market-Middletown Valley); Drew Daly (current huntsman); and Fred Cockerill. Dr. Steve Long photo was hunting hounds for Moore County Hounds); and the current Huntsman, Drew Daly. A live auction was held at the Kennels to auction off this year’s entry for naming and bragging rights.

ON THE COVER: Grinding Speed, owned by Michael Wharton and ridden by Mark Beecher, won his third (and second consecutive) International Gold Cup at Great Meadow, The Plains, Virginia, October 24, 2015. Isabel Kurek photo.

PHOTOGRAPHERS: Michelle Arnold www.lumaimages.com Liz Callar www.lizcallar.com John J. Carle II, ex-MFH Richard Clay www.richardclayphotography.com Kurtis Coady Sandra Forbush Janet Hitchen Austin Kaseman Isabel Kurek Robert Keller Douglas Lees douglaslees@comcast.net Dr. Stephen Long Joanne Maisano www.joannemaisano.com Robert McClanahan www.mccamera.com Jack McCrossan www.jackmccrossan.com Jim McCue Jim Meads 011-44-1686-420436 Middleburg Photo www.middleburgphoto.com Dave and Ginny Reardon Eric Schneider Rick Stillings www.rickstillings.com

Jane Smiley Praises Horse Country Saddlery in the New York Times Many customers of Horse Country Saddlery are leading lights in their professional fields, internationally known and highly regarded. But, still, it’s not every day we’re visited by a Pulitzer Prize-winning novelist. And even more of an honor that she would mention us, in glowing terms no less, in an article in the venerable New York Times.

Jane Smiley stopped by one day in September as part of her tour of the area for a piece that appeared on Page 1 of the NYT Travel Section, October 18, 2015.

We chatted, she tried on breeches (bought a pair), looked at boots, and highly praised our store and our extensive range of merchandise.

In the resulting article she wrote: “Horse Country is a famous tack store, and for good reason, as I discovered when I started trying on breeches downstairs.

Ms. Maggiolo has a huge stock geared toward all sorts of styles and body shapes.

Riders are picky (I am picky). We want comfort but also not to look too terrible.

I chose a pair from the house brand—dark gray and stretchy, ‘full seat,’ which means that the slightly rough padding between the knees extends all the way up and over, giving me just a little more attachment to the saddle.”

The article included a lovely shot of our storefront by noted photographer Jane Beiles and wrapped up with a ringing endorsement from Jane Smiley: “Visit Horse Country Saddlery, the famous tack store in Warrenton, Va. The store offers a huge stock of breeches geared toward all sorts of styles and body shapes; a good selection of boots, used and new, old style and new style; as well as raincoats, jackets, horse tack, gifts and even dishes and chandeliers.”

We’re all still floating from the visit and Ms. Smiley’s kind words.

•••• Museum of Hounds & Hunting Gallery at Salamander Resort in Middleburg The Museum of Hounds and Hunting of North America, founded in 1985, will showcase an exhibition and sale of paintings and sculpture by contemporary sporting artists, November 25, 2015—January 4, 2016, in Middleburg at Salamander Resort Equestrian Center. Proceeds from the art sale at the MHHNA satellite gallery will benefit the 501(c)3 organization, which serves as the repository for the art, artifacts, and memorabilia of the centuries-old sporting tradition of foxhunting.

The gallery at Salamander will be open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. during its run from November 25 through January 4.

The MHHNA exhibit includes works by 20 artists, including Anita Baarns, Juli Kirk, Sandra Forbush, and Booth Malone, to name just four. The satellite gallery offers original oils and other mediums, as well as gift items such as reasonably priced prints and greeting cards.

Part of the goal of the Museum of Hounds & Hunting, headquartered in the historic Westmoreland Davis Mansion at Morven Park (Leesburg, Va.), is to encourage new members. Gift memberships are an excellent way to support the Museum as well as to check items off your holiday list.

“The more members we have, the more outreach we can do in the future,” stated Nancy Bedford, MHHNA board chairman and the expert-in-situ for the gallery at Salamander Resort.

Everyone who visits the satellite gallery at Salamander during December will be eligible for special door prizes, such as art lessons, art commissions, polo lessons, free museum memberships and tours, and Salamander Equestrian and Resort events, to name a few.

Special MHHNA, Inc. events—receptions and meet the artists—and the hours of operation will be announced on the Town of Middleburg’s website, which is updated regularly.

For information, please contact Nancy Bedford at 540-454-1257 or 540364-7620 and visit: www.middleburgva.gov, click on “Events Calendar” and www.mhhna.org.

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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 Winter issue is Jan. 15. Payment in full due with copy.

Publisher: Marion Maggiolo Managing Editor: J. Harris Anderson Advertising: Kim Gray (540) 347-3141, (800) 882-4868, Email: hckimbtc@aol.com Contributors: Aga; J. Harris Anderson; Marcia Brody; Jackie Burke; John J. Carle II, ex-MFH; Lauren Giannini; Jim Meads; Will O’Keefe; Virginia Equine Alliance; Jenny Young LAYOUT & DESIGN: Kate Houchin Copyright © 2015 In & Around Horse Country®. All Rights Reserved. Volume XXVII, No.5 POSTMASTER: CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED

IN & AROUND HORSE COUNTRY • HOLIDAY 2015

FIELD HUNTERS

Flying Aces and Toto Named Field Hunter Champions

By Marcia Brody • Liz Callar photos

The Theodora A. Randolph Field Hunter Championships marked its 26th anniversary in 2015. Founded in 1989, the competition offered more than 50 contestants the opportunity to hunt several days during the week of October 5-9 with some of the premiere packs of Northern Virginia. This year heavy rain forced some cancellations and adjustments in the schedule. Monday’s and Tuesday’s meets with the Middleburg Hunt and the Old Dominion Hounds were cancelled due to soggy ground conditions. Fortunately the Snickersville Hounds stepped up to offer a bye-day on Tuesday at historic Sunny Bank. Warrenton Hunt held its Wednesday meet as scheduled to the delight of the participants who found the day satisfying and challenging. Competitors were treated to another fine day with the Piedmont Fox Hounds on Thursday at Atoka Farm.

Finally, Loudoun Fairfax Hunt jumped in at the last minute to round out the schedule with a fast and furious day on Friday from their kennels.

In the finals on Saturday, October 10, at Glenwood Park in Middleburg Will Coleman, representing Keswick Hunt Club, rode his Thoroughbred Flying Aces to victory as champion of the owner-rider division. Scott and Christie Fitzsimmon’s draft-cross gelding Toto, representing the Piedmont Fox Hounds and ridden by Tom Mannsman, received the highest award in the non-owner rider category.

George Kuk of the Middleburg Hunt received the Best Turned Out Championship award, with Julie Matheson of Orange County Hounds selected Non-Owner/Rider Reserve Champion, Dylan (owned as Reserve Champion. The Loudoun by Rosie Campbell, MFH), ridden by Amy Savell, Bull Run Hunt.

Fairfax Hunt received the Sportsmanship Award and also was recognized as the hunt with the most representatives. Caroline Chapman of the Farmington Hunt and her mount Burghley received the award for the Most Suitable Pair.

The 2016 competition is tentatively scheduled for October 3-8, 2016.

Sportsmanship, Loudoun Fairfax Hunt. (l-r, mounted) Michelle Johns, Karyn Wilson, Heather Heider, Larry Campbell, Kitty Dove; (standing) Paul Wilson, MFH, and Donna Roger, MFH.

Best Turned Out, King of Hearts and George Kuk, Middleburg Hunt.

Non-Owner/Rider Champion, Toto (owned by Scott and Christie Fitzsimmons), ridden by Tom Mannsman, Piedmont Fox Hounds.

Owner/Rider Champion, Flying Aces (Ace) and Will Coleman, Keswick Hunt Club.

Owner/Rider Reserve Champion Fifty Grand and Mo Baptiste, Piedmont Fox Hounds.

Most Suitable Pair, Burghley and Caroline Chapman, Farmington Hunt with judges (l-r) Leah Palmer, Nina Fout, Snowden Clarke, and Leslie Hazel.

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IN & AROUND HORSE COUNTRY • HOLIDAY 2015

OPENING MEETS

Loudoun Fairfax Opening Meet, Hamilton, Virginia, Nov. 1, 2015 (l-r) Donna Poe, Rita Kaseman, Petra Dollwet.

Austin Kaseman photo

Rappahannock Hunt (VA) Joint-Master Oliver Brown presents an award plaque to The Reverend Jennings W. Hobson III at the Blessing of the Hounds, held at Red Hill, October 25, 2015. The plaque confers Honorary Life Membership upon Reverend Hobson in grateful recognition of his 41 years as Chief Spiritual Advisor and Blessor of the Hounds. Dave and Ginny Reardon photo

Rappahannock Huntsman Michael Brown and his pack move off from Red Hill, Virginia, following the Blessing of the Hounds on October 25, 2015. Dave and Ginny Reardon photo

Potomac Hunt’s new Huntsman Brian Kiely moves off with hounds from Opening Meet at Dickerson, Maryland, October 31, 2015.

Robert Keller photo

Joint-MFH Vicki Crawford at Potomac Hunt’s Opening Meet, Dickerson, Maryland, October 31, 2015. Robert Keller photo

Blue Ridge Hunt, Opening Meet from Long Branch, October 31, 2015. (front l-r) Karel Wennink; Linda Armbrust, MFH; Brian Ferrell, MFH; Barbara Batterton. Liz Callar photo

Myopia Hunt Opening Meet, Ipswich, Mass., Sept. 19, 2015 (l-r) Whipper-in Laurene Skeffington and Kim Cutler, joint-MFH. Eric Schneider photo

Blue Ridge Hunt, Opening Meet from Long Branch, October 31, 2015.

Huntsman Graham Bustin. Liz Callar photo

Wentworth Hunt Opening Meet, Kensington, New Hampshire, Oct. 3, 2015. Huntsman and joint-MFH Kami Wolk.

Eric Schneider photo

Green Mountain Hounds Opening Meet, Shoreham, Vermont, Sept. 20, 2015 (l-r) Field Master Marten van Heuven blesses the hounds with an assist from Huntsman Kate Selby.Eric Schneider photo

Loudoun Farifax Opening Meet Joseph Keusch, ex-MFH, and Lynn Pirozzoli-Mauro. Austin Kaseman photo

IN & AROUND HORSE COUNTRY • HOLIDAY 2015

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Horse Country Writer Embarks on Exciting Quest Long-time contributor to In & Around Horse Country, Lauren Giannini discovered a new passion after traveling to Kenya in Summer 2013. The safari fulfilled a childhood dream and introduced her to Kenya’s bush where she experienced the exotic wildlife, vistas that brought tears to her eyes, and wonderful people.

Photo by Lauren R. Giannini

“Tamsin Corcoran warned that I would get Kenya’s red dust in my shoes, but it went right to my heart,” said Giannini. “Last May, when I was in Kenya again, I sat down with Tamsin, director of New African Territories, and said, ‘I want to create a special safari to raise awareness of wildlife conservation, especially the elephants who are vital to Kenya’s ecosystem and tourism.’ She loved the idea and the name I chose, Elephant Quest.”

The safari begins in Nairobi on 29 February, overnights at Ololo Safari Lodge on the edge of Nairobi National Park and, after a game-viewing breakfast from the terrace, takes off for nearly two weeks of elephants, wildlife and adventure at Ithumba Camp, Sabuk Lodge (Laikipia Plateau) and Speke’s Camp (Maasai Mara).

Corcoran, who thinks outside the box, booked Elephant Quest for four nights at Ithumba where Sheldrick Wildlife Trust runs the Rehabilitation Unit for elephant orphans graduating from the Nursery in Nairobi National Park. Located in a remote part of Tsavo East National Park, Ithumba is a key element in Sheldrick’s program to re-integrate the orphans back into the wild herds of Tsavo.

“Ithumba is a very small, private camp, reserved for supporters of the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, who keep it booked year round. It’s a unique place where guests can interact with orphan and ex-orphan elephants,” said Giannini. “I’m thrilled about staying at Ithumba, and I loved Sabuk and Speke’s in 2013. Elephant Quest is going to be amazing.”

For information: LaurenGallops@gmail.com

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IN & AROUND HORSE COUNTRY • HOLIDAY 2015

FOXHUNTING

The Brown’s Bottom Fox

By John J. Carle, II, ex-MFH

Huntsman Libby Gilbert and Whipper-in Julie Robards take hounds to the first draw.

Much of the Loudoun County countryside, especially in low-lying areas, was bridal-veiled in morning mist, the air at dawn a comparatively cool 67o, on September 5th when the Middleburg hounds and members of their Board of Governors assembled at Richard Rogers’ stunning “Shelbourne Glebe.” It was toward the end of the staff-hunting preliminaries known as Governors’ Week, when only the board members are invited to hunt. Cub-hunting begins soon thereafter, and then all the membership is invited. By then the young entry have been informally introduced to strange horses and people; cub-hunting marks a more formal, crowded introduction.

This season, staff-hunting has not only introduced the young hounds to their vocation; it also marked the debut of an interim Huntsman, professional WhipperIn Libby Gilbert, carrying the horn. Deputizing for legendary Hugh Robards, foot-bound while rapidly recovering from recent surgery, young Libby has met this most daunting of challenges with poised assurance, youthful enthusiasm, and polished professionalism. Her two seasons as Huntsman to the Royal Agricultural College Beagles ’cross the pond, and a lifetime spent around both foxhounds and bassets under the tutelage of her father, John Gilbert, the vastly knowledgeable Huntsman of Essex and Tewksbury fame, has stood her in good stead. And, thanks to her all-day-every-day association with this pack in kennel, and a year of turning them to Hugh, her rapport afield this summer has been firm and instantaneous, with hounds responding to her with both respect and affection. Her mentor, Mr. Robards, watching from roadside, engulfed in a miasma of sicklysweet cigar smoke, beamed with pride.

