In & Around Horse Country Spring 2016

VOLUME XXVIII / NUMBER 2 • THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE VIRGINIA STEEPLECHASE ASSOCIATION • SPRING 2016

IN & AROUND HORSE COUNTRY • SPRING 2016

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FOXHUNTING

Hounds of the Blue Ridge Hunt in action. Joanne Maisano Photo

Blue Ridge Huntsman Graham Buston with hounds. Joanne Maisano Photo

Blue Ridge Huntsman Graham Buston on a run.

Joanne Maisano Photo

Blue Ridge Hunt Closing Meet Ellerslie, home of Joint-Master Brian Ferrell, March 17, 2016.

Snickersville Hounds Closing Meet Creekside, home of Joint-Master Colvin G. Ryan, March 20, 2016 (l-r) Susan Farah, Robin Somers-Strom, Sheila McKee. Joanne Maisano Photo

Joanne Maisano Photo

Deep Run Hunt Ginny Perrin, MFH, Deep Run Hunt.

Bill Sigafoos Photo

Snickersville Hounds Closing Meet Whipper-in Kathy Broaddus.

Joanne Maisano Photo

Snickersville Hounds Closing Meet Laurie McClary. Joanne Maisano Photo

Deep Run Hunt and Warrenton Hunt joint meet Clydetta Poe Talbot, professional Whipper-in, Warrenton Hunt. Bill Sigafoos Photo

Deep Run Hunt hosted Warrenton Hunt for a joint meet on February 5, 2016, at Ronnie and John Thornton’s Sargent Farm, Crozier, Virginia. (l-r) Deep Run’s Huntsman Richard Roberts and Warrenton’s Huntsman Matt van der Woude. Bill Sigafoos Photo

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IN & AROUND HORSE COUNTRY • SPRING 2016

SPORTING LIFE HIGHLIGHTS Junior North American Field Hunter Championship Expands to Several More States With growing interest in several states, the Junior North American Field Hunter Championship is becoming a truly “North American” event. At the invitation of current MFHA president Dr. Jack van Nagell, Kentucky’s Iroquois Hunt will be hosting the 2016 JNAFHC finals on October 23rd. The folks at Iroquois are planning an exciting and fun weekend around this event. Host families will open their homes to those who would like to stay with them and stabling will be made available as well.

In preparation for the qualifying meets that begin in late September, plans are underway to hold clinics over the summer that will focus on teaching juniors about hunting and hound work.

What began 14 years ago as a competition for juniors held in Virginia, Maryland, and Pennsylvania, JNAFHC qualifiers for 2016 will be held in those three states plus Kentucky, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, and Ohio.

This program is designed to achieve several important goals. Number one is for juniors to come together, get to know each other, form friendships that may last a lifetime, and enjoy foxhunting. Seeing juniors embrace the sport is a vivid way to remind hunt members how important juniors are to preserving both foxhunting and the countryside.

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 information, go to www.jnafhc.com, or call Marion Chungo at 540-220-7292.

••••• Show Jumping Hall of Fame Elects New Members The Show Jumping Hall of Fame is pleased to announce that Elizabeth Busch Burke, Katie Prudent, and Susie Hutchison have been elected for enshrinement. They will be honored at the Hall of Fame’s annual induction ceremony at the Devon Horse Show on June 2, 2016.

Elizabeth Busch Burke, who passed away in 2011, was the daughter of 1988 Show Jumping Hall of Fame inductee August A. Busch, Jr., and wife of 2001 inductee Bobby Burke. She was a dedicated competitor, owner, and businesswoman. Katie Monahan Prudent was one of show jumping’s most successful riders for more than two decades. Susie Hutchison’s career in show jumping has been highlighted by more than three dozen Grand Prix wins.

Further information about the Show Jumping Hall of Fame is available at www.ShowJumpingHallofFame.net.

Upcoming Events In & Around Horse Country Spring is blooming with a bouquet of challenging, exciting, and just plain fun events. Get out and enjoy the many happenings in Horse Country.

Hunt Trail Rides: All the hunts will be hosting trail rides throughout the spring and summer. These are typically leisurely rides, jumping optional, through the beautiful hunting countryside. Lunch or light refreshments are usually included. Hunters depend on these rides to keep their horses fit and socialize with fellow hunters during the offseason. If you’re thinking about giving foxhunting a try, these rides are a great way to get yourself and your horse out in a group in the open country but without the added excitement of hounds and horn. To find contact information for the hunts in your area, go to www.mfha.org.

Hunter Pace Events and Spring Races: There are still a few hunter paces and races on the schedule. For contact information and more details, go to www.centralentryoffice.com.

Spring Races, Virginia: Saturday, April 23: Middleburg Spring Races Saturday, April 30: Foxfield Spring Races, Charlottesville Sunday, May 1: Middleburg Hunt Point-to-Point Saturday, May 7: Virginia Gold Cup Races Spring Races, Maryland: Saturday, April 23: Grand National Steeplechase Saturday, April 30: The Maryland Hunt Cup Sunday, May 1: Maryland Junior Hunt Cup Saturday, May 7: Howard County Cup Races Sunday, May 22: Potomac Hunt Races Hunter Pace Events: Saturday, April 23: Rappahannock Hunt Saturday, April 30: Loudoun Fairfax Hunt

Other Springtime Happenings: Museum of Hounds & Hunting North America Members Reception Saturday, May 28, 5:00 pm The Mansion, Morven Park, Leesburg Open to current members and members’ guests. www.mhhna.org Virginia Foxhound Club Cocktail Party and Dinner Saturday, May 28, 6:00 pm Horning Blowing Contest, 7:00 pm. www.virginiafoxhoundclub.org Hunt Country Stable Tour Saturday, May 28 & Sunday, May 29 www.trinityupperville.org/Hunt-Country-Stable-Tour/ Virginia Hound Show Sunday, May 29, 8:00 am Morven Park, Leesburg. rferrer@patricioenterprises.com Museum of Hounds & Hunting North America Sunday, May 29, 11:00 The Mansion, Morven Park, Leesburg Current exhibits open to the public. www.mhhna.org Hound Shows For the full schedule of hound shows: www.mfha.org/hounds-showsched.html.

Upperville Colt & Horse Show Monday, June 6 – Sunday, June 12. www.upperville.com

PHOTOGRAPHERS:

A touch of spring's verdant carpet framed the scene when the Piedmont Fox Hounds invited members and staff of Orange County Hounds to their Closing Meet, March 24, 2016. Photo by Joanne Maisano

Michelle Arnold www.lumaimages.com John J. Carle II, ex-MFH Richard Clay www.richardclayphotography.com Coady Photography Elizabeth Dale Lauren Giannini Douglas Lees douglaslees@comcast.net Dee Leftwich Joanne Maisano www.joannemaisano.com Jim McCue Jim Meads 011-44-1686-420436 Middleburg Photo www.middleburgphoto.com J. Chris Middleton, DVM Bill Sigafoos www.wlsphoto.com Elizabeth H. Sutton Karen Kandra Wenzel

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Publisher: Marion Maggiolo Managing Editor: J. Harris Anderson Advertising: Kim Gray (540) 347-3141, (800) 882-4868, Email: hckimbtc@aol.com Contributors: Aga; J. Harris Anderson; John J. Carle II, ex-MFH; Lauren Giannini; Jim Meads; Will O’Keefe; Barclay Rives; Virginia Equine Alliance; Jenny Young LAYOUT & DESIGN: Kate Houchin Copyright © 2016 In & Around Horse Country®. All Rights Reserved. Volume XXVIII, No.2 POSTMASTER: CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED

IN & AROUND HORSE COUNTRY • SPRING 2016

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FOXHUNTING

Casanova Hunt’s staff moves off with hounds for Closing Meet from Eastern View, March 17, 2016. (l-r) Honorary Whippers-In Gaylord Hoisington and Kay Blassic, ex-MFH; Huntsman Tommy Lee Jones (on the gray); and Professional Whipper-In Melvin Johnson. Richard Clay photo

(l-r) Potomac Hunt Honorary Whipper-in Brian Hagen and Huntsman Brian Kiely at the McKeeBeshers Wildlife Management Area, Poolesville, Maryland, March 29, 2016.

Karen Kandra Wenzel photo

A hound of the Casanova Hunt clears a rail fence in fine form during Closing Hunt, March 17, 2016.

Richard Clay photo

Huntsman Brian Kiely wraps up his first season with Potomac Hunt and congratulates his hounds for a job well done following Closing Meet from the club’s kennels in Dickerson, Maryland, March 31, 2016. Karen Kandra Wenzel photo

The weather in central Virginia was dicey for mounted sport in late January. So Farmington Hunt Club’s Huntsman Matthew Cook walked his hounds up to a snowy hilltop for some exercise and to enjoy the view. J.Chris Middleton, DVM, photo

(l-r, front) Juniors Nora Elliot and Stephanie Windall with Ellie Whitaker behind (on the chestnut) hunting with Potomac Hunt at the meet from the McKee-Beshers Wildlife Management Area, Poolesville, Maryland, March 29, 2016. Karen Kandra Wenzel photo

Farmington Hunt’s staff taking hounds home on Buck Mountain Ford Road, near Yadkin, following a day’s hunting with Rita Mae Brown’s Oak Ridge Hunt from the home of Dr. and Mrs. Reynolds Cowles. (l-r) Huntsman Matthew Cook, honorary whippers-in Carolyn Chapman, Kim Morton, and Tom Bishop, ex-MFH. (On a sad note, we’re sorry to report that Kim Morton passed away on February 25, just days after this photo was taken.)

Elizabeth H. Sutton photo

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IN & AROUND HORSE COUNTRY • SPRING 2016

HORSE SHOWS

Upperville Horse Show: Jumpers Awarded Four Stars Major Upgrades Perpetuate Tradition of Growth & Excellence

By Lauren R. Giannini Upperville Horse Show has taken to the Upperville. This year, the FEI Upperville stars—four ****, that is—official recogJumper Classic CSI**** offers $216,000 nition granted by the Fédération Equestre in prize money, a huge increase with the Internationale (FEI), aka International power to attract entries.

Federation for Equestrian Sports. Three One very smart move took place jumper classes are classified CSI****: early in Smith’s presidency when he api.e., Concours de Saut International fourpointed new board member Tracey Weinstar or 4*. The stars are part of the FEI’s berg to head the Sponsorship Committee. system of ranking competitive events ac“Tracey and her committee have done an cording to prize money, five stars being outstanding job raising sponsorship the highest. Upperville’s 2016 FEI money for the hunters and the jumpers,” CSI4* classes include the $35,000 Speed said Smith. “Our sponsors nearly tripled Class, the $40,000 Welcome Stakes prein the last three years in anticipation of sented by Jim Thompson of Washington the FEI rating.”

Fine Properties, Middleburg, Va. and Upperville’s sponsors include indiWiseman & Associates Wealth Manageviduals and businesses, local and far, but ment; and the $216,000 Upperville it doesn’t seem fair to name a few.

Jumper Classic. The FEI governs the They’re members of the “village” whose highest level of competition in eight support has contributed greatly to the equestrian disciplines: Jumping, Dresgrowing success of the Upperville Horse Horse and rider on course for last year’s Upperville Jumper Classic, now ranked FEI 4-star, officially world-class with $216,000 in prize money. Middleburg Photo sage, Eventing, Driving, Endurance, Show and their continued patronage is Vaulting, Reining, and Para-Equestrian. Jumping, Dressage, and Eventing are greatly appreciated.

Olympic sports, considered the pinnacle of achievement globally. FEI recognition “Mike’s been the main driver behind the FEI recognition and he’s passionis a very big deal: Upperville achieved it after six years of intensive upgrading at ate about the jumpers,” said Jones. “He keeps us pretty sharp on maintaining the the historic show grounds, uniquely situated on both sides of John Mosby High- quality. He wants us to put on a first class event and he’s willing to work to make way, Route 50, just east of Upperville. that happen.”

“In the 1970s and ’80s, we saw many of our country’s best show jumpers at Jones grew up riding for his father, the late Thomas E. (“Papa Tommy”), and Upperville, and one of my goals as president of Upperville Horse Show has been showed jumpers as a pre-teen at Upperville. A Jones jumper made history at Upto bring more of our top riders back to this show,” said Michael Smith. “With the perville in 1958, the year it reinstated the “High Jump”: Tommy Lee’s 15.3-hand FEI 4-star ranking we’re hearing from some of these riders a desire to return to gray mare, Freckles. It would have been Tommy Lee in the saddle, but he injured compete at Upperville.” his knee jousting, so Papa Tommy put Kathy Kusner on Freckles. They won, setIt’s all very exciting, and it happened because seriously loyal supporters are ting the Ladies High Jump record of 7’3”. the backbone of this historic equestrian institution. They kicked in millions of In 1982, Mrs. Theodora A. Randolph, President of the Upperville Horse dollars for the upgrades, which include state-of-the-art footing, new rings, im- Show, asked Jones to be the manager. “She was very hard to say no to,” recalled proving on-site amenities for visitors and exhibitors, and a ringside club for spec- Jones, who already had been managing the one-ring Warrenton Horse Show for tators. about four years. Needless to say, he re-energized both shows, breathing new life People-Powered into them, gathering incredible board members, sponsors, and volunteers. As for To attain FEI recognition, Michael Smith led the way with stalwart backing from Upperville, Jones brought it to its current AA-rated status and entries of about Tommy Lee Jones, longtime show manager. When they learned in February that 1500 horses for the week-long show. He continues to work long hours alongside Upperville had earned the coveted four–star status, it was cause for celebration. volunteers and paid staff to ensure that Upperville provides the exhibitors, venHowever, it also served to fire up their enthusiasm for an ongoing commitment dors, and spectators with the best possible show experience. Most of the Upto continue to make the show even better. Upperville is a labor of love as well as perville board members are also dedicated volunteers during the show. a work in progress.

