In & Around Horse Country Summer 2015

VOLUME XXVII / NUMBER 3 • THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE VIRGINIA STEEPLECHASE ASSOCIATION • SUMMER 2015

HORSE SHOW

Upperville Colt and Horse Show Upperville, Virginia June 1-7, 2015 Liz Callar Photos

“Timely,” handled by Oliver Brown, owned by Carrie Buxton, winning the 2-year-old non-T.B. Filly Class. Oliver was the leading handler this year at both Devon and Upperville Horse Shows.

Alexis “Lolly” Privitera and “Parsley” led by Peter Foley and Amy Perez, of Sprout Therapeutic Riding and Educational Center, winner of the Under 4 leadline.

Rushy Marsh Farm’s “Bella Baloubet” ridden by Kimberly Prince.

Tori Colvin on “Inclusive,” owned by Dr. Betsee Parker.

IN & AROUND HORSE COUNTRY • SUMMER 2015

Pony yearling, “Kingston,” handled by Billy Howland, owned by Barbara Chappell.

Tony Workman riding “Simply Maybe” owned by Avla Pitts.

Sponsorship is Good Horse Country Saddlery is proud to sponsor the following events: Warrenton Pony Show June 24-28, 2015 Warrenton Horse Show Grounds

Championship Coolers for all 39 Divisions For more information: www.warrentonhorseshow.com

Warrenton Horse Show September 2-6, 2015 Warrenton Horse Show Grounds

Champion and Reserve Prizes for Hunt Night, Prizes for Each of the Breeding Class Winners, Hosting the Exhibitor’s Tent, Sunday, Sept. 6 For more information: www.warrentonhorseshow.com

Theodora A. Randolph Field Hunter Championship October 5-8, 2015 Finals, October 10, 2015, Glenwood Park, Middleburg, VA

Gifts for Selected Participants at the Warrenton Hunt and Old Dominion Hounds Meets For more information: www.vafallraces.com/Field_Hunter_Championships ********

Save the Date!

Virginia Hunt Week 2015!

Saturday, October 17 through Sunday, October 25, 2015 For more information: www.vahuntweek.org Emily Simon on her “Spirit,” Lg. Junior Hunter 15 & Under, trained by Anne Martin.

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IN & AROUND HORSE COUNTRY • SUMMER 2015

SPORTING LIFE HIGHLIGHTS

Meynell Hunt Reunion

On the evening of April 14, 2015 Mrs. Justin (Nancy) Wiley was elected Joint Master at the Annual Meeting of the Keswick Hunt Club. She will serve with current masters, Mrs. Charlotte Tieken and Mr. Andrew Lynn. Jake Carle photo

A Meynell Hunt reunion was held in Derbyshire, by former MFH and Huntsman Johnny Greenall and his wife Laura. Also present were retired 80-year-old huntsman David Barker, and guest of honor H.R.H. Prince Charles (center). Jim Meads photo ••••

Larry LeHew, founder and senior master at the Thornton Hill Hounds for 17 seasons, retired at the end of the 2015 season.

Jake Carle photo

Middleburg Puppy Show “Ollie,” winner of the Middleburg Hunt Puppy Show with (l-r) judges Linda Armbrust, MFH, Blue Ridge Hunt and Reg Spreadborough, Huntsman Orange County Hounds; Penny Denegre, MFH, Middleburg Hunt; Dr. Betsee Parker; Jeff Blue, MFH, Middleburg Hunt; and Hugh Robards, Middleburg Huntsman.

Liz Callar photo

COVER PHOTOGRAPHER Liz Callar PHOTOGRAPHERS: Liz Callar www.lizcallar.com John J. Carle II, ex-MFH Richard Clay www.richardclayphotography.com Douglas Lees douglaslees@comcast.net Joanne Maisano www.joannemaisano.com Jim Meads 011-44-1686-420436 Henry Oviedo Betsy Burke Parker betsyburkeparker@gmail.com Eric Schneider eschneider@gmail.com David Traxler ON THE COVER: Ramiro Quintana rid- Karen Kandra Wenzel kkaning “Whitney” owned by St. Bride’s Farm, dra@aol.com winner of the $100,000 Upperville Jumper Classic.

Regular subscription 5 issues $25.00, U.S.A. First Class subscription $35.00, Europe, Canada, etc. $45.00

is published 5 times a year.

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

Publisher: Marion Maggiolo Managing Editor: J. Harris Anderson Advertising: Kim Gray (540) 347-3141, (800) 882-4868, Email: hckimbtc@aol.com Contributors: Aga; John J. Carle II, ex-MFH; Lauren Giannini; Jim Meads; Will O’Keefe; Virginia Thoroughbred Association; Jenny Young LAYOUT & DESIGN: Kate Houchin Copyright © 2015 In & Around Horse Country®. All Rights Reserved. Volume XXVII, No.3 POSTMASTER: CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED

IN & AROUND HORSE COUNTRY • SUMMER 2015

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St. Mary’s County Maryland in the heart of De La Brooke Foxhounds W hunt country!

In Search of the Best Field Hunter in North America Theodora A. Randolph Field Hunter Championship Doubles Awards for 2015 Organizers of the Theodora A. Randolph Field Hunter Championship have announced dates for the 2015 competition: Middleburg Hunt – Monday, October 5, 2015 Old Dominion Hounds – Tuesday, October 6, 2015 Warrenton Hunt – Wednesday, October 7, 2015 Piedmont Fox Hounds – Thursday, October 8, 2015 Hunter Championship Finals will be held on Saturday morning, October 10, 2015 at Glenwood Park. $5000 in purse money will be awarded: $2500 to the hunt represented by the winning horse ridden by its owner, and $2500 to the hunt represented by the winning horse ridden by someone other than its owner. Trophies are also awarded to the Reserve Champion, as well as Best Turned Out, Most Suitable Pair, and for the highest level of Sportsmanship.

Founded in 1989, this event brings together foxhunting enthusiasts from all across the US and Canada to participate in the week long trial. Mounted judges ride alongside the numbered contestants as they hunt with four area hunt clubs. At the end of each day’s hunting, the judges announce the horse and rider combinations selected to compete in the finals held Saturday at Glenwood Park.

The finals are held prior to the start of the first race.

The Saturday morning finals of the Field Hunter Championship give racing spectators a unique opportunity to watch high-level field hunter and rider combinations dressed in proper hunting attire in a performance test. Competitors participate in a mock hunt, and finalists are then asked individually to negotiate a handy hunter course in the center of the race course for the championship title. They might be asked to dismount and re-mount from a log, unlatch a gate and close it from horseback, or trot over a fallen tree. The judges ask the riders to show each horse’s different hunting skills, and after these individual tasks are completed, the championship is decided.

The Field Hunter Championship competition offers: 4 days of hunting privileges to the same horse and rider combination; eligibility for awards given out throughout the week; and General Admission tickets to the Virginia Fall Races and complimentary listing in the race program. Events each evening include private receptions, a screening of Goodnight Ladies: a Portrait of Nancy Penn Smith Hannum, with director Christianna Hannum at the National Sporting Library and Museum, and a Friday night Calcutta sponsored by INOVA Hospital.

The event is judged according to the manners, style, and suitability of foxhunting mounts. Awards are also offered for Best Turned Out each day. Judges have been drawn from foxhunts in Maryland, Virginia, Pennsylvania, and South Carolina.

Participation is open to foxhunters of all ages; however, entry is limited to the first 60 registrants. The entry fee is $250 per horse. Entries close September 26, 2015. Entry forms are available at www.VAFallRaces.com.

For additional information please contact Pippy McCormick, Pippy@VAFallRaces.com, 540-687-5552.

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IN & AROUND HORSE COUNTRY • SUMMER 2015

HOUND SHOWS Hillsboro “Siskin” Soars To Virginia Grand Championship

By Lauren R. Giannini

Champions gathered for the Grand Champion class.

L-R: Hillsboro “Siskin,” De La Brooke “Tullamore”

Grand Champion Hillsboro “Siskin.”

Reserve Grand Champion Midland “Striker.”

American Champion Dog Orange County “Kermit” Lauren Giannini photo

Lineup of officials.

The Virginia Foxhound Club’s 68th Annual Show of Foxhounds on May 24 recorded 42 packs showing about 700 hounds. Competition was fierce, as always, but at the end of the day, four very fine Foxhounds assembled on the lawn in front of the Morven Park mansion for the Grand Championship, judged by J.W.Y. Martin, MFH Green Spring Valley Hounds: Orange County “Kermit” (American); Midland “Striker” (Crossbred); Hillsboro “Siskin” (English); De La Brook “Tullamore” (Penn-Marydel).

Hounds showing their conformation present a lovely picture, but there’s nothing like watching them off leash. Shadows were growing longer when Martin focused on Midland “Striker” and Hillsboro “Siskin” who posed again, then chased biscuits tossed by their handlers. The handsome “Striker” had a lot going for him, but “Siskin” showed graceful athleticism and a happy, eager attitude. Time and time again, the picture-perfect English champion danced across the turf, exhibiting great agility, speed and her very kind nature, while running away from the smitten dog.

Midland “Striker” earned the reserve grand championship. When Bob Ferrer, jt-MFH Caroline Hunt, announced that Hillsboro “Siskin” was the 2015 Grand Champion and recipient of the William W. Brainard Jr. Perpetual Cup, presented by the Masters of Foxhounds Association of America, appreciative cheering broke out. The lady-hound had bested the boys for the coveted Virginia crown.

“The Crossbred was still maybe a bit immature and had some more growing to do,” said Martin. “He was a beautiful dog and moved great, but I thought he was very leggy. The English hound was just a beautiful bitch. She moved nicely and I liked her better than him.”

Offered the old saying that handsome is as handsome does, Martin countered with: “Handsome helps too.” The standard has always been high at Virginia, but obviously it keeps being raised for both conformation and performance.

“We’re very fortunate to have Siskin,” said Orrin Ingram, Jt-MFH Hillsboro. “We entered her last August and she took to hunting immediately and fabulously. She’s scopey and athletic, but not too heavy.

We have so many steep hills in our country and the heavier hounds don’t last as long, because the terrain is so hard on their feet. Not only is Siskin a fabulous hunting hound, we’re also looking forward to breeding her.”

Both Ingram and Hillsboro huntsman John Gray credited Tony Leahy, Jt-MFH and huntsman of Fox River Valley, with their acquisition of Siskin. Hillsboro has strong connections with both the hounds and the people of the North Cotswold (UK), including a longtime friendship with Nigel Peel, MFH Huntsman. Plus, Ingram’s cousin is Bradford Hooker, MFH North Cotswold, son of senior Hillsboro Master Henry Hooker. Knowing they needed to tweak their breeding program, Ingram and Gray discussed lighter-bodied English bloodlines with Leahy, who also wanted to breed a similar hound for his country.

The rest, as they say, is now (Hillsboro) history.

“A lot of people were involved to make this happen,” said Ingram. “I asked Tony if he had any friends in Europe and told him that if he would do the diligence, we would share what he got. Tony has been great to us. He spoke to Otis Ferry, MFH Huntsman

of the South Shropshire, who judged the English ring at Virginia [2011]. Otis had an unentered dog and bitch, not related, which was part of our plan, and that’s how we got Siskin. She’s exactly the type of lighter-bodied, athletic hound with excellent conformation that we want for Hillsboro’s bloodlines. We’re thrilled that she won at Virginia.”

This was the first Virginia Hound Show Grand Championship won by Hillsboro in the 35 seasons that John Gray has been huntsman. Hillsboro came close in 2013 when Sable, their unentered bitch (by 2012 Virginia Grand Champion Live Oak “Farrier” x Live Oak “Sarah”) bested Live Oak “Dandy” for the English title, thereby earning her ticket to show in the Grand Championship.

“We’re still very excited about the Virginia Hound Show and very pleased that Siskin won the Grand Championship,” said Hooker, who has judged at Virginia and knows very well what it means to the hunt that wins the “Best In Show” title. “It’s by far the best we’ve done at the Virginia show and we’re thrilled.”

American Foxhounds A “shootout” takes place between small and large kennels, often between Brazos Valley (less than 20 couple) and Potomac (more than 20 couple). This year, Orange County Hounds (more than 20 couple) played a decisive role in the American ring results: their “Kermit” won the Dog Championship and Breed Title.

“It’s been a good show,” said John Coles, senior MFH Orange County. “Kermit is a good hunting hound and an awfully nice example of an American foxhound. I’m very prejudiced, of course! Most of the good hounds out there have Potomac blood and Larry [Pitts] has been a big help to everybody for many years.”