The morning that greeted 22 couple with such promise soon deteriorated under a glaring sun, temperature that quickly springboarded toward the low nineties, and with a heavy blue haze squatting on the horizon. Hacking hounds from the Meet, with Whippers-In Carey Shefte, Julie Robards, and Richard McWade ever-vigilant, Libby’s first draw was the usually reliable fox-haven of a cornfield on “Oakland Green Farm,” the other side of Shelbourne Road. After a disappointing blank, the rambling corn on “Shelbourne Glebe” was tried. Herbicided clean of any game-holding understory, and parched to cracks by the recent rain shortage, this field was bereft of foxes. So, it was back to another large “Oakland Green” cornfield, and here hounds opened on several scattered lines. Unfortunately this is one of those cornfields that is big enough to muffle sound, making the job for whippers-in a nightmare; and several hounds managed to slip away out of view. Some went southward on a line toward a high, wooded ridge beyond the Meet, while others traveled northeast, deeper into the country; but all, quite assuredly, were on foxes. By day’s end, all were slowly returning. Meanwhile, in the corn and into the adGrounded Middleburg Huntsman joining dense woods behind “The Cottage,” the Hugh Robards, ex-MFH, with a “throwed-out” youngster. bulk of the pack worked a line with fierce de-

termination. One example of the peculiarities of scent on this day was recounted by the Huntsman as reflected by the frustration of an elder statesman of the pack as he quested to and fro atop a huge log, unable to discern “forrard on” from “’ware heel.” But they persevered, and finally nudged a fox from his meanderings.

Just as he crossed Oakland Green Road, eagle-eyed Joint Master Jeff Blue, carfollowing with a dicey knee, viewed him.

“That’s one big, healthy fellow!” he announced. Big and healthy perhaps, but not inclined to run for long. Harking with alacrity to Libby’s holloa, hounds drove Charlie deep into Brown’s Bottom and on through “Gospond.” With “big cry,” as the country boys say—a deep, insistent and thrilling thunder—they soon put farrier’s forge heat on his heels, and he doubled back to take refuge in an earth under a nearly-impenetrable blanket of briars. Marking eagerly, they were reluctant to leave the earth; but Carey and Julie stayed in attendance (as good whippers-in should, but too many don’t), and sent sharply along any who tried to slip back.

Home was blown, and most of the pack made the long hack back to the Meet. Happily, the missing hounds soon came to Libby’s horn. At the trailers, a small but most convivial group convened for refreshments and the usual recounting of the day. As with most hunting days, this one had its uncertainties; but the young Huntsman and her stellar staff handled them as best as conditions allowed. Disappointing as it was, perhaps, from a Huntsman’s viewpoint, it was an impressive performance to observe. It will only get better!

And I ended my morning with a Mimosa and chocolate chip cookies: what a great way to go foxhunting!

Penny Denegre, MFH, leads the field.

The Middleburg hounds enter the Shelbourne Glebe corn.

IN & AROUND HORSE COUNTRY • HOLIDAY 2015

FIELD HUNTERS

Junior Hilltopper Champion: Sea Lion, ridden by Caroline Rooney and owned by Nancy Dillon, Piedmont Fox Hounds.

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Piedmont Fox Hounds Field Hunter Trials Salem Farm, Upperville, Virginia, September 27, 2015 • Richard Clay photos

Junior Hunter: Belfast Lad, ridden and owned by Nancy Alcock, Piedmont Fox Hounds.

The Huntland Cup, donated by Dr. Betsee Parker, was awarded to Old Welbourne Farm’s Diester 1Z ridden by Haley Alcock.

Diester 1Z also claimed Grand Champion Hunter and Leading Lightweight Hunter.

Adult Amateur: Foggy Dew, owned and ridden by Will Coleman, Keswick Hunt Club.

Sidesaddle Hunter: Quest, owned by Cherry Blossom Farm and ridden by Devon Zebrovious, Middleburg Hunt.

Low Hunter: Bailey, owned by Mr. and Mrs. Steve Lyons, ridden by Tom Mansmann, Old Dominion Hounds.

Hunter Pairs: River Hills Foxhounds (PA), Theo ridden by Collin Reynolds and Fortune ridden by Tifanny Catledge.

Open Hunter: VFE Nitto, owned and ridden by Stephen Steinhoff.

Pony Hunter: Meadow Fox Jubilation, ridden and owned by Allison Nicely, Loudoun Fairfax Hunt.

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IN & AROUND HORSE COUNTRY • HOLIDAY 2015

HISTORY

Saving the White Stallions

By Jackie Burke Photos courtesy of the Spanish Riding School, Vienna, Austria

Chief Rider Andreas Hausberger demonstrates training of the horse on the short rein at a performance in Vienna. Hausberger makes an annual trip to the U.S. for clinics in which he works each horse from the ground.

Because the Spanish Riding School hands its method of training down from one generation of horseman to the next, the form hasn't varied in almost 300 years.

A brave and skilled handler practices the capriole, a flying kick that could easily remove a man's head.

Stallions are stabled together in the Spanish Riding School stable block without a harsh word to one another.

Not every horse bred at Piber is selected for the Spanish Riding School.

Some are sold, and a number are found performing hack duty. Tours of the city in a horse drawn carriage average about 80 euros.

But for Extra Large TuTus… Dressage is sometimes likened “to ballet on horseback” which paints a better word picture than “systematic training of the horse.” This simile is entirely appropriate when applied to Vienna’s Spanish Riding School; the main difference being the costumes and the fact that the stars of that ballet are the famous Lipizzaner stallions.

Otherwise the elements of classical ballet in its purest form are all there, from the glittering stage of the Hofburg Palace Hall to music of such great composers as Strauss and Mozart.

Formal performances feature a grand entrance march of the corps de ballet, quadrilles, pas de deux, waltzes in one tempe changes of leads, and spins in the pirouette. Soloists in the spotlight make breathtaking leaps that rival the power and command of Nijinsky and Baryshnikov.

Today, the School is loved worldwide, both by those who have seen performances in either Vienna or in one of the scores of foreign cities the School tours regularly. The opportunity to witness performances was once limited to Austro-Hungarian royalty. Like the Habsburg title, the School would have disappeared from the annals of history, were it not for determined efforts made by those who love the School.

World War I Changes Tune But Melody Lingers On Previous wars had sent Lipizzaners scurrying from their ancestral home, only to return from exile when the coast was clear. However, when the breed’s herd headed north in 1915, it was forever. The Treaty of Versailles that officially ended World War I sliced and diced the vast Austro-Hungarian Empire, placing the horses’ nursery at Lipizza within boundaries of Italy, and in 1946 switched yet again to Slovenia.

By 1920, the 75 members of the rescued herd, which represented the breed’s oldest and purest Spanish bloodlines, came to rest in Piber, Austria, at an existing stud farm where military horses had been produced for over 100 years.

This location seemed ideal— in the nation of their former royal patrons, the Habsburgs, and near the Spanish Riding School, from which the breeding stallions are selected.

Horses, especially healthy horses, were badly needed following the carnage of WWI, which claimed an estimated eight million animals. Surviving horses were put to the plow or hitched to the buggy. The less fortunate were butchered to feed hungry bellies.

The Lipizzaner breeding stock at Piber as well as Vienna’s performing stallions were needed for an altogether different purpose, and one that would be a hard sell to the starving Austrian population, fed up with any such symbols of the Imperialistic rulers who had brought upon them such a disastrous war The School must become relevant in the

emerging modern world if it were to continue to exist, and it certainly needed a heavy infusion of cash, as well. In short, the School needed a savior. The man who kept the School afloat until a way could be devised to make the enterprise self-sustaining was Rudolf Count van der Straten, who devoted his dwindling fortune to keeping the School alive, until the financial burden was assumed by the newly formed Republic of Austria.

Apostolic Succession of Horsemanship Jeopardized By supporting the School, van der Straten and his loyal staff preserved not only a cultural tradition, but also a body of knowledge that harkens back 2500 years to the Greek Xenophon.

Xenophon’s Art of Horsemanship described a method of eliciting cooperation of the horse through patience and kind treatment. Such theories dimmed during the Dark Ages only to shine brightly again during the Renaissance.

After lethal jousting tournaments were banned, nobles sought to master classical riding skills. The correctness of style achieved, as depicted by such artists as Velázquez, could be superimposed over photos of today’s School stallions with no notable differences in form.

Riding schools became the rage in the royal courts of Europe. Formulas for training became codified, first by Pluvinel, Louis XIII’s instructor, and later by Louis XV’s Francois Robichon de la Guerinere.

In The Complete Training of the Horse and Rider, Alois Podhajsky, the School’s director from 1939 until 1965, credits Guerinere’s text as the first to provide guidelines for riders that are still followed by the School to this day.

The School’s most famous master goes on to write that, “Unfortunately, this method has been passed on [at the School], almost exclusively by oral tradition.”

Furthermore, training at the School is selfperpetuating and lengthy. This begins for selected stallions from Piber when they arrive in Vienna at age four and are assigned to a trainer for their tenure at the School. Such partnerships typically last 20 years or more.

Schooling a horse takes as long as it takes, to paraphrase Xenophon, but the systematic training of riders is no quick task, either: initially the pay is low, the physical labor hard, and the dropout rate high.

New recruits will spend a minimum of eight years, perhaps as long as 12, before they can have any hope of donning a bicorn hat and riding in a performance. The protracted process is not merely to assure that classical art form displayed at Vienna continue, but so that the tradition continues forward by capable teachers from one generation to the next.

IN & AROUND HORSE COUNTRY • HOLIDAY 2015

Spanish Riding School’s First PR Director Rides to the Rescue Van der Straten’s role in the rescue of the School cannot be underestimated. Karin Nakhai, the School’s press officer, wrote that van der Straten was saddled “with making the School comprehensible [and worth preserving] to Austrians, using public performances that retained the traditions of the old Hofburg.”

Boots and bridles were polished and stallions conditioned to once again perform programs of horsemanship and orchestral music once reserved for the pleasure of rulers and monarchs.

Something else previously unheard of occurred during this time—van der Straten was allowed to take his show on the road. Nakhai wrote, “The young, weak Republic had to gain a foothold on the international stage, even if that meant with a cultural legacy of the battered monarchy.”

During the period between 1925 and 1935, the School toured Berlin, London, Aachen, the Hague, and Brussels. More German cities were visited over the next four years, when the School acquired a new suitor in the form of Adolf Hitler.

Hitler was already casting his eyes over all he intended to take as his war prizes after he conquered the entirety of Europe in the upcoming war.

Podhajsky, Patton, Perform Intricate Political Pas De Deux Walt Disney in The Miracle of the White Stallions came as close to portraying the dramatic rescue of the Lipizzaners as can be done on the big screen. Script of rescue of the Lipizzaner mares by the U.S. Army might have been lifted from Gen. George S. Patton’s biographies, with details of Podhajsky’s role taken from School annals.

The complete behind-thescenes intrigue required for the rescue has the makings for a spy novel, complete with close escapes, narrow misses, and a last Gen. Patton looks perfectly at ease aboard a Lipizzaner stallion at St. Martin's, Austria. minute moment of suspense in the form of an SS attack two days before the war ended.

The first Herculean task to arrange was rescue from Vienna, which was under heavy bombardment as the Allied Forces drew near. Papers signed by the Nazi commander were required before the stallions, now German property, could be removed from the city.

With the long delayed papers finally in hand in March, 1945, Podhajsky achieved his second miracle when he secured transport for the troupe aboard already overcrowded trains for a 200 mile ride to the relative safety of St. Martin’s in the Austrian Alps. Lipizzaners have made long marches to escape past wars, not an option this time as crossfire raged around the city.

Sanctuary at St. Martin’s was sought not only for the School, but also for hungry refugees from the countryside and from Vienna, most of whom viewed the stallions not as a pleasant diversion but as their next meal.

Col. Podhajsky, by then drafted into the German Army as an officer, protected the horses and equipment of the School with around-the-clock armed patrols.

Who should arrive at St. Martin’s next but Gen. Patton, famed commander of the 3rd Army, who made the comfortable manor house his headquarters for mopping up duty as the war’s end drew near. And who should be an adjunct but Col. Charles H. Reed, 2nd Cavalry, who had watched Podhajsky win his gold medal in the 1936 Berlin Olympics.

Reed brought the School and all it represented to the attention of Patton, who replied to the effect, “Let’s see them do their stuff.” Podhajsky, with precious little time to prepare, set up the arena and pulled out ceremonial tack and uniforms.

For a packed audience of G.I.s, officers, and Undersecretary of War Robert Patterson, the underweight, out-of-work stallions put on a show that displayed courage and greatness of heart drawn from 400 years of selective breeding that prepared them for just this moment, when the School’s life depended on their performance.

News footage and press photos document proud stallions put through their paces for a packed house of cheering soldiers, amazed by “the trick horses.”

There is a famous photo, also of Patton, looking a little tall in the saddle aboard a 15.1 Lipizzaner but otherwise perfectly at ease. The performance perpetuated the School, but with Patton’s knowledge of horses he would have easily recognized the quality and training that made these stallions worthy of his protection.

Boy horses needed girl horses for the School’s ancient bloodlines to con-

9

tinue. In another irony of war, the Lipizzaner mares had been removed from Piber to Hostau, Czechoslovakia, to what was imagined to be a safer location. This area proved to be anything but, since this nation had been promised to Russian allies, whose troops were already within a 1,000 meters of Hostau.

The 2nd Cav’s 42nd reconnaissance unit discovered that American prisoners of war were being held at Hostau. Via middle of the night exchanges of secret messages, arrangements were made for the horses along with the Americans to be taken from their German guards in a mock battle, described as more of a fiesta than an actual fight, as it meant that Germans, too, would be marched away from vengeful Russians.

Patton authorized removal of the entire herd from Hostau. In regards to how best to transport between 150 and 300 horses (numbers vary), to the American sector, Patton is reported to have said to Reed, “Well, you’re a Texan. Round ’em up, cowboy.”

Things Could Have Gone Worse, Much Worse Though success of the School’s rescue depended on a large supporting cast, in the end perhaps Patton did deserve top billing. He was the only one who had the authority to make rescue of the Lipizzaners happen, and the one commander among general staff in Europe known for on-the-spot decision-making, followed by rapid-fire action, both needed. By the time the soldiers and their charges made for the American sector, Russians could be heard just on the other side of the hedgerow, according to the account of Vito Spadfino, 42nd Recon.

But for Patton’s deployment of troops, valuable bloodlines would have ceased to exist. Most of the horses, all of the young horses no doubt, would have been butchered to feed hungry Russian troops with a small percentage worked to exhaustion then eaten, judging by treatment of other horses that fell into Soviet hands.