Everyone’s important on the Upperville team, but no show can exist without Smith had been showing for three years when he made his debut as a junior a secretary: Ginny McCarty has filled that demanding position since 2002. Jones’s under the oaks at Upperville. His show experiences at Upperville, one way or family pitches in—his mother Doris, wife Diane, daughter Beth Kearns, sister another, now total 30 years. In a 2014 story for In & Around Horse Country, he Karen Settle—and volunteers range from board members to locals and business said: “I have lots of favorite memories of Upperville, but probably my favorite is people. Punkin Lee, secretary of the Upperville Board of Directors and owner of the first day I rode into the ring. It was Children’s Hunter, probably the biggest Journeyman Saddlers in Middleburg, has established a vital connection with local thrill I’ve ever known. I’ve won different classes, but riding into the ring at Up- businesses and also fills an important extra role, thanks to her long history with perville, it was such a dream to show there.” the show.

Today, Smith is determined to per“I think Punkin is the petuate the dream and tradition known longest-serving member of the as Upperville Horse Show. A native of Upperville board, which has Winchester, he moved to Middleburg in seen a lot of change, but 2011 and two years later succeeded Dr. Punkin’s always a constant that Manuel H. Johnson as the show’s Pres- keeps us true to the spirit of the ident. Smith made good on both his ini- horse show,” said Jones. “I have tial pledges: to increase sponsorship to to hope that Punkin stays alive offer more prize money and to get the for a long time. I keep telling grand prix back to six figures by 2015. people that the horse show is Upperville President Mike Smith, with long time Last year, Ramiro Quintana won the 160-some years old and we hunter rider and board member Betty Oare, get Upperville manager Tommy Lee Jones in action manag$100,000 Upperville Jumper Classic on don’t want to be the ones screw- ing the show with the great, but sadly late ringmaster, ready to present a Special Award on Saturday in Whitney, owned by St. Bride’s Farm of ing it up.” the main hunter ring in 2015. Middleburg Photo Robert Pillion, in the background. Lauren R. Giannini photo

IN & AROUND HORSE COUNTRY • SPRING 2016

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Tradition & Growth bought the hunter side The Upperville Show, shortly after I became founded in 1853 by manager, and that turned Colonel Richard Dulany into one of the most imto improve horse breeds portant phases for the acand horse care, began as a tual show grounds. He one-day event with two took great pride in having classes, colts and fillies. the oldest horse show in By 1902, it evolved into America on his property. the Upperville Colt and He created and mainHorse Club, a two-day tained a park-like setting June show with classes for on the original grounds. ponies, harness, carriage His willingness to make horses, and saddle horses. the improvements on the Hunters were divided into hunter side and be paid green, 4-year-olds, lightback gradually made it weight, heavyweight, and possible for us to focus on the Open To All required improving the jumper State-of-the-art #1 ring used for the FEI CSI4* Upperville Jumper Classic with spectacular backdrop of the Blue Ridge to jump 4½ to 5 feet. side. After Mr. Smith Mountains. Middleburg Photo Thoroughbred Breeding passed, Mrs. Smith gifted joined the various draft, mare and foal, and age classes. That year, High Jump at- the hunter show grounds to the Upperville Horse Show Association.” tracted seven entries.

The jumper side continues to see huge improvements, and the last six years Colonel Dulany organized and directed the show from its inception to his have been intensive to make both sides world class. The hunter and jumper rings passing in 1906, shortly after the Upperville Colt and Horse Club Show expanded boast the new improved all-weather footing, but Pony Breeding classes are held to five days. He certainly put his stamp on the show: Upperville has continued to in a grass ring on the jumper side (Salem Farm). Plans for the Theodora Rangrow, yet retains its unique customs and atmosphere. dolph Grand Prix grass ring are on hold, but it’s possible that, at some point, it The footing upgrades in the hunter rings didn’t disturb the trademark trees will be renovated and improved. Smith and Jones want to focus on the current in the hunter rings and those that stand sentry around Grafton Farm. They are the manifestation of Upperville and continue to polish every facet of this priceless same oaks that provided welcome shade 163 years ago to local planters whose gem to perfection. colts and fillies competed in the first Upperville show.

“We have more bleachers for the new grand prix ring (Jumper Ring 1), be“I feel good about the changes, especially the footing,” said Betty Oare, cause we don’t have the hillside anymore,” said Jones. “We rearranged the parkboard member and hunter rider who grew up showing under the tutelage of her ing to be more visitor-friendly for spectators. The roads on the hunter side have father, the late J. Arthur Reynolds. “Riding on turf is great—the horses jump fan- been improved and are easier to get around. We’ve tried to separate the horses tastic—and I loved riding on the grass at Upperville, but footing in this day and from the spectator conflicts, to help —we’re constantly trying to improve the litage is crucial, because the horses go all year round. For a few years, we had bad tle things that can make everybody’s visit a little better.” rain, but now the hunter side has all-weather footing and the rings still have the The show’s tech side has also been improved. “We have a brand new webtrees and there is still the unique ambience that is Upperville. site, thanks to board member Tom Gorman,” said Jones. “Tom’s also going to “Last year, for the first time ever, we could hack the hunters in the rings the produce all our webcasts in the main hunter ring and the main jumper ring. We’re day before the show started,” continued Oare. “That was wonderful for the horses, stepping up that part of the show.” because there’s so much to look at—grandstand, trees, and traffic. We’re workThe final words belong to Joe Fargis, jumper rider, member of the board, ing to upgrade the hunter schooling area, that upper ring. It’s a great show and we and Olympic medalist. “I hope many more hunter and jumper riders will want to want it to keep getting better.” come to Upperville,” he said. “The people I’ve talked to are excited about the upgrades. In general, people are enthusiastic about how it keeps becoming a nicer and nicer show. Upperville retains its ambience and charm, yet it’s better each year—not necessarily bigger, but better. It’s a pleasant day that ends at a decent hour. There aren’t enough nice things to say about Upperville.”

For information: www.upperville.com Upperville is a 501(c)3 non-profit that raises funds for the Churches of Upperville Outreach and the Upperville Volunteer Fire Department, among other area charities.

Bleachers for the Upperville Jumper Classic. Tommy Lee Jones promises more this year to accommodate spectators. Middleburg Photo

Balance & The Future Keeping Upperville balanced on both sides of the road is a major priority. The Jumpers continue to grow, and last year recorded more entries, more stalls reserved, and more paid entry fees than the Hunters.

“When I first started as manager, we had one ring on the jumper side of the road and that only had partial fencing because the cows were grazing over there,” said Jones, laughing. “Mr. Robert Smith [no relation to current show president]

View of the 1853 Club, a very special place for watching the FEI CSI4* $216,000 Upperville Jumper Classic on Sunday. Middleburg Photo

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IN & AROUND HORSE COUNTRY • SPRING 2016

PERSONALITIES

Keswick Character

By Barclay Rives Keswick has lost a character. Hugh Motley, MFH, who died of pneumonia in January, was the most entertaining and amusing hunting companion. I remember meeting him on a Keswick Hunt Club cubhunting morning, when we were both 13 years old. He was riding a dun colored pony named Gunsmoke, and cracking jokes. Two other kids out that day, who maintained lifelong friendship with Hugh and have kept up the sport, were superior equestrienne Jennifer Nesbit and future Orange County MFH John Coles. Hugh stood out in any crowd.

He was friendly, funny, rode well, and knew how to talk to people. Hunting days and other events were more fun when he was around.

Hugh’s family had moved to Keswick a few years earlier. Hugh began his career in the horse business at Glenmore Farm, owned by his cousin Clay Camp. Now a sprawling Charlottesville subdivision, Glenmore was a successful racehorse training and sales operation from the 1950s to the 1980s. Hugh was named for his grandfather Hugh Camp, founder of Union Camp Corporation, a paper manufacturer. When someone complained to Hugh Motley about the smell of a Union Camp pulp mill, he replied, “Smells to me like money being made.”

Hugh and his wife Winkie established their own Beau Lea horse farm in my neighborhood in the 1970s. A few years later they expanded onto the adjoining Highground Farm. Hugh broke and trained yearlings and two-year-olds at Highground. He also ran his own bloodstock agency and sold equine insurance.

Hugh had a loyal and talented crew at Highground. One hot summer day Hugh and his crew helped me unload two wagons of square bales into my mother’s barn. As we hoisted bales, we carried on a male oriented discussion, until Hugh noticed my mother approaching. He greeted her in a loud voice, signaling the rest of us to change the subject.

One of Hugh’s employees helping me that day was Dick Minor, also known as One-Eyed Dickie because he only had one good eye. Dick had a distinctive peaceful vibration, which enabled him to groom the wildest, most fearful young horses nobody else could handle. Dick was missing most of his teeth.

When he collapsed at the barn one day, Hugh said, “I’ll call the rescue squad.

If he needs mouth to mouth, you guys handle that.” Dick recovered.

Some of Hugh’s evocative nicknames for people and animals were: The Breather, The Sneezer, The Hook, The Squirter, Food Face, Moany and Groany.

His friends know whom he was referring to. Further explanation in print would incriminate me. Hugh called me Brother B, because I am the brother of his good friend Sandy.

Hugh played polo with the Charlottesville Polo Club for many years. My only attempt at the sport was when I joined him and his friends for an informal game. The experience reminded me of when I was a boy playing tackle football with older, bigger and faster kids. The high goalers took care so that I avoided injury and had fun.

Hugh resumed hunting as an adult in the late 1980s, when my brother Sandy let him ride his roan mare Maggie. Maggie was tough and dependable, though she had a habit of rooting with her head. Hugh carried a jockey’s crop, which he called “the Maggie anti-rooting device.” Hugh hunted regularly after he acquired an attractive bay Thoroughbred named Herbie. When he viewed a fox, Hugh delivered a distinctive raspy high volume holloa. For years Hugh drove Sandy and me to meets in his truck and long stock trailer. From his polo days, Hugh liked to tie horses with “one yanker” knots accessible from outside or inside the trailer. To avoid navigating my narrow driveway, the rendezvous was at my brother’s back entrance, a short ride for me. Hugh specified the time and place, which was always: “Quarter after, at the gap.” Whenever I was late, Hugh would be waiting on the shoulder of the narrow state road, reading his Daily Racing Form.

Hugh and Winkie were gracious entertainers at Highground. Ginger Baker, drummer of the 1960s rock supergroup Cream, was an unusual celebrity guest at one of their parties. Hugh told me Baker had come to give drumming lessons to his grade-school age daughter Sheila. Later, Hugh explained the rock legend was there through a polo playing connection.

Hugh was always proud of Sheila, who became a top junior rider. He did

Barclay Rives (left, on Root Boy Slim) and Hugh Motley (on Herbie), Keswick Hunt Club’s Blessing of the Hounds, Thanksgiving Day, 2003. Elizabeth Dale photo

joke about how expensive show ponies could be. He suggested it was like having your kid ask for a baseball glove to play Little League, and next thing you know you’re paying for the team to play in Tokyo. Hugh remembered Sheila, as a toddler, walked up when he was showing a horse to someone, and asked too perceptively, “Is that the one with the hurt foot?” He said she was too young to know that in the horse business, some questions are better left unasked.

One evening in the 1990s, Hugh and I were talking on the side porch of the Keswick Hunt Club. He told me it was time for some of our generation to step up to keep the hunt club going. Hugh was the one who stepped up. He served several terms on the hunt club Board of Governors. He was surprised by the ferocity of hunt club politics at his first board meeting. He reported people were screaming at each other, and suggested the club could raise money by selling tickets to spectators who would pay to see the fights.

Hugh demonstrated greater valor by agreeing to stand for election as Master of Foxhounds in 2000. Jake Carle had just concluded 35 years of dedicated service as MFH. After the unanimous vote, Hugh told the membership he intended a shorter span of service. He served for five years.

Shortly before the start of cubbing his first year, Hugh’s huntsman Jack Eicher died suddenly. Hugh grabbed plenty of biscuits and walked out the pack.

He procured a horn and served as huntsman three days. Each hunt, hounds ran at least one fox, and they never ran riot. When I reminded him of these impressive statistics, he replied in one of his many trademark phrases, “I was a legend in my own mind.”

Hugh was relieved when he was able to hire Tony Gammell, who has served as Keswick’s brilliant huntsman ever since. Hugh knocked on doors, introduced himself and shook hands, enabling him and Tony to open miles of new hunting territory.

Hugh’s many friends have been sharing multiple varieties of memories since his death. My favorite time with him was an unforgettable hunting day with Casanova in 1994. My brother Sandy, Hugh’s close friend Bruce Eckert, our horses, and I travelled to the meet in Hugh’s gray Frank Imperatore van, also known as The Grey Goose. Our quartet made several successful road trips that season, and that Casanova day was the best. We enjoyed thrills, laughs and good company. Tommy Lee Jones and the Casanova hounds were brilliant.