Metamora Hunt (small kennel) won Unentered Dog with their “Taylor” (Orange County “Wilton” x Potomac “Talent”) and their “Brazon” earned the blue in Unentered Bitch with Goshen “Bitless” taking second and their “Bridle” fourth—each hound boasting Orange County bloodlines. In their first appearance at Virginia, Red Oak (small kennel) earned a third in Unentered Dog and two rosettes in Couple of Entered Dogs with hounds by Reedy Creek “Soda” out of Stonewall “Jamboree.”

In Unentered Dog, Orange County finished first and second with littermates “Kermit” and “Keswick” (Potomac “Kadillac” x Orange County “Pernod”), relegating Potomac “Ace” and Potomac “Wily” to third and fourth respectively. Then, Orange County “Kendall” and “Kermit” won Couple of American Dogs, Potomac hounds earning second and third.

Aiken “Traveler” took first in the Entered Dog (small kennel), with Stonewall “Clergy” placing second. Potomac “Keegan” earned the blue in Entered Dog, Orange County “Patey” was second, followed

by Potomac “Telford.” Potomac “Templeton” and “Keegan” won Couple of Entered Dogs; Orange County “Thorton” and “Thurlow” (Potomac bloodlines) placed second.

Brazos Valley “Mystic” won Best American Stallion Hound; Potomac “Templeton” second, followed by Metamora “Marlow.” In Best Stallion Hound shown with three of his get, Potomac “Templeton” claimed first over Brazos Valley “Jett” (Potomac “Jefferson” x Brazos Valley “Carolina”).

IN & AROUND HORSE COUNTRY • SUMMER 2015

Middleburg (large kennel) won the pack class and their “Artful” prevailed in Entered Bitch with Rolling Rock “Keynote” (littermate to Orange County “Kermit” and “Keegan”) placing second. Goshen earned the win for Couple of Unentered Bitches, Farmington hounds rounding out the placings.

Brazos Valley “Marley” (littermate to BV “Mystic”) earned blue in Best Entered Bitch (small kennel). Potomac took first and second in Best Entered Bitch (large kennel) with their “Keystone” and their “Knoller.” Potomac again prevailed in Couple of Entered Bitches with their “Katrina” and “Keebler.” Brazos Valley “Molly” claimed Best Brood Bitch and earned reserve honors in the bitch championship, won by Potomac “Keystone.”

Orange County “Kermit” earned the nod over Potomac “Keegan” for the Dog championship, then bested Bitch champion Potomac “Keystone” for top American Foxhound honors.

“The best accolade any hound breeder can have is when his bloodlines show up in winners. We’ve had hounds beat us with our own bloodlines—it’s absolutely wonderful,” said C. Martin Wood III, MFH Live Oak, who judged the American ring, assisted by Dr. Jon Moody, MFH Mooreland Hunt. “I thought the quality was really quite good. It goes against my grain to put up an unentered hound, but that young dog [Orange County “Kermit”] was an absolutely outstanding example of what I like in an American hound—big, super bone, great muscle, lovely balance and a wonderful mover. If hounds are great movers, they won’t have a lot wrong with their conformation. After I put him up, I knew he was the champion. He was the best of Orange County combined with Potomac bloodlines.”

The Virginia show served as a swan song for Larry Pitts, retiring as huntsman after a legendary career spanning 35 years. His generosity is known throughout the country and many American, Crossbred, and Penn-Marydel hounds are infused with Potomac bloodlines. There’s bittersweet irony mixed with satisfaction to be bested for the American title by the get of a Potomac-bred stallion hound.

“I hoped that Potomac would be in there for the grand championship, but it was great to see a descendant of our breeding in there,” said Pitts. “A couple years ago, Kadillac, the grandson of our Jefferson who was Grand Champion at the Virginia Centennial Show in 2007, bred Orange County Pernod and that whelping produced Kermit. I just took Jefferson to Stonewall Hounds to breed one of their bitches—he’s still going strong. So am I. I’m going to take up on invitations I received over the years to hunt with different packs. Potomac has some great hounds out there and I want to do some traveling. I had a wonderful time as huntsman. Brian Kiely’s going to do a great job and he knows where to find me.”

Top American Pack Class – Middleburg; Hugh Robards, Huntsman.

Crossbred Foxhounds – Less Than 35 Couple Both Crossbred rings stayed busy all day. Winners of classes that made hounds eligible for a championship were judged together, regardless of kennel size. Irvin L. Crawford, MFH Potomac, presided over Ring 2, “less than 35 couple.”

Casanova “Chapter” won Unentered Dog out of 23 hounds, and their “Chapter” and “Chalky” pinned first in

Crossbred Couple of Unentered Dogs. Warrenton Hunt “Sawyer” and “Shrek” earned top honors in Couple of Entered Dogs, and their “Osprey” took first in Unentered Bitch, Casanova “Constance” pinning second.

Nine hunts and 20-plus hounds competed for top honors in Entered Dog, with the judge’s nod going to Howard County-Iron Bridge “Glare” and second place to New Market-Middletown Valley “Whiskey.” In this Kansas pack’s first appearance at Virginia, Fort Leavenworth “Valor” (Brazos Valley “Baxter” x Fort Leavenworth “Piper”), Grand Champion at the Southwest and Central States Hound Shows, pinned third.

New Market-Middletown Valley “Widget” and “Welcome” pinned first and third respectively in Entered Bitch, then won Entered Couple. Warrenton “Cruiser” pinned first over Casanova “Voodoo” in Best Stallion Hound with third going to Howard County-Iron Bridge’s Green Spring Valley “Bidder,” winner of Best Stallion Hound, shown with 3 of his get. Warrenton “Othel” earned the win in Best Brood Bitch, their “Connie” taking third.

Crossbred Hounds – More Than 35 Couple This is where titans (large Crossbred kennels) battle, and this year was no different. It’s been years since he showed at Virginia, but Tony Leahy, MFH Huntsman Fox River Valley, has plenty of experience judging hounds at just about every show in the USA and Canada, even in Ireland, New Zealand, and Australia. He enjoys judging at Virginia, not only because it’s one of the biggest hound shows in the world, but also because it’s one of his personal favorites.

“I think the quality on the high end was good, and the unentered bitch class was exceptional—I thought that was the strongest class of the day,” said Leahy. “Hillsboro Graphic, the entered bitch—I had seen her two weeks previously at the Carolinas show where I put her up as the Grand Champion. I love that hound. She’s full of quality and a particularly good mover. I saw several young unentered hounds from Live Oak that were very nice, showing at only 8 or 9 months old and holding their own against hounds twice their age, especially in the couple class.

Some of the unentered classes were the best of the day and show depth that bodes well for the future.”

Midland Fox Hounds struck gold right away when their “Striker” bested his class of 18 Unentered Dogs, relegating Mooreland “Kale,” Deep Run “Warrior,” Live Oak “Champion,” and Mooreland “Kaffir,” respectively, into second to fifth. Then, Midland “Sabre” and Spree” won Couple of Unentered Dogs. Midland “Stellar” won Unentered Bitch, a class of 21. The four Midland “S” hounds are littermates: Midland “Rocket” x Midland’s Staffordshire Moorland (UK) “Stunning.”

Live Oak earned first and second in Entered Couple of Dogs, each by a different sire. Midland placed third and fourth. Live Oak also won Couple of Unentered Bitches with littermates “Kindle” and “Kernel”; Deep Run placed second with “Clever” and “Cinder,” followed by Midland “Shilo” (another “S” littermate) and their “Rage” (Midland “Ireland” x Midland “Roxanne”).

Mooreland “Jasper” earned bragging rights as top Entered Dog over Live Oak “Petworth” and Midland “Crusher” in that order. Live Oak “Assault” won the judge’s nod as Best Stallion Hound, followed by Mooreland “Walrus” and Midland “Rocket.” Midland had the Best Stallion Hound shown with 3 Get as their “Rocket” won, followed by Live Oak “Maximus.”

Mooreland “Caption” and “Candy” bested Live Oak “Accurate” (last year’s Crossbred champion) and “Angel” for Entered Couple of Bitches, Midland taking third. Green Spring Valley “Seemly” won Best Brood Bitch, followed by Mooreland “Eager,” Deep Run “Beatrix” third.

Midland “Candy” and “Caption.”

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Warrenton “Osprey” and Matt van der Woude.

Warrenton “Cruiser.”

Midland “Stellar.”

Mooreland “Jasper.”

Green Spring Valley “Seemly.”

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IN & AROUND HORSE COUNTRY • SUMMER 2015

Midland “Rocket” and get; Mason Lampton and his get!

Farmington “Digglet” and “Dipper” with Bunny Hanks and Julie Cook.

Top Crossbred Pack Class – Green Creek; Tot Goodwin, MFH & Huntsman.

Casanova “Chapter” and “Chalice” with Tommy Lee Jones & Jeanne Clarke, MFH.

Live Oak “Dandy.”

Hillsboro “Graphic” won Entered Bitch and claimed the Crossbred Bitch Championship, relegating Midland “Stellar” to reserve honors. Midland “Striker” took Best Unentered Crossbred, littermate Midland “Stellar” taking the reserve tricolor. “I thought that the hounds in the Unentered Championship were fantastic and had the highest quality,” said Leahy. “I gave it to Striker because he had more scope than his sister Stellar, but it was a very close class.”

Six hounds contested Champion Crossbred Dog with Midland “Striker” chosen over Hillsboro “Graphic.” “I think that Striker is a tremendous moving hound and one of a kind,” said Dr. John van Nagell, MFH Iroquois, judge of the Crossbred bitch and dog championships as well as the Crossbred title class.

It was Midland “Striker” again as Best Unentered Hound, chosen over littermate Midland “Stellar.” Then “Striker” won the Crossbred title, with Hillsboro “Graphic” as reserve champion.

“Striker is young and unentered—he’s lovely,” said Mason Lampton, MFH Midland. “His sire Rocket’s mother Roxanne won, Rocket’s won twice and now Striker—three generations of Crossbred championships.

Striker’s dam, Stunning, is a lovely bitch. I brought her over when Staffordshire Moorland disbanded and bred her to Rocket, our white dog with the short tail. It turned out to be a beautiful cross.

“I think that our Striker is absolutely magnificent,” continued Mason. “He’s only a year and four months and he will get more muscled. He has good voice and did a good job in some training pens. He’ll be an exceptional hound and, if all goes well, you’ll see that dog again. Ken George did a beautiful job of showing Striker. Ken’s very experienced and a great addition to the team. I thought Striker should have won it all, but I’m biased!”

Green Creek Hounds with MFH Huntsman Tot Goodwin won the Crossbred Pack class. Warrenton placed second, followed by Deep Run Hounds.

English Foxhounds Blue Ridge “Wentworth” and their “Broadway” placed first and second in Unentered Dog, then won Unentered Couple. In Unentered Bitch, Blue Ridge “Welcome” took first, their “Bracket” placed second, then the two hounds won Unentered Couple of Bitches.

Live Oak Blue Ridge “Wentworth.”

“Sabre” claimed the blue in Entered Dog, followed by Hillsboro “Gopher” with Iroquois “Watchtower” in third and their “Halo” fourth. Live Oak “Saber” and “Salvo” won Entered Couple, Dogs, followed by Loudoun Fairfax and Iroquois. Live Oak “Dandy” earned the judge’s nod as Best Stallion Hound, with Green Creek “Banker” second, followed by Green Spring Valley “Baily.” Live Oak “Maximus” won Best Stallion Hound shown with 3 of his get, their “Dandy” placed second.

Hillsboro “Siskin” took first in Entered Bitch en route to the Bitch title. Also in the ribbons in Entered Bitch were Live Oak “Dahlia” (second) and Hillsboro “Greatful” (third). Live Oak won Two Couple of Bitches (Entered) after winning Couple of Bitches (Entered) in which Amwell Valley placed second, followed

by Blue Ridge.

“We were very excited at the show,” said John Gray, Hillsboro Huntsman, who handled “Siskin” throughout her classes. “We knew that Siskin would be a brood bitch. She hunted really well when we entered her and I hope that she’ll keep hunting. She’s a great

Hillsboro “Graphic” and Leilani Hrisko.

hound. We were also very proud of our Sable who won Best English Brood Bitch and our Graphic, who won the Crossbred reserve championship.”

Live Oak “Dandy” garnered the English Dog Championship; Blue Ridge “Wentworth” claimed reserve honors. Blue Ridge “Welcome,” the English Bitch reserve champion, was named Best Unentered English Hound, with reserve honors awarded to Blue Ridge “Wentworth.” Eventual Grand Champion Hillsboro “Siskin” earned the English Hound Championship, with Live Oak “Dandy” taking reserve honors.