When the war ended just days following the rescue, Lipizzaner mares and young stock were again pastured in Piber. Stallions did not return to the Winter Riding School at Hofburg for 10 years following the war, as Vienna remained an occupied city, divided into four sectors, as was Berlin.

The troop performed in as many as eight foreign cities per year in the interim, as well as in Wels, their base for this period. Return to the Hofburg only occurred after Austria signed a perpetual neutrality agreement, and occupying forces left Vienna to become once again the bright star it is today.

Tips for Planning Your Own Opportunity to See Stallions A trip to Vienna may not be required as the School makes regular tours to the U.S. Their first tour to the U.S. and Canada came in 1950, followed again in 1964, 1990, and 2005. Washington, New York, and Philadelphia tend to be included each trip, but the troupe has also visited the West Coast, St. Louis, and Atlanta.

Should you wish to visit the School in Vienna, best reserve tickets for a regular Saturday and Sunday performance well in advance. Dates and ticket prices are found on the Vienna Box Office site. Should you want to pack your tiara, you may have an opportunity to attend a glitzy gala; they are held on a regular basis.

Of special interest to horsemen will be the morning training sessions held between 10:00 and 12:00 five days a week. Securing tickets in advance is not necessary, but be advised the queue is long when the box office opens at 10:00 am. The audience comes and goes during these sessions in which stallions rotate through each half hour.

There is much to observe and enjoy for astute visitors, once they have pressed through crowds that clog the entrance. The young horses go in a low floating gait on soft contact that makes them appear to be the ideal hack, while mature stallions move in an extremely collected frame. Don’t expect to see every aerial the stars perform, but one or two athletes will practice their specialty, worked either between the posts or on the longe line to keep their weightlifter muscles in tone.

It is also interesting to note the difference between novice and chief riders, notable by the absolute stillness and straightness of the latter. The novices are also notably younger and slimmer, the senior staff having developed a thickness of girth presumably not from the streusel but from years of developing the abdominals to sit like statues on the leaping stallions.

Advance booking is necessary if you wish to take a stable tour conducted in English, and don’t be late for your assigned time. Even if you don’t book a tour, pause as you walk through the busy passageway between the palace and riding school, and look into the stable block’s open courtyard, always the site of much activity, or marvel when guards on the street casually signal the multitude that uses the passageway to halt briefly while stallions shuttle to and from for their workouts in the riding hall.

And don’t forget to set aside enough time to pay the history museum its full due or reserve enough Euros to shop at the School’s store for memories of your trip to visit the famous white stallions.

10

IN & AROUND HORSE COUNTRY • HOLIDAY 2015

PERSONALITIES

Bucky Reynolds: Good Riding Shows

By Lauren R. Giannini James Arthur Reynolds II—rider, trainer and judge— is a familiar name in the show world, although most people call him “Bucky.” He was stamped and molded as a horseman by his father, J. Arthur, and by two generations of legends, Gordon Wright and A.E. “Gene” Cunningham. An accomplished and respected professional since his early 20s, Reynolds recently started teaching clinics, joining an elite group that includes George Morris, Frank Madden, and Julie Winkel.

“I’ve been a student of riding all my life,” said Reynolds. “I love it. I judge it. I’m always looking at it. My background has been working with young horses and hunters of the highest level. I think my clinics will be a bit different than the ones taught by gurus like George and Frank. My sole purpose is to teach what I see the best hunter riders in the world do every morning at Wellington. They carry it out from the schooling area to the ring—they’re teaching the horses to extend their step, move smoothly, to bend into the turns. If there was something more to do, they’d be doing it.”

As a judge, he watches and observes for hours.

He’s in his sixth year of spending three months every winter judging and training in Wellington; before that, he did 10 years in Ocala. “I’m teaching what I think is essential to help a good hunter perform well,” said Reynolds. “Good riding is good riding.”

Children Live What They Learn Reynolds and his sister Betty Oare grew up riding and foxhunting in Tryon, NC. Their mother Edna was the quintessential southern gentlewoman, and they lived on the property where J. Arthur ran his boarding and training business. Young Reynolds decided early on that he was going to be a professional horseman, just like his father.

It was in Tryon that the Reynolds family got to know Gordon Wright (1903-1989), considered one of

the most influential horsemen of his generation and often called the founding father of hunter seat equitation. During Wright’s Army years, he spent time at the U.S. Cavalry School at Fort Riley, Kansas.

Wright’s classic Learning To Ride, Hunt, and Show (published in 1950), was reprinted in 2009 with an introduction by Wright’s protégée, George Morris.

Wright also produced a third version of Cavalry Manual of Horsemanship and Horsemastership, incorporating many of Lt. Col. Harry D. Chamberlin’s teachings, which appeared in an earlier version of the Cavalry Manual.

“In the mid-1950s, my father sold books for Gordon, who had taken Capt. Vladimir Littauer’s teachings (author of Common Sense Horsemanship, etc.) and advanced what he said,” recalled Reynolds. “Gordon told all of the local professionals that he would teach them and their children when he was in the area.

Most professionals dropped out, but not my father. I asked him why and he said, ‘I’ve learned more in a couple weeks than I learned in a lifetime.’

“Unquestionably, Gordon Wright was the greatest instructor of all time and George Morris patterned himself after Gordon, even in his speech mannerisms,” continued Reynolds. “Gordon taught four things: eyes, voice, hands, legs. Sixty years ago, I had lessons with him. When I was working with pony club kids recently, I went through the four natural aids and expanded on them so that they could practice at home without anyone’s eyes on them. Gordon said until you get control of the four aids, starting with your leg, because that’s your base, you have to work on them every day.”

Throughout his college years, Reynolds taught lessons to support his car and drove home on weekends to work with his father. After graduation, they went into business together and that’s when Bucky piloted J. Arthur’s Steve’s Poppet to win the Cartier Grand Prix of New York, held at Madison Square

Gabriel, Conformation Champion, Upperville Horse Show, Virginia, 1981. Gabriel won 20 model classes in 24 months.

Photo courtesy of J. Arthur Reynolds II

Flashlight, as a 4-year-old, was Champion Working Hunter Division, Upperville Horse Show, Virginia, 1975.

Photo courtesy of J. Arthur Reynolds II

Garden. After two years, he decided to strike out on his own and moved to Warrenton, Virginia, where the rest of his family soon relocated. At the time, that’s where Gene Cunningham was based.

“Gene said that jumping’s no more than a balancing act,” said Reynolds. “He became my great friend and I learned so much from watching him work with young horses. I learned patience and understanding.”

Still Crazy About Horses After All These Years Some people have too much fun with their work.

Reynolds is one of them. He has judged every major horse show in North America. His list of accomplishments would fill a book. During his career riding hunters and jumpers, he won many classes and championships and his successes continued as a trainer. He had five great horses: Gozzi (inducted into the Show Jumper Hall of Fame), Estrella, Rosalynn, Harmony, and Henry The Hawk.

“My wife Linda found Estrella,” said Reynolds.

“I think I was so lucky with that mare. She had a strange disposition and I was fortunate enough to figure her out. If you walked her into the ring and the first jump was at the other end, you might not get there. You go in the ring and pick up a canter, she was ready to go. My sister Betty and Estrella were Grand Champions at Devon (2003). National Champion and reserve champion another year. I don’t care if you’re the best horseman in the world—you’re lucky if you get one great horse. I’ve had five, and at every show, I’m still looking for another one!”

Reynolds thinks that the most important decision you ever make is when you buy the horse. “You can help the horse a little bit, but if they don’t have it, they don’t have it,” he said. “I think a horse that wants to cooperate is such an asset. If they don’t want to do it, they don’t do it — and the more you see it, the more you understand. I learned a lot about conformation from my Dad and, at the time, I don’t think I appreciated as much as I do now how important conformation is to soundness.”

Judging remains one of his favorite activities.

“I’ve done a lot this year, and Linda comes with me as often as possible,” said Reynolds. “We’re always looking for another horse like Estrella. I found a good horse in Washington State a couple years ago, Starbound. He won two classes at the National Horse Show. I watch junior classes and I wonder, how far can this kid go? You see a lot of kids that are good, but who’s bound and determined? I think that Charlie Weaver always tried hard. He was working for Swannie Cunningham. She told me that Charlie goes home at night and makes notes on what he learned that day.

I said, ‘He’s probably going to be a great rider.’”

IN & AROUND HORSE COUNTRY • HOLIDAY 2015

Bucky Reynolds riding Steve’s Poppet, winner Grand Prix of New York, the National Horse Show, Madison Square Garden, 1973. Photo courtesy of J. Arthur Reynolds II

On Course With Clinics Reynolds admitted that Linda has been after him for years to teach clinics. “I’ve done mostly private lessons and I enjoy them, because I’m usually working with someone with pretty high skills, but people kept saying, ‘Bucky, please do clinics,’” said Reynolds. “So I taught some clinics. I went to Florida, to Pittsburgh. I enjoyed it, but I don’t have it down pat like some of the others. The idea of the clinic with Jack Towell at the Virginia Horse Center worked out. I worked with three students from Chatham Hall and I got a call right after from Chatham’s riding instructor inviting me to come teach a clinic there in midOctober.”

The feedback from the Reynolds-Towell clinic at the Virginia Horse Center was extremely positive. VHC’s Chief Operating Officer, Leigh Anne Claywell, affirmed that they’re looking at scheduling more clinics with Reynolds and Towell in the future. Sandy Gerald, head riding coach at Hollins College, served as clinic organizer and said, “It was a great clinic, so well received and many people have asked us to schedule Bucky and Jack to return. Bucky teaches as a rider, trainer, and accomplished horseman, but also as a judge. I had three Hollins riders there and they loved it. We all thought it was a most unique and informative experience.”

As for Reynolds, he has always loved teaching, but has discovered that he can still work one-on-one, especially in a team situation with another horseman.

He taught the clinic in Pittsburgh with Frank Madden. At the VHC clinic, Reynolds worked with each rider in the warm-up ring and Towell presided over the course in the main hunter ring. Auditors were up in the stands. It simulated the show atmosphere in a teaching situation.

“I got a call from Buddy Brown’s wife, wanting me to do a clinic in Sacramento in December in northern California on the jumper circuit,” said Reynolds. “I’m beginning to enjoy it. Even teaching those pony clubbers— every time I teach, I learn a better way to teach something. I mostly go back to what Gordon Wright taught me when I was young. It’s so important to practice the basics at home. Your position is everything, and jumping is just a balancing act.”

11

12

FOXHUNTING

IN & AROUND HORSE COUNTRY • HOLIDAY 2015

The Optimist

By John J. Carle, II, ex-MFH

Dense fog on parts of Rectortown and Rokeby roads made getting to the Piedmont Foxhounds’ meet at “Salem” a slow process for some of the very large field that assembled on Saturday, September 19. It bodes well for the future of foxhunting that almost half the field were juniors! All hunts should be so blessed.

Jordan Maddox Hicks assumes the Huntsman’s role this season, replacing Spencer Allen. Spencer left as his legacy a wonderful pack: keen, steady, and biddable afield, as well as handsome and level to look at. It has literally been a dream come true for Jordan to land one of the most sought-after jobs in all of American foxhunting. It also says something about the sport he showed while carrying the horn at Tryon.

This affable young man has been a hunter all his life—of all game, not just foxes. In other words, a true countryman.

He foxhunted extensively with the Greenville County Hounds in northern South Carolina, where he became enamored of the Bywaters strain of American hound espoused by Master/Huntsman GerHuntsman Jordan Hicks. ald Pack, a disciple of Piedmont’s Albert Poe. Following military service, Jordan immediately became Huntsman at Tryon, replacing the retiring Chip Anderson. During Virginian Bobby Ashcom’s tenure at Tryon, Bywaters hounds, mainly drafted from Piedmont, filled the kennel; and the blood remained when Jordan took over. So, in a sense, this move to Virginia has been almost as much a homecoming as a fresh start.

Dew beaded the bushes, and from nearly every other weed there hung a large orb-spider’s web as hounds moved off to draw “The Rustlin’ Pen” en route to the well-foxed coverts on “Diamond Hill Farm.” There were some old very faint lines leading to “Diamond Hill,” but it wasn’t until they crossed the gas pipeline that hounds could open with some conviction, going along the creek in a deep, steepsided ravine. Scenting conditions were of the most difficult sort, and hounds had to call on all the Bywaters nose they had. Their passage, however, aroused the interest of several ravens, a couple of which followed hounds, while the others amused themselves chuckling, chortling, and imitating Jordan’s voice. Evidently a brace had been afoot, and with ringing voices, most of the 17½ couple out marked one to ground. One couple tried to hunt the other with a singular lack of success. Trying westward, they soon had another brace afoot, but, although they ran quite well at first, deteriorating conditions eventually put paid to their efforts.

At this point Route 50 traffic sounds drowned out hound sounds, and I hiked back to the truck. But once there, I heard Jordan’s voice and went back—only to find out it had been the ravens! So, back to the meet: no one there. Then, from where I’d just been came the choir music we’d all awaited. Led by one high, lilting voice really singin’ the gospel, hounds were headed straight for the Meet. Hustling across a big hayfield adorned with new round bales, I nearly got to the area I’d just left only to have conditions cut off the run like a suddenly-tightened spigot. And presently, Jordan blew for home.

Back at the trailers, Jordan was disappointed in the day, but pleased with hounds’ try and perseverance. He’s had some exceptional days already and, with conditions likely soon to improve, knows more will follow.

There’s nothing more uplifting to both a pack of hounds and their followers than an optimistic Huntsman; and in Jordan Hicks, Piedmont has the extreme optimist!

I followed Jordan home for the first visit I’d had at the old kennels in three decades.

“Jezebel,” “Whisky,” and “Dancer.”

Waves of memories flowed, the most vivid of which was of Mrs. Randolph giving me a multitude of puppies, then immediately taking them back!

I toured the new kennel—not yet complete, but a thoughtfully laid-out, workmanlike complex. Jordan has wonderful, practical ideas that, if seen to fruition, promise to provide what in my opinion will be the very best environment for hounds in the country.

Let optimism reign!

Joint Master Tad Zimmerman.

Teddy and Tad Zimmerman lead 2nd Flight.

Joint Master Gregg Ryan.