Masters of Foxhounds Joyce Fendley and Kay Blassic were welcoming, and they rode like Valkyries. Our enthusiastic hunting friend Richard Harris was among the friendly members of the field. The sky was crimson as hounds marked their last fox to ground, and dark when we reached the van. The four of us were still euphoric from the hunt, when we pulled into a country store on our way home. Though we were famished, we had trouble finding anything edible among the dusty and ancient offerings on the shelves. Hugh was particular about what he ate. He was most fond of the menu at Charlottesville’s Riverside Grill, and this store was not the Riverside. We thought the place was hilarious. The dour proprietors did not share our view. Sandy was a penny short making his purchase, and he asked if there was a penny dish. The couple said no, as if his question were grounds for arrest. We found better pickings further down the road. The most wonderful days and special friends are rare, but we can remember them every day.

IN & AROUND HORSE COUNTRY • SPRING 2016

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IN & AROUND HORSE COUNTRY • SPRING 2016

FOXHUNTING Piedmont Fox Hounds invited Orange County Hounds to their Closing Meet at Dencrest, the home of Milton Sender, near Marshall,Virginia, March 24, 2016.

Piedmont Fox Hounds Huntsman Jordan Hicks leads hounds along Crenshaw Road with his whippers-in Neil Amatt (front) and Michelle St. Onge (behind) followed by Orange County Hounds whipper-in Ross Salter (left) and Huntsman Reg Spreadborough (right).

Douglas Lees photo

Milton Sender (front) followed by Dr. Tony Crowley.

Joanne Maisano photo

(l-r) Orange County Hounds members Robert Boucher and Betsy Manierre.

Doug Lees Photo

(l-r) Orange County Hounds Joint-Masters Neil Morris and John Coles, Piedmont Fox Hounds Joint-Master Tad Zimmerman.

Douglas Lees Photo

Huntsman Jordan Hicks sends the Piedmont Fox Hounds forward as a large field follows.

Joanne Maisano photo

IN & AROUND HORSE COUNTRY • SPRING 2016

RACING

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2016 Spring Races

By Will O’Keefe • Douglas Lees photos

Blue Ridge Hunt Point-to-Point, Sheila Baldwin Memorial Novice Rider Flat (l-r) Canyon Road (Teresa Croce, up) – 1st; Bonded (Amber Hodyka, up) – 2nd; Tactical Image (Vladimir Rocha, up) – 3rd.

Blue Ride Hunt Point-to-Point Amateur/Novice Rider Hurdle Dai Bando (IRE; Keri Brion, up) – 1st.

Blue Ridge Hunt Point-to-Point, Restricted Young Adult Flat Girlsruletheworld (Elizabeth Scully, up) – 1st.

Blue Ridge Hunt Point-to-Point, Lady Rider Timber (l-r) I’m Telling (Emme Fullilove, up) – 1st; Hardaport (Diana Gillam, up) – 2nd.

Blue Ridge Hunt Point-to-Point 3-12-2016 In late February if someone had told me that the going at the Blue Ridge Point-to-Point would be firm, I would have thought them a bit daft. A good portion of Virginia was wet and the going deep. To prove me wrong, Mother Nature dished up a dry spell; and the race course at Woodley Farm near Berryville was indeed firm on Saturday, March 12 for the Blue Ridge Hunt races. Training conditions had been challenging leading up to the races, but enough horses were on hand to run nine races over hurdles, timber and on the flat.

Once again Jimmy Day, who trains at his farm in nearby White Post, saved the day running eight horses.

In spite of the fact that he saddled half of the four-horse field in the maiden hurdle race, he had to settle for a second place finish. Trainer Eva Smithwick had Celtic Venture Stable’s Prima Facie on top of his game; and with his favorite rider Jeff Murphy up, he won by 20 lengths. In the race he was never far back, took the lead on the turn for home and won easily. S. Bruce Smart’s Zol Zayne (Gerard Galligan) finished second.

It didn’t take Day long to reach the winners’ circle, but it was a circuitous route. In the amateur/novice rider hurdle race Erin Swope’s Slaney Rock set the early pace while leading by a wide margin. S. Bruce Smart, Jr.’s Dai Bando (Keri Brion) made a bid in the late stages but missed by 3½ lengths. Unfortunately for Erin Swope, she lost her lead pad during the race and had to be disqualified, making the Day trained Dai Bando the winner.

Last year Daybreak Stable’s Manacor (Ire) was the Virginia Point to Point Circuit’s Hurdle Horse of the Year.

He started last year’s championship run winning at Blue Ridge, and he duplicated that result this year. With Sean McDermott up for trainer Jimmy Day in a two-horse field, Manacor took the lead on the backside of the course and won as his rider pleased by 5½ lengths over Ricky Hendriks’ Elusive Evening (Michael Mitchell).

The first of four flat races was for restricted young adults, and four went to the start. Christina Van Patten’s Faery Tales (Arabella Van Patten) and Tatiana Sushko’s Touch of Snow set a torrid pace while Elizabeth Scully settled her Girlsruletheworld near the rear of the fourhorse field. With three furlongs to run the leaders tired from their early efforts, and Girlsruletheworld closed with a rush to win going away by 2 lengths, with Faery Tales holding on for second.

Gordonsdale Farm’s Canyon Road was the 2015 novice timber champion of Virginia and Maryland, so it was clear that his object in the novice rider flat race was to prep for bigger things. Canyon Road took the lead on the backside and won handily by 1½ lengths over S. Bruce Smart, Jr.’s Bonded (Amber Hodyka), who was also prepping for future engagements over hurdles.

The winner of the Virginia-bred flat race was also prepping for races over hurdles. Irvin S. Naylor’s Tubal had broken his hurdle maiden at the Virginia Gold Cup races last spring, and trainer Kevin Tobin found a nice spot to not only get some work but take home the winner’s share of the $2,000 purse. Under regular rider CarolAnn Sloan Tubal was kept off the lead that Debra E. Kachel’s Hooping (Michael Mitchell) assumed. With three furlongs to run, Tubal joined Hooping, and these two battled to the finish, where Tubal proved best by a head.

The maiden flat race had the biggest field of the day with eight horses. Amy Taylor Rowe’s Irish-bred Director was never far back, took the lead on the turn and held

Bonita Farm’s Serilda (Taylor Leatherman) safe through the stretch.

Five horses went under starter’s orders in the lady rider timber race but when the flag dropped it quickly became a one horse race. Emme Fullilove’s I’m Telling went to the lead shortly after the start and proceeded to establish a commanding advantage. Jeremy Gillam’s Hardaport (Diana Gillam) rallied from far back the last time around and appeared to be a threat in the final quarter mile but could not sustain his rally. The final margin was 2 lengths.

Sara E. Collette’s homebred Zanclus (Kieran Norris) made his first timber start a winning one in the novice timber race. He was reserved off the early pace set by Jeremy Gillam’s Careful Sailor (Diana Gillam) but asserted his superiority with a quarter mile to run. He widened his advantage over Careful Sailor to 15 lengths at the finish.

Trainer Neil Morris did a great job having him ready to win at first asking over timber.

Blue Ridge Woodley Cup Virginia Bred/Sired Flat Tubal (Carol-Ann Sloan, up) – 1st; Hooping – 2nd

Warrenton Hunt Point-to-Point 3-19-2016 The rainy and cold weather put a bit of a damper on the proceedings for the spectators at the Warrenton Hunt Point-to-Point at the Airlie race course on Saturday, March 19. Horsemen, however, are a hardy breed; and they came and raced in spite of the weather. Nine races were run with good fields and many exciting performances.

Warrenton Hunt Point-to-Point, Maiden Hurdle (l-r) Undisputed Champ (John Brophy, up) – 4th; So Far Away (Ross Geraghty, up) – 2nd; Imperial Rule (#5; Kieran Norris, up) – 1st; Give Us A Reason (Michael Mitchell, up).

Warrenton Hunt Point-to-Point, Open Flat (l-r, front) Hardrock Eleven (Kieran Norris Up) – 2nd; Kingofalldiamonds (Jacob Roberts, up) – 1st.

10

IN & AROUND HORSE COUNTRY • SPRING 2016

Warrenton Hunt Point-to-Point, Amateur/Novice Rider Timber Two’s Company (Connor Hankin, up) – 1st.

Warrenton Hunt Point-to-Point, Springs Valley Open Timber Canyon Road (Mark Beecher, up) – 1st.

Warrenton Hunt Point-to-Point, The Airlie Steeplechase Open Hurdle (l-r) Dreaming Fool (Kieran Norris, up) – 1st; Prima Facie (Jeff Murphy, up) – 2nd.

This race course has always been a favorite for trainer Doug Fout. The fact that the date is perfect to prep horses for the upcoming season of sanctioned races makes it easy to understand why Fout brought several van loads of horses. His eleven runners were nearly a fourth of the horses that ran, and he was rewarded with three wins, two seconds and two third place finishers.

Fout started with a bang in the first race as he saddled Virginia B. Lazenby’s Dreamin Fool to win the open hurdle race with Kieran Norris up. Dreamin Fool set the pace with Celtic Venure’s Prima Facie (Jeff Murphy) close behind. These two battled to the finish where Dreamin Fool prevailed by a length.

Fout greeted Norris in the winners’ circle again after Sharon Sheppard’s Imperial Rule won the third race. Imperial Rule made most of the running and led into the stretch. Betsy B. Mead’s So Far Away rallied but fell short by one length. So Far Away is also trained by Fout.

Fout completed his hat trick when Magalen O. Bryant’s Last Farewell (Dylan McDonagh) won the novice rider flat race over Mrs. Bryant’s Plated (Wladimir Rocha). Plated had the lead with a half mile to run but could not hold off Last Farewell, who proved best approaching the finish.

The open timber race attracted a strong fivehorse field that included three sanctioned winners.

Gordonsdale Farm’s Canyon Road had won here a year ago in the novice race and finished last season as the Virginia and Maryland novice timber champion, but this was a big step up in class. In the race Canyon Road (Mark Beecher) was reserved off the pace, but with seven furlongs to run Beecher let out a notch and quickly assumed command. His 15 length winning margin over sanctioned stakes winner Arcadia Stable’s Delta Park (Connor Hankin) proved that Canyon Road belongs in this company. Longtime Gordonsdale trainer Chris Kolb saddled the winner.

Connor Hankin had better luck in the amateur and novice rider timber race when he rode Bruton Street-US’s Two’s Company for trainer Jack Fisher.

Two’s Company stalked Holwood Stable’s Sky Count (Mark Beecher), who set much of the pace.

These two were heads apart with a half mile to run, but that didn’t last long as Two’s Company drew away to win easily by 6 lengths.

Mark Beecher got his second win in the novice timber race with Otter Racing’s Le Chevalier.

Beecher was content to let the others in the five-horse field make the early running. When asked, Le Chevalier responded to lead over the last fence and held off Rock Ford Stables LLC’s Gun Point through the stretch to win by ½ length. Julie Gomena saddled the first two finishers.

Novice rider Erin Swope had better luck, winning the amateur/novice rider hurdle race. She had finished first in this race at Blue Ridge the week before only to be disqualified when she lost her lead pad during the race. This week the lead stayed in place and she romped home again by more than a furlong. Stephany W. S. Harper’s Outlaw Cody Z (Erika Taylor) finished second but was no match for the winner.

Noble Stables’ Kingofalldiamonds (Jacob Roberts) was never far off the pace in the open flat race. He took the lead with about a quarter mile to run and held Virginia B. Lazenby’s Hardrock Eleven safe by ½ length. Neil Morris was the winning trainer.

Warrenton Hunt Point-to-Point, Virginia Bred/Sired Flat (l-r) Gumper (Teresa Croce, up) – 1st; More Tea Vicar (Michael Mitchell, up) – 2nd,

In the Virginia-bred flat race Quest Realty’s Gumper (Teresa Croce) was a close third in the fourhorse field in the early stages. With a quarter mile to run he went to the front and won handily by 4 lengths over Kinross Farm’s More Tea Vicar (Michael Mitchell). Susan Cooney trained the winner.

Piedmont Fox Hounds Point-to-Point 3-26-2016 The Piedmont Fox Hounds Point-to-Point is one of Virginia’s most historic race meets, and the list of previous winners of the featured Rokeby Challenge Cup open timber race reads like a who’s who of timber racing. The races are run over the natural hunting country of Salem Farm near Upperville, and this makes it a favorite of many horsemen. This was proven true once again as entries were good for the races on Saturday, March 26 in spite of the hard winter.

Trainer Richard Valentine has used the Rokeby Challenge Cup the past three years for Magalen O. Bryant’s timber stakes winner Dakota Slew’s first start. Last year Dakota Slew joined Robert Kinsley’s Incomplete as one of only two horses to win this prestigious race three times. Dakota Slew has accomplished his three-peat in consecutive years.

Warrenton Hunt Point-to-Point, Novice Timber (l-r) Gun Point (Kieran Norris, up) – 2nd; The Nephew (Connor Hankin, up) – 3rd; Le Chevalier (Mark Beecher, up) – 1st.

Piedmont Fox Hounds Point-to-Point, Rokeby Challenge Bowl Open Timber (l-r) Drift Society (IRE; Connor Hankin, up) – 2nd; Dakota Slew (Paddy Young, Up) – 1st.