“Judging over the Pond could not have been more fun. The whole show was superb, beautifully run and well organized,” said Charles Frampton, MFH Heythrop (UK), who judged the English ring. “I loved the unentered classes and the Blue Ridge hounds stood out to be great prospects for the future. The Live Oak hound was a standout winner in the Stallion class and I was pleased that the overall English champion Siskin went forward—she’s a quality bitch with depth and movement. I can only say that Duck Martin had a real job on. The difference for me in the end and why I think he was right to put Siskin as Grand Champion was that she could really move. The young Orange County and Midland hounds had a lot going for them, but the way Siskin showed clinched the deal.”

Hillsboro “Sable.”

Dr. Jack van Nagell, MFHA President, presents the trophy to

IN & AROUND HORSE COUNTRY • SUMMER 2015

Penn-Marydel Foxhounds Firsts this year: Penn-Marydels were shown as Entered and Unentered with no classes for Listed hounds (i.e., offspring of Penn-Marydel bred to American or Crossbred). That said, most enthusiasts are keen to breed a more correct and handsome hound, as long as the behavior traits that are the hallmark of the Penn-Marydel remain strong: voice, cry, drive, and deliberation.

“Today we have to have a hound that hunts well and can deal with residential subdivisions—and more people—in our country,” said Dr. Roger Scullin, MFH Howard County-Iron Bridge, who infuses PMD blood into his Crossbreds (their “Patuxent” was 2012 Crossbred Champion at Virginia). “We check the bites of Penn-Marydels and they’re wagging their tails, not as shy as they used to be. Two factors: we have selectively changed the Penn-Marydel and the handlers themselves are better. What I like to do when I judge the champion classes is ask myself: would I want to have a pack of this hound?”

Marlborough Hunt, winner of the pack class with huntsman Jim Faber at the helm, did well with several young hounds in Unentered classes. Marlborough “Vice Admiral” pinned first in Dog and combined with their “Victor Too” to win Couple of Dogs. Littermates “Victoria” and “Virginia” won the Unentered Couple of Bitches after pinning second and third in Unentered Bitch, won by Moore County “Shakerag.” Moore County took first in Entered Bitch, a class of 22, with their “Damsel”; De La Brook “Utica” placed second, then Long Run “Lately.”

Golden’s Bridge “Sequence” and “Savvy” won Entered Couple of Bitches. Their “Sequence” won the Stallion or Brood Bitch, shown with 2 get/produce, with second earned by Marlborough’s Golden’s Bridge “Kelby,” Golden’s Bridge “Utah” pinned fourth.

Golden’s Bridge “Sequence” also placed third in Brood Bitch (certified dam of living puppies), won by De La Brooke “Uriel” with Moore County “Hippiechick” second.

After winning Entered Dog, De La Brooke “Tullamore” delighted his connections by earning two titles: Champion Penn-Marydel Entered Dog and Champion Penn-Marydel Foxhound. “Tullamore is a good hunting hound. He served us well for six seasons and he’s retiring after the show,” said John McFadden, MFH De La Brooke. “He’s a big goofball, likes to sit on your lap.”

De La Brooke huntsman Beth Blackwell added, “He’s a wonderful hound, very friendly, super personality—great to work with and so much fun to hunt. I’m very excited that Tullamore has such a great retirement home. It was great for him to win, so nice for the club.

He even went in the Junior Handler class.”

Moore County “Shakerag” won the Unentered PMD Championship, with Marlborough “Vice Admiral” taking the reserve honors. Moore County “Shakerag” won the Bitch Championship, their “Damsel” earned reserve honors. Sedgefield “Budweiser” (2009) earned the reserve championship Entered Dog. He also won Stallion Hound, certified to be sire of living puppies, and placed third in Stallion or Brood Bitch shown with get/produce.

“The judge was brilliant: he chose the only hound I brought to the show as #1 stallion hound,” said Fred Berry, MFH Huntsman Sedgefield. “Budweiser’s so old, he’s on social security—seriously, he’s still hunting great. He could not show better if he were an English hound. The first time he went to Virginia [2009], he was shown by a junior, Randall Wiseman, and won his class [Single Registered Penn-Marydel Dog, Unentered]. When he’s ready to retire, he’s supposed to go to live with Randall’s family.”

Performance Class & Sporting/Social Traditions Nine hounds from six packs competed in the Perform-

ance Hound class, judged by Dr. John van Nagell, MFH Iroquois. The Ben Hardaway III Perpetual Cup, awarded to the Best Sanctioned Performance Trial Hound, went home with Green Creek “Bridgette.”

Stonewall “Clergy” placed second, Midland “Maribel” third, followed by Mill Creek “General” and their “Golding.” The packs and performance hounds and Grand Championship attracted a good-sized crowd who enjoyed the hospitality provided by Farmington Hunt’s Pat Butterfield, MFH, Sherry Buttrick, ex-MFH, and Tom Bishop, ex-MFH. At noon, two rings ran simultaneously to accommodate the Junior Handler classes. Iona Pillion, Blue Ridge Hunt, and Celeste Vella, MFH Warrenton, judged the 10 & unders, won by Evan Dombrowsky, Loudoun Fairfax Hunt. Jean Roberts, ex-MFH New Market-Middletown Valley, and Kim Nash, MFH Warrenton, judged the 11-16s, won by Sterling Colgan, Old Dominion.

On Saturday morning, the Masters of Foxhounds Association hosted a seminar. At 4:00, the seasonal opening of the Museum of Hounds & Hunting of North America began with an induction of three huntsmen into the Huntsman’s Room: Sherman P. Haight, Jr. ex-MFH, Andrew Barclay, and the late William John (Johnny) White, Jr. Jake Carle, ex-MFH huntsman Keswick, did double duty as master of ceremonies and also presented Haight. Calling upon first-hand memories, Molly White delivered a moving eulogy about her grandfather and his 50-years as huntsman. Ned Halle, ex-MFH Green Spring Valley, roasted, er, introduced Andrew Barclay with respect spiced with humorous anecdotes.

Champagne followed as guests mingled in front of the portico before visiting the newly opened Museum of Hounds & Hunting, including this year’s special exhibit of Wallace W. (Wally) Nall III’s sporting art. The Museum hosted its annual Members’ Reception in a well-stocked tent outside the mansion. On the lawn, the Virginia Foxhound Club’s cocktail party and dinner took place in the big tent.

The very popular MFHA National Horn Blowing Contest, held in front of the Foxhound Club’s tent, showcased 15 contestants who blew three calls in the first round. The judges—Dr. Marvin Beeman, MFH Huntsman Arapahoe, Lilla Mason, MFH Huntsman Iroquois, and Marion Thorne, MFH Huntsman Genesee Valley—sat facing away, and numbers were used instead of names, so that only their ears were engaged.

The finalists blew the rousing “Gone Away” and the melancholy “Going Home”: Adrian Smith (Metamora) and John Tabachka (Sewickly) have each won twice, but the judges voted for Brian Kiely, who scored his fourth win, setting a historical record. This can be considered a good omen as Kiely steps into Larry Pitts’ bootprints as new huntsman of Potomac.

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De La Brooke “Tullamore”; Beth Blackwell and

Performance Class Winner – Green Creek “Banker.”

Moore County “Shakerag” with Shellie Sommerson and Dan Jones

(l-r) Brian Kiely, who moves to Maryland’s Potomac Hunt to fill the Huntsman’s job as Larry Pitts retires after a stellar 35-year career, receives the first place award in the Virginia Fox Hound Show horn blowing contest from Dr. Jack van Nagell, MFH, Iroquois Hunt (KY). This was Kiely’s fourth National Championship, an unprecedented accomplishment. Liz Callar photo

Casanova “Chapter” and Tommy Lee Jones.

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IN & AROUND HORSE COUNTRY • SUMMER 2015

FOXHUNTING Museum of Hounds & Hunting North America Honors Three Legendary Huntsmen

Induction of new huntsmen to the Huntsmen’s Room Andrew Barclay, Sherman Haight.

Albert Poe, a 2011 Huntsmen’s Room inductee, was duly proud that Wally Nall’s 1971 painting of him with the Piedmont Fox Hounds graced the cover of the American Sporting Artist exhibition brochure.

Nancy Bedford, MHHNA, Inc. Board President, who devoted countless hours to organizing this and other successful events.

Molly White delivered the induction remarks for her late grandfather, William John White, Jr., who hunted the Brandywine Hounds for 50 seasons.

Leesburg, Virginia, May 23, 2015: A standing-roomonly crowd gathered on a very pleasant spring afternoon in front of the historic Morven Park Mansion as three well-deserving individuals were inducted into the Huntsmen’s Room of the Museum of Hounds & Hunting North America, Inc. The inductees were Sherman Haight, Jr., ex-MFH, Andrew Barclay, and John White.

John J. Carle, II, ex-MFH and former huntsman for Keswick Hunt Club, delivered the induction remarks for his long-time friend and mentor Sherman Haight. The presentation for Andrew Barclay was made

by Ned Halle, ex-MFH Green Spring Valley Hounds.

The late John White was represented by his granddaughter, Molly Murphy White. [The following profiles are excerpts from the biographies that appeared in the Induction Ceremony commemorative brochure.]

Sherman P. Haight, Jr., MFH, Litchfield County Hounds 1948-1981 Born in 1922, Haight began his foxhunting career at an early age with his parents, following Connecticut’s Watertown Hunt. A keen student of venery with an intense appreciation for the Foxhound, Sherman was born to be a foxhunter. He followed Watertown Huntsmen Jack Prestage and Edward Drever until the outbreak of WWII, when he enlisted in the 7th Cavalry, serving through the South Pacific. A severe wound, followed by a year in hospital, ended Lt. Haight’s Army career.

During the war years, the Watertown Hunt faced disbandment; however, thanks to the foresight and generosity of local sportsman Walter Howe, the pack was saved—kenneled and maintained at the Howe farm. In 1948 Mr. Howe donated the pack to Sherman and his brother Freddie, and it became Mr. Haight’s Litchfield County Hounds. For thirty-four seasons, until 1981, Sherman carried the horn with distinction, showing excellent sport both at home and in Aiken, South Carolina.

Sherman was also instrumental in the formation of the U. S. Pony Club, and thus many a youngster was introduced to foxhunting riding on Sherman’s coattails.

Sherman has an uncanny eye for hound conformation, and for forty years was one of the most respected hound show judges in the country. In the 1960s a Standards Committee was formed to set the conformation guidelines for judging foxhounds. Committee members Sherman, Wilbur Ross Hubbard, Fletcher Harper, and William Almy (MFHA President at the time) met at Mrs. Haight, Sr.’s 5th Avenue apartment, where Peggy Haight, Sherman’s wife, presented two couple of Sherman’s hounds as models. The Foxhound Standard that resulted stood for twenty years until the mid-1980s, when Sherman again headed a committee consisting of Bill Brainard, Ben Hardaway, and Jake Carle to make revisions. That standard remains in place today.

In 1978 Sherman was elected President of the MFHA. A born leader, his term was one of the most pleasant and successful in that organization’s long history.

In 1985 Sherman joined Dr. Joe Rogers and Paul Krauss to form the Museum of Hounds and Hunting at Morven Park in Leesburg, Virginia. Sherman not only founded the Huntsmen’s Room, but also drew up the

standards necessary for induction, ensuring that only the truly worthy are ever considered. It is so very fitting that Sherman Haight now joins his peers in his beloved Huntsmen’s Room. A gentleman of “the old school” and a true sportsman in every sense of the word, Sherman epitomizes the standard recognized and honored today.

Andrew Barclay, Green Spring Valley Hounds, 1981-2001 Andrew Barclay was born in Norwalk, Connecticut, in 1954. When he was three years old, the family moved to the mountains west of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, where his riding career began—albeit very informally on a variety of backyard horses. Blessed with natural ability, Andrew’s riding improved to the point that, at age fourteen, he took up eventing, a sport that held his attention until he discovered foxhunting.

The Rose Tree Foxhunting Club had moved to the York, Pennsylvania, area and here Andrew was introduced to the sport that was to become his life’s work.

For two seasons, Andrew hunted with Rose Tree at every opportunity, serving often as Honorary WhipperIn, until his high school graduation.

In 1974 the Green Spring Valley Hounds were looking for a professional whipper-in to turn hounds to Huntsman George Leslie Grimes, and Andrew’s work at Rose Tree earned him a recommendation. Les Grimes, a 2001 inductee into the Huntsmen’s Room, was one of the country’s best huntsmen, a perfectionist in all things and a stern taskmaster. He instilled in his willing pupil a reverence for perfection in all aspects of his chosen vocation.