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A Christmas Visit to Horse Country, 2015

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Sizes: US6-US14. #1717-LJRB. $258.00 Also available in Olive. #1717-LJRS. $258.00

Grand gifts and small ones for wee folks or tall ones The choices seem never to end.

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TALLULAH. Full-grain leather, over the knee boot. Brown. Sizes:7-11 #315-10015345. $249.95

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KNITTED PONY HAT Made in England. $33.95 A. Pink #1639-TH02.

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FOX MASK TIE FOR BOYS Handmade in England.

Available in Navy, Medium Blue and Burgundy (not shown). $69.95

YOUTH SWEATSHIRTS. Made in England.

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A Horse Country visit for something exquisite Is the clearly reliable reason For fully assuring that this Christmas morning Will be your best holiday season!

FOXY BAKEWARE SET. Includes Muffin tin, Spatula and Whisk. #4332-FXCOB. $39.95 RUST AND GOLD KITCHEN TOWEL. #222-09592. $12.95

FOX AND FRIENDS MUGS. Gift Boxed. 15oz. $15.95 FO A. Mr. Hare. #1718-MA0575 C. Mr. Stag. #1718-MA0576 B. Sitting Fox #1718-MA0565 D. Mr. Fox. #1718-MA0574

FOXY HOT TO CHOP SET. Includes Measuring spoons, potholder and cutting board. #4332-4332-FXCOA. $29.95.

MATCHES. 4.5" long, approximatley 60 in a box A. Fox & Owl. # 2261-901234. $3.75 B. Black Stallion. # 2261-90178. $3.75

SNAFFLES MUG SET. Boxed Set of Four Mugs. #1207-1434850. $40.00 SNAFFLES COCKTAIL NAPKINS. Cotton Linen. Set of Six. #1207-12073258303. $25.00 SNAFFLES TEA TOWELS. Cotton Linen.

Set of Two. #1207-3258180. $25.00

HOUND SPORT TART TRAY. 14" x 7". $95.00

ENGLISH SKETCHES MUGS. Made in England. Fine bone china. 10oz. $15.95 A. Maude the Horse. #1750-MG314 B. Mr. Hare. #1750-MG142 C. Mare & Foal. #1750-322

HC10 H O R SE C O U NTRY 速 800 882 HUNT Visit us online! www.horsecountrylife.com All prices subject to change without notice. All items subject to availability. IAHC 11-2015

CABALLA JUMP COLLECTION. A. Small Tray. 6"x12". 3135-ET01. $74.95 B. Tissue Box. 5.5"x5". 3135-ETB01. $104.95 C. Guest Towels. Choose Hunter over Fence. #851-31HNT1GUNW. $32.95 Galloping Hunter. #851-31HNT3GUNW. $32.95

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ROYAL DOULTON FOX. HN 130, a model of a seated Fox. Designed by Charles Noke and issued from 1913-1962.

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WOODLAND PARTY SET. Glass Fox trivet, Cocktail Napkins and Cheese Spreader. Gift Boxed. #1660-P11044974. $10.95

GONE TO THE DOGS. Tea Towel. Cotton. 28" x 18" unfolded. #222-9421. $9.95

LIPPIZAN WALTZ MUG SET. Boxed Set of Four Mugs. #1207-1508850. $40.00 BOUNDING FOX TRAY. Reverse painted glass. 12" x 7". #3004-TR001. $65.00.

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A. Pillows. 18" x 18". Brown, Blue or Green. #1751-CP01I. $59.00 B. Throws. 56" x 80". Brown, Blue or Green #1751-CT01T. $118.00 POCKET FLASKS. Tartan Plaid. Holds 8oz. #222-9595. $39.95 Mackie Tartan Plaid. Holds 5oz. #3205-73466. $38.95

ROYAL ASCOT COLLECTION. A. Weekender Bag. #1207-1535224. $120.00 B. Small Clutch. 5"x7". #1207-1535254. $30.00 C. Medium Clutch. 7"x11". #1207-1535260. $40.00

BUNAGA WEB LEAD. Made in England.

Slip collar and lead. Webbing and leather. 6 foot. $139.00 A. Hunter/Burgundy with Chestnut leather. #3289-DSL14H B. Orange/Tan with Havana leather. #3289-DSL14O C. Lime Green with Black leather. #3289-DSL14G

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Shop online! www.HorseCountryCarrot.com LADIES' THISTLE. Leather Jacket.

Navy. SM-L. #1729-LLC01B. $375.00

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Tobacco. Sizes:MDLG # 4227-53171. $450.00

It's wonderful to be able to do

something we love and to serve people who are truly friends and not just "customers."

So to all of you, from the entire Horse Country team, Aga and Bunsen, may you have a

fabulous Christmas and a

happy New Year full of merry times and exciting chases.

Sincerely, Marion

LADIES' IRISH. Bolero leather jacket.

Tobacco.

SM-XL. #1729-LLJ01T. $350.00

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To WINCHESTER, I-66 & I-81

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29

W IN CH ES TE R

To SPERRYVILLE & I-81 211

St.

MAIN St.

HORSE COUNTRY

®

WATERLOO St. ss RT. 29/17 Bypa

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Rt. 17 By pass

17 BROADVIEW Ave.

Store Hours: Monday–Friday 9AM - 6PM, Saturday 9AM - 5PM (ET)

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To CULPEPER & CHARLOTTESVILLE

IN & AROUND HORSE COUNTRY • HOLIDAY 2015

BOOK REVIEWS

13

Reviewed By Lauren R. Giannini

Front Runner

By Felix Francis With each new mystery, Felix Francis continues to grow as a writer, honing his voice and plot-building talents. He has established his worthiness as heir to Dick Francis, the late mystery master, albeit with differences, but this isn’t meant to compare and contrast father and son. This is to encourage you to keep reading the newest in a long line of Francis mysteries.

Felix Francis reprised the protagonist from last year’s Damage for this year’s Front Runner and Jeff Hinkley, British Horseracing Authority (BHA) investigator, does not disappoint. He’s up to his usual tricks, often covert, thanks to years in the British Army Intelligence Corps. The action opens with Hinkley in a sauna with Dave Swinton, popular and successful steeplechase jockey, who discloses that he’s been blackmailed to lose at least one race.

Hinkley sinks his teeth into getting more information from Swinton, following up an anonymous tip about an owner betting huge amounts of money for someone who’s been banned from racing. The action picks up slowly—this isn’t a sprint, after all—until Hinkley nearly loses his life in Swinton’s sauna, and the jockey ends up an apparent suicide. In the course of his investigation, Hinkley discovers two more jockeys being blackmailed, but with so much at stake, they won’t reveal who it is. He also meets a young woman, who makes his broken heart beat faster and elevates his spirits. Lydia left him, collateral Damage so to speak, just when he was thinking commitment and marriage.

A brutal attack at his home by two thugs lands Hinkley in surgery to repair the damage caused by 13 knife wounds. He suffers another attack in the hospital.

He’s determined to get to the truth, but finds himself enticed by a Christmas holiday in the Cayman Islands with his new girl friend, Henrietta, and her shipping tycoon relatives. The well-crafted plot will keep you turning pages. Yes, you’ll have your suspicions who the villains are, but it’s still a great romp to the finish line.

There’s no graphic sex or violence, but parents of younger mystery fans should be aware of a few f—- bombs uttered by certain characters.

Hardcover with dust jacket, 372 pages. $26.95.

Finding Freedom

By Rosemary Groux

Finding Freedom concludes the epic trilogy, The Brenwyd Legacy, written by Rosemary Groux, and it’s a humdinger. Now in her first year of college, Groux has proven herself a talented and inventive storyteller, weaving the Arthurian Legend into her fascinating plot about the eternal battle between good and evil, evolving her storyline to a most riveting finish even as she balances between present and 1500 years in the past.

Cassie Pennington, who must fulfill her role in the Prophecy, continues to lead her friends into dangerous situations, including battle: Sarah and David, twins, and the recruited (or re-converted) William, a young British fellow with a unique heritage, who was raised in the Brotherhood and straddles the past and present. They must stop the Brotherhood, whose members are determined to practice their own brand of Christianity even as they attempt to wipe out the Brenwyds, a gifted people from whom Cassie is descended.

Cassie’s parents and the twins’ father, who had been kidnapped by the Brotherhood, are locked up in their castle in present day. There’s even more at stake beyond the drive to rescue their parents, they must also find the Holy Grail before it can be used to empower the Brotherhood. In the past, they must stop Mordred and his mother Morgause, who uses the blackest sorcery to achieve her evil ends.

The battle against good and evil began in America and moved to England where historic places serve as settings for the action-filled plot.

There’s so much packed into Finding Freedom—past and present, legend and fact. It’s a great tale, and the good magic and fantasy elements add to the charm of this novel about Faith. Cassie communicates with animals. The teens time-travel and teleport with their horses; their dogs and cats also get in on the action. As for the question of—oops, no spoilers.

Extremely well written, Finding Freedom is interesting, complex, full of action, suspense, and great drama. As in the first two books, unshakable faith and prayer are integral to the story. Groux’s heroic teenagers need all the help they can get and their occasional discussions about life and God are refreshing and do not detract from the story. Said this in the last review, saying it again: the Brenwyd Legacy might well become a classic, beloved by kids of all ages.

Paperback, illustrations, 345 pages. $14.99.

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14

IN & AROUND HORSE COUNTRY • HOLIDAY 2015

FOXHUNTING

New Huntsman “Enters” Old Dominion Pack

By Lauren R. Giannini

Jeff Woodall embarked on a new career this season when he became huntsman for the Old Dominion Hounds. Virginia-born and raised in Henrico County by non-horsey parents, he found himself bitten by the horse bug at an early age and started taking lessons at 7. Until last May, he showed and trained professionally, specializing in hunters, jumpers, and equitation. It’s a big leap from the show ring to the hunt field as leader of the pack, even with Woodall’s record of success, but this horseman had done his homework.

“I had an opportunity when I was 15 to 17 and showing horses to meet Coleman Perrin, ex-MFH Deep Run Hunt, and I got to do some hunting,” said Woodall. “I turned professional when I was 19, and as my business progressed, I drifted away from hunting until December of 2006 when a customer wanted me to hunt a young horse for them and I went out with Bull Run. I got totally hooked all over again.”

Woodall met huntsman Greg Schwartz, then in his second season, and they hit it off.

The show trainer, intrigued by foxhounds, began spending time at the kennels, a quick 3 miles from his Stuartfield Farm. The following season, Woodall found himself working three days a week as Bull Run’s whipper-in.

“I was still training show horses while whipping-in for Bull Run and finally had to set aside the hunting in June 2011,” said Woodall. “I hunted a bit in the interim with Michael Brown at Rappahannock for one and a half years. They also had me whipping in. Last spring, I got a phone call from Old Dominion Master Gus Forbush, asking if I’d like to interview for the job of huntsman.

“I thought it might be time for a career change, and I’d had a very successful show season for myself and my students,” continued Woodall. “I went over and was interviewed a few times. Last May, Old Dominion hired me. It’s been a great expe-

(l-r) Gus Forbush, MFH, and Jeff Woodall, Huntsman, Old Dominion Hounds, preparing to host the Virginia Hunt Week meet at Foxhall, October 23, 2015. Richard Clay photo

rience so far. I’m laid back, but extremely competitive and that carries over into hunting. I want to have the best possible day out there with the hounds.”

When Woodall moved into the huntsman’s house at the kennels and did a bit of sprucing up, he found several artifacts from previous huntsmen. In the house he found family memorabilia from Gerald Keal: a christening Bible from his childhood, his UK driver’s license, and photos of his daughter Vanessa, very young, at a meet with her father. Woodall returned the items when Keal dropped in to visit Old Dominion during last May’s Virginia Hound Show.

“Scraping paint off the wall, I found the 1971-72 kennel license still attached to the wall, and an ear tattoo machine that Jim Atkins had bought when he was huntsman there, with his name on the receipt in the box,” said Woodall. “A closet held a shredded kennel coat, really falling apart, with the initials CB on it that I think meant it was Charlie Brown’s when he was at Old Dominion. A fire extinguisher with the purchase order dated 1961—I believe that was during Melvin Poe’s time as huntsman. I’m a big history buff and to find items relevant to the sport and to the people who used to be here bridges the gap between then and now.”

Woodall applied common sense and a good understanding of the way hounds think when he eased into his role as leader of the Old Dominion pack. “I feel like I came in and showed the hounds respect. I spent the first three days with them in their yards—I

didn’t take them out to exercise, because I wanted their attention on me,” he said. “I filled my pockets with biscuits and spent time with them. We developed a sense of understanding between us. As time goes on, you gain their trust and you can ask more of them. Those first days, I learned two or three or four hounds and their names at a time. I had this pack down in about four days.”

Cubhunting is the big test. Woodall recounted an incident after about 15 times out when hounds had been running their fox really well and came up against American wire all the way to the ground. “They trusted me enough to take them off the line and they were willing to leave the line they were running well on a viewed fox,” said Woodall.

“They followed me several hundred feet up that wire fence and I showed them the coop and away they went again. They’re still transitioning, but I think some of them understood I was trying to help. It’s important to learn who’s willing to work with you and wants to be part of your team.“ That holds true for humans too. “Certain people I’ve gotten to know, Michael Brown and Darren Haeusler, former huntsman for Whiskey Road Hounds (Aiken), are two of the people I’ve had some great conversations with, especially about how to come into a hunt club and pack without a shred of prior knowledge,” said Woodall.

“It’s so good to have mentors who helped me to be a better trainer and coach. It’s the same being a huntsman—it’s important to learn every day, all the time.”

IN & AROUND HORSE COUNTRY • HOLIDAY 2015

15

FOXHUNTING

Frolic and the Fox

By J. Harris Anderson, Managing Editor There’s a mournful old folksong about working in the mine where “the dangers are double and the pleasures are few.” For hunt staff the dangers may be double, if not even higher, than for members of the field. But the pleasures, whether few or many, can be worth the risk. And both can make for tales worth telling for years to come. This is one of them.

A property in Snickersville Hounds’ mid-week country changed hands. The new owner—not a friend of foxhunting—put up high tensile wire. While Virginia law allows hunters to enter restricted properties to retrieve hounds, it’s impossible to do so on horseback if the gates are locked and the fences can’t be jumped. The better alternative is to keep hounds out.