IN & AROUND HORSE COUNTRY • WINTER 2016

This year trainer Richard Valentine put leading timber rider Mark Beecher up, and he settled Dakota Slew in third place in the four-horse field well within striking distance. With six furlongs to run he moved into second place behind Bruton Street-US’s Drift Society (Connor Hankin). When Dakota Slew made his move to lead over the last fence, victory seemed assured; but Hankin had other thoughts. He rallied Drift Society, who responded and came flying. His rally fell short by a neck, but I think it’s fair to say that Dakota Slew was not fully extended in a good seasonal debut.

Mrs. Bryant was on hand to accept the trophy.

Irvin S. Naylor’s former hurdle stakes winner Top Man Michael made his initial start over timber a winning one. Gus Dahl put him on the front end at the drop of the flag with Augustin Stables’ Sillium (Woods Winants) close up. When Sillium lost his rider, Top Man Michael made easy work of the others, winning by 2½ lengths over Bruton Street-US’s Lemony Bay (Connor Hankin). Former steeplechase rider Cyril Murphy trained the winner.

Eight horses went to the post in the popular amateur and novice rider timber race. Last year’s Piedmont maiden timber winner Sol a Pino set the pace under James Slater while Annie Yeager was content to rate Jonathan Sheppard’s Nationbuilder well back in the field. As the race proceeded, Sol a Pino continued to lead while Nationbuilder steadily moved up in the field. Sol a Pino held on well but could not match strides in the stretch with Nationbuilder, who won going away by 2 lengths.

Emme Fullilove sent her I’m Telling to the front in the lady rider timber race. She opened up a clear lead and romped home alone at least 3/16 mile ahead of Kinross Farm’s Old Timer (Diana Gillam). Old Timer ran an even race in a good effort but was no match for the winner, who has now won twice on the circuit.

In the maiden flat race Amy Taylor Rowe’s Zarand (Michael Mitchell) took the lead at once, was never threatened and won handily by 5 lengths over Lana Wright’s Imaginate (James Slater). Leslie Young trained the winner.

In the open flat race Randolph D. Rouse’s Craftsman made his first American start a winning one for trainer Neil Morris. In the race Craftsman and Sharon Sheppard’s Comanchero (Michael Mitchell) dueled for the lead for the last three furlongs with Craftsman prevailing by ½ length.

Orange County Hounds Point-to-Point 4-3-2016 The Orange County Hounds Point-to-Point at Locust Hill Farm near Middleburg on Sunday, April 3 offered a reduced card of races without any over hurdles.

Horses went to the post in five races, four on the flat and one over timber. The number of races and horses may have been below average, but racing action was exciting with three of the races decided by less than a half length Orange County Joint-Master Neil Morris ran seven horses at his home meet and was rewarded with a hat trick saddling the winning horses in the novice timber race and both divisions of the maiden flat race.

The novice timber race was the featured race on the card and two early season winners over timber were among the four-horse field. Sara E. Collette’s Zanclus had been impressive winning the novice timber race at Blue Ridge, and Otter Racing’s Le Chevalier was equally impressive in the novice race at Warrenton. In the race at Orange County Zanclus (Kieran Norris) took command at the drop of the flag while Le Cheva-

11

lier (Mark Beecher) settled in third place within striking distance. With a quarter mile to run Beecher let out a notch on Le Chevalier, and he quickly passed Mrs. George Ohrstrom, Jr.’s Private Equity (Gus Dahl). Le Chevalier seemed to have Zanclus measured, but Zanclus dug in and held Le Chevalier off by a neck.

Piedmont Fox Hounds Point-to-Point, Col. Richard Henry Dulany Memorial Open Flat Craftsman (IRE; Jacob Roberts, up) – 1st.

Piedmont Fox Hounds Point-to-Point, Huntland Cup Maiden Flat Zarand (Michael Mitchell, up) – 1st.

Piedmont Fox Hounds Point-to-Point, VHBPA Virginia Bred/Sired Flat (l-r) Willisville (Zoe Valvo, up) – 1st; Curve of Stones (Dylan McDonagh, up) – 2nd.

Orange County Hounds Point-to-Point, Orange County Hounds Cup Novice Timber Zanclus (Kieran Norris, up) – 1st.

Orange County Hounds Point-to-Point, W. Rufus Humphrey Memorial Maiden Flat (l-r) Be Back (Jacob Roberts, up) – 1st; As You Like It (Keri Brion, up) – 2nd.

Orange County Hounds Point-to-Point, Locust Hill Jumpers Flat (l-r) Lune De Caro (Keri Brion, up) – 1st; Andí Amu (FR; Paddy Young

12 Morris’ other two winners were with horses belonging to Lana Wright. Her Imaginate led all the way to win the first division, giving Kieran Norris his second win. The field was tightly bunched behind the leader when they turned for home. Buckshot Racing’s Longing to Travel (Jacob Roberts) and Karen Woods’ Alcazar de Maram (Keri Brion) loomed boldly, but Imaginate responded to this threat by finding another gear. He not only held those two safe but actually extended his lead approaching the finish. The final margin was 2½ lengths with Longing to Travel and Alcazar de Maram finishing in a dead heat for second.

In the second division Be Back (Jacob Roberts)

IN & AROUND HORSE COUNTRY • SPRING 2016

and Jonathan Sheppard’s As You Like It (Keri Brion) raced on or near the pace. With a half mile to run As You Like It separated from the field, but Be Back came again, snatched victory from defeat and won by a head.

In the novice rider flat race Teresa Croce went to the front shortly after the start with Kinross Farm’s Irish-bred King Ting. They quickly opened a clear lead and won easily by 12 lengths. This was Chris Read’s first win as a trainer. Ronald Blankenship’s Skunk (Emme Fullilove) got up for second over Kinross Farm’s Ed’s Big Bet (Zoe Valvo).

The co-feature race was the two-mile jumpers’ flat race that attracted a classy five horse field. Each

Piedmont Fox Hounds Point-to-Point, George Robert Slater Memorial Maiden Timber (l-r) Sillium (Woods Winants, up); Top Man Michael (Gustav Dahl, up) – 1st

horse had sanctioned wins over fences on their resumes. Heading this group were Ballybristol Farm LLC’s Andí Amu (Paddy Young) and Tamara McSorely’s Lune de Caro (Keri Brion). Andí Amu won last fall’s Noel Laing Memorial hurdle stake at Montpelier, and Lune de Caro won three races in 2015, including a win in allowance company at Saratoga. In the race Lune de Caro was reserved off the early pace but went to the front the second time around. Andí Amu made a big move in the final quarter mile and came flying but just missed by a head. Lune de Caro is trained by Hall of Fame trainer Jonathan Sheppard, who was on hand.

Orange County Hounds Point-to-Point, Charles S. Whitehouse Memorial Flat Imaginate (Kieran Norris, up) – 1st.

Orange County Hounds Point-to-Point, Zulla Road Novice Rider Flat King Ting (IRE; Teresa Croce, up) – 1st.

Jacob Roberts, recovered from a serious injury and back in the game, has had wins so far this spring at Warrenton, Piedmont, and Orange County.

Welcome back!

Teresa Croce.

Dylan McDonagh.

Piedmont Fox Hounds Point-to-Point, C. Reed Thomas, MFH Memorial Amateur & Novice Rider Timber Nationbuilder (Annie Yeager, up) – 1st.

Piedmont Fox Hounds Point-to-Point, Thomas M. Beach and Virginia A. Beach Memorial Lady Rider Timber I’m Telling (Emme Fullilove, up) – 1st.

888-979-5615

Warrenton Amateur Timber Winner Connor Hankin.

EVENTING/JUMPER BRIDLES

HORSE COUNTRY SADDLERY: THE LUXURY OF CHOICE B. Millbrook. Italian leather. #327-KLMBE. $338.00

DRESSAGE BRIDLES

A. The Chase. Italian leather. #327-KLCBE. $330.00

D. Pirouette. Italian leather. #327-KLPBD. $324.00

E. Capriole. English leather. #327-RBCRW. $450.00

HUNTER BRIDLES

C. Centerline. English leather. #327-RBCLW. $375.00

A selection as extensive as ours doesn’t just happen. We’ve been meeting the needs of discerning horsepeople for 46 years. We know you need a depth of choices when selecting bridles, reins, leathers, saddle pads, bits, training devices, and so many other necessities for the horse-centered life. For abundant options and knowledgeable help, there’s only one choice: Horse Country Saddlery.

F. Wellington. Italian leather. #327-KLWB. $338.00 USG® ALL PURPOSE SADDLE PADS Made of 100% cotton fill and quilted body. Features include elegant rolled piping and trim in contrasting colors.

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Saddle Pads. (HC1A) $54.95; Fly Veils (HC1B) $28.50 Other colors and matching fly veils available.

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PAIGE SHOW SHIRTS Pullover style with snap closures. Luxurious stretch and wicking fabric.

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SILK SWIRL SHOW SHIRTS Cool, refreshing nano-tech fabric. Under sleeves mesh panels. Comfort stretch and UV sun protection. Contrasting pick stitching. Stain resistant. Sizes: XS-XL. (HC2D) $125.00 A. White with green swirls. #143-PLS80W2 B. White with navy swirls. #143-PLS80W3

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(HC2H) $895.00

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RAFFIA CLOCHE HAT WITH BOW Hand-woven. (HC3A) $62.50 OBHATGIN04 Black with Natural/Black Houndstooth Bow OBHATGIN16 Natural with Black/Natural Houndstooth Bow Other colors available.

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FLAMBORO POLO SHIRTS Stretch piqu辿, rib collar and embroidered horse.

Sizes XS-XXL. (HC3B) $39.99 A. Fuchsia; B. Navy RAFFIA HATS Hand-woven. Colorful striped patterns.

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JOCKEY SILKS COLLECTION se. HandHand-fired porcelain, ideal for everyday use. decorated. Microwave and dishwasher safe. Colorful racing silks on a white base with a bright blue trim.

A. Dinner Plate. 10.5" . #1256-JSDP. (HC4B) $33.00 B. Pitcher. #1256-JSPT. (HC4C) $72.00 C. Serving Bowl. #1256-JSBB. (HC4D) $88.00 D. Large Platter. #1256-JSPL. (HC4E) $93.00 E. Handled Tray. #1256-JSHT. (HC4F) $95.00 Other pieces available not pictured.

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IN & AROUND HORSE COUNTRY • SPRING 2016

BOOK REVIEW

Unrelenting

By George H. Morris Reviewed by Lauren R. Giannini Lisssssten: Unrelenting by George H. Morris totally lives up to its sub-title “The Real Story: Horses, Bright Lights, and My Pursuit of Excellence”—emphasis on the last word as an adjective: “The Real Story” is excellent. Working with the very able Karen Robertson Terry, who gets his voice just right, Morris produces lavish, star-studded memoirs with special contributions by an A-list of the many people who either owe their careers to Morris or influenced him. The entire book is a horsey confection that continues to dish about well-known horses and riders and what it takes to get to the top.

This extremely organized and candid chronicle of his life as rider, trainer, teacher, and mentor is unflinchingly honest, but never offends even when Morris addresses his personal life. How he managed to keep his party animal person totally private and separate from his public persona is a tour de force, but was probably easier in the good old decades before digital devices, cell phones with cameras, and social media. Morris paints an Impressionistic portrait of himself as a bon vivant roué. But he does it so tastefully, never offering too much information.

His frank discussions about his lack of natural riding talent, his need to figure out a system with which he could succeed, his early anxieties about riding and jumping make him more human and extremely likeable. He has always come across as very intelligent, dedicated, and committed to winning— Unrelenting provides chapter and verse testimony to why he’s a living legend even as he allows other aspects of himself to shine through, such as his mischievous sense of humor, great intelligence, and willingness to help talented, hard-working riders with not much financial backing, if they’re willing to commit 140% and follow his regimen.

Unrelenting is a fascinating read that will engage your intellect and satisfy your insatiable curiosity about one of the most complex people ever born.

Complete with photographs, appendices, index, and the unmistakable voice of a master who sets the record straight in every chapter, especially toward the end of the book, when he recounts the heartbreaking elimination of Sapphire and McLain Ward at the 2010 World Cup Finals at the end of his reign as U.S. Show Jumping Chef d’Equipe.

Even if you don’t ride anymore or never did, if he’s teaching a clinic in your area, try to audit: they broke the mold when George H. Morris was born.

Hardcover, dust jacket, lavish photos. $35.00

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14

IN & AROUND HORSE COUNTRY • SPRING 2016

FOXHUNTING

March Madness

By John J. Carle II, ex-MFH

Scent is as mysterious as God and causes almost as much controversy among its devotees Marigold Armytage

To most people in this country, the epithet “March Madness” conjures up images of the NCAA Basketball Tournament; however, in the foxhunting world, aficionados know it as the Bull Run Hunt’s seven straight days of sport—and foxhunters from all over flock to Central Virginia to participate.

Hunting during March is very often the epitome of madness, thanks to the fickle nature of the weather during this most chameleonic of all months. Not only are conditions likely to change radically from day to day, but quite often several times during any given day: feast or famine, or both. As is true in the early part of the season, usually the earlier hounds meet in late March, the better their chances for success. For that reason, Huntsman Charles Montgomery and Joint Master Rosie Campbell decided to move the Meet at Larry Levy’s farm, “The Hill,” back an hour on Thursday, March 24th; and good they did.