In his third season, Andrew was faced with the daunting task of carrying the horn when Les was hurt.

It was apparent from the beginning that this young man was born to the task. In 1981 failing health led to the end of Les Grimes’s 35-year career, and he retired, handing the horn to young Barclay.

Thus began a legendary twenty-year career, during which the Green Spring Valley Hounds set the standard for excellence throughout the foxhunting world.

At home, in the field, and at competitions, they were exemplary. With Andrew Barclay at the helm, this pack showed astounding sport across the stiffest hunting country, followed by the most capable and demanding fields ever to crowd hounds’ heels. But showing sport under such trying conditions comes at a steep price; and, in 2001, the cumulative effects from injuries incurred in some devastating falls led to Andrew’s retirement. He left as his legacy excellence in all aspects of the Huntsman’s vocation and a standard against which all hunts will long be measured.

“I was so damn lucky to fall in where, when and with whom I did,” Andrew says. “All the World War II guys—the Greatest Generation—were still hunting. It was hunting at its best, with the best of people. I’ve been truly blessed.”

In 2006 the Masters of Foxhounds Association began their Professional Development Program. Mr. Barclay was selected to serve as the chief instructor and mentor of those who enter the program, a position he holds today. No better teacher or role model could possibly be found.

IN & AROUND HORSE COUNTRY • SUMMER 2015

Following the induction ceremony, visitors enjoyed the works of featured artist Wallace W. (Wally) Nall, III. Over 60 of his works from his Middleburg years are on display through June 28, 2015.

William John White, Jr., Brandywine Hounds, 1946-1996 William John White, Jr.—or “Johnny,” as he was fondly called—was born in 1918 and was raised on a dairy farm. An athletic young man, he was scouted by and played for the Kingsport Cherokees, a semi-pro team. John played for them until his father called him back to the farm, thus ending a potentially promising baseball career.

When John was 27 years old he was drafted into the U.S. Army. He served as a rifle instructor and was awarded the World War II Victory Medal.

Once discharged, he purchased a 120-acre farm along the Brandywine River in Pocopson Township. In 1946 he answered an ad in the local paper for a stable hand at Brandywine Meadow Farm, home of the Mather family and the Brandywine Hounds.

Johnny was hired and quickly worked his way from the barn to the kennel; by 1948 he was listed as a whipper-in on the Brandywine Hound list. Johnny was a quick study, and a bond of friendship and mutual respect rapidly formed between him and Gilbert Mather, MFH and Huntsman. Every passing season brought improvement for Johnny in his whipping and hunting abilities.

In 1959, upon Gilbert’s death, Jane M. Sullivan, his youngest daughter, became the third master of Brandywine Hounds. Jane and her husband Jeremiah John Sullivan III decided to sell Brandywine Meadow Farm but maintain the Brandywine Hounds as a private pack. This required relocating the kennels and finding a suitable location turned out to be a difficult task, one that extended over four years.

In 1964 John suggested to Mrs. Sullivan that perhaps hounds could be moved to his dairy farm. Mrs. Sullivan bought ten acres from John and built the kennels, with an interior floor plan identical to its model, the Belvoir kennels in England.

When Johnny single-handedly roaded the pack from Brandywine to the new kennel, he remarked that the hounds went into their pens as if they had never lived anywhere else. The Brandywine Hounds had a new home.

On good scenting days followers had to be extra alert, because Johnny, being a quiet huntsman, would only blow his horn once or twice and then turn his horse into the woods and vanish. He had an uncanny ear for each hound’s voice. This gave him the ability to know when to hark them forward or stop them. It was these skills that gave Johnny that ability to stay with his hounds and provide great sport.

John White pursued every activity in the same workmanlike manner; he was a gentleman and a friend to all who knew him. Through 50 years of dedication and hard work, he not only allowed the Brandywine Hounds to survive but had provided fourth and fifth generations with a deep understanding and appreciation for the sport of foxhunting.

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(l-r) Peggy Haight, Mary Armstrong (the Haights’ daughter), and Sherman Haight, ex-MFH and Huntsmen’s Room Inductee.

Andrew Barclay’s brilliant 20-year career as Huntsman for Green Spring Valley Hounds earned him a place in the MHHNA Huntsmen’s Room.

(l-r) Daphne Wood, MFH, Live Oak Hounds (FL), Jacqueline Mars, Orange County Hounds (VA).

(l-r) Meg Gardner, ex-MFH Middleburg Hunt; Gail Wofford, ex-MFH Piedmont Fox Hounds.

(l-r) Dr. Marvin Beeman, MFH and Huntsman, Arapahoe Hunt (CO), and Jim Meads, worldrenowned foxhunting photographer.

Tony Leahy, MFH and Huntsman, Fox River Valley Hunt and Massbach Hounds, added his personal reminiscences to the induction ceremony.

Ned Halle, ex-MFH Green Spring Valley Hounds, spiced his respectful presentation of inductee Andrew Barclay with several amusing anecdotes that elicited chuckles from the standing-room-only crowd.

With the presentation ceremonies complete, the attendees were invited to tour the Museum of Hounds & Hunting North America in the Morven Park Mansion, which features the newly opened exhibition Wallace Nall – From Imagination and From Life. More than 60 paintings are included in this exhibition, all lent from local private collections. Many are commissioned portraits, some of which have never been publically displayed. The works are from Nall’s Middleburg years, 1971 to 2003, and feature a host of leading figures—both riders and horses—from the showing, racing, and hunting worlds.

The Museum is celebrating the 30th anniversary of its mission to preserve and Rita Mae Brown, MFH; Terry Paine, MFH; display the art and artifacts of mounted hunting in North America. The doors are open from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm Thursday through Sunday. For more information, Lynn Lloyd, MFH; and Arie M. Rijke, Master of visit www.MHHNA.org or call 703-777-2414 ext. 0.

Waldingfield Beagles.

Jim Meads photo

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IN & AROUND HORSE COUNTRY • SUMMER 2015

HOUND SHOWS

The Camden Hunt Hosts the 39th Annual Carolinas’ Hound Show Courtesy The Camden Hunt

Hillsboro “Graphic” ’14, Grand Champion of Show, Champion Crossbred, Champion Bitch Hound, pictured with professional whipper-in Leilani Hrisko and judges Tony Leahy and Dr. Jack van Nagel. David Traxler photo

Lincoln Saddler with Entwhistle Village Beagles competing in the Beagle/Basset Pack class. David Traxler photo

The 39th annual Carolinas’ Hound Show was held on Saturday, May 9, 2015. The event, hosted by The Camden Hunt, took place at the Springdale Race Course in Camden, South Carolina.

Festivities kicked off Friday evening with the show’s customary Salute the Hounds dinner and party. Dinner was preceded by the Hunt Terriers classes, where Tennessee Valley Hunt Ryan Johnsey’s little “Rory” was awarded the tri-color.

The Hollerin’ competition and Horn Blowing contest followed dinner. Boo Montgomery of Bull Run Hunt took first place in the hollerin’ competition and Low Country Hunt’s Martyn Blackmore was awarded first place for horn blowing.

The Show proper began on Saturday at 9:00 a.m. Though early forecasts predicted rain, the day turned out to be a beautiful one of abundant sunshine with a light breeze and temperatures in the low 80s. The competition began with Penn-Marydel, English, Crossbred, American, and Beagle & Basset dog hounds. Junior Handler and Performance Trial Hound classes commenced after the judging of all dog hounds. This year, eleven junior handlers, from two to seventeen years old, competed in three classes. The judging of bitch hound classes then followed.

The show concluded with seven foxhound and four beagle/basset hunts competing in Pack classes. First place in the foxhound breeds class went to Ryan Johnsey of Tennessee Valley Hunt, and to Lincoln Sadler of Entwhistle Village Beagles in the foot pack class.

We were pleased to have Charles Montgomery, Bull Run Hunt of Virginia, judging Penn-Marydels; Marion Thorne, MFH, Genesee Valley Hunt of New York judging both English and American foxhounds; Andrew Barclay, former huntsman of Green Spring Valley Hounds of Maryland, judging Crossbred foxhounds; and John Ike, MFH, Millbrook Hunt of New York, judging Beagle & Basset hounds.

Jack van Nagell, MFH, Iroquois Hunt of Kentucky, and Tony Leahy, MFH Fox River Valley and Massbach Hounds of Illinois, judged the Performance Trial, UE Champion, Pack, Junior, and Overall Championship classes.

In all, fourteen foxhound packs and five beagle/basset hound packs exhibited at the 39th annual Carolinas’ Hound Show, boasting over four hundred entries across one hundred classes. Aiken Hounds led American classes with seven wins, though the American champion classes went to the Keswick Hunt Club for its “Saracen” ’12 and “Sequin” ’12.

Moore County Hounds snapped up nine blue ribbons in the Penn-Marydel classes along with champion bitch; however, Aiken Hounds garnered the champion dog as well as champion Penn-Marydel foxhound this year with its “Raley” ’14.

Crossbred class wins were fairly well-distributed between Why Worry Hounds, Low Country Hunt, and Hillsboro Hounds, except that the dog, bitch, and Crossbred foxhound championships all went to Hillsboro Hounds for its “Kingpin” ’11 and “Graphic” ’14. Hillsboro Hounds dominated the English classes, taking home ten blue ribbons as well as the three champion tri-colors.

This year’s Show Grand Champion Foxhound was awarded to Hillsboro Hounds’ “Graphic” ’14. And the Huntsman’s Trophy, awarded to the huntsman with the highest number of points at the show, once again, went to John Gray, also of Hillsboro Hounds.

The 40th annual Carolinas’ Hound Show will be held Ryan Johnsey and his Tennessee Valley Hunt pack accepting on Saturday, May 7, 2016. the Foxhound Pack class ribbon and trophy. David Traxler photo

IN & AROUND HORSE COUNTRY • SUMMER 2015

Wonderful Hunt Horses For Sale The Cowgirls are seasoned hunt horses with six years of experience. They can be ridden by a lady, junior, or gentleman. Their resume includes hunting in Maryland, Virginia, and North Carolina.

They are easy to ride and many riders have enjoyed trail rides, cross-country, and basic ring work. They can be ridden together or in separate fields at the same hunt. We have also used them as babysitters during the hunt for novice TB hunting horses. Unfortunately, due to recent surgery, I can no longer ride them. They are $25K apiece. Easy keepers and shippers as well. They have not missed one day of hunting since we had them and they normally hunt twice a week. They are lovely together but they can be sold separately.

Please email at tallyhofoxhunter@aol.com or call (301) 943-3207

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IN & AROUND HORSE COUNTRY • SUMMER 2015

FOXHUNTING

Billy Dodson Retires as Thornton Hill Hounds Huntsman Story and Photos by John J. Carle II, ex-MFH

Their final farewell: Jeff LeHew, MFH and Huntsman Billy Dodson.

Whipper-in Charlie Brown.

Fieldmaster First Flight Jeff LeHew, MFH.

For the final time, Billy Dodson takes his hounds back to the kennel after a day’s hunting.

Joint Master Jeff LeHew presents Billy Dodson a plaque commemorating 17 years as huntsman.

In 1998 Larry LeHew and a handful of ing will have to change: coyotes are Rappahannock Hunt members formed unrelentingly pushing foxes out of the the Thornton Hill Hounds. The fledgcountry, and Billy is a foxhunter. “I’ll ling hunt would likely have died anever hunt coyotes; I’ll retire first,” borning were it not for one man: Billy we’ve all heard him say. The countryDodson agreed to come aboard as side itself is changing, with restrictions Huntsman. This Rappahannock County making it increasingly harder to hunt. native grew up with hounds and horses: And, over the last few seasons, the hunt both his father Ollie and older brother itself has undergone some drastic Jimmy carried the horn for the Rappachanges. A tough decision, but the time hannock Hunt in its halcyon days under was right. the mastership of the legendary James Billy’s last day was Sunday, Billy Dodson.