Better, maybe, but hardly ideal, especially when the pack has followed many a fox into that area when it was owned by more obliging neighbors. And while high tensile wire keeps horses and humans out, it poses no impediment to foxhounds.

As anyone even modestly knowledgeable about hunting with hounds understands, the last thing you ever want to do is stop hounds when they’re hot on a line, doing what they’re supposed to be doing. They have no concept of property boundaries and if the riders can’t follow them, it’s not their concern. Their sole purpose is to get on the scent that centuries of breeding have conditioned them to find and then chase it for all it’s worth, wherever that leads.

Some restricted areas are relatively easy to avoid.

This wasn’t one of them. A strong creek runs through the middle of the country. Steep hills with rock outcroppings frame both sides. It’s ideal fox terrain— plenty of ready-made dens, good cover to avoid pursuing hounds or other annoyances, and angled enough to slow hounds down and spread them out.

The creek itself could be used as a trick to foil scent and the local foxes employed it to that end, whether tightroping across a fallen tree too narrow to support a hound or jumping right into the water and swimming across.

But these ploys were often kept in reserve, only to be used when the fox tired of the sport. Before reaching that point, many a fox led the pack along the creek on a spirited chase that ended when Charlie went to ground on the adjoining property.

Then the high tensile wire went up and the game changed.

As the only whipper-in who carried a pistol, I was assigned sentry duty along that spot whenever we hunted there. If hounds got up a fox who headed that way, my first task was to try to turn him back into our country and keep the chase going. The mere presence of a horse and rider blocking his path is sometimes enough to turn a fox. But when hounds are hot on his brush, so minor an obstacle won’t deter a resolute Reynard. (In other country, I’ve had foxes darn near run right under my horse in their determination to continue on with their intended route, despite my rude attempts to convince them otherwise.)

On one November day, I was positioned near the edge of our remaining mid-week country, on a wooded trail just in from the road along one boundary of the restricted property. I heard hounds open.

Their cries grew louder as they headed toward me.

The main creek bottom was off to my left. Hounds

Snickersville Frolic ‘09. Joanne Maisano photo

were approaching from another low-lying area just slightly to my right. A large portion of open country lay between the two. If the fox could be turned back into that area, the game could be kept afoot.

I waited and listened, hoping the fox would choose to turn on his own and that I would then hear the hounds’ voices fading as they ran back into the heart of our country.

Their cries grew louder. Hounds were approaching at full speed, coursing through the woods and coming straight at me.

The horse I was on that day was new to staff work. My number one mount was out of action that month due to a passing ailment (from which he fully recovered). My back-up, a steady field hunter but unfamiliar to the added stimuli of staff duties, had never experienced some fool rider firing a pistol from his back. If the fox kept on his determined path, I’d have no choice but to introduce the horse to that potentially spook-inducing sound.

Where was our huntsman? Why didn’t I hear the horn, either cheering the pack on or calling hounds back? It was only later than I found out the huntsman’s horse had sprung a shoe and could not be ridden until the shoe was pulled to prevent any damage.

Until then, I was on my own.

I held still as long as I could and when it was clear Charley was not going to turn, but was hell bent on dashing under that damned wire, I cracked my whip and hollered.

The distraction worked. He turned to my left, and the pack swung behind him.

I kicked on up the trail, paralleling the action, hoping now the fox would make one more right turn and run back into open country.

The hounds’ cries told me our quarry was going straight, still dangerously close to the fenced off property. All he had to do was make a quick left and he’d be gone. And would likely take the entire pack with him.

The wooded trail opened into a wide field and it was there I saw the fox, flying at full speed, hounds close behind. I galloped on beside the pack in an effort to reach the fox and turn him to the right. But there wasn’t enough open space to reach him before he was back into the woods just above the main creek.

With hounds so close, I doubted he’d go to ground in one of the outcroppings. More likely he’d continue on down the creek bank and head toward that forbidden land.

I knew what I had to do.

The trail to the creek was down the tree line to my left. Steep and rutted, it was rarely used by the

field. It led to a swath of flat ground between the base of the hillside and the creek where it dropped off in a steep bank with no access for a mounted rider. The water was wide and deep along that stretch and the far side rose up in another sharply inclined hillside.

As my horse half-cantered/half-slid down the trail, I could see several hounds running at full speed through the woods to my right. I hollered for them to hold up and cracked my whip to distract them from the line. But with the fox so close, such efforts were futile.

I reached the trail’s bottom just in time to see the fox sprint from the woods and dash toward the creek.

It was last resort time.

I urged my horse on to intercept the pack, drew my pistol, and sent a blast of ratshot into the air. My horse was steady; already pumped from my hollering and several cracks of the whip, a pistol shot was only a minor event. But it was enough to get the pack’s attention. The lead hounds faltered at the sound. A second shot confirmed that I was serious and all hounds stopped. Except one.

Old Frolic was not going to be denied his sport.

Before I knew it, the fox had jumped into the creek and Frolic dove in behind him.

A lesson any aspiring staff member learns early on is that you can’t stop a hound from behind. And if one hound gets past you, your focus should turn first to assuring other hounds don’t follow. Once Frolic was in the creek, all I could do was hold the rest of the pack steady until help arrived.

The fox swam the width of the creek and emerged onto a small ledge tucked against the far bank. He turned immediately to find a lone hound rising from the water behind him.

It was a new and confusing experience for both.

The fox was clearly displeased that the usual routine—outrun the hounds and go to ground in a comfy groundhog den or rock pile—had been interrupted in such a rude manner. Frolic was both exuberant and confused. He’d finally caught up with a real live fox.

But now he was unsure what to do with it. Where were all his pack mates? He was still half in the water and when he tried to climb fully onto the ledge the bedraggled fox snarled and snapped at him. He responded with a bark and a curt lunge. But neither made contact and it was clearly going to be a long stand-off until someone intervened.

Happily for me, help arrived in the form of fellow whipper-in Robyn Harter. Sizing up the situation, I held the pack while Robyn rode quickly down to the nearest creek crossing. She worked her way along a trail on the far side until she was just above the spot where fox-and-hound continued their back-and-forth.

She dismounted, secured her horse, scrambled down the hillside to where she was just above the ledge. It took considerable exhortation and several flips of her whip thong to convince Frolic that the game was done and it was time to retreat. He did so in small increments at first but eventually was away and obligingly accompanied Robyn back to the pack.

Our huntsman arrived soon thereafter and we all moved off to continue the day’s sport in safer terrain.

That entire country is gone now, forever lost to mounted sport. All that remains are the memories of those who once hunted across it. For my own personal favorite, I owe a debt of thanks to a steady horse, a bold fox, and one soggy but determined old hound.

16

IN & AROUND HORSE COUNTRY • HOLIDAY 2015

RACING

Fall Races

By Will O’Keefe

Foxfield Fall Races, Maiden Claiming Hurdle (l-r) Hooping (Paddy Young, up) – 1st; Prima Facie (Jeff Murphy, up) – 6th; Imperial Rule (Keiran Norris, up) – 2nd. Rick Stillings photo

Foxfield Fall Races, Training Flat (l-r) Dream Voyage (#11, Jack Doyle, up) – 8th; Dreamin’ Fool (green & white, Keiran Norris, up) – 1st. Rick Stillings photo

Foxfield Fall Races, Filly and Mare Maiden Hurdle (l-r) So Far Away (Keiran Norris, up) – 2nd; Barbara’s Smile (Mark Watts, up) – 6th, Ivy Mills (Paddy Young, up) – 1st. Rick Stillings photo

Virginia Fall Races, National Sporting Library & Museum Cup Timber Stakes Straight To It (Sean McDermott, up) – 1st. Douglas Lees photo

Foxfield Fall Races 9-27-2015 Paddy Young has been the National Steeplechase Association’s leading rider four of the last six years; and if the results of the Foxfield Fall Races are any indication, he is going to add another this year. Young won two of the races on the abbreviated four race card at the Foxfield Race Course near Charlottesville on Sunday, September 27.

Young started the day with a win in the maiden claiming race on Debra E. Kachel’s Hooping for trainer Ricky Hendriks. Hooping was never far off the pace, took sole possession of the lead at the third fence and led the rest of the way. He easily held off Sharon E. Sheppard’s Imperial Rule, who finished 2½ lengths back in second place. Irvin S. Naylor’s Big Sam (Gerard Galligan) was third.

The second half of the daily double went to Rosbrian Farm’s Argentine-bred Wantan, who, like Hooping, was trained by Ricky Hendriks. When the flag dropped, Ross Geraghty put Wantan on top and they were never seriously challenged. The final margin was 3½ lengths over Mrs. S. K. Johnston, Jr.’s hurdle stakes winner, Mr. Hot Stuff, who had rallied under Paddy Young, but was second best on this day.

Paddy Young got his second win on Michael J. Moran’s Ivy Mills in the filly and mare maiden hurdle race for leading trainer, Jack Fisher. Ivy Mills was reserved off the pace and rallied around the last turn to take the lead over the last fence. Betsy B. Mead’s So Far Away missed by 1½ lengths in a good effort under Kieran Norris. William L. Pape’s Going Alone took third with Ross Geraghty.

The feature race on the card was an allowance optional claiming hurdle race; and even though there were only five starters, this race was exciting most of the way. Betsy B. Mead’s Forgotten Man (Kieran Norris) and Jennifer H. Pitts’ mare, Bau Bai Gold (Willie McCarthy) dueled much of the race with Bruce Smart’s Orchestra Leader (Sean McDermott) and Randy Rouse’s Hishi Soar (Brendan Brooks) close behind. With two fences to jump, any one of these four could have won. Hishi Soar needed a race and was the first to fade, but Orchestra Leader made his move and joined Bau Bai Gold and Forgotten Man. These three were ridden hard to the last fence where Forgotten Man had a slight advantage. He held the lead through the stretch and turned back Orchestra Leader by 2¾ lengths with Bau Bai Gold a half length farther back.

Virginia’s leading trainer, Doug Fout, saddled the winner.

The Virginia Fall Races 10-10-2015 All the elements came together for a great day of racing at Glenwood Park near Middleburg on Saturday, October 10. The races were well filled, the course was in great shape and the weather couldn’t have been better.

The National Sporting Library & Museum Cup was the featured race on a full card at the Virginia Fall Races, and it attracted a field of nine starters. Donald R. Reuwer, Jr.’s Grand Manan sprinted to a big early lead with Sheila J. Williams and Andre W. Brewster’s Straight To It (Sean McDermott) content to assume a stalking role. Approaching the last fence Grand Manan was tiring from his early efforts, and Straight To It pulled alongside and took the lead. At the fence Grind-

ing Speed took over second and appeared poised to strike. Upon landing Straight To It quickened, and Grinding Speed could not match his effort. Straight To It won handily by 7½ lengths for trainer Jack Fisher.

This was the first year that a steeplethon race was run over the Alfred Hunt course at the Fall meet; and Irvin S. Naylor’s Saluda Sam (Willie McCarthy), who is a steeplethon expert, was there to face seven additional starters. When he gets the lead alone, he is virtually unbeatable; and that was the case on this Saturday. He takes the sharp turns like a barrel racer and led every step of the way. Armata Stables’ Brother Sy (Ross Geraghty) and Boudinot Farms LLC’s Harmony Bay (Paddy Young) were second and third but never appeared to be a threat to the winner, who was trained by William Meister.

This was Irv Naylor’s second win on the card as his Irish-bred Dunluce Castle won the maiden claiming hurdle race. Dunluce Castle was far back in the early going but steadily moved up in the field the second time around. He had rallied to fourth at the last fence, split horses on the last turn and won convincingly by 4 lengths. This was rider Paddy Young’s and trainer Leslie Young’s second win on the card.

Team Young won the ratings handicap hurdle race earlier on the card with Amy Taylor Rowe’s Maserati. The winner raced within striking distance in the early stages and joined the leaders with a half mile to run. He jumped the last fence alone and won easily by 1 length. Over Creek Stables LLC’s Arrakis (Darren Nagle) rallied from far back but was no match for the winner, and Randy Rouse’s Hishi Soar (Gerard Galligan) ran a strong third.

Charles C. Fenwick, Jr.’s Puller (Mark Beecher) is making winning a habit at Glenwood Park. He won over this course at the Middleburg Point-to-Point in May and duplicated that effort here in the maiden timber race. Puller went to the lead at the start with Magalen O. Bryant’s Adios Diablo (Kieran Norris) and Whitewood Stable, Inc.’s Vine Hill (Jack Doyle) close behind. The racing got serious after the last fence when Puller, Vine Hill, Adios Diablo, and Merriefield Farm’s Witor (Paddy Young) all made a furious charge to the finish. Puller held on to win with Witor, Vine Hill, and Adios Diablo in his shadow. Todd Wyatt saddled the first two finishers.

Merriebelle Stable, LLC’s Paris Vegas (Jack Doyle) won impressively on the flat two weeks earlier at Shawan Downs for trainer Elizabeth Voss; and if there had been pari-mutuel wagering at Glenwood, he would have been the favorite in the maiden hurdle race. Paris Vegas was rated in a good position from the start. He was a close second to Virginia Lazenby’s Dreamin Fool (Kieran Norris) at the last, took the lead with a furlong to run and won going away by 1¾ lengths. Amy Taylor Rowe’s Dyna’s Vow (Paddy Young) was third. This was the first of two wins on the card for Jack Doyle and trainer Elizabeth H. Voss.

Their second win came in the training flat race with Armata Stables’ Wildcatter, who came from off the pace in the 14 horse field to take the lead from Wendy Hendriks’ Pawn To A King (Willie McCarthy) on the final turn and won going away by 1¼ lengths.

Tom Hulfish’s Formidable Heart (Darren Nagle) rallied from far back to take second but was no match for the winner. Pawn To a King held on for third.

IN & AROUND HORSE COUNTRY • HOLIDAY 2015

In the finale, the Virginia-bred or sired flat race, Bertram R. Firestone’s Golden Rum (Darren Nagle) was never far back in the tightly bunched seven horse field and took command with a quarter mile to run.

Rebecca Shepherd’s Curve of Stones (Gerard Galligan) rallied belatedly to take second place 1¼ lengths behind Golden Rum with Mulligan Racing Stable’s Bedizen (Jeff Murphy) third. Neil Morris trained the winner of this race for the second consecutive year.