Charles put 16½ couple of mostly crossbred hounds into covert along the creek at the bottom edge of Ram Woods and drew westward. The pack these days has considerable Piedmont blood—not of the Albert Poe American type, but rather of Randy Waterman’s breeding, which relied heavily upon outcrosses to the Midland of Hardaway fame. This is a natural selection, since Charles grew up in Crossbred country, hunting with Belle Meade in Georgia, where the “Hardaway Hound” is sacred. Later he hunted the Live Oak Hounds successfully for many seasons. Apparently hounds hadn’t a very high opinion of scenting conditions early on, for as many frolicked about as hunted. Then, on the open hillside above, a fox came highballing southward, straight toward the pack! Reaching the narrow band of newly-leafed bushes above the creek, he was turned by the babble of the Field below and, running just under the lip of the hill and out of sight now of us truck-followers, flew through a scattered herd of Holstein steers toward Larry Levy’s barnyard.

At “Tally-ho back, Charles!” from Keswick Huntsman Tony Gammell, Mr. Montgomery soon had the pack lifted and laid on. Although they were a bit strung out, they were wildly away, flying and with wonderful cry. As he cheered forward the back hounds, Charles’ horse, apparently spooked by black patches of old hay from an unrolled round bale, slammed on the brakes and switched into rodeo-bronc mode, planting his rider hard on the turf. But like a roundball off a hardwood floor, Charles bounced right up and back aboard. However, he had unwittingly set a precedent for the day.

Palm Beach visitors: (left) Liz Howard and (right) Anita Crouse.

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

Huntsman and Whipper-In - Charles and Boo Montgomery, Bull Run Hunt.

IN & AROUND HORSE COUNTRY • SPRING 2016

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The hunted fox, a small red with a very when chaos erupted behind him. Leading the mangy brush (“got a possum tail,” one fellow reField in hounds’ wake, Rosie Campbell, MFH marked), had a fair lead, but hounds seemed able was left afoot when her horse inexplicably fell to run him well. Charlie Brown’s opinion that head-first into a deep ditch. Scrambling out, he the rank odor of mange made him easier for tore off through the woods and collided with a hounds to hunt might well have some merit. The wire fence. Sensing it at the last second, he tried pack ran hard through the good covert below the to swerve, but he fetched up sideways and barnyard and, in a large left-handed circle, flipped over. Terrifying looking, it was as if a passed north of the big cattle barn between the giant hand had slammed him into the ground; back fields. Crossing Devil’s Run, their pilot but miraculously he struggled up with only a dove into the thick woods to the west, circling tiny scratch or two. Then, carefully extricating here, then running south to the set-aside land beone foot, he enjoyed his best gallop of the day, fore turning back to the Devil’s Run woods daring one and all to catch him! Finally, tiring of again. Doubling repeatedly here, hounds slowed his game, he allowed himself to be captured, as rising heat took its toll on scent; and eventuand was soon reunited with Rosie. Then Charles The first hunted fox. ally they were stymied. Quite suddenly, as put the pack into covert, but scent had nearly Kipling’s Col. Mangles put it, they went “mute vanished. Even though they could open in eager as maggots.” One truckload of followers ahead of the rest viewed the fox into the bursts on widely scattered snatches, hounds could never truly own the line. Alcattle barn; but no one bothered to get word to Charles, who had to give his fox though Charles cast every way possible, ’twas a lost cause, and the handsome best. Over the years many vixens have raised litters in this barn, the back of which grey gentleman was bid adieu. is honeycombed with earths; and many a hard-pressed Charlie has found sanctuMeanwhile the large Field (in excess of fifty) spread out across the hilltop, ary here. As for the fox’s mange, a meal of “Kentucky Fried” laced with Ivormec coffee-housing loudly and enjoying spring’s sunshine. Some people began to drift wormer should prove a quick cure. homeward; others got a little bored. One visitor, who was trying a very nice bay Unknown to us then, we’d had our “feast” part of the day, and “famine” was Thoroughbred, decided it was a good idea to go galloping in great yaa-hoo circles! just beginning. Drawing Devil’s Run northward, then hunting right-handed in the Maybe they don’t know any better where she comes from. direction of the Hazel River, hounds soon had a brace of reds afoot. Sadly, try as After another red fox was viewed and hounds’ best efforts came to naught, they might, hounds could make but little progress under deteriorating conditions, Charles blew for home, ending what was, in so many ways, a typical March huntand eventually both were lost. As hounds continued drawing deep in the river- ing day. At least the conditions allowed everyone to enjoy one good run, for the side woods in the vicinity of the infamous “toilet-bowl” jump of empty-saddle weather to that point during March Madness had been most unkind. And, most imrenown, from the open pasture came a hair-raising yell from former Master Joe portantly, everyone had fun—especially the visitors from farthest away, who were Kincheloe, who had viewed a magnificent brute of a grey fox across the open and ecstatic. In fact, one happy lady decided to move to the area! Well done, Bull into another dense patch of set-aside above Devil’s Run. Run! Charles quickly brought hounds into the open, but chose to hold them up

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IN & AROUND HORSE COUNTRY • SPRING 2016

FOXEY FUNNIES

You Might Be a Foxhunter If…

By J. Harris Anderson

If you own a home that is mobile and five cars that aren’t… you might be a redneck.

Jeff Foxworthy

It’s been said that a “highbrow” is someone who can listen to Rossini’s William Tell Overture and not think of the Lone Ranger. In the hunting world, that might be said of anyone who’s never heard of Jeff Foxworthy’s “You Might Be A Redneck” jokes. But those with more eclectic (read: less refined) taste might find the following foxhunting riffs on that theme amusing.

Several of these were inspired by helpful suggestions from fellow hunters (although I was only attentive enough to record one such, from Harry Kuniansky, for a credit citation). But I’m sure there are plenty of creative juices flowing out there that can expand on this concept. So if you feel inspired, please email your suggestions to janderson@bluecardinalpress.com.

Now, here are some…

You Might Be a Foxhunter If… • You’ve ever been charged with riding while intoxicated.

• You’ve ever been pulled over on your way to the hunt ball and been asked if the circus in town.

• You’ve ever mucked out a stall wearing a tuxedo or an evening gown.

• You’ve ever peed in a stall while wearing a tuxedo or an evening gown.

• You have your orthopedist’s private number on speed dial.

• You can legally claim your vet as a dependent on your income tax forms.

• You drive a $2000 car and ride a $20,000 horse.

• The only religious service you regularly attend is Blessing of the Hounds.

• You think it makes perfect sense that a heavy, dinner-style meal served in late afternoon is referred to as “breakfast.”

• Your sporting attire is all custom made and the rest of your wardrobe comes from Tractor Supply.

• You can recite the bloodlines of every hound in your club’s kennels but frequently forget the names of your own children.

• Gentlemen: You’d rather read Practical Horseman than Playboy.

• Ladies: You’d rather read Covertside than Cosmo.

• Your house has a mudroom that’s actually full of mud.

• You’ve ever been busted for possession of a controlled substance and it turned out to be Ace. • You’ve ever run out of Tylenol and used Bute instead.

• You’ve ever found out that your spouse was having an affair with the huntsman and decided it would be easier to replace the spouse than to find a new huntsman. (Credit to Harry Kuniansky for this one.)

• You’re only willing to accept a job that allows you to take off at least one weekday from September through March.

• You can walk through airport security naked and still set off the metal detector.

• You’ve ever told a paramedic, “If you even think about cutting off my custom-made boots, I will get up off this stretcher and kick your ass!”

(To personalize this one, feel free to replace “custom-made boots” with “leather breeches,” “scarlet coat,” or any other garment a well-intentioned but unaware EMT was approaching with scissors in hand.)

Orange County Hounds, Salem, February, 29, 2016. Joanne Maisano photo

IN & AROUND HORSE COUNTRY • SPRING 2016

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OPINION

A “Fox” in Every Farm Name

By J. Harris Anderson

Sign, sign, everywhere a sign Blockin’ out the scenery, breakin’ my mind.

Five Man Electrical Band

I have a request.

This is directed to those who move to a rural area where foxhunting is still practiced and who embrace this lifestyle, either riding to hounds themselves or at least supporting the local hunt and allowing its members to cross their land. Bless you, thank you, may the heavens shower you with health, wealth, happiness, and an abundance of tax shelters. I ask but this: Please don’t use the word “fox” in the name of your farm. We have enough already. We have too many. We have so many that it’s become laughably trite. The only incentive now is to see how many variations of fox-themed farm names people can come up.

Think I’m exaggerating? Consider these few examples: Fox Acres • Fox Arbor • Fox Bay • Fox Brook • Fox Brush • Fox Call • Fox Cave • Fox Chase • Foxcote • Fox Country • Fox Covert (pronounced “Cover”) • Fox Cover (no, not pronounced “Covert”) • Fox Cradle • Fox Creek • Fox Crest • Fox Den • Fox Delight • Fox Falls • Fox Farm (that took some deep thought) • Fox Fawn (an interspecies commune?) • Fox Feather • Fox Fields • Fox Fire • Fox Folly • Fox Found • Fox Frolic • Fox Gallop • Fox Gamble • Fox Gate • Fox Glen • Fox Glove • Fox Grove • Fox Haven • Fox Heaven • Fox Hideout • Fox Hill • Fox Hole (complete with an image of a helmeted fox in a sandbag bunker on the sign) • Fox Holloa (pronounced “Holler”) • Fox Holler (pronounced, well…”Holler”) • Fox Hollow • Fox Hunt (another brilliant stroke of imagination) • Fox Knoll • Fox Lair • Fox Lake • Fox Lane • Fox Lea • Fox Ledge • Fox Manor • Fox Mask • Fox Meadows • Fox Mews • Fox Mill • Fox Mount • Fox Mountain • Fox Oaks • Fox Over • Fox Park • Fox Pasture • Fox Path • Fox Paw • Fox Penny • Fox Pines • Fox Point • Fox Pond • Fox Redoubt • Fox Rest • Fox Retreat • Fox Return • Fox Ridge • Fox River • Fox Rock • Fox Roll • Fox Romp • Fox Run • Fox Rush • Fox Shadow • Fox Star • Fox Stream • Fox Stone • Fox Swamp • Fox Tail • Fox Time (or Thyme) • Fox Thorn • Foxtopia • Fox Trail • Fox Treat • Fox Tree • Fox Trot • Fox Turn • Fox Watch • Fox Way • Fox Willow • Fox Woods • Fox Vale • Fox Valley • Fox View • Fox Village.

Now replace “Fox” with “Vixen” or “Vixen’s” and you can repeat the entire list.

If only it stopped there. But it doesn’t. Let’s move “Fox” to the end of the name and consider these possibilities.

Lazy Fox • Sneaky Fox • Running Fox • Trotting Fox • Fancy

Fox • Briar Fox • Brer Fox • Bold Fox • Hidden Fox • Laughing Fox • Shadow Fox • Sunny Fox • After the Fox • Rocking Fox • Rolling Fox • Wiley Fox • Barking Fox • Granny Fox • Cedar Fox • Swamp Fox • Copper Fox • Flying Fox • Painted Fox • Wild Fox • Sassy Fox • Cozy Fox • Sly Fox • Snooty Fox • Little Fox • Big Fox • Extra Large Fox (just kidding) • Then there’s a fox of any color (Gray Fox • Red Fox • Blue Fox • Green Fox • etc.) and foxes of any number (One Fox • Two Fox • Three Fox • and so on), Sleepy Fox • Happy Fox • Bashful Fox • Sneezy Fox • Grumpy Fox • Dopey…well, maybe not.

I appreciate the spirit behind these names. Each is a counterpoint to the developers’ use of hunt-themed names for places where hunting, or even trail riding, no longer exists. But for those yet to name their country place, how about shooting for a little more creativity? And let’s recognize some other woodland critters that are an integral part of the countryside. Doesn’t “Possum Pastures” have a nice alliterative ring to it? Although it’s accurately descriptive of the rural lifestyle, “Knee-deep In Dirt, Debt, Hay and Horsepoop Farm” might be hard to fit on a sign. For boldness and accuracy, as well as brevity, it would be tough to beat “Feral Cat Farm.”

I will allow one exception to the banishment of the word “fox” from any more farm signs. If your name happens to be “Fox,” you get a pass.

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FOXHUNTING

IN & AROUND HORSE COUNTRY • SPRING 2016

Golden Remembrance

By John J. Carle II, ex-MFH

Snow, riding a wild wind, whirled ’round the house; but inside a pile of locust and cherry logs burned brightly, warming the room and my spirits. I picked up an old hunting diary and opened it at random, hoping for a good chase on a mare called “Memory.” In the words of Mike Gaddis, “It was a golden page of remembrance.” Here is a hunt I’ll long remember.

Wednesday, November 3, 1982, “Edgehill” 7:00 a.m.

Weather: Warm (58o at kennel, 80o later). Foggy.

Light S-SW breeze. Damp; drying later. Clearing by 11:00 a.m.

Scent: Very good, mostly. Spotty in places.

Hounds: 17½ couple.

Staff: Joe [Collins], Charlie [Brown], Spencer [Young], Barclay [Rives].

Horses: “First Frost,” me; “Kite,” Charlie.

Field: 8 (Bill Rennolds, Fieldmaster) “A horse, a horse, My Kingdom for…a second horse!”

Loading hounds at the kennel, it was sad to put “Roxy” back, knowing I’d likely never hunt her again. Loading took longer than usual, and the dense fog slowed the considerable traffic to a crawl, making me even later than I already was.

The mare began the day badly by nearly wheeling

out from under me as I got aboard. As soon as hounds were unloaded, I asked Bill Rennolds to take the Field. He did an excellent job most of the day, keeping the Field in touch and fairly quiet.