W. “Jim Bill” Fletcher; and Billy March 29, with the Meet at Bill hunted the pack during Jimmy’s Vietnam service. Fletcher’s. It evolved into a disappointing hunting Billy had whipped in at Rappahannock for years, but day, bereft of scent. An early, sharp run from Five more recently had gone to Warrenton to turn hounds Forks thicket died abruptly within a mile in the to his brother-in-law, Jim Atkins. windswept pastures at Heather Marsh’s “Turkey Bill Fletcher had inherited “Thornton Hill Farm” Run.” For nearly two more hours Billy drew the from his father, and enthusiastically welcomed the cream of the country, with only an occasional murnew hunt to his property. After making several design mur from the pack. Then, drawing the eastern slope of changes to the relatively new kennel, Billy set about Mason Mountain en route to the kennel, hounds building a pack of foxhounds. Packs far and wide busted loose a brace and, settling on one (apparently gave hounds, not all of which were of high quality. a vixen), were away with the signature roar for which Only Jim Atkins and Dr. Todd E. “Doc” Addis, from this pack is so famous. It was a short run, but at breakPennsylvania, sent really good hounds. Included in neck speed, from atop Mason to the dense locust the Warrenton draft was the Crossbred bitch “Kato” thicket along Route 522. Pushed hard, their pilot then (“the best hound I ever hunted,” Billy often re- turned across the open hillside hayfield and flew tomarked), from whom sprang the strongest lines in the ward the Thornton Hill racecourse. With the pack kennel. Addis’s Warwick Village Hounds are all Penn- breathing Hell’s fire on her brush, she went to ground Marydel blood, and they found hunting the rugged in her home earth along the overgrown fencerow diRappahannock hills to their liking. The new kennel rectly behind the kennel. For this never-quit pack and soon bulged with over 100 hounds, of which Billy Huntsman, it was a fine way to end both a tough seadrafted two-thirds. Building on the best he’d kept, son and a sterling career.

Billy soon had the Thornton Hill Hounds showing What Billy will be remembered for is not only surprising sport. And they continued to improve, until the truly exceptional sport he so consistently showed, they were consistently enjoying some of the best but the example he set of hunting at its purest: hunthunting in Virginia, which made Sperryville, Virginia, ing for the love of hounds, and for the fox as well. He a de rigeur destination for out-of-state and local fox- has been a wonderful ambassador for our sport, welhunters alike. coming children and beginners, encouraging new Billy was always well-mounted—which was a landowners and ever cooperating with farm managers far cry from his first hunt: bareback on a purloined to ensure that our sport never interfered with their work horse! With the natural eye for a horse, Billy livelihood. And he had a wonderful, keen knack for was also renowned for selling good field hunters ear- defrocking poseurs and phonies; if you’re not a real lier in his career. He has a knack for getting along with foxhunter, don’t stop by the tack room after hunting! difficult horses, and he was usually seen hunting forBilly Dodson is a unique character, a dedicated mer hurdle and timber horses that local trainers found Huntsman, and the truest of friends to those who have too bothersome to further deal with. earned his respect. We’ll not see his likes again.

Billy was—and still is, retired or not—a natural Beth Opitz Huntsman, one of the last of the old Virginia type. Un- (“Doc” Addis’s like some Huntsmen, all show and no go, who con- daughter) carries stantly call attention to themselves instead of their the horn next seahounds, Billy’s focus was always on the pack. He son. We all wish used both horn and voice sparingly, encouraging her the very best hounds to do on their own what they were bred for. of hunting luck in There were no frills about the man, just honest effort what is a truly that produced spectacular results. Whether afield in daunting underscarlet at a midseason joint meet, in bib overalls in taking. Just hunt July or plowing through two feet of new snow in in- your foxhounds sulated Carharts, he hunted his beloved hounds with as you hunt your the same dedication and deft touch every time. beagles, Beth, Billy had talked of retirement in vague terms for and the Thornton a while (and his listeners always changed the sub- Hill Hounds will ject!), but this season, marked by inevitable changes, continue to march Huntsman-Elect Beth Addis Optiz. convinced him that the dreaded time had come. Hunt- forward!

IMAGINE THE POSSIBILITIES The allure of foxhunting is found in its possibilities. The certainties are few, the unknowns infinite. From the moment hounds move off to close of day, it’s an unscripted tale that unfolds minute by minute. That’s what we love about the sport—the balance of traditional certainties with the thrill of possibilities.

At Horse Country, we bring that same allure to your shopping experience. We strive to find innovative ways to meet your needs for hunt attire, tack, country clothing, gifts, and much more. Pick a starting point, and then let your imagination follow the line. Like a good day afield, endless possibilities await.

Photograph: www.JanetHitchenPhotography.com

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HOUND SHOWS

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Idyll With Ian

By John J. Carle II, ex-MFH

For any judge of foxhounds, the knowledge that your next assignment will be to share the ring with a man recognized by a majority of those who consider such things to be the best judge in the world of these superb animals presents both a daunting challenge and an exciting prospect. Captain Ian Farquhar, Joint Master and Former Huntsman at the Duke of Beaufort’s Hounds, is the man in question; and to say that he is a giant in his field would be an unforgivable understatement. A former Master and Huntsman at the Bicester (to which venue has recently gone former Blue Ridge Huntsman, Guy Allman), Ian has dedicated his life—from earliest childhood to the present—to horse and hound. While in the army, he played polo, often and well, while fitting hunting in whenever and wherever possible. Her Majesty’s service demands satisfied, Ian took up hunting full time, following in his father’s footsteps with an intensity, passion, and the innate skill of a spiritual son of Gryllus*. Intimate with every aspect of the intricacies of providing superior sport, Captain Farquhar has become one of the premier breeders of English hounds in the world. He is a walking encyclopedia of foxhound pedigrees—infallible on English lines, and more knowledgeable about American families than many Masters this side of the Pond. As a judge, he is in constant demand at the major shows throughout the British Isles, all of which he has often judged. Furthermore, if he has agreed to judge one’s puppy show, said event has instant five-star approval. And, amidst all this foxhound business, he has miraculously found time to ride races and run marathons. There are many legendary figures in the foxhunting world; but more often than not, the legends contain more myth than fact. Ian is a man whose achievements surpass the legend. The prospect of judging with this man is what kept me awake nights—not with a chill of foreboding, but rather with a tingle of anticipation.

The occasion of our judging was the ninth annual Southern Hound Show, hosted by C. Martin Wood III and Daphne Flowers Wood, Joint Masters of the Live Oak Hounds, and held at the kennels on their idyllic Live Oak Plantation near Monticello, Florida. The show’s history may be short in years, but its prestige is huge: within this ring will annually be found a distillation of the best blood and quality of foxhounds. Held the second Saturday in April (incidentally, the day of the Grand National at Aintree), the show serves as an accurate preview, especially in the uncharted realm of the Unentered classes, of the quality to be seen in the English and Crossbred rings at the rest of the year’s major shows.

Pat and I flew from Charlottesville, Virginia, to Tallahassee, where we expected to meet the Farquhars. However, they were held up by the officiousness of Customs in Atlanta, and arrived later, jet-lagged and exhausted. Their discomfort was soon relieved by the cooling effects of some fine single-malt, and soon we all gathered for a delightful dinner party. Among those present were Joint Masters Mercer Fearington and Dr. John Reynolds, who saved me from being shot by an irate landowner years ago, when I’d taken my hounds to Kentucky, where John whipped-in to Charlie Walker at the Woodford. Also here was Gage Ogden, who had provided me a superb mount for a memorable and wildly exciting coyote hunt with the Live Oak back in the nineties. Ian and I had met when he’d judged at the Virginia Hound Show and, later, when we’d judged at Bryn Mawr—he in the English ring, I in the American. We managed to abruptly close down the after-show party when, after toasting each other, we fell backward off the stone wall surrounding George Hundt, Sr.’s patio. We thought we’d choreographed it rather well—like a well-schooled hunt team—but our hostess was not amused! Pat and I were both enchanted with Mrs. Farquhar—Pamela Jane, more often “Pami-Jane” or simply “P.J.”—a woman with a sly, mischievous smile that reflects her wonderfully dry wit. It was, indeed, Some Enchanted Evening.

Friday was a whirlwind of activity: a tour of the hunting country en route to shopping in the lovely town of Thomasville, Georgia, where we were fascinated

by Harden’s Taxidermy Shop and enthralled by Kevin’s Sporting Emporium; then lunch at the country club, followed by a much-needed nap before the evening’s barbeque. Having seen the mounted heads of two huge boars in Marty’s study, whose frightening tusks gave authentic promise to writer Roger Pinkney’s prediction that wild hogs will “cut you high, wide and often,” I assumed our table fare was from a wild pig brought to account by his hounds. But our meal was from a domestic source, because an increasing percentage of wild swine are infected with “false rabies”—a disease new to me that is fatal to dogs and, presumably, people. It proved to be a delightful evening, featuring delicious food, energetic music, and endless camaraderie: the perfect preview for the morrow.

Saturday’s skies were a-glower with storm clouds, with dire predictions flashing on various weather channels, and Marty realized that Ian’s and my rain gear was woefully inadequate, so quickly outfitted us in impervious Australian riding gear. And good he did! We were okay till near noon.

The first class of the day took us a while to sort out for at least three reasons.

Grand Champion Hound Live Oak "Fanfare" with (l-r) Daphne Flowers Wood, MFH, Live Oak Hounds; Captain Ian Farquar, MFH, Duke of Beaufort's Hounds; C. Martin Wood, III, MFH, Live Oak Hounds; Dale Barnett, Huntsman, Live Oak Hounds. Photo courtesy of Live Oak Hounds.

First off, going in, neither of us knew what the other would be looking for; however, in short order, we realized we not only liked the same type of hound, but were looking for the same faults. Secondly, as Ian remarked, this is the class “where you get your eye in!” And thirdly, the quality of the young entry presented was astounding: no one had bad hounds, so we’d best not make a mistake! So excellent were the Unentered hounds that their classes provided both Reserve Champion Dog and Bitch—with a reversed pinning order not likely to raise many eyebrows! The Entered classes were well-filled—31 dogs, 32 bitches—and as full of quality as could be found anywhere. In overall excellence, the Entered Bitch class was perhaps the best I’ve ever judged. One gratifying fact quickly emerged: no one pack was going to do all the winning at this show.

This proved particularly true in the very important Couples and Two-Couple classes, where the depth of quality in a kennel can be ascertained, in addition to the Stallion with Get and Bitch with Produce classes. And the hunts that are on a rebuilding program are obviously on the right track—and a fast one. What this reflects, I think, is a trend nationwide: many Masters and especially Huntsmen are no longer content with the status quo; they are making a serious effort to improve their packs by taking advantage of all the excellent blood available these days.

By the time we reached the respective championships, Ian and I were very much of one mind, and our choices were made quickly. Live Oak’s large and impressive English dog, “Salvo” ’13 (LOH “Farrier” ’10 x their “Sarah” ’10) edged Midland’s unentered Crossbred, “Striker” (MFH “Rocket” ’11 x their Mooreland Staffordshire [UK] “Stunning” ’11).

And Live Oak’s English brood bitch, “Fanfare” ’10 (LOH “Architect” ’04 x their “Famous” ’06) got the nod over Midland’s impressive unentered bitch, “Shilo,” litter sister to “Striker.” The Unentered Championship proved to be “Shilo’s” for the taking: her grace across the ring was pure poetry. Given a year to mature, she’ll be nearly unbeatable. Then “Salvo” and “Fanfare” pranced into the ring, and gave a balletic performance, each floating across the spacious ring before standing at attention for Live Oak Huntsman Dale Barnett. Ian and I looked at each other, broke into huge grins, and simultaneously pointed at “Fanfare.” The light-colored English bitch has it all: elegance, presence and grace.

She carries her years effortlessly and with youthful enthusiasm. When she moves she seems to merely kiss the grass, like the passing of a soft breeze. It was an honor to judge her.

Neither of us wanted to see the show end, as we stood mid ring staring in rapture at “Fanfare.” It had been a wonderful day—and we only got wet finishing up the doghounds, as the worst of a real “frawg-strangler” fell during lunch. For our young Apprentice, Radnor Joint Master Andrea Herr, to start judging at the top had to be daunting, but she clung to Ian’s every word and, by show’s end, hopefully had absorbed some most useful wisdom.

To be asked to judge this show was a huge honor, but to judge with a man I’ve so admired over the years was over the top! The wonderful hospitality at Live Oak is unmatched, and the happy throng that filled the Woods’ extraordinary home after the show took full advantage. Did I mention the quail casserole? Two notches I had to let out on my new diamond-back belt! Oh, and “Many Clouds” won the Grand National! *Note: Gryllus was father of Xenophon and author of A Treatise on Hunting with Hounds, or simply On Hunting.

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IN & AROUND HORSE COUNTRY • SUMMER 2015

HOUND SHOWS

New Market-Middletown Valley “Widget” Scores Double Wins at Bryn Mawr

By John J. Carle II, ex-MFH The 101st Bryn Mawr Hound Show featured new faces in its most critical management roles. At the end of last year, both Chairman George Hundt, Jr. and Show Secretary Kris Bartosiak announced their well-earned retirements, which had the potential to founder the show. However, Anson W. H. “Lance” Taylor, III bravely donned the chairman’s robes; but he soon realized, as had all his predecessors, that a suit of armor might have been a better choice of attire.