International Gold Cup Races 10-24-2015 A big crowd was on hand for the International Gold Cup races on Saturday, October 24 at Great Meadow near The Plains. Many of these race fans were there to bet on their favorites, but even more were on hand to see if Michael T. Wharton’s Grinding Speed could win his second consecutive International Gold Cup Timber Stakes. This would be his third win in this historic race that moved to Great Meadow in 1984. A year ago, when Grinding Speed won his second International Gold Cup, he joined the great Saluter, Buck Jakes, Ozymandias, and Seeyouattheevent as the only two-time winners of this race since the move to Great Meadow. This year’s running attracted a ten horse field that included the top three finishers from last year; so making history was not going to be an easy task.

In the race Irvin S. Naylor’s longshot Personal Brew (Fritz Boniface) led for three miles while Mark Beecher on Grinding Speed was content to assume a stalking role while jumping well. When Personal Brew pulled up after losing his bridle with a half mile to run, Grinding Speed inherited the lead. Magalen O. Bryant’s Dakota Slew (Darren Nagle), who had finished second to Grinding Speed in last year’s International Gold Cup and this spring’s Virginia Gold Cup, quickly moved to engage Grinding Speed. These two waged a battle to the finish where Grinding Speed held Dakota Slew safe by 1¼ lengths. Sheila J. Williams and Andre W. Brewster’s Straight To It (Sean McDermott) was a neck farther back. This was the same first three finishers as this spring’s Virginia Gold Cup and last fall’s International Gold Cup. Alicia Murphy has trained Grinding Speed throughout his career.

The $50,000 David L. “Zeke” Ferguson Memorial Hurdle Stakes was the secondary feature, and it attracted a strong field that included last fall’s winner, Irvin S. Naylor’s Able Deputy. The role of favorite went to Flying Elvis Stable’s Diplomat (Bernie Dalton) with Magalen O. Bryant’s Gustavian (Paddy Young) and Able Deputy (Ross Geraghty) second and third choices. In the race Diplomat was rated early but started to make his move on the backside and advanced to third on the final turn. At the second last fence Stonelea Stables LLC’s Balance the Budget (Kieran Norris), Gustavian, and Diplomat jumped as a team, but upon landing, Balance the Budget quickly faded, and Diplomat had a narrow lead over Gustavian at the last. Diplomat easily pulled away in the stretch to win by 6½ lengths while Gustavian held off Able Deputy’s late charge for second by a head. This is Flying Elvis Stable’s first steeplechase horse, and the new owners were very enthusiastic with trainer Kate Dalton in the winners’ circle.

The Steeplethon is always a crowd favorite with its winding course and varied obstacles. Irvin S. Naylor’s Saluda Sam won the race in the spring, had prepped with a win at the Virginia Fall Races two weeks ago, and was a short priced favorite here. At the drop of starter Graham Alcock’s flag, Saluda Sam (Willie McCarthy) went to the front and maintained

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that position throughout the race. Ivy Hill Stable, LLC’s On the Corner (Mark Beecher) stalked the leader and made a run at him after the second last fence, but Saluda Sam dug in and held him off as they ran to the finish. The final margin was a neck. Trainer William Meister has done a great job keeping the tenyear-old Saluda Sam at the top of his game.

There were two additional hurdle races on the card, one for maidens and the other was an allowance race for horses that had never won two races over hurdles. In the maiden race Amy Rowe Taylor’s Dyna’s Vow (Paddy Young) raced in the middle of a tightly bunched field, saved ground while rallying around the final turn, jumped the last with DASH Stables’s Wise Virginia Fall Racing Members Cup Steeplethon Minister (Jack Doyle) and drew away in the stretch (l-r) Brother Sy (Ross Geraghty, up) – 2nd; Triton Light; Saluda to win by 2¾ lengths. Keystone Thoroughbred’s The Sam (Willie McCarthy, up) – 1st. Douglas Lees photo Duck (Annie Yeager) finished third. Leslie Young saddled the winner.

In the allowance hurdle race it appeared that Paddy and Leslie Young were going to have another winner with Ballybristol Farm LLC’s Andi’amu, who set the pace. Sheila J. Williams and Andre W. Brewster’s Special Skills (Sean McDermott) was patiently handled while being reserved off the pace. When the field turned for home Special Skills was on the move, jumped the last with Andi’amu and proved best by ¾ Virginia Fall Races, Theodora A. Randolph Cup Maiden Hurdle length in the run to the finish. Jack Fisher, the Na- (l-r) Paris Vegas (Jack Doyle, up) – 1st; Dreaming Fool (Kieran tional Steeplechase Association’s leading trainer, Norris, up) – 2nd. Douglas Lees photo trained the winner. Virginia Lazenby’s Hardrock Eleven (Kieran Norris) took home third place money.

The first of four lucrative flat races was the first of two divisions of a race for horses that had never won a race other than maiden, claiming, or starter. In the first division Noble Stables’ Candy Man Can (Ross Geraghty) raced off the pace but made a big move around the last turn to join a cavalry charge to the finish in the final furlong. Candy Man Can got up in the final stride to win by a nose over Caves Farm’s Surf Classic (Paddy Young), who was a nose before Otter Racing’s Mutasaawy (Darren Nagle). The first and third place finishers were trained by Neil Morris.

The second division went to Mrs. S. K. Johnston, Jr.’s Ack Feisty, who was also trained by Neil Virginia Fall Races, Bon Nouvel Ratings Hurdle Morris. In the race Ack Feisty rallied to match strides Maserati (Paddy Young, up) – 1st. Douglas Lees photo with Meritage Racing LLC’s Collinito (Ross Geraghty) around the final turn and took sole possession of the lead entering the stretch. Robert A. Kinsley’s No Wunder (Jack Doyle) finished well but could not reach Ack Feisty. William Pape’s Castle Hill (Paddy Young) took third and Collinito was fourth.

The next flat race was for horses that had never won a stakes race, and it attracted a strong field. Merriebelle Stable LLC’s Renown (Jack Doyle) had won here in September, and trainer Elizabeth Voss was looking for back-to-back wins. In the race Renown rallied down the backside and around the final turn to take the lead and won by 2½ lengths under a vigorous hand ride. Koo’s Racing Club’s Bishop’s Castle (Gus Virginia Fall Races, Training Flat (1st Division) Dahl) was second and Helen D. Richard’s Shetan Wildcatter (Jack Doyle, up; leading in red and yellow colors, second from the right) – 1st. Douglas Lees photo (Bernie Dalton) was third.

The last race was the Old Dominion Turf Championship, which is restricted to horses bred or sired in Virginia. In the running Harlan Crossman’s Complete St. was reserved off the early pace, saved ground on the inside around the final turn to take the lead at the head of the stretch, and held Debra E. Kachel’s Hooping (Paddy Young) safe to win by 1¼ lengths.

Complete St. was ridden by Richard Boucher and is trained by his wife Lilith. Quest Realty’s Gumper Virginia Fall Races, James P. McCormick Memorial Maiden (Kieran Norris) was third.

Timber (l-r) Adios Diablo (Kieran Norris, up) – 4th; Puller (Mark Beecher, up) – 1st. Douglas Lees photo

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IN & AROUND HORSE COUNTRY • HOLIDAY 2015

International Gold Cup, David L. “Zeke” Ferguson Memorial Hurdle Stakes - Diplomat (Bernie Dalton, up) – 1st. Douglas Lees photo

International Gold Cup, Steeplethon Timber Steeplechace (l-r) On The Corner (Mark Beecher, up) – 2nd; Saluda Sam (Willie McCarthy, up) – 1st; Brother Sy (Ross Geraghty, up) – 4th. Douglas Lees photo

International Gold Cup, Orlando Innovation Chase Allowance Hurdle (l-r) Canaveral (GB, Bernie Dalton, up) – 5th; Special Skills (Sean McDermott, up) – 1st.

Douglas Lees photo

International Gold Cup Terrier Race: (l-r) Leading over the last fence is champion terrier Moira Kelly’s Ghost; Swagger (Vernon & Kelly Kirby’s) – 2nd; Keegan (Mary Musheno’s) – 3rd.

Douglas Lees photo

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

Boarding and Lessons Available for ages 4 and up

(540) 660-1454 www.meadowbrookfarmathuntly.com

18 Meadowbrook Lane Huntly,VA 22640 Greg and Julie Vaught Owners

International Gold Cup Timber Stakes (l-r) Certain Swagger (Steve Pateman, up) – 7th; Grinding Speed (#6, Mark Beecher, up) – 1st; Ballylifen (Connor Hankin, up) – 4th; Dakota Slew (Darren Nagle, up) – 2nd; Straight To It (Sean McDermott, up) – 3rd; Class Indian (Gus Dahl, up) – 6th. Douglas Lees photo

IN & AROUND HORSE COUNTRY • HOLIDAY 2015

HORSE RACING

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Horses and People to Watch Virginia Equine Alliance

Late summer and early fall were busy times for the Virginia Equine Alliance as an ambitious program of back-to-back Thoroughbred racing weekends in both Maryland and Virginia took place that featured a slate of five Virginia-bred events, three graded stakes and the inaugural running of a new tradition. A four-day harness racing season in mid-October followed the Thoroughbred events.

“All three Thoroughbred sessions turned out great and the entries were everything they hoped it would be,” said VEA President Debbie Easter. “We touched many levels of horses with different conditions over the two weekends and want to thank the horsemen for supporting this new program.”

The $300,000 Virginia-Bred Day at Maryland’s Laurel Park on September 26th featured five $60,000 stakes, two of which went to the gate with fields of 12 and finished in respective four horse photos.

Complete St.’s half length win in the Brookemeade Stakes came with Horacio Karamanos, Colonial Downs’ all time leading rider, up top, while Away We Go squeaked out a neck victory in the Jamestown Stakes for 2-year-olds.

A pair of 2014 champs successfully defended their titles in the 2015 editions. Jockeys Trevor McCarthy and Julian Pimentel, who authored those stakes victories aboard Rose Brier and Two Notch Road last year, returned to the irons and guided encore triumphs respectively in the Bert Allen and Punch Line Stakes. The talented Exaggerated, owned by the Lael Stables, put an exclamation point on the day by connecting easily in gate to wire fashion in the Oakley Stakes.

“It just goes to show that you can put on a good program with Virginia-bred races,” said trainer Rodney Jenkins, a Middleburg, Virginia native who conditions Away We Go. “It was a great betting card and we had horses come in from Saratoga, Belmont, Monmouth, and all over to race in this state-bred program.”

A trio of graded stakes that were in danger of losing their graded status were held at Laurel as well.

The $400,000 Commonwealth Derby (Gr. II) and $250,000 Commonwealth Cup (Gr. II) were part of Laurel’s card on September 19th and the $150,000 Commonwealth Oaks (Gr. III) complemented the Virginia-bred card on the 26th. The VEA funded the purses for all three, none of which were run in 2014.

In the Derby’s 17th running, a Virginia-bred ironically got to the winners circle for the first time ever, in the only year the stakes had been held outside the Commonwealth. One Go All Go, bred by Albert Coppola, went gate to wire and beat 2015 Belmont Derby (Gr. I) winner Force The Pass in a 35-1 upset performance. Claude McGaughey’s Mr. Speaker, the 2014 Belmont Derby (Gr. I) winner and one of two $1,000,000-plus earners in the Cup field, scored a 1¼ length triumph in that stakes’ 10th running. Onus made a dazzling move in mid-stretch to win the Oaks and continued a three race streak where she previously scorched the field by 10½ and 8 lengths. All three have come with jockey Forest Boyce up top.

A day later, Sunday, September 20th, the inaugural running of Virginia Downs, a six race card of Thoroughbred turf events, took place at Great Meadow. The scenic venue, that plays host to the annual spring and fall Gold Cup steeplechase races, laid

Virginia-bred One Go All Go captures the $400,000 Commonwealth Derby (Gr. II) September 19th at Laurel Park. This was the first time in 17 editions that a Virginia-bred has won. Jim McCue photo

out nicely for an afternoon of tailgating and wagering. An estimated crowd of 2,500 took in the action and the Fauquier SPCA, the official non-profit partner, raised over $14,000 from the event.

“It was a wonderful first time event,” said Mary Tarr of the SPCA. “People seemed to be there for the horses as opposed to being there to be seen like at the Gold Cup and some bigger events. There is room to grow and we definitely want to be involved next year. Proceeds will help us take care of animals with health issues, train them for quicker adoption, and to help upgrade our facilities.”

An inner rail was set up around the undulating one mile grass oval the week prior. Horses started each race in a steeplechase type manner and many of the riders had participated in past Gold Cup jump events there. 53 horses competed and a total of $150,000 in purse monies were distributed at Virginia Downs.

The first race was a $15,000 maiden/starter allowance exclusively for Virginia-breds, and trainer Lilith Boucher’s Mushroom King and Class Classic finished one-two. Conditioner Elizabeth Voss swept both $30,000 allowance co-features with Swoop and Renown, who both won by identical 5¾ length margins. Trainer John Thomas connected with Ice Women, who drew clear in the stretch in a $25,000 fillies/mares maiden race while Jimmy Day’s Bonded (Ire) crossed 3½ lengths over Boucher’s Jump Ship in the $25,000 male counterpart. Linda Gaudet’s Annawon had the closest finish of the afternoon, edging Gun Point by three-quarters of a length in a $25,000 allowance.

“I loved the rolling hills and the undulating course,” said trainer Voss, whose stable consists of 16 jump horses and five flat ones. “I loved the facility, the rail was a nice surprise and the turn was good.

The setting made for a nice day out and I’d love to come back to race in the future.”

The VEA also presented back-to-back weekends of pari-mutuel harness racing at Nelson County’s Oak Ridge Estate in mid-October. This was the first time since 2001 that Oak Ridge had played host to Standardbred horses. Highlight of the 4-day meet was the $363,000 Virginia-bred “Champions

Day,” where 2 and 3-year-old pacers and trotters of both sexes competed in 8 divisional title races.

Trainer Charlie Dunavant collected a trio of championship wins with Cicada’s Song and Elton J in the respective 2-year-old colt/gelding and filly trots while Ah Me captured the 3-year-old filly trot.