The upper half of the field that runs next to the covert I’d planned to draw is matted with thistles, and hounds had to gingerly pick their way through.

Charlie went ahead, determined to severely punish any rioters: there were none! “First Frost” got antsy and herd-bound when “Kite” left her, jigging and jumping up and down. “I hate mares!” I said to Spencer as we followed hounds into covert.

They went instantly to work, all heads down, everyone trying. Just after I’d picked my way across the second ditch and emerged in the field beyond, hounds opened hysterically to the right.

“Watch for deer!” I cautioned Spencer, who was ahead. He’d said something at the same instant that I hadn’t heard, but I did hear, “I said it was a fox!” It had jumped out right in the midst of hounds and shot across the open into the woods.

It left little scent at first, but “Watchman” had it at wood’s edge; and in a tice, this fox had a screaming pack on his brush, as he sped toward “Belmont.” Spencer and I galloped up the hill, hoping not to encounter any groundhog holes, and dodging nail-studded boards stacked at random amidst the piles of brush and old fence posts along the top of the field. Hounds were roaring through the pine

woods, then turning toward “Foxden” and “Belmont.” We all galloped through the grey blanket to the gateway to “Foxden,” just as hounds turned uphill through the pines again, as if aiming for Wolfpit Mountain. The Staff reversed through the Field, eyes straining to see through the gloom. The pack flew up the edge of the woods—a white form in front (likely “Walrus”)—but turned abruptly back to roar through the center thicket of pines. We hustled back the way we’d come, thinking this fox might come out again, and head for “the bird field,”’ but hounds checked deep in the pines as if their fox had ducked into a convenient earth. I listened for “Posy” and “Dewdrop,” but heard nothing, and set forth through the blackberry and honeysuckle, the mare and I getting liberal doses of thorns. I found hounds somewhat scattered but quite a few working in a patch of dense honeysuckle covering several fallen locust trees. It looked a foxy spot, yet there were no earths that I could see. I searched the area on foot, but found nothing. Leading the mare was a hazardous undertaking, since she wanted to get everywhere either at the same time I did or ahead of me, and I nearly got trampled several times. I was glad to get aboard in the little hidden field near the cluster of earths in which so many generations of foxes have been raised. I think our fox did duck in, and hounds, yet a little wild, overran the earth.

IN & AROUND HORSE COUNTRY • SPRING 2016

I blew hounds out of covert to go try the locust thicket, and they went into the thorny denseness eagerly, drawing downhill toward the Hammock Gap Road, the 19th-century freight-wagon road to Charlottesville, still solid and very rideable. “Posy” opened near the bottom, but her note was more tentative than positive, and hounds were more inclined to forsake this trace than pursue it. A deer ran back into the thicket; the pack ignored it. I urged hounds into the open woods at the point that the Hammock Gap Road comes into the “Belmont” back field. “Frosty” was surprisingly good over the rails here.

In the hollow below the old slab-pile “Willow” and “Whisper” opened strongly, soon echoed by “Warlock,” “Cleo,” “Daisy,” and “Wanderer.” It sounded like we’d be away any moment, but hounds could only pick at the line of a slowly walking fox. Barclay and I eased up Hammock Gap Road, listening to erratic bursts from a determined pack. I got fascinated watching “Willow” feather an old line of her own. Her question-mark stern straightens when she hunts, and she describes all sorts of figures with it: tight circles both ways on either side of her body; figure eights; and a sweeping, counterclockwise arc that threatens to lift her off the ground! My reverie was interrupted by a softly tentative “Tally-Ho!” from Joe, on the ridge above. A fat red fox, rather yellowish in color and fuzzy-looking, had walked up nearly to “Brandy” (Joe’s horse) and stood looking back down the mountain. When “Brandy” moved and the fox saw him, it carefully retraced its steps for 50 feet before dashing off toward the sawdust pile hollow. As I walked afoot to settle hounds, “Waterboy” and “Warrenton” hit it off. Joe’s directions had been excellent, precise and without any embellishment. Hounds went away like rockets, and we had to push our horses hard up the mountain. “Kite’s” long coat had him really blowing and “First Frost,” easily the fittest horse in the barn, quickly passed him. I cut through the logging road that I thought had been opened all the way to the main trail in “Edgehill,” but it hadn’t, and I nearly ran into the old wire fence that crossed it, even though I was watching for it. From the ruckus behind, someone in the Field may have gotten tangled in it briefly. Hounds were flying down through the bottom of the sawdust-pile hollow, and I sent the mare in a rock-clattering gallop toward the open fields. I checked briefly to listen, then yelled over my shoulder, “They’re headed for the highway!” and set steel to the mare. Before I got to the second gate, both Joe and Spencer passed me, “Brandy” outrunning “Powhattan” and both riders later claiming to have been holding back their respective horses. Joe had just had a freakish fall: “Brandy’s” hind legs shot out from under him, and he fell on his side, still sliding on the wet grass, with Joe’s leg pinned under him. Joe stayed with him, and “Brandy” recovered his feet and continued galloping as if nothing had happened. It sounded spectacular, and I wish I could have seen it. When we reached the second gate, we pulled up to listen, and Joe yelled, “They’re turning!” Welcome words! The pack had run to the cornfields below the lake, then turned toward the back field in “Foxden.” We raced back toward the “Foxden” gate, but hounds swung out of the field and back to the pine woods. On a hunch and a prayer, I rode down through the pines to find hounds at a loss. As I got to the tiny, hidden field, “Dodger” came to get me and, repeatedly looking over his shoulder, led me to three earths, where he stuck his head in one, then peed on an adjacent pine tree. “‘Posy’ can mark a fox her way, I’ll mark it my way!” he seemed to say.

“Weasel,” too, seemed to have been looking for me, as he had done frequently in the past. I called “Posy,” who instantly began to dig and speak. Everyone was eager at the earth. “Wombat,” “Rally,” “Cleo,” “Warlock” and “Weasel” all dug, while “Dewdrop” added vocal encouragement. I cheered and blew myself red-faced and breathless as Staff and Field arrived. As he rode up from across the steep ravine, Charlie discovered a big pile of pokeberry bear scat: the stealer of dead calves this spring, no doubt. We spent quite a while at the earth, enjoying the pack’s success, as “Posy” and “Wombat” tore apart the fox’s front door.

It was only 8:40, so we decided to draw for another fox. I put hounds in at the creek, encouraging them to go into the woods beyond the old stone wall. A puppy-voice rang from the woods faintly and was ignored, but when “Posy” opened, the hounds I had with me poured over the fence by the remains of the old hay barn, and Joe and I went galloping across the field where sorghum (and Johnson grass) had recently been harvested. “Posy’s” line died out, but I had a feeling that the lower woods, where hounds seldom run, might hold a fox, so I gave the mare to Joe and set off on foot. I stopped for a most welcome pee and, just as I zipped up, hounds jumped a fox—sight-race, from their response. “Watchman,” “Waterboy” and “Warrenton” burst into fren-

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zied cry simultaneously, starting a veritable avalanche of cry pouring over the lip of the wooded hill, to go crashing into the open in “Springdale.” Joe came hustling up the trail leading “First Frost.” As I went running down to meet him, I couldn’t stop and ran right by the mare! Had to grab an ash tree to stop. “I shoulda let you go on foot,” Joe laughed. We slid down to the wiregap (need a gate and coop here badly)—I got it, Joe closed it; and ditto the gate from the bottom.

The pack had poured across the pasture to the creek, then roared uphill toward the “East Belmont” dump. Their cry had carried beautifully, but now it came but faintly, as hounds fell into the hollows beyond the dump, heading for Hallock’s lake. I pushed the mare at the uphill coop, wondering how she’d feel about jumping it; she felt great, and flew it with ease, to my surprise and joy. Pat (my fiancée and honorary whipper-in, sadly home sick) had done quite a job with her; and I began to look at her in an entirely differently light. Hounds flew up and around the edge of Craige’s mountain field, leaving their cry hanging in the fog, and were crossing by the Ricker Cabin (where, in times bye, Mr. Ricker sold likker, and Mrs. Ricker sold herself!).

We jogged uphill, listening to see which way hounds would turn, then whirling down the mountain again as a thunder-roll of hound voices came careening back down “Springdale” hollow. “First Frost” nearly jumped me off back over the coop. She got a little close, then really thrust with her hind quarters: I felt like an Irishman coming off a huge bank! Hounds poured through the thin pines and Joe viewed, his excited holloa ringing up the hill.

A fat, chunky fox, the color of clay and river sand mixed, was flying in front of hounds, ears back, brush streaming; he was straining every sinew, and he had to, for hounds were less than 100 yards behind and gaining. “Weasel” had the lead, but ran mute, as did “Strider”; but between them and dead on the line ran “Darkness,” speaking with nearly every stride, holding the pack true. “Gorgeous,” who had been absent at the earth, ran just behind the leaders, flanking “Warrenton” and “Wilbur”; and behind them came “Rastus,” speaking hoarsely, his voice more cough than cry. After these, the pack followed with too much of a rush to remember individuals, but “Daisy” had joined them, and maybe even “Drummer,” though I didn’t see him; and “Digger” roared fiercely. “Walrus” hung on like a partially-uncoupled caboose.

I screamed; I shrieked; I cried tears of uninhibited joy. “Go on, you beautiful hounds, you wonderful pack!”

Continued

20

IN & AROUND HORSE COUNTRY • SPRING 2016

Barclay shouted something incoherent, but equally emotional as we galloped in hounds’ wake. At the muddy ditch below the gap to “East Belmont,” “Tim” and “First Frost” collided in mid-air—again I thought I was in County Limerick! Again hounds went into the woods at the dump, turning slightly uphill and eastward to plunge down toward Hallock’s lake. Jumping the poles at lakeside, Barclay and I had to immediately reverse as hounds doubled back.

As we swept around the corner of the woods, I think we intercepted our fox, and he evidently squatted on the field-side thicket from which trickles a small spring. Hounds checked and, thinking they’d overrun an earth, I threw the reins to Barclay and went scampering over the wire fence to cast back.

Hounds searched in frantic confusion until a strange, hoarsely squeaky voice opened in a heavily honeysuckled corner, and they were off again!

“Darkness,” her voice nearly gone from her efforts, had once again saved the day. She dearly loves this piece of ground—it seems to suit her nose (and became known hereafter as “Darkness’s” covert). This short check afforded our pilot some respite as he traveled uphill near the Ricker Cabin, where Joe viewed him along the old stone wall and into the woods again. Hounds struggled on a faint, oft-broken line, losing time. As the Staff led tired horses up the mountain field, the same thought festered in our minds: “Scent’s gone; all is lost!” But these hounds aren’t pessimists, and they were fiercely determined not to lose this fox. I think he lay down, tired now—a mistake, for hounds snatched up the elusive thread, bit by bit piecing it together, weaving a stronger line. Crows above the Ricker Cabin croaked and fussed at our fox as he wearily slipped deeper into the woods, hounds coming on slowly, steadily. I led the mare around the old cabin, listening as hounds suddenly latched onto their pilot’s brush, and grew wings to fly down the mountain. I scrambled onto the mare and went slip-sliding down the mountain field, but hounds were racing away. In seconds they were above Hallock’s lake, then past it and westward to the dump. Spencer had traded a blown “Powhattan” for Teddi Ismond’s half-Percheron mare, a newly-broken five-year-old with an ugly hammer head, kind eye, draft-mule quarters and more jump than most three horses. She was still fresh. Going at a jolting gallop down Craige’s field, Barclay’s “Tim” threw a shoe that went clattering amongst the ballast rock on the farm road. I pulled up at “Darkness’s” thicket to wipe fog from my glasses, and our fox sprang up from the grass fifty feet ahead between two dogwood trees and bounded downhill, disappearing in broomstraw and fog.

His brush was dragging now. Hounds had checked at the gate below the dump, picking at his line in the road, and came flying to the horn. “God, I hope he goes in!” cried Charlie and Barclay in unison, as hounds swept westward to drop into “Springdale” hollow. Over the coop again, carefully, to find hounds puzzling at a huge brush pile. Bill Rennolds came on, his Field reduced to only Rick Miller.

“By God, he’s in that brush pile,” I said, and scrambled onto the jumble of logs and stumps, urging an eager pack into its depths. “Posy” began to speak wildly below me; I thought she’d found an earth, but she was moving.

Then “Cleo” went berserk: “There he is!” yelled Charlie, spying the fox scrambling about among the logs. I slipped and turned upside-down in the logs, yelling at the hounds to “Get him!” He passed under “Woman,” who was just below me, and she stood on her head trying to grab him—reminded me of her mother, “Waitress,” years ago atop the slab-pile back of “Raynham Hall.” Pandemonium broke out and, in my excitement, I nearly got lodged.

Then the fox bolted!

“Dammit, there he goes!” screamed Charlie, as Reynard ran out along a protruding log, leapt over “Clio’s” head and flew across the hill toward Archibald Craige’s house. “Strider” saw him go and dove after him. Charlie went wild trying to hark hounds—maybe half the pack responded, not so much to his voice as to “Strider’s,” while the rest tried frantically to find their fox, whose scent filled the brush pile. I came teetering and scrambling out of the jumble (“on two left feet,” said Barclay), and leapt aboard “First Frost.”