He faced a steep learning curve, but one quickly mastered, so that he resolved both major problems and teapot tempests with equal grace and diplomacy. Kim Bartosiak’s Judges (l-r) Back Row: Hugh Robards, ex-MFH (English); Jake Carle, ex-MFH (CB); Ciaran Murphy (CB); giant shoes took two ladies to fill, but Nancy Danks and Stanley D. Petter, Jr. (Beagles). Middle Row: Former Show Chairman, George Hundt, Jr.; Daphne Wood, MFH Catherine Klaus combined talents to master what is prob(Grand Champion Foxhound & Best of Show); Emily Ro- ably the toughest—and certainly most critical—job in show bards (Jr. Handlers); Joan Jones, ex-MFH, (American); Andrew Barclay (American). Front Row: Mason Lamp- management, that of Entry Secretary. And an admirable job ton, MFH (PMD); C. Martin Wood, MFH (Bassets). they did! So once again, this grand old show “just seemed to run itself.”

Friday night’s pre-show festivities were…well, festive! To no one’s real surprise Sewickley’s John Tabachka once again won the professional horn-blowing, this time edging his nemesis, Potomac’s Huntsman-elect, Brian Kiely, who had defeated him in Virginia the previous week for national honors. Skycastle Bassets’ Jim Scharnberg won amateur plaudits. Then Sewickley Huntsman Tabachka won the popular whip-cracking competition (Mounted section), with footpack honors going to Lee Reeser. And thanks to the wonderful Radnor Hunt Club kitchen staff, dinner was as delicious as it was delightful. Laissez les bons temps rouler!

Crossbred Championship Class, New Market-Middleton Valley, “Widget.” (l-r) Dr. Michele McKenna; L. Stockton Illoway, MB; Katharine Byron, MFH; Daphne Wood, MFH; Alasdair Storer.

Winning Crossbred pack, Howard County-Iron Bridge with Huntsman Kelly Burdge.

American Champion, Orange County Hounds “Manic” ’13 with Fiona Anderson and judge Daphne Wood, MFH.

American Foxhounds Understandably, the number of packs showing was down from the Centennial year—from twelve to six—but most of the regulars were out in force. Most glaringly among the missing was perennial stalwart, Essex; but a new pack made its debut when Theresa Miller, MFH, brought north her Red Oak Foxhounds, successor to disbanded Reedy Creek, from Rawlings, Virginia. And, of course, Orange County and Potomac renewed their raucous rivalry.

Orange County drew first blood in Unentered Dogs, when Virginia winner “Kermit” edged Potomac brothers “Ace” and “Acrobat.” Sewickley “Ralph” ’14 was a surprise winner in Entered Dogs. This pack and Red Oak are the only packs currently showing that have retained some of Jim Culleton’s Reedy Creek blood. OCH “Patey” ’14 repeated his 2nd placing in Virginia ahead of Potomac “Telford” ’12. Bryn Mawr has always been Potomac “Templeton’s” show, and judges Joan Jones, ex-MFH, Virginia Foxhound Club President, and Andrew Barclay, former Green Spring Valley Huntsman (and latest Huntsmen’s Room inductee), placed the 2012 entry atop the Stallion Hound podium, above kennelmate “Kadillac” ’12 and Millbrook “Warcry” ’11. “Templeton” won with his get in a walkover. Then, as he did in his unentered year, he grabbed the Lawrence E. Jones Champion Doghound Trophy over Sewickley “Ralph” ’14.

Potomac opened the bitch class bidding with very strong hands. They went 1-2 in Unentered with “Accolade” (“Templeton’s” daughter) and “Wicket,” leaving third to OCH “Teacup.” Virginia winner (and Bitch Champion) Potomac “Keystone” ’14 repeated in Entered Bitch, with littermate “Keebler” in second, and another littermate, Millbrook “Karat,” in third. OCH stormed back to sweep Brood Bitch honors with “Pernod” ’11 (also 2014 winner), “Tetley” ’10, and “Measle” ’12. Huntsman Reg Spreadborough then spoiled the Potomac party when he brought back 2014 Champion Bitch OCH “Manic” ’13 (Potomac

“Jefferson” ’05 x OCH “Matchbox” ’07) to ease “Keystone” into the Reserve seat.

In what some people saw as a mild upset, “Manic” then won the second American Foxhound Bowl, ending abruptly Potomac’s nine-year championship run. “Templeton” settled for Reserve.

Larry Pitts made his last hound show appearance as Potomac Huntsman a winning one, when his five couple put on a classically happy and enthusiastic performance to win the Pack Class ahead of Millbrook. It was a fitting farewell to a man whose career with hounds, both afield and on the flags, has been as brilliant as that of any man who has ever carried the horn throughout the annals of American foxhunting. We’ll not see his likes again; but he leaves us with a shining legacy and uncountable happy memories. Thank you, Larry, and Good Hunting!

Penn-Marydel Foxhounds Bryn Mawr adheres to the traditional Listed and Registered designations in the Penn-Marydel ring, with separate champions; and they also allow non-MFHA packs to show—a popular move locally. Jack Dougherty’s Lewisville kennel produced Listed Unentered Dog winner, “Kingpin” and then went 1-2 with Unentered Bitches, “Kiwi” and “Katy.”

Newcomer Red Oak won Entered Dog with their “Angler” ’14 (a son of Reedy Creek “Soda” ’10) ahead of Andrews Bridge “Lawyer” ’11 and Golden’s Bridge “Grant” ’10.

Andrews Bridge “Oboe” ’14 (AB “Lawyer” ’11 x Lewisville “Olivia” ’08) won Entered Bitch, then the Listed tricolor, repeating her 2014 success.

Millbrook successfully entered the fray in the Registered division by winning Unentered Dog with “Focus” (both of whose parents are named “Zipper,” Longreen and Millbrook, respectively). Golden’s Bridge “Lord” and Andrews Bridge “Pinecone” followed. GB snatched the blue in Entered Dogs and a ticket to the Promised Land when their “Farmer” ’14 won over AB “Online” ’14 and Rose Tree “Xavier” ’12. GB “Riley” ’10 repeated his 2012 and 2014 wins as Best Stallion Hound, topping kennelmate “Utah” ’13 and Kimbarton “Earthquake” ’10. The young dog then put the GB prefix on the Peter and Claudia Somers Memorial Trophy as Champion Registered Dog, their sixth win in a row. Millbrook “Focus” took Reserve.”

Golden’s Bridge never slowed when judging the bitches began. Their “Poppy” beat out Marlborough’s “Virginia” and AB “Pink” for Unentered honors. Then, showing the depth of their breeding program, they pulled out a substitute Entered Bitch, “Fortuitous” ’14 (“Farmer’s” sister) to put AB “Orion” ’14 and “Motion” ’12 in her rearview mirror. The North Salem, NY, kennel then won both Couple and Two Couple classes. In Brood Bitch, Sewickley won with Reedy Creek “Riddle” ’09 over Rose Tree “Ura” ’09 and GB “Sequence” (last year’s champion bitch).

The Bitch Championship was all Golden’s Bridge with “Poppy” edging “Fortuitous” for the tricolor. She also was named Unentered Champion. However, it was “Farmer” ’14 to whom judge Mason Lampton, MFH, tipped his Panama, and whose name went on the Kirkwood Farms Championship Trophy—the fifth GB winner in a row. “Poppy” was Reserve Champion.

Marlborough “Onyx” ’08 proved spryest of the geriatrics in the Veterans class, doddering ahead of Rose Tree “Shuppy” ’07 and AB “Jury” ’09.

Marlborough, with a trademark performance for Huntsman Jim Faber, ex-MFH, repeated their Virginia Pack Class win. GB and AB made it close.

IN & AROUND HORSE COUNTRY • SUMMER 2015

English Foxhounds Only five packs competed for English honors, with perennial powerhouse Blue Ridge, who had an excellent Virginia show, sadly among the missing. If numbers were down, it mattered not, for quality was sky-high throughout, making judge Hugh Robards’ job enjoyably intense. To make things even more pleasant for this legendary Huntsman, Mr. Robards’ beloved Limerick/Belvoir blood flowed throughout many pedigrees on parade in his ring.

Veteran Huntsman Martyn Blackmore is in only his first season at Charleston, South Carolina’s Low Country Hunt, but already he is putting them on the show map in bold print. Had General Lee invaded the Keystone State with as sound a plan as Martyn’s, history would have been changed! In the doghound classes, Low Country and Loudoun Fairfax dueled throughout, dominating to such an extent that always-prominent Amwell Valley didn’t win a ribbon until Couple of Unentered Bitches! Low Country gave notice in Unentered Dogs, as littermates “Sniper” and “Sentry” topped the judge’s scorecard ahead of Loudoun Fairfax “Spitfire” (bred by Martyn Blackmore when he carried the Loudoun West horn). Couples honors went to the Deep South as well. Although the Canadian packs no longer travel south, Green Spring Valley’s entry brought a touch of the maple leaf to Entered Dogs when their “Fanshaw” ’14 (Eglinton & Caledon “Noble” ’12 x Toronto & North York “Faithful” ’08) pulled off a power play against LC brothers “Huckleberry” and “Hickory” ’14. LC won the Couples, LF the Two Couple. “Fanshaw” then relegated fellow Marylander GSV “Baily” ’10 (Duke of Beaufort’s “Baily” ’03 x T & NY “Bracken” ’04) to third in Stallion Hound, with LF’s Loudoun West “Essex” ’11 in second. “Essex” and his get were then walkovers. “Fanshaw” swept through the Doghound Championship lineup with the determination of his namesake, Captain Brian of Cottesmore fame, leaving in his wake three-time winner, Amwell Valley “Heythrop” ’08 and 2014 top dog Blue Ridge “Barnfield” ’10 (now residing in the Why Worry kennel). LC “Huckleberry” returned to earn Reserve.

Blue and red ribbons in Unentered Bitch went to Loudoun Fairfax “Simi” and “Speckle” (who won the Couple class as well), with LC “Samantha” wearing the yellow. LC “Huckleberry’s” sisters “Hensbane” and “Hibiscus” ’14 were the only Entered bitches. Amwell Valley finally got on the charts by winning Couple of Entered Bitches ahead of LC, but were second to them in the Two-Couple, yet ahead of LF. Mr. Robards must have loved the Brood Bitch winner, Low Country’s Belvoir “Sacred,” ’09, who is of pure Limerick breeding. Her kennelmate, Holderness “Tealeaf” ’11, was second ahead of AV “Puffin” ’10 (who is by Robardsbred Rolling Rock “Purser” ’03). LC “Hensbane” ’14 overshadowed Amwell Valley’s former champions, “Hectic” ’08 and “Puffin” ’10 for the Bitch Tricolor, easing LF “Simi” into Reserve.

For Champion English Foxhounds, the judge’s gaze fell upon the doghound, as he placed GSV “Fanshaw” ’14 ahead of LC “Hensbane” ’14.

Belvoir “Sacred” ’09 was Veteran winner over an aging AV “Heythrop” ’08.

Best Old English Dog was an all-Low Country lineup, with “Huckleberry” edging “Hickory.” And Old English Bitch honors flew south as well, as Belvoir “Sacred” edged “Hensbane.” Then the younger dog, “Huckleberry” ’14 (Amwell Valley “Hubert” ’05 x Warrenton “Patience” ’07) was awarded the Charles G. Mather Trophy as Champion Old English Foxhound ahead of Belvoir “Sacred” ’09. In five of the past six years, Martyn Blackmore-produced hounds have won this trophy. Indeed, that sly rascal had quite a plan!

Crossbred Foxhounds When Show Chairman Lance Taylor called to ask if I would judge Crossbred Hounds as a substitute for Coleman Perrin, ex-MFH, who had a conflict, I agreed.

Eight packs brought quality entries to every well-

filled class. The Green Spring Valley immediately showed the strength of their doghound lineup, going 12 in Unentered Dog with “Nacho” and “Nailer.” Aiken, SC’s Why Worry grabbed third with “Richmond,” a son of Hillsboro “Jethro” ’08 and grandson of Potomac “Jefferson” ’05. “X-Ray,” from the New Market–Middletown Valley, the smallest pack in number of hounds in kennel in the Crossbred competition, filled fourth spot. GSV’s elegant “Nomad” ’14 opened his account by winning Entered Dog, besting Low Country “Dahoo” ’13, NM-MV “Whiskey” ’14 and Howard County-Iron Bridge “Gatsby” ’14. We knew “Nomad” was one to watch come championship time. The GSV juggernaut overwhelmed the Stallion Hound class, winning with “Woodsman” ’11, third with “Kentucky” ’11, and fourth with “Kernel” ’12. HC-IB “Bidder” ’10 foiled a sweep by taking a well-deserved second.