Cicada’s Song, who snuck in a track record performance at Delaware’s Harrington Raceway between her Oak Ridge prep and the championship race, left Virginia a perfect 5-for-5 in her young career.

Mark Gray’s stable also had a stellar day, earning a pair of wins with Motel Molly in the 2-year-old filly pace and I Am Delightful, who rebounded from two separate breaks in his prep to eke out a neck victory over Flaming Caviar in the 3 year colt/gelding trot. Chuck Perry also scored a pair of wins with John’s Dream in the 2-year-old colt/gelding pace and with Majestos in the 3-year-old male pace. While John’s Dream coasted easily against two other opponents, Majestos came from behind and was a neck better in a close three horse photo.

2014’s 2-year-old pacing champion Blueridge Pushy returned as a 3-year-old and defended her title in grand fashion. The Badlands Hanover filly wired the field in the finale.

Thoroughbred horses compete at the inaugural running of Virginia Downs, held September 20th at Great Meadow. Six flat races were held over turf for a combined $150,000 in purse monies. Kurtis Coady photo

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IN & AROUND HORSE COUNTRY • HOLIDAY 2015

ACROSS THE POND

Rydal Hound Show and Cub-Hunting in Mid-Wales

Rydal, where the Fell Foxhound Show is held, is in the beautiful Lake District of northwest England, where there are three judging rings—for Foxhounds, Harriers, and Beagles. The weather was perfect and proceedings began with the local pack, the Coniston, holding its own show, where the Champion Hound was “Dido,” shown by Alan Cummings. Then the open classes began, with the Ullswater taking the class for the Best Group of Five Fell Foxhounds. The Young Dogs were headed by Blencathra “Matchem,” with Blencathra “Sergeant” taking the Entered. The Young Bitches was won by Eskdale & Ennerdale “Rascal,” with the same pack’s “Duchess” taking the Entered. In the Championship, “Sergeant” took the tricolor, with “Duchess,” shown by 14-year-old Charlotte Harrison, being Champion Bitch. In the Harriers, four classes were won by the Holcombe, including the Group of Four and the Championship with “Barrister.” The Beagles were dominated by the Palmer-Marlborough, whose

By Jim Meads

Rydal Hound Show, August 13, 2015 Champion Fell Hound and Supreme Champion Blencathra “Sergeant,” Huntsman Barry Todhunter receiving the cup from Show Chairman Claire Logan-Stephens.

“Dancer” was named Champion, while the Newcastle & District scored in the Group of Four Hounds. As a grand finale, the three breed champions were shown against each other, with Blencathra “Sergeant” repeating his 2014 Supreme Championship, to the delight of Huntsman Barry Todhunter, in office since 1988.

Cub-hunting with the David Davies Foxhounds has proved a steep learning curve for new Huntsman Jonathon Gittoes, who took over on May 1, 2015. This is his first time in hunt service, having previously helped out Mark Jones at the Llanwrthwl Hunt. I joined him when he took 17 couple of Welsh and Fell Foxhounds to a meet at an isolated place called Gwgia. Out on foot was MFH Lord Davies’s daughter Eldrydd, newly appointed as Deputy Master, while Field Master Roger Williams was in charge of the mounted field of 14 horses, all ridden by vivacious young ladies, while Whipper-in for 50 years Neville Owen was helping the huntsman in this wild country.

Rydal Hound Show Champion Harrier Holcome “Barrister.”

Rydal Hound Show Best Entered Bitch Beagle Derby, Notts & Staffs “Wagtail” with Gerald De Ville, master; Richard Archer, huntsman; Peter Archer, whipper-in.

Rydal Hound Show Best Foxhound of the Opposite Sex to the Champion: Eskdale & Ennerdale “Duchess” with Charlotte Harrison.

Rydale Hound Show Best Unentered Bitch Harrier High Peak “Question.”

Rydal Hound Show Champion Coniston Hound “Dido” and Alan Cummings.

New Deputy Master Eldrydd Lamp with sons Oscar and Bayden, out on foot. Eldrydd’s father Lord Davies has been master since 1963.

Rydal Hound Show Champion Beagle Palmer Marlborough “Dancer.”

David Davies Hunt, October 17, 2015 A group of young riders with (2nd from left) Junior Field Master Jenn Sherradd in charge.

888-979-5615

David Davies Hunt, October 17, 2015 New Huntsman Jonathon Gittoes taking 17 couple of hounds to draw.

IN & AROUND HORSE COUNTRY • HOLIDAY 2015

JENNY’S PICKS I know a lot of you out there are hoping for some new fiction, and we do have a few new selections for you. Felix Francis has another of his cliff-hanging mysteries, young Rosemary Groux has finished her trilogy, and—a new author for us— a set of friends using the pen name of “D.E. Ireland” have come up with a series featuring the stars of the play “Pygmalion,” more popularly known by the musical based on it, “My Fair Lady.” Yes, Prof. Henry Higgins and Eliza Doolittle become enmeshed in a mystery involving the British racing set!

Francis, Felix. Front Runner. Investigator Jeff Hinkley returns to the racing scene when a winning jockey approaches him regarding the matter of losing races on purpose. As is usual in a Dick/Felix Francis mystery, murders occur and Hinkley is physically attacked as a result of his investigation of race fixing. Francis continues his excellent job of filling his father’s boots in the mystery field! Hardcover, 372pp. $26.95

HORSE COUNTRY BOOKSELLERS Specialists in New, Old & Rare Books on Horses, Foxhunting, Eventing, Polo, Racing, Steeplechasing & Sporting Art 60 Alexandria Pike, Warrenton, VA 20186 • 800-882-HUNT • 540-347-3141 vat?—turned on end that serves as home for someone else.

An unused silo became home for another. There are deer blinds, boathouses, houseboats, and many more, all intriguing. Most are just photographs, but there are some chapters with text describing certain structures in more detail. Anyone for a man cave? Hardcover, 326pp. $30.00

Bowen, Edward L. A Brush with Greatness. The author has written text to accompany the beautiful racehorse paintings of Robert Clark, featuring winning Thoroughbreds of the 21st century up to and including our latest Triple Crown winner, American Pharoah. Also included are public favorites Barbaro, Afleet Alex, Curlin, Big Brown, Rachel Alexandra, Rags to Riches, Smarty Jones, Tapit, and Zenyatta plus many more somewhat lesser known winners. The large 11.5” x 9” format pictures—each painting has its own page opposite a page of text about the horse—show almost photographic detail. Nearly all are depicted in full racing gallop, although Ireland, D. E. Move Your Blooming Corpse. The title is there are a few “conformation” views of the subject in his/her slightly modified from a line in “Pygmalion,” in which a notpasture. Hardcover, 176pp. $50.00 quite-fully-transformed Eliza Doolittle encourages a racehorse with a little British profanity. And why that title? Well, Broom, Dave. The World Atlas of Whisky. [First, an edittwo American women put their heads together and have cre- ing point: “Whisky” denotes Scotch whisky and Scotch-inated a novel in which Professor Higgins and Eliza Doolittle spired liquors, whereas “whiskey” denotes the Irish and attend the races only to be present at a murder—or two. This American liquors. Both forms appear in these listings and is the second of a series in which the two act as amateur de- each is used in its appropriate context.] This is a coffee-table sized listing of over 200 distilleries and 750 “expressions tectives. It’s a fun read! Hardcover, 306pp. $26.99 Around Christmas we try to assemble a selection of not-so- tasted,” separated into a definition and discussion of whisky horsey books for those who are in search of gifts for non- followed by a division of locale, with Scotland hogging the horsey friends and relatives. Marion went a little heavy on listings, followed by other countries. Copious photographs of the drinking books this time, but hey—what’s Christmas and the distilleries and the countryside in which they are located New Year’s Eve without a little “nog” in the egg? And of complement the text. Hardcover, 335pp. $39.99 course there are also some lovely coffee-table books that do Dickey, Page, ed. Outstanding American Gardens. Celefeature horses or horsey people. brating 25 years of the Garden Conservancy, the photographs Aalto, Kathryn. The Natural World of Winnie-the-Pooh. I by Marion Brenner capture the magical world of lush garloved the Winnie-the-Pooh stories when I was a child, and I dens across America. The Garden Conservancy was estabhope you will enjoy this book as much as I did. The book is lished to help preserve exceptional American gardens and divided into three sections: the collaboration between A. A. has been instrumental in opening many private gardens to Milne and his illustrator, E. H. Shepard; the origins of the the public for a day. Now you can share a peek behind their stories and the landscape that inspired them; and a visitor’s walls, too! Hardcover, 272pp. $50.00 guide to the flora and fauna of Ashdown Forest, the inspira- Hancock, David. Sporting Terriers/Their Form, Their tion for the Hundred Acre Wood. In addition to color and Function and Their Future. Terriers were developed to be sepia-tone photos, both colored and b&w illustrations from hunters of small game. Hancock discusses their origins and the books are included. Excerpts from the books encourage purposes and comments on modern breeding practices and me to go back and re-read them from an adult perspective. results, heavily on British breeds but also including those of Hardcover, 308pp. $24.95 other countries. Copiously illustrated by both artwork deAbernethy, Jean. The Essential Fergus. Fergus the comic- picting the breed as originally formed and photographs ilstrip horse appeared in a number of places before becoming lustrating more recent developments. A great summary of a weekly regular for the Ocala Star-Banner newspaper. His terrier breeds! Hardcover, 174pp. $45.00 world became populated by other equines, people, other an- Harrison, Joel; and Neil Ridley. Distilled. For aficionados imals, even a talking rock which appeared in several strips. of the “hard stuff,” this is a guide “from absinthe and brandy Sometimes in color, sometimes in black and white, he’ll al- to vodka and whisky, the world’s finest spirits unearthed, exways raise a chuckle! Enjoy this collection of singles and plained and enjoyed.” A fascinating account of how the stuff strips along with the author’s account of how he came into is made, what makes it special, and interesting factoids, such being. Softcover, 122pp. $19.95 as that scientists can make diamonds—very tiny ones—out Archibald, Elizabeth P. Ask the Past. These selections from of Tequila. Hardcover, 224pp. $19.99 a host of sources in bygone days is sure to elicit a few guf- Justice, Charles. Secretariat & Man o’ War. Horsemen will faws and snickers. Within these pages lies dubious advice probably always argue which was the greater horse, Secreregarding “how to fart,” (yes, really!), how to catch flies, tariat or Man o’ War. In this book, the author attempts to how to chat with a woman, or how to impress girls at a apply statistics to make a comparison between the two—but dance. As is to be expected, the most absurd advice comes not a judgment as to which is the “better” horse, because it from the medieval period. Hardcover, 287pp. $20.00 just can’t be done. For those interested in such statistics this Brook, Beaver. Cabin Porn. What? Pornography at Horse will be an interesting—though not easy—book. There are no Country? Actually, this is a perfectly charming collection of photographs. Softcover, 319pp. $19.95 photographs of cabins, treehouses, and other assorted small Klimuk, Aleksandr. Golden Horse/The Legendary Akhalstructures, “rural escapes for those yearning for a simpler ex- Teke. This is the breed that often sports a metallic coat that istence.” There’s a chapter on maple sugaring illustrating a glitters like gold, which is captured in all its glory within typical “sugar shack” of the north. Some folk choose to live these pages by photographer Artur Baboev. Lean with a underground. There’s a large barrel—maybe a whiskey proud head carriage suggestive of both the Arab and the Groux, Rosemary. Finding Freedom. The final book in the Brenwyd Legacy trilogy is now available! The heroine, Cassie, and her friends are stuck in the past in the days of King Arthur, and Cassie’s parents are still prisoners in the evil Brotherhood’s castle in the present. Not only does she need to free them; she is also aware of the prophecy that she will play a major role in a conflict between the Brenwyds and the Brotherhood. Don’t miss the thrilling conclusion to the series! Softcover, 345pp. $14.99

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American Saddlebred, these beautiful animals were developed for speed and endurance in the steppes of Central Asia.

Hardcover, 216pp. $50.00 Le Carrer, Olivier. Atlas of Cursed Places. Subtitled “A Travel Guide to Dangerous and Frightful Destinations,” some places you will undoubtedly be familiar with, such as the curse on the pyramids, the Bermuda Triangle, or the Amityville Horror. Some places are dangerous because of political warfare or geologic instability. Many, however, will be unknown to you and are intriguing in their history. Each place featured is accompanied by at least one map showing its location in the world. Read about a “suicide forest,” the Nevada Triangle, the monster of Krakatoa, and many more.

Hardcover, 143pp. $24.99 Lord, Maggie. Barn Weddings. There are a great many stables out there that are beautiful enough to host a wedding, but you don’t have to have a fancy place if you’d like a country wedding with a different twist. Browse the large color photos in this volume for some ideas on how to turn an old barn into a great wedding venue! Hardcover, 160pp. $30.00 Moon, Vicky. The Stylish Life/Equestrian. The author of Middleburg Mystique and Equestrian Style has produced yet another lavish coffee-table book featuring the equestrian lifestyle. About equally featured are the horses themselves and the people that enjoy them, from stable attire to Royal Ascot finery, and the high-profile sports in which they engage: showing, racing, and polo. Hardcover, 176 pp. $55.00 Roskrow, Dominic. The World’s Best Whiskies. The author has assembled 750 of the best varieties of whiskies worldwide, with color photos of the distilleries at which they were made and the bottles themselves. The flavor descriptions will make your mouth water, such as “a soft nose with squidgy yellow fruit, a big mouth-coating taste of ginger barley, canned peaches, and some oak and spice late on.” Great for the whiskey aficionado! Hardcover, 288pp. $42.00 Spoelman, Colin; and David Haskell. Guide to Urban Moonshining/How to Make and Drink Whiskey. This fascinating book of whiskey history is divided into five chapters: what is whiskey, a history of whiskey, a survey of whiskeys, how to make it, and how to drink it. The latter includes a number of recipes for cocktails and lists the authors’ favorite whiskeys. Hardcover, 222pp. $24.95 Van Bakel, Rene; Arnim Basche; and Elisabeth Gurtler. 450 Years/Spanish Riding School. Beautiful large color photos and text in both German and English cover the horses and stables of the oldest continuous riding school in the world.