Blowing and harking, I got more hounds on, leaving it to Joe and Charlie to get on the rest. The lead hounds ran down the stone wall and out of sight over a rise. Expecting to find them at an earth any second, I gave “First Frost” to Charlie and ran along the downhill side of the wall, only to have hounds suddenly turn due east, crossing Craige’s back pasture just below the gate and rails near the dump. Joe gave Spencer a lead at the rails—Joe said the mare

quit; Spencer said he pulled her up to take a look—the mare cleared both the panel and the five-foot weeds around it! My mare was head-hanging exhausted, and I turned to the gate, where stood Woody Baker, the new farm manager, so excited he couldn’t stand it. “I’ve never been so close to a fox!” he said, adding he thought hounds would catch it, for its tongue hung out and its brush was heavily dragging.

“Get the gate, Woody!” I said. He just stood there. Then “[Expletive!]

Please open the gate!” Finally he did, and I galloped downhill with one-third of the pack to where the rest had thrown up their heads. In full cry they’d abruptly quit; their fox must have gone in. The high, steep creek banks are honeycombed with holes here, and hounds tried hard, but found nothing, and they began to cast downstream. Thinking their fox had run the creekbed toward the little pond below, I started to urge them that way; but something made me turn back. “Rookie” and “Wanderer” feathered along the bank, and I rode back. As I reached them, “Posy” dove headfirst into a pile of old chestnut rails and brush poised on the brink of the bank, held precariously in place by small locusts and paradise trees. Speaking hysterically, she marked her fox to ground—just as the fog suddenly lifted, and the sun shone through— how appropriate!

Hounds tore at the brush, dug furiously underneath and at earths both under and at the edges along the steep precipice. They’d dig, fall into the rocky creekbed, then come scrambling back to try again. I blew and cheered this good-running fox safely home; then, after one final tribute, I took hounds to the pond for a much-needed drink. A head count showed only “Trusty” and “Passion” gone. We picked up “Trusty” on the hack home, still at the big logpile; and “Passion” was at the truck, having followed Teddi. The ride back was an enthusiastically boisterous one, camaraderie among the Staff at a feverish pitch. It was one of the best feelings I’ve ever had. It had been a day of true team effort: the pack had worked together especially well, with so many stars shining in different situations that the brightest was hard to pick— though “Darkness” deserves special praise in this last run—and the Staff all really hustled. Joe, old injuries and troubles put aside, shone particularly.

As soon as hounds were loaded, I got out the pint of peach brandy I’d been saving to toast a special day. I shook Bill’s hand, thanking him for an excellent job, saying he’d brought us good luck, and gave him the first drink. We rehashed the day, killing the pint before heading homeward. That night hounds got an extra-generous feed, and most of the older hounds got bute. I’ve never been prouder of hounds—“Darkness,” “Posy,” “Strider,” “Watchman,” “Waterboy,” and “Warrenton” glittered the brightest, but all were stars (save “Passion,” and even she ran quite a bit). A day against which to compare all others. And “First Frost” is definitely off the market!

Raise your flasks, raise ’em high, Pass ’em round till all are dry; Drink a toast to the Keswick pack, Then homeward enjoy a leisurely hack.

“Rattlesnake”

IN & AROUND HORSE COUNTRY • SPRING 2016

HORSE RACING

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Horses and People to Watch Virginia Equine Alliance

Virginia Equine Alliance (VEA) Announces Immediate and Longer Term Plans for Thoroughbred and Standardbred Racing in the Commonwealth The Virginia Equine Alliance (VEA) recently announced immediate and longer term plans for Thoroughbred and Standardbred racing in the Commonwealth, and introduced a new website which will cater to all aspects of Virginia horse racing.

From an immediate Thoroughbred standpoint, pari-mutuel flat races will be held in-state as part of both the annual May 7th Virginia Gold Cup and October 22nd International Gold Cup race programs at Great Meadow in The Plains. At least three flat races will be carded in addition to five traditional steeplechase races. At the 91st spring running of the Gold Cup races, the Secretariat Stakes at 1½ miles will carry a $50,000 purse while the maiden flat at one mile will feature a $30,000 purse. Both races carry a “Virginia preferred” condition. A Virginia-bred or sired flat at 1¼ miles rounds out the action and has a $35,000 purse. The spring Gold Cup races attract 70,000 spectators and tailgaters, while the fall races draw around 35,000.

Fans at the spring “Cup” will also be able to bet the Kentucky Derby after the final live race of the afternoon. Dr. William Allison, Gold Cup Race Chairman, told members of the Virginia Racing Commission at its March meeting that sales are up 5% over last year. The 2016 “Cup” program features the theme “Then And Now”, which is being incorporated into the annual tailgating contest. Reserved tailgating spots are available on North Rail, South Rail and on Members Hill, and can be purchased by calling 540347-2612.

Harness racing took place at the Oak Ridge estate in Nelson County in 2015. The scene will shift to the Shenandoah County Fairgrounds in 2016. Dee Leftwich photo

for Thoroughbreds. The racing project is part of a new Horse Park initiative at that facility, and VEA officials already have signed an initial five year lease with Morven management. Once completed, the course will have both an inner and outer rail, a starting gate, along with a chute, which will allow for seven furlong, one turn races. Vehicle tailgating will be offered along the stretch and in areas adjacent to the outside turn. A large parking lot is also being built to accommodate projected crowds of between 3,000-5,000 spectators.

Excavation work on the course itself is expected to begin in late spring or early summer. A race meet of up to 14 days will debut in the latter half of 2017, in order to give ample time for the grass course to mature.

The future of Virginia’s Standardbred racing circuit also has been firmed up, with the town of Woodstock, Virginia, becoming home to pacers and trotters beginning this September. The VEA has signed a lease with the Shenandoah County Fairgrounds to run a tenday pari-mutuel meet over five consecutive weekends starting September 10th. An extensive track renovation project will soon begin there as well. The current half mile oval, which has played host to county fair, non-betting harness races for 98 years, will be widened and the turns banked in order to accommodate larger fields. World-renowned track consultant Greg Coon will oversee the upgrade process and once complete, the track should be one of the finest halfmile ovals in the Mid-Atlantic region.

Betting on the Kentucky Derby will be available at the May 7th Virginia Gold Cup. Coady Photography

Virginia-bred horses will get two different opportunities to compete in neighboring Maryland this year as well. “Mid Atlantic Day”, a new event slated for June 25th at Pimlico, will feature a trio of $60,000 Virginia-bred stakes, including the inaugural running of the Nellie Cox stakes, along with a Virginia-bred overnight race. Maryland-bred horses will compete in an identical slate that afternoon to round out the debut initiative. A “Virginia-Bred Day” at Laurel will be held for the third straight year on September 24th. Five $60,000 stakes will be contested—the Brookmeade, Bert Allen, Jamestown, Punch Line, and Oakley.

In 2017, pari-mutuel Thoroughbred racing in Virginia will move to a new home at Morven Park in Leesburg, where plans are currently moving forward to renovate an existing, undulating steeplechase track and transform it into a first class, one mile turf course

Virginia-bred Rose Brier wins the 2015 Bert Allen Stakes. That stakes will be held at Laurel on September 24th. Jim McCue photo

In another initiative, the VEA introduced a new industry website at virginiahorseracing.com. The allencompassing site will serve as a marketplace where stakeholders from the Thoroughbred, Standardbred, and steeplechase sides can access details about upcoming VEA-related events. Horsemen can find race and stakes conditions, entries, results, race office contact information and directions, while potential race attendees can access event details and hours, admis-

sion and tailgating prices, guest services contacts and more. Results and replays from past racing events are available along with detailed information on the VEA member organizations. A “Bet Now” page will encourage visitors to learn more about partner Advance Deposit Wagering (ADW) companies like TVG, XPressBet, and Twin Spires. Fans can get updates and learn of breaking developments through social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, which are all linked to the new site.

In order to help promote the betting partners, the Virginia Thoroughbred Association (VTA) will have a tent at the Virginia Gold Cup on Members Hill, which will serve as an educational Off Track Betting Center of sorts. Event attendees will be invited to stop by to learn about betting opportunities with those current online wagering partners. Handicappers and fan education staff will be on hand to teach tailgaters how to wager and offer help in selecting top choices for the Gold Cup races and those being simulcast from Churchill Downs. “Until we get Off Track Betting Centers up and running in Virginia, proceeds from bets made via our ADW partners are funding all aspects of racing including purses and breeders bonuses,” said VEA President Debbie Easter.” We need to take this unique opportunity to educate as many of the 70,000 Gold Cup attendees as we can about year-round parimutuel opportunities. If we can turn just a fraction of that crowd in to year round horseplayers, it will be a success.”

The VTA will host their annual awards dinner in the same trackside tent at Great Meadow the evening before, on Friday May 6th. In addition to the food, beverages and breeder/horse recognition, the Kentucky Oaks will be available to wager along with advance betting on the Derby. Though most winners in each category will be announced at the event, “Horse of the Year” honors—to nobody’s surprise—will to go Stellar Wind, who won four graded stakes, finished fourth in the Kentucky Oaks, and was a close second in the Breeders’ Cup Distaff, all in her three-year-old campaign. Bred by Peggy Augustus’ Keswick Stables and Stonestreet Thoroughbred Holdings LLC, the daughter of Curlin scored triumphs in the Grade 3 Santa Ysabel Stakes, the Grade I Santa Anita Oaks, Grade 2 Summertime Stakes and Grade 3 Torrey Pines. Stellar Wind is named 2015 Details on the awards func- Virginia-Bred Horse of the on 4 graded tion are available at Year based stakes wins. www.vabred.org.

Photo courtesy of Del Mar

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IN & AROUND HORSE COUNTRY • SPRING 2016

Boxing Day and a Family Reunion Meet

ACROSS THE POND

By Jim Meads [The staff of In & Around Horse Country extend best wishes to Jim and Pauline Meads on their 60th wedding anniversary, March 10, 2016. While this is a momentous observance for any couple, it was made even more special by the receipt of a card from Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II. Congratulations, Jim and Pauline!]

The winter weather in the U.K. was crazy. It was the wettest on record, with monumental floods, but it was also the warmest, with only a couple of white frosts. It continued in this fashion on Boxing Day, when I drove 40 miles to the English Border in pouring rain to a meet of the Teme Valley Foxhounds, held by tradition in the market town of Knighton, where

David Davies Hunt, Jan. 30, 2016 The meet at Plas Dinam, the ancestral home of Lord Davies.

Teme Valley Hunt Boxing Day 2015 Two former masters: Paul Segrott, Capel Bevan (on foot).

o

the temperature was 58 F. Luckily the rain eased up, but it was a very dark morning, brightened by some lovely gray horses, which joined huntsman David Savage and his hounds in the hotel car park. Ages of the 28 riders ranged from former MFH Ann Price, who at 82 is still very active with hunters and pointto-pointers, to, at the other end of the age scale, threeyear-old Isla Collins-Nash. Joint Master Tim Gunning was in charge, and he led the Field, following the huntsman and hounds through the town’s High Street into the country.

For weeks I had been awaiting the David Davies Hunt’s meet at Plas Dinam, the ancestral home of Lord Davies, where hounds have been kenneled since 1905; finally the day came, without any rain! My ex-

citement was soon satisfied when “birthday girl” 14year-old Kath Davies and 22-year-old Jenna Sherrard arrived, elegantly riding sidesaddle, as in days of old.

Also present were Lord Davies, MFH since 1963, his daughter and Deputy Master Eldrydd with her children, supplying three generations for my camera.

Many friends and relations came from various parts of the U.K. to watch and follow Huntsman Jonathon Gittoes and his 16 couple of Welsh and Fell hounds, while the 26 riders were under the care of Field Master Roger Williams. Lots of “footies” took much exercise, despite some snow squalls, in this splendid area of Mid-Wales, watching hounds at work.

David Davies Hunt Sasha Davies galloping with her David Davies Hunt David Davies Hunt Teme Valley Boxing Day Coming to the meet are two young side-sad- Three generations: Lord Davies, MFH daughter on a pony to keep up Jane Forshaw, with the hunt! dle riders: “Birthday Girl” 14-year-old Kath since 1963; daughter and deputy MFH John Naughton.

Davies and 22-year-old Jenna Sherrard. Eldrydd and grandson 6-year-old Oscar.

Teme Valley Boxing Day Huntsman David Savage with Tania Roberts and 3-year-old Isla Collins-Nash, ready to go!

Teme Valley Hunt Boxing Day 2015 At the meet in Knighton are (l-r): Ann Price, ex-MFH, age 82; Helen Gunning, wife of MFH Tim Gunning, Joint Master; Vicky Binks, Hon. Sec.

David Davies Hunt New Huntsman Jonathon Gittoes, leading 16 couple of hounds from the meet.

David Davies Hunt Hill Farmer Neville Owen has whipped-in for more than 50 years.

Teme Valley Hunt Boxing Day 2015 Huntsman David Savage brings 18 1/2 couple of hounds along Knighton High Street on the way to draw.