“Woodsman” also won with his get.

GSV “Nomad” made winning the Doghound Championship look easy against a field made up entirely of his kennelmates. He enthusiastically launched himself across the ring with an enormous, fluid stride that none could match; every inch a champion, he was.

“Nacho” settled for Reserve.

When the judging swung to the distaff side of things, the tide began to turn. Why Worry “Risque” (sister to “Richmond”) topped the Unentered Bitch lineup ahead of GSV “Pinky” (2nd) and “Kiwi” (4th), with HCIB “Julep” in third.

The best class of the day was Entered Bitch, the winner of which, NM-MV “Widget” ’14, got off to a slow start. But she came on stronger as the day progressed, seemingly fresher at day’s end than in the morning. In her debut this day, she beat GSV “Notice” ’14 (2nd) and “Model” (4th) and Blue Mountain “Carmel” ’13. And…she was just getting warmed up!

In 2014 Why Worry “Agatha” ’10 took Brood Bitch honors, and this year her kennelmate, “Really” ’12 followed suit. In her wake trailed Virginia winner, GSV “Seemly” ’11 (also Champion Bitch here in’14) and HC-IB “Zag” ’11. “Really” returned to win with three of her produce.

The Bitch Championship developed into an intense competition between NM-MV “Widget” ’14 and WH “Really” ’12. Why Worry’s bitches are always exceptional movers, but today “Really” was overwhelmed by “Widget,” whose grace and fluid movement are breathtaking. The judges couldn’t wait for the overall championship class; but further business came first.

The Veteran Hound blue went to GSV “Pocket” ’09, a grande dame as well-preserved as any graduate of an Elizabeth Arden Main Chance spa. She edged NMMV “Octane” and “Orca” ’11 and Radnor’s ancient but ambulatory “Witchcraft” ’08.

The judges then high-fived over our choice of NM-MV Huntsman Alasdair Storer as winner of the Robert M. Six Memorial Trophy for best handler. Alasdair did a lovely, quiet job all day, and was especially brilliant in showcasing “Widget’s” exceptional talents.

The competition for Crossbred Champion was as intense as we’d anticipated. GSV “Nomad” shrunk the ring with his huge stride; but “Widget,” amazingly, matched him stride for stride…and, it must be noted, with a touch more grace and balance. One last pose on the boards, and we realized that the extraordinary bitch had, for sure, a slightly better topline and a stronger hind leg. So “Widget” got to pose with her ribbons and silver, doing so with the assured air of a true champion. And yet, you could tell she was so ready to chase more biscuits! Her time would come…

As I stepped out of the ring, Live Oak Joint Master Daphne Wood, who later was to judge the Grand Champion Foxhound and Best of Show classes, stopped me. “That’s one lovely bitch,” she said. “I was so impressed when she won her class at Virginia that I stayed up late looking up her pedigree. And, you know, she traces back to none other than the Duke of Beaufort’s ‘Baily’ ’03. You guys done good!” High praise, indeed.

15 The Crossbred Pack Class proved a bit anticlimactic. Only Howard County-Iron Bridge and Green Spring Valley had entered; and, last minute, GSV scratched. So Alasdair Storer very sportingly cobbled together a pack, and Radnor post-entered, so there’d be a class. Despite, presumably, no practice runs, Alasdair’s pack performed well but bowed to Kelly Burdge’s more prepared HC-IB five couple and Radnor’s homeboys.

The Grand Championship As shadows lengthened across the Radnor racecourse, the air was electric with anticipation awaiting the final two classes. In the Foxhound Grand Championship there seemed almost at once to be a disparity. The American Champion, OCH “Manic” ’13, is a small, almost delicate bitch, a light and graceful mover; but at this later hour her enthusiasm wasn’t in top gear. PMD winner Andrews Bridge “Farmer” ’14, nice as he is, when compared to last year’s phenomenal “Phoenix,” seemed rather average. That left the English and Crossbred winners. GSV “Fanshaw” ’14 is a very large, leggy and imposing doghound, a showman who enjoys his work. He is athletic and graceful, with a seven-league stride, and an almost insufferable air of superiority. As he chased biscuits, he seemed determined to—literally—trample the opposition. But NM-MV “Widget” would have none of it: as fresh as if it were 6:00 in the a.m. rather than p.m., she raced after biscuits like a swooping falcon, the absolute image of effortless grace. Whereas the big dog expended a lot of energy, the bitch, covering the same ground at equal speed, seemed to expend none at all. In the final assessment, her wonderful, smoothly-muscled topline made his back seem rather long and his loin weak in comparison. And once again, she had the superior hind leg. Mrs. Wood, by now totally enraptured with “Widget,” awarded her the Midland Fox Hounds Trophy as Grand Champion Foxhound of the show.

Best in Show The final competition for the John H. Richards, Jr. Memorial Trophy, emblematic of Best in Show, pits the best foxhound, beagle, and basset in a somewhat applesand-oranges free-for-all. In 2012, the first year of the competition, the basset, Ripshin “Norma” ’07, won almost by default. The beagle’s performance was sub-par in the heat; and the foxhound, Potomac “Templeton” ’12, deemed it beneath his dignity to compete with midgets, and simply posed with narcissistic elegance, as little “Norma” put on an all-star show. This year, “Norma’s” son “Noah” ’14, by their grand old “Rattler” ’05, proved as determined as his dam—and just as good a mover. But, unlike “Templeton,” “Widget” took up the challenge with undiminished exuberance, her performance, if anything, improving with every stride. At class’s end, no one could dispute “Widget’s” superiority; and the hillside rang with applause. A beaming Alex Hundt expressed everyone’s sentiments when she said, “I just love it when the little guy wins!”

On hand for the show was outstanding British sporting journalist, the charming Octavia Pollack. Her article on American foxhunting in the May 18th issue of Horse and Hound is a classic. Octavia watched the Crossbred judging intently, and we invited her into the ring for the Championship Class. In a note following the show, she wrote, “…I am very proud that we came to the same conclusion in the Crossbred championship!

I’m glad ‘Widget’ went on to supreme honors, too, she is a beautiful hound. The English dog was a fine-looking example…but ‘Widget’ just had it all.” No one said it better.

Following the show, Ester and Paul Gansky’s “Heartwood Farm” was overflowing with ravenous revelers. As usual, Miss Bessie and her cadre of hustling helpers kept a steady flow of delicious surprises coming from kitchen to patio; but the bartenders were nearly overwhelmed! A great show demands a great celebration…and we all enjoyed both. With thanks to all, we look forward to the 102nd renewal.

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IN & AROUND HORSE COUNTRY • SUMMER 2015

AGA’S SAGAS Spring has sprung, now it’s done.

Summer is here, let us all cheer!

For sticky heat, humidity, Afternoon thunderstorms, And wicked lightning.

Bunsen, Star of the Ring Well, I did get an Oreo for m’efforts. I could smell that from the verra start. In truth, though, I tell ye, ’twas excitin’! Best day at Hound Show I’ve ever had.

Did you get a ribbon?

Okay, that got away from me. But you have to admit it started off well. Just like our summer!

M’laddie did. That’s what mattered most to me.

Since last we gnawed bones together so All I needed was the thrillin’ sound of those apmuch has happened. Shall we talk about the Virplause. ginia Hound show? Let’s do!

It was a fast and furious weekend. The MuAnd the Oreo. seum of Hounds & Hunting NA was putting on a double header: The Huntsmen’s Room Induction Ach, lassie, dinnae think for a moment I did it for and a huge art show opening, 67 paintings by anything other than the joy of that wee bairn.

Wallace “Wally” Nall. There was no talking with Marion. She was crazed. Preparing for the Horse Of course, Bunsen. Whatever your motivation, Country tent display, helping with the Museum Marion was shocked when people came up to her events, and all the while the store was super busy. at the Mansion and told her how good Bunsen Of course, we couldn’t attend the Induction or the and the little boy had been in the ring. She deOpening. We had to stay home. Then, come Sunnied all knowledge of his adventure. (“My Bunday morning, 4 am, the alarm goes off and Marsen? No. He’s locked in a cage just outside the ion rushes us into the car and off we speed to Mansion.”) The boy and his siblings made sure Morven Park. She puts up our crate in a nice Bunsen got back into the crate, and when Marion shady spot near the entrance to the Mansion, finally got back to us, she only saw a sleeping pours us some water and disappears into the Bunsen. All the praise and good wishes exMansion...for the whole day. hausted him. That the leash was improperly tied “Now you two be good, don’t bite anyone, on the crate didn’t register. As she shook her don’t bark and don’t tell tales. I’ll be inside the head, I heard her say, “I knew it was someone Mansion in the Ballroom talking to the visitors else’s Scottie.” and telling them all about Wally and the exhibiWith barely a moment to catch our collection.” In a flash, she was gone— tive breaths, Upperville was upon us. We love for…the…whole…day!

Upperville. It’s become rather a tradition that Bunsen.

Lots of people came by and said hello to us.

Marion judges the Tack Room competition since We were appropriately pleased they recognized the winners receive gift certificates to the store. us. Many had shopped at Horse Country and many of them smelled familiar.

Let me tell you, the competition gets tougher every year! We love riding around Well, the day wore on slowly and it was warm, so I decided to nap. When in the golf cart and seeing what everyone has done to get our attention. This year I awoke, Bunsen was not to be seen. I called, but to no avail. they really went all out and got creative—just look at the pictures on Facebook.

It was hard to decide, but the winners were: 1st Place: St. Brides; 2nd Place: Rushy Aye, lassie, ’twas a lonely time and, I must admit, I’d grown verra bored. Your Marsh; and 3rd Place: Kim Prince. Congratulations and Bunsen and I look forward darlin’ self was asleep and Marion had been gone forever. A wee lad—wearin’ a to helping you make your selections from Horse Country.

There was some rain (it is Upperville after all) but there was also a lot of kennel coat much too big, a velvet hunt cap coverin’ half his head, his cheeks stained with tears—came up to the crate. Ach! The puir thing. He wanted to show sunshine, beautiful horses, smiling faces, nicely turned out exhibitors, well a hound like his brothers and sisters were doin’, but they said he could nae do it dressed spectators, and exciting trips in both the Hunter and Jumper rings. The Upperville Classic on Sunday didn’t disappoint. There were parties of all sorts in as he was such a wee bairn.

I told him I’m nae hound. A Scottish terrier I am, and verra proud of it! But the boxes and the 1853 tent. The winner was Whitney, owned by St. Bride’s Farm, I’d been to dog shows before I was taken into Rescue, so I know a thing or two with rider Ramiro Quintana. Well done!

Now we’re all caught up. Next up are the weekly evening schooling shows, about how the game is played. I nudged the crate latch to give him the idea. Such a quick lad he was! He took the leather lead looped around the crate handle and trail rides, and summer camp for kids. There’s still time to pick up one of our clipped it to m’collar. He lifted me out of the crate, which I must say was verra camp packages so that your child is properly outfitted so they can do their best painful, but I bore it with m’usual Scottish stoicism. Then off we headed to the without breaking Mom and Dad’s budget. Boots, helmet, jodhpurs, paddock hound ring where Junior Handlers were starting to show their hounds to the shoes, and gloves for just $89.95.

We’re overflowing with the latest technical fabrics in shirts, breeches and judges. The Ring Steward tried to block our way, but I could nae let the puir laddie down. I took the leash in m’mouth, gave it a mighty yank, ducked m’head jackets. Now’s the time to update your show outfits. New colors are being seen and, skirtin’ round the steward, pulled m’lad into the ring. The judges—Jean in the hunter rings (can brown boots be far behind?), so see where we can help Roberts, ex-MFH, and Kim Nash, MFH—both gave me a sly wink, waved off the you update your look.

Of course, with the summer heat along come flies. Not to worry. We have Ring Steward, and allowed us to enter. And then…’twas like the olden days! I fly sheets, scrims, masks, and all the chemical and natural fly repellants you could began to strut as I heard the crowd murmur. Just like the old days, I tell ya! ’Twas pure joy to get back into the ring. Faith and bejabbers, all eyes were ever want. We have marvelous fly whisks with natural horse hair for those upon us! I could hear them talking. It was a roaring crowd and I could smell the evening trail rides when all sorts of flying insects want to make your life a mishounds. Pfft hounds; looking at their handlers for a clue what to do next. I knew ery.