From foaling to exhibition in the stately riding hall, follow them in their progress. Hardcover in slipcase, 208pp. $65.00 Wolfe, Martha. The Great Hound Match of 1905. The argument between aficionados of the English versus the American strain of foxhounds has been going on well over a century if not longer. Martha Wolfe has resurrected the account of a well-known match that occurred in the Piedmont country of Virginia 110 years ago between the Americanbred pack of Harry Worcester Smith and the English pack of A. Henry Higginson – both of whose names should be familiar to American readers of foxhunting literature. This book deserves to go right up on the shelves with Smith’s and Higginson’s. It’s a thrilling account of a thrilling event, with fascinating background information on the major contestants as well. B&w photos. Hardcover, 198pp. $22.95 Lastly, I’d like to put in a little plug for a new set of greeting cards by artist D. Haskell Chhuy. She has created a set of two different designs in color depicting foxhunting in the snow that would make lovely Christmas cards as well as just nice cards in panorama format. They’d even be nice framed as a pair. See them on our online catalog! Set of 8 cards/envelopes, 2 separate designs. Ask for set 2474-011. $15.00

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AGA’S SAGAS Roni and the Crumb Grater (Eh?) Bunsen has such a large round barrel of a chest that when he sleeps on his side, his front legs stick straight out. The top leg doesn’t rest composed against his body like mine does. It always gives me a start when I wake in the morning and see him like that. I cautiously sidle up and sniff, just to be sure that he’s not…well, you know. And as he becomes aware of my presence, there’s always a slight moment of hesitation, then he leaps up and barks at me.

“Get back! Let a dog sleep in peace.”

“I was just going to wake you and see if you wanted to chase me around the store. Maybe you can catch me today.

Arf, arf, arf.”

“Great Scot, lassie, ye always scare me half to death when you do that! Can ye nae just stand back and give a quiet ‘woof’ to wake me?”

“Well, you always scare me the way you look with that leg sticking out, like you might be…that maybe you’re…”

“Like maybe I’m what?”

“Oh, never mind. Hey, maybe today, with all your fitness training, you can catch me. Or not. Arf, arf, arf.”

To tell you the truth, we both need a good run. It was 61 degrees in the house last night, the wind was howling and my Marion kindly allowed us in bed with her, a two dog night she said. She won’t turn the heat on. She moans that she just wants a few months without listening to forced air, a month or two of silence.

Actually, I think she worries that she won’t hear Santa on the roof. Her hearing is not as good as mine. She and Bunsen are on the same plain, only my Marion has called it “selective hearing” for the past few years. Bunsen now is sure he has “selective hearing,” too.

“Whot? Protected herring? Why would herring need to be protected, lassie?”

“NO, BUNSEN! I said you have SELECTIVE HEARING!” “‘Tis no need to shout. But, yes, I would enjoy some tasty herring. And perhaps a spot of kippers, too?”

“Not herring or kippers! I said you have… oh never mind.”

“I have nae idea where you left the slippers.”

It can be exasperating. But I guess I’ll just have to deal with it as best I can.

At least my hearing is good enough to have alerted me to something amiss in the store one evening recently. As usual at this time of year, Marion had gone out to dinner after working really late and laid out our beds in the store kitchen. I was deep asleep when something awoke me. I heard a tap, tap, tapping. My first thought was Marion was back and having trouble finding the keyhole in the dark, which sometimes happens. Bunsen, thanks to his “protected herring,” just snored on, oblivious to the noise. The sound was coming from out in the store, so I roused the Great Protector.

“Bunsen! Do you hear a tapping?”

“Do ah fear a slapping? Be jabbers, lass, it’s you should fear a slapping for waking me up!”

“No, not slapping. Tapping! Tap, tap, tap. Don’t you hear that?”

He appeared to be listening hard (I’m not sure he wasn’t faking it), and then said, “Aye, m’wee darlin’, ah do hear a tapping. Perhaps we should go check it out.”

So together we went through the locked gate to investigate.

I’ve told you, in the past, how we sneak into the store when Marion locks us in the kitchen. The tapping was coming

IN & AROUND HORSE COUNTRY • HOLIDAY 2015

from the far side of the store. It seemed very rhythmical and deliberate.

Bunsen thought perhaps it was Sandy Paws leaving our presents, but I said it was way too early for his visit. We went to the door and cocked our heads to hear better.

Someone was singing! And it was to the tune of “Let It Snow.”

“Oh the weather outside is frightful But the new tweeds are so delightful.

And since hunting takes place in snow Off to Horse Country we must go!

At Horse Country it’s fun to go shopping For tack, togs, and whips for a-popping.

With gloves and scarves galore To the store, to the store, to the store!”

Was that… RONI? It was our Roni! She was locked below steps in the basement and unless we did something, she’d be there all night! Of course, being Roni she wasn’t sitting on her thumbs. No, we could tell she was stocking and stacking, wrapping and packing.

But what could we do? Once again I cursed a dog’s lack of opposable thumbs. If we just waited for Marion, we’d fall asleep and poor Roni would be trapped all night.

First we had to let Roni know we knew she was there.

Woof, woof, woof! We let her know we were at the locked door. But did she hear us? We put our ears to the door again and heard another song. This one to the tune of “Winter Wonderland.”

Riding out in this season, don’t you know there’s no reason?

To suffer the cold without a four-fold Lots of new stock ties at Horse Country!

Can your coat stand the weather?

Must you layer with a sweater?

We’ve four weights of wool Without any pulls To help you look your best when you’re astride.

When you’re at the store we’ll help you find it.

Whatever it is that you’ve been looking for.

Totes and books and belts and boots unending.

But you know that you’ll be back for more!

When it snows ain’t it thrilling To know your horse is still willing To carry you far then back to your car To drive yourself along to Horse Country!

We gave out louder barks and we heard Roni call out, “Aga, Bunsen! Is that you? I’m in the storage room. I’ve been left behind tonight. I’m little Timmy and I’ve fallen down the well. Get help, Lassie!”

Well, at least for once I was being called “Lassie” with a capital “L.” But what could we do? I ran in circles, thinking. Suddenly I remembered a discovery the remodelers made when we were redoing the basement and reconfiguring the store space. A shaft we thought contained an old furnace chimney turned out to be a dumbwaiter. We’d all remarked on it before pushing a wheeled blanket rack up against it. If Roni could get in the dumbwaiter we could push the up button and bring her to the main part of the store. I told Bunsen to get busy moving the large screen that hid the dumbwaiter opening just a few feet from us.

“What? Ye need a crumb grater? How will we get Roni out of there with a crumb grater?

Are ye daft?”

“Not crumb grater, darn it! The dumbwaiter.

DUM…WAIT…ER!” “Ach! I know how we can get her out. The old dumbwaiter!

Why didn’t you think of that? I’ll get busy and move this screen. It’s just behind here.”

At that point I didn’t care if Bunsen thought it was his idea.

The important thing was to get Roni free. But how could I

Janet Hitchen photo

get her in the dumbwaiter? What would Lassie do? She’d probably go get help; not an option for us. What would Greyfriars Bobby do? Sit and wait; also not an option.

What would Uggie do? Channeling the late Jack Russell screen star, I cleared my throat and said, “Rrrrrrrrnee?

Rrrrrrrnee?”

“Yes, Aga?” “Rrrrrrrmm rahhhhtrrr.”

“What?”

“RRRRRRRMM RAHHHTRR!” “Rum raisin? Rum rater? Rum waiter? Dumbwaiter! That’s it! I can get in the dumbwaiter! Can you push the button?”

“WOOF! WOOF! WOOF!” Bunsen had shouldered a chair over beneath the button. In an amazing feat of pure agility, I couldn’t believe my eyes as he leapt to the seat, stretched up as far as he could, and pressed the button with his very masculine nose. A groaning of gears and in a minute Roni was popping out of a cloud, a little dusty but no worse for wear.

Just then we heard the door in the kitchen open and Marion was back. She was shocked to see Roni and so apologetic for locking her in. Roni brushed the apology away saying she’d gotten so much work done. Shipping boxes had been straightened, an inventory of gift wrapping paper done, scarves boxed, breeches rehung. Christmas ornaments were now all set to be brought up. We were exhausted just listening to Roni’s list. So thanks to Roni we are now ready for Christmas!

“Faith, lassie! I’m still amazed you got Roni to understand what you were saying. It all sounded like so much gibberish to me.”

“Bunsen, these days everything sounds like gibberish to you. I wish there was some way to fix your ears.”

“Nix my fears? What do I have to be afraid of?”

“You’re right, Bunsen. You have nothing to be afraid of.

So why don’t you go take a nap and dream about something pleasant like snacking on some herring and kippers.

And don’t forget to stick that leg out so it looks like rigor mortis.”

“Clinton Portis? The football player? Ach, lassie, it seems ye say the strangest things these days. I sometimes do think ye’ve gone daft. Oh, well. I’m going to go take a nap.”

And with that, he shuffled off to his zebra chair. So without further ado, Bunsen and I would like to wish everyone a very happy and healthy holiday season. Please remember your local shelter pets. If you can’t adopt, please consider dropping off some treats, toys or blankets to let the dogs and cats waiting there know someone cares about them at Christmas.

Here’s hoping that Sandy Paws makes all your wishes come true.

Your faithful (and resourceful!) friends, Aga and Bunsen

IN & AROUND HORSE COUNTRY • HOLIDAY 2015

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Orange County Hounds Team Chase Old Whitewood, The Plains, Virginia, October 25, 2015 • Richard Clay Photos

First Flight Team Best Turned Out: Many Shades of Grey (l-r) Michelle Johns on Artemis, Christine Victus on Z Esmeralda, Donna Poe on Sterling (Loudoun Fairfax Hunt).

Best Hilltopper Pair and Hilltopper Pairs Best Turned Out: K Squared (l-r) Kathleen O’Keefe on Lefty, Kathleen Lyons on Neville (Casanova Hunt).

Reserve Champion: Tom Mansmann on Nitro (owned by Dr. Scott Dove, MFH, Old Dominion Hounds).

First Flight Champion: Kristin Dillon Johnson on Smooth Jazz (Piedmont Fox Hounds).

First Flight Junior Champion: Andrew Looney on Captain Jack (Piedmont Fox Hounds).

Virginia Field Hunter Championship Hosted by Orange County Hounds Old Whitewood, The Plains, Virginia, October 25, 2015 • Richard Clay Photos

John Coles, MFH, Orange County Hounds, makes the award presentation to the 2015 Virginia Field Hunter Champion team of Carolyn Chapman and Mariah representing Farmington Hunt.

2015 Virginia Field Hunter Reserve Champion Fifty Grand ridden by Mo Baptiste, Piedmont Fox Hounds.

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IN & AROUND HORSE COUNTRY • HOLIDAY 2015

JUNIORS

Junior North American Field Hunter Championship Qualifying meets for the 2015 Junior North American Field Hunter Championship were held from September 12 to October 31 with the finals hosted by Old Dominion Hounds on November 8. (Look for coverage of the finals in our Winter issue.) Hunts in Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Kentucky, Georgia, and North Carolina hosted junior meets. Now in its 13th year, and expanding rapidly with six new hunts joining this year, the program is designed to achieve several important goals. Number one is for juniors to come together, get to know each other, form friendships that may last a lifetime, and enjoy foxhunting. Seeing juniors embrace the sport is a vivid way to remind hunt members how important juniors are to preserving both foxhunting and the countryside.

Hosting qualifying meets is also an opportunity for hunts to work together by inviting juniors from neighboring clubs and by jointly promoting the benefits of the program. The JNAFHC is proving to be a valuable tool to encourage more cooperation among clubs and thus strengthen the bonds of foxhunting throughout the country. Juniors are travelling around to the different participating hunts, enjoying hunting in new territory, and learning about the different hound packs.

We encourage everyone who cares about the future of foxhunting to help support the JNAFHC. Juniors are the future! For more infor- Hilltopper Kylee Keahon, riding Halloween Party, qualified for the finals at the meet hosted mation, go to www.jnafhc.com.

by Piedmont Fox Hounds, October 24, 2015.

Michelle Arnold photo

Colby Poe, Old Dominion Hounds, rode Blueberry when the Piedmont Fox Hounds hosted the junior meet at Upperville’s Trinity Church on October 24, 2015. Liz Callar photo

Competitors prepare to move off for the qualifying meet hosted by Loudoun Fairfax Hunt from their kennels at Overbrook, October 17, 2015. Michelle Arnold photo

Qualified Juniors Casey Poe (in front) and Lucy Arnold under the watchful eye of judge Michele Rouse during the Piedmont Fox Hounds meet, October 24, 2015. Behind Michele are Samantha Combs, already qualified, and Pamela White (in the pinnie) who qualified that day.

Michelle Arnold photo

Lilia Sharp of Blue Ridge Hunt on Isodorable at the Piedmont Fox Hounds meet, Trinity Church, Upperville, October 24, 2015. Liz Callar photo

Juniors return from their morning with Loudoun Fairfax Hunt and await the announcements of who qualified to compete in the finals.

Michelle Arnold photo

HUNT COUNTRY ACCOMMODATIONS

REMEMBRANCE

GUEST HOUSES ON PRIVATE FARMS & ESTATES

Virginia Hunt Country www.HuntCountryAccommodations.com

Julie@HuntEscapes.com Middleburg, Virginia

540-687-0017

Sally Fendall Harrison Young October 16, 1942 - Oct. 1, 2015.

Founding member of the Museum of Hounds and Hunting, wife of 52 years to the late James L. Young, MFH, Orange County Hounds.

Thomas H. Jackson June 19, 1945 - October 21, 2015.

Former Huntsman Sewickley Hunt and Ottawa Valley Hunt, Huntsman and Joint-Master Coal Valley Hunt, Huntsman and Master Mr. Jackson’s Oxford Hounds.

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HORSE COUNTRY (540) 347-3141 Margie Hunter and her horse went all out to support the Susan G. Komen Ride for the Cure held at Great Meadow, The Plains, Virginia, September 26, 2015. Richard Clay photo

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.

Richard Clay Photography www.richardclayphotography.com rndclay@gmail.com

Haylee Choby, with her aunt Jean Fendley Clark, MFH, looking on, at the Opening Meet of Virginia’s Casanova Hunt, Casanova Green, October 17, 2015. Haylee is the daughter of Jean’s sister Mandy Choby and granddaughter of Casanova joint masters Bill and Joyce Fendley. Richard Clay photo

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