IN & AROUND HORSE COUNTRY • SPRING 2016

JENNY’S PICKS It’s Spring, and new books are popping up all over! First, several new mysteries:

HORSE COUNTRY BOOKSELLERS

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Brown, Rita Mae. Tall Tail. Due out May 17 is this next in the Sneaky Pie Brown Series, in which Specialists in New, Old & Rare Books on Horses, Foxhunting, Harry and her menagerie get involved with the Eventing, Polo, Racing, Steeplechasing & Sporting Art suspicious demise of a nurse and confidante to a former Virginia governor that escalates into more 60 Alexandria Pike, Warrenton, VA 20186 • 800-882-HUNT • 540-347-3141 nefarious activities that trigger all their crimesolving propensities. Intertwined with the modern mystery is the mystery of an 18th-century murder. nied by full-color photos by Walter Smalling, Jr. often with smiles and waves at the passing airHardcover, 352pp. $27.00 Many of the homes, especially in Part 1 (“Estab- plane. It’s largely about patterns, often very abMeade, Knighton. Duchess Takes Deauville. The lishing an American Tradition”), are open to the stract, always beautiful. newest in the Simon Rush Mystery series finds public, such as Shirley Plantation, Mount Vernon, Africa. Hardcover, 407pp. $59.95 protagonists Simon Rush and PJ (Parker) Porter Monticello, Poplar Forest, and Stratford Hall. Eyes Over Africa. Hardcover, 408pp. $125.00 newly married and honeymooning on a canal Less familiar estates are Eyre Hall, Oak Hill, and Tabler, Judith. Foxhunting with Meadow Brook. barge in France. Their racehorse, Duchess of Berry Hill. Part 2, “Reinventing and Refining Tra- Here is the history of one of the country’s most Dubai, has been retrained for steeplechasing; her dition,” contains fewer public spaces (Morven celebrated foxhunting clubs, whose territory was escapades weave in and out of the storyline. The Park in Loudoun and the Marriott Ranch in Long Island, New York, the home of many mystery develops when a wealthy Pittsburgh Fauquier County), offering the beauties of Castle wealthy enthusiasts. Incorporated in 1881, the banker who is one of the barge party disappears Hill, Edgewood, North Wales, Edgemont, Oak club lasted until territory dwindled to the point of from the barge one night. Suspicions arise that his Spring Farm, and Rokeby Stables that are off-lim- no return; in spring of 1971 they formally diswife had a hand in the disappearance. At the same its under normal circumstances, unless they banded. This is the entertaining tale of in-betime, PJ and Simon, out riding in the woods, hap- should chance to be opened during Garden Week. tween, of the notable horsemen and -women and pen upon an illegal abattoir that is killing horses Part 3, “Sustaining the Tradition,” offers a peek at their escapades both in the hunt field and on the for horsemeat resale, and Simon is shot. Then the Mount Sharon, Mount Pleasant, Peace & Plenty steeplechase course; names such as Foxhall Duchess is stolen from her stable. Mr. Meade has at Bollingbrook, Elway Hall, Ayrshire Farm, and Keene, August Belmont, artists Paul Brown and handed us yet another of his can’t-put-it-down the Farm at Sunnyside, with only Barboursville Franklin Voss, the Vanderbilts, the Whitneys, the novels, told in first person by Simon and PJ alter- Vineyards and Salamander Resort and Spa having Roosevelts, Jan van Urk, and many more will be nately. Paperback, 242pp. $18.50 public access. It’s too bad no credit was given familiar to readers of foxhunting literature and soDid you miss the earlier books in this series? We identifying the cantering hunt that has pride of cial history. Many humorous incidents spice up still have some in stock! In order, they are: place on the book’s endpapers! The riders dis- what could be a mere recitation of hunts and soMarland’s Ghost $15.95 playing colors show a deep yellow, there are no ciety members. Well illustrated with b&w photos The Last Fox Hunt $17.95 scarlet coats, only black, and no hounds. Both and artwork depicting the hunt and its members.

Irish Mist $19.00 Piedmont and Loudoun Fairfax have “old gold” Hardcover, 303pp. $24.95 The Duchess of Dubai $19.95 colors, so this may be some members from either Weibel, Betty. The Cleveland Grand Prix/An Nonfiction is of course our main focus, and we try of those hunts; the Blue Ridge Mountains are American Show Jumping First. Last year several clearly in the background.

Hardcover, 272pp. to get books of general interest to our foxhunters customers asked about this book, and I finally and other riders as well as the less-horse- $55.00 found out where to get it, so we now have some oriented public who visit our store. In addition to Potter Style. How to Tie a Scarf. Scarves are big copies for anyone who hasn’t yet obtained one. I our “horsey” selections, you’ll find books on this year, as they were last year. To help you fig- did not realize that the Cleveland Grand Prix, held cooking, gardening, decorating, local history, ar- ure out new ways to show off our lovely scarves, in the Chagrin Valley of Ohio beginning in 1965, chitecture, and now some travel books—Africa is I found this little book with step-by-step direc- was “the very first truly European style outdoor currently featured on our new-book table. tions to tie scarves in 33 ways. Some are more show-jumping grand prix event” in America. I’d Morris, George H. Unrelenting. Just out—George suitable for light, filmy scarves, others work with seen plenty of show jumping earlier at the WashMorris’s much anticipated autobiography! This the larger ones that can serve as belts, headcov- ington International show and just assumed that it most esteemed Olympian rider and instructor has ers, and shawls. Cloth-covered cardboard cover, had been going on a long time. And it turns out filled a thick volume with his decades of life ex- 128pp. $12.95 that many of the horses and riders I’d seen in periences—including the theater! Interspersed Poliza, Michael. Africa and Eyes Over Africa. Washington competed in the Chagrin Valley with his recollections are remembrances from These two coffee-table photographic books are shows: names like Kathy Kusner and Aberali, many others whose lives have been touched by absolutely gorgeous, a celebration of the untamed Mary Mairs Chapot and Tomboy, Frank Chapot this amazing horseman. Photographs from the countryside and its nonhuman inhabitants in the and Good Twist, Rodney Jenkins and Idle Dice, early days will bring back fond memories for former and using Poliza’s fabulous overhead shots Bernie Traurig, Harry de Leyer, Katie Monahan, those of us who grew up in his heyday, when he of “the dark continent,” taken from an airplane or George Morris. The author introduces us to the was absolutely the last word in American helicopter, in the latter book. In these you can for- area, which was popular for riding and foxhunthunter/jumper style. (Many of us think he still is!) get about the ugliness of human behavior that has ing, and the shows that led up to the decision to This will provide you with hours of entertaining been featured so much in the news these past few create a major grand prix jumping show. Subsereading—a must for everyone in the decades; unfold the pages to view a serene and quent chapters recall highlights and disappointhunter/jumper field! Hardcover, 436pp. $35.00. beautiful country: ribbons of rivers entwining the ments over the years, culminating with what (See Lauren Giannini's review, pg. 13.) landscape, sand dunes that reveal a few wild would have been the 50th anniversary in 2014 Ossman, Laurie; and Debra A. McClane. The camels pacing along. Africa focuses mostly on the being canceled, at which point the book ends. But Gentleman’s Farm/Elegant Country House Liv- fauna of the region with a fair amount of land- fear not—the Grand Prix returned to celebrate the th ing. Virginians especially will enjoy this beauti- scape shots thrown in. Eyes Over Africa is more 50 in 2015. Black and white photos illustrate ful assortment of stately homes from across the of a terrain-scape but features a number of the na- many of the noted—and some less so—particiCommonwealth, with descriptive text accompa- tive populace going about their daily routine, pants. Paperback, 176pp. $19.99

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AGA’S SAGAS

IN & AROUND HORSE COUNTRY • SPRING 2016

A Matter of Balance Illustrations by Claudia Coleman

Lassie! Lassie! What happened? Why are ye in a heap?

Don’t be telling me there’s work to be done, Bunsen. You need to keep yourself busier. Greeting guests at the front door is not work. I need you to label new products and get them on the shelves. Isn’t that right, Marion?

I lost my balance, Bunsen.

But yer legs! They’re all at sixes and sevens, helter skelter and knees and knobs.

Ye look like a newborn foal. Here, let me give ye a nudge up.

I don’t need a nudge. I said I just lost my balance, that’s all. Besides, practice makes perfect.

Practice? Are ye practicin’ fallin’ on yer behind? Why ever would ye do that?

I’m practicing for the Duchess, of course.

I want to curtsey like a Southern Belle when I meet her.

Ach, so that’s it then, the special guest we’ll be entertaining. I overheard Marion and Betsy say a Duchess is visiting.

Yes, for the Warrenton Garden Club. She’s giving a talk on Lancelot “Capability” Brown and the 300-year-old landscape design for Belvoir Castle in England.

Just think, Bunsen…a book signing and talk, we’ll have tea, stroll in Dana and Trevor’s garden, and then—the highly anticipated moment—everyone will stand aside and watch me curtsey.

Lassie, ah’m sorry t’have to tell ye this but, the truth is, ye don’t curtsey.

I will master it by then, Bunsen. Trust me. Here, watch me try it again. I’m sure I can…

Nae, m’dear wee one, what I mean is that Americans dinnae curtsey.

Oh, don’t be silly. Of course they do. Debutants curtsey, just like on Downton Abbey.

That’s a British show, m’darling. Y’know…the BBC. As in “Brits Bow & Curtsy.”

What do you know about such customs? Let’s ask our Marion.

“Now, now, you two. It’s time to embrace the season. The sun is shining. Flowers are in bloom. We’re showing off the summer hats. The ladies are in quite a state!

The Virginia Gold Cup is around the corner, May 7, and it’s time to choose the right hat for the chosen dress. Bunsen, as part of your greeting duties you need to remind people that we have lovely hats from fascinators to cloche, small brim to huge portrait hats from England. So many new hats and absolutely beautiful hues.

It’s going to be quite a chore to arrange them all.”

Pfft! Aga can arrange the hats. I’ll help Debbie with the new saddle pads and ear bonnets for the window display she’s aching to create. ’Tis a more manly task. If she puts me in the window, I can do the heavy lifting.

And if there’s no need for me to practice my curtseying form anymore, I might as well label breeches and riding shirts. Besides, I love the colors this year and the new fabrics suit the athletic riders. Oh, and we have to do the wedding registry table, and make the new jewelry look beautiful…so much to do!

“Both of you, downstairs right away, and help Sue put the fly spray and grazing muzzles on the shelf. We don’t have a minute to spare. The grass is growing and our spring inventory is backed up; Roni’s buried somewhere under a mountain of cartons. You need to help her before she’s crushed to death under all that cardboard.

That we’ll do. But first, speaking of the races, I remember a few years ago, the groaning table at the Virginia Gold Cup covered with Caroline’s wee lamb lollipops, the tenderloin sent from Heaven, the prosciutto and melon…gave me a huge thirst.

“Thank you for consulting me, dear Aga. But, stop this nonsense or you’ll hurt yourself. You weren’t born when Mrs. Annenberg curtsied to Prince Charles. There was a flap right there on the tarmac. Photos went all over the world. Americans, you see do not curtsey. But, Bunsen, as a fine Scot, may bow.”

And the mint juleps?

Well, if he gets to bow and I can’t curtsey, then I’ll stay home!

I’m not suffering a bath and nail clipping just to have my head patted or, worse, have the Duchess remark on the pink ribbon around my neck. I am, after all, a member of the press.

I imagine Pandore looked rather smart, like a race steward. I tried on his skimmer the other day. Do you think Marion might let me wear it to the races? With Pandore’s flashy bowtie? There are so many choices in men’s hats and ties here at the store! Why, I could be so well turned out, I might even get a professional appointment at the Virginia Gold Cup.

See, ah told ye. No curtseying for ye, lassie. However, ’tis proper for me to bow.

And that ah can do with the best of them. Mr. Brown, Sir Walter Raleigh, Christopher Columbus, Mr. D’Arcy. Make our Marion proud, ah will.

Ach! How could I forget? Particularly quenching since they were offered in a five-gallon self-serve crystal decanter. I would raise m’head slightly as each gentleman stepped up to turn the handle. How each precious drop sparkled in the sunlight as it fell on m’parched tongue.

The faucet never stopped turning that day. I remember you sleeping under the table and snoring loudly. We could hardly hear Will O’Keefe call the race.

No one enjoys a good day of racing more than me, except, perhaps, an Irishman.

It’s in our blood.

At least you cause no trouble when asleep. I remember stories of dear Pandore, our predecessor, dashing on the course and chasing the horses as they galloped to the finish.

The only appointment you need to be concerned about is the one you have with all those boxes downstairs. Let’s get to work before Marion finds us lollygagging. I’ll race you down the steps.

Mr. Brown, indeed. You watch too many movies.

Ye go on ahead, lassie. There’s, um, one thing ah need to do. Won’t be a minute.

Ach! Bugger it all!

Ach, there she goes again! How long will ye keep up this pointless curtsey practicin’ and fallin’ all over yer wee self? Isn’t there work to be done at the store?

Why my dear Bunsen, you’re in a heap, all knobs and knees. Practicing your bow, were you?

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Robert Eugene Lindemann August 2, 1927 – January 13, 2016 MFH, Rocky Fork Headley Hunt, Ohio, 2004-2016.

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Huntsman Jeff Woodall wrapped up his first season with Old Dominion Hounds at the Closing Meet on April 2, 2016. Michelle Arnold photo

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Georgia Storm Claessens November 9, 1955 – February 27, 2016 MFH, Santa Fe West Hills Hunt, California, 2014-2016.

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Old Dominion Hounds Closing Meet, April 2, 2016, from the Hunter Trials Field, Orlean Virginia. Juniors Sophie Bell, Ainsley Colgan, Lucy Arnold, and Emma Keahon, all members of the Old Dominion Hounds Pony Club, under the watchful eye of Douglas Wise-Stuart, ex-MFH. Michelle Arnold photo