So come in and say hello. Enjoy the air conditioning. We’re here Monday m’job. I paraded m’young lad around the ring, stacked myself on the boards, and bounded after the grubby, damp Oreo he pulled from his coat pocket and threw through Saturday to help you find just what you want and even more things you didn’t know you needed. If you have any Oreos on you, I’m sure Bunsen will be for me. happy to strike a pose while you take his picture.

Bunsen, I’m impressed. That was incredibly kind of you. You did all that just to Photogenically yours, make a young boy happy. I’m really quite touched.

Aga

17

IN & AROUND HORSE COUNTRY • SUMMER 2015

POINT-TO-POINTS

Spring Races

By Will O’Keefe Old Dominion Hounds Point-to-Point A year ago when the Old Dominion Hounds Point-toPoint went head-to-head with the Dogwood Classic races in Virginia and the Elkridge Harford Hunt Point-to-Point in Maryland, the Old Dominion Race Committee decided to offer $1,000 incentives to the leading trainer and rider of the day’s races. These rewards were so popular that Old Dominion Hounds Point-to-Point, they were offered again even with the Dogwood Classic The Leeds Manor Virginia Bred/Sired Flat.

Races choosing not to run this year. The leading trainer (l-r) Wahoo (Jacob Roberts, up) – 1st; last year was Jimmy Day, and the leading rider was his Prima Facie (Jeff Murphy, up) – 2nd. Douglas Lees photo stable rider Tom Bennett. Jimmy Day was on hand again with a new stable lad and with five runners, but he faced serious competition from Neil Morris with seven starters.

The first race was the restricted young adult flat race, and Jimmy Day started the day with a win. He saddled Magalen O. Bryant’s Plated, who was ridden by Michael Wagstaff, and won by ½ length over Mint Meadows Farm’s Henry’s Hero (Hazel O’Neil) with Kinross Farm’s King Ting (Zoe Valvo) third. With three furlongs to run Plated and King Ting moved to the front. Plated pulled away from King Ting in the final quarter mile and held off a late rally from Henry’s Hero.

The first division of the novice rider flat race went to Magalen O. Bryant’s Slew’s Best Quality (Brendan Old Dominion Hounds Point-to-Point, Brooks), who was trained by Neil Morris. Slew’s Best The Big Cobbler Amateur/Novice Rider Hurdle.

Quality led all the way and won handily by 1½ lengths (l-r) Acela (Suzanne Stettinius, up) – 2nd; Controlled Neglect over Mrs. Calvin Houghland’s Pierrot Lunaire (Keri (Brendan Brooks, up) – 1st. Douglas Lees photo Brion).

It appeared briefly in the second division of the Old Dominion novice rider flat race that Magalen O. Bryant was going to Hounds complete a hat trick with Smart Rush (Keri Brion), but Point-to-Point, Jean L. Rofe’s Pagan Cat proved to be the spoiler. Smart The Ben Venue Lady Rider Timber. Rush went to the front with a half mile to run, but could I’m Telling not hold off Pagan Cat, who closed well under Michael (Emme Fullilove, Wagstaff to win by 1½ lengths. up) – 1st.

Neil Morris moved to the lead in the trainer’s race Douglas Lees photo when Sara E. Collette’s Wahoo (Jacob Roberts) upset Celtic Venture’s Prima Facie (Jeff Murphy) in the Virginia-bred flat race. Prima Facie went to the front with six furlongs to run and entered the stretch on top, but Wahoo, who had been far back early, was on the move. With a sixteenth to run, it became a two horse race, which Wahoo won by ½ length.

It was Jimmy Day’s turn in the amateur novice hurdle race when he saddled the favorite, Ann Braxton JonesLynch’s Controlled Neglect (Brendan Brooks), who had won the amateur novice rider hurdle race at Blue Ridge.

Celtic Venture Stable’s Acela (Suzanne Stettinius) set the pace with Controlled Neglect close behind. These two jumped the third fence from home as a team, but Controlled Neglect quickly took control and won easily by two lengths.

The lady rider timber race was a match race between Emme Fullilove on her I’m Telling and Mint Meadows Farm’s Admiral Bull (Suzanne Stettinius). I’m Telling Old Dominion Hounds Point-to-Point, Maiden Hurdle.

Skunk (Ben Swope, up); Jake’s Mandate (Robert Walsh, up) – opened a clear lead from the start and coasted home alone 1st; Fall Colors (Brendan Brooks, up) – 3rd. Douglas Lees photo after Admiral Bull was pulled up with two miles to run.

This was Emme Fullilove’s first win out of the junior ranks.

Jimmy Day and Neil Morris both had two runners in the five-horse maiden hurdle race, but this time it was Richard Valentine’s turn. Rose Marie Bogley’s Jake’s Mandate (Robert Walsh) led for most of the race and won handily by 4 lengths over Sara E. Collette’s Vladykov (Jacob Roberts/Neil Morris) with S. Bruce Smart, Jr.’s Fall Colors (Brendan Brooks/Jimmy Day) third.

When the horses went to the start in the open hurdle race, the leading competitors for the $1,000 rewards were in action. Daybreak Stable’s Manacor (Ire) (Brendan Loudoun Hunt Point-to-Point Open Hurdle Bedizen (Jeff Murphy, up) 2nd; Hishi Soar (Woods Winants, Brooks/Jimmy Day) was on hand to try to win this race for up) - 1st. Richard Clay photo the second consecutive year and was the favorite. Jacob

Roberts and Neil Morris were represented by Noble Stable’s Kingofalldiamonds, and Margaret R. White’s Blazing Beryl (Jeff Murphy) rounded out the three horse field.

In the race Manacor took command from the start and held the lead until the third fence where Kingofalldiamonds took over. Manacor continued to race within striking distance but failed to seriously threaten Kingofalldiamonds, who won by 2 lengths. This race did decide the trainer and rider competitions, which were won by Neil Morris and Jacob Roberts.

The last race on the card was the Leeds Don open timber race, which may have been short on starters (3) but was long on excitement. Arcadia Stable’s Delta Park (Sean McDermott) and Mrs. George L. Ohrstrom, Jr.’s Private Equity (Robert Walsh) dueled for most of the three mile race with Woodslane Farm’s Lion’s Double (Connor Hankin) in their shadow. Approaching the last fence Delta Park put Private Equity away and held sole possession of the lead, but upon landing Lion’s Double steadily cut into Delta Park’s lead and proved best by 1¼ lengths. Delta Park was second, and Private Equity was third.

Loudoun Hunt Point-to-Point A huge crowd was on hand at Oatlands Plantation near Leesburg for the Loudoun Hunt Point-to-Point run on Sunday, April 12. The nine race card not only included races over timber, hurdles, and on the flat but two side saddle exhibition races were run prior to the traditional card.

The first race aside was a half mile over one fence in the stretch. Sarah O’Halloran sent Patrick to the lead at the start with Devon Zebrovious a close second on Quest.

These two hooked up in the stretch with Quest winning by a neck in a driving finish. In the flat race that followed Christina Mulqueen set the pace with Figure It Out but Moneytrain and Ann Sittman were never far behind. They took the lead on the turn and won going away by 5 lengths.

For years the Loudoun Hunt Point-to-Point has attracted a large contingent of horses and horsemen from Maryland. Maybe it’s the fact that this meet is the Northern most in Virginia or it could be the popularity of the racecourse that features split rail post and rail fences. In either case the Marylanders came, and it was a successful invasion.

The feature race has always been the Eustis Cup open timber race, which traditionally was run over a 4-mile course. Shortened to 3½ miles this year, the race attracted three starters all from the other side of the Potomac. Rosbrian Farm’s entry of Gawaarib (Mark Beecher) and Class Brahms (Martin Rohan) raced as a team for much of the race with Irvin L. Crawford’s Touchdowntony (Forrest Kelly) in a perfect stalking position. The Rosbrian entry jumped the last fence on top but Touchdowntony was poised to strike. He did that in the stretch and won going away by 3 lengths over Gawaarib.

Earlier on the card the novice timber race was run in two divisions, both won by Marylanders. In the first division Irvin S. Naylor’s Irish-bred Henry San (Bethany Baumgardner) was rated near the pace that was set by Achsah O’Donovan’s West is Best (Mark Beecher) and William Wofford’s Ruling Force (Jeff Murphy). These three jumped the last abreast, but upon landing Henry San found his best stride and won going away by 2 lengths over Ruling Force. West is Best finished third. The winner was trained by Ann Stewart.

The second division was won by Winsome Stable’s recent purchase, Tiz Relevant. Mark Beecher sent him to the front immediately and was never seriously challenged.

Magalen O. Bryant’s Adios Diablo (Kieran Norris) posed a mild threat in the final quarter mile, but Tiz Relevant was the better horse this day and won by 5 lengths.

18 This was Alicia Murphy’s second win on the card.

She saddled Stephany W. S. Harper’s Outlaw Cody Z, who won the maiden hurdle race under Jeff Murphy. In this race S. Bruce Smart, Jr.’s Zol Zayne (Brendan Brooks) had the lead the last time around while Outlaw Cody Z started to close in on the leader down the backside. When the field turned for home with one more fence to clear, Outlaw Cody Z drew abreast of Zol Zayne, and the battle ensued over the last and to the finish where Outlaw Cody Z proved best by a neck. CarolAnn Sloan came flying on Aheadofthecurve, but could not reach the first two.

If you were beginning to wonder if any races were won by Virginians, let me set your mind at ease. There were four other races and Virginia interests accounted for them all.

After the open hurdle race Randy Rouse’s Hishi Soar carried Woods Winants to the winners’ circle. Hishi Soar raced on or near the lead throughout the race. Mulligan Racing Stable’s Bedizen (Jeff Murphy) made a run at the leader as the field turned for home but couldn’t sustain that bid and missed by 1¾ lengths.

The restricted young rider flat race was led in the early going by Erin Swope on Special Guy. Rider David Pawlak reserved Bon Nouvel Chasers LLC’s Cocodimama off the pace until the head of the stretch where he took command and won by three lengths. This was David Pawlak’s first win, and the winning duo are being trained by Julie Gomena.

Rider Zoe Valvo and trainer Nicki Valvo won the open flat race with 5 B Farm’s Yeoho. He exploded to the front, opened a big lead and finished all alone 25 lengths before Charles Conaway, Jr.’s Gusto at Dawn (Ben Swope).

In the Virginia-bred flat race Wahoo validated his win at Old Dominion over Celtic Venture Stable’s Prima Facie (Jeff Murphy). In the final three furlongs at Oatlands, Wahoo rallied and joined Prima Facie on the front end with a furlong to run. They battled to the wire where the length of his head made Wahoo the winner. This was Bethany Baumgardner’s second win on the card.

Middleburg Spring Races The Middleburg Spring Races at Glenwood Park on April 18 was the first sanctioned meet of the season in Virginia. For many years the Strawberry Hill Races, and in recent years the Dogwood Classic Races, started the season; but with Colonial Downs closed, races were cancelled. Middleburg assumed that role with a great card of races that included the $50,000 Temple Gwathmey Hurdle Handicap Stakes and the $30,000 Middleburg Hunt Cup over timber that was to be run for the first time as a stakes.

Irvin S Naylor’s Irish-bred Decoy Daddy was in the entries looking for his fourth win in the Temple Gwathmey in the last five years. This race is run as a handicap, and Decoy Daddy was being asked to give ten or more pounds to his six competitors.

Decoy Daddy, with regular rider Carol-Ann Sloan up, assumed command in the early going with Clarke Ohrstrom’s stakes winning mare Kisser N Run forcing the pace. With three fences left Kisser N Run started to tire from her early efforts. As quickly as Kisser N Run faded Mrs. S. K. Johnston, Jr.’s Mr. Hot Stuff made his move and joined Decoy Daddy. Mr. Hot Stuff had been rated off the pace by Paddy Young and had moved into third as they raced down the backside. When Mr. Hot Stuff engaged Decoy Daddy the race was on, and these two battled to the finish. Mr. Hot Stuff took the lead racing around the turn, but Decoy Daddy gave way begrudgingly. They battled to the finish with Mr. Hot Stuff narrowly best by a neck. Trainer Jack Fisher did a masterful job with Mr. Hot Stuff, who was making his first start since August, 2013. The ultimate goal in a handicap is for the horses to arrive at the finish as a team, and these two did. A debate quickly ensued about the effect

IN & AROUND HORSE COUNTRY • SUMMER 2015

of the 10 pound weight difference, but no one could deny that both horses ran winning races.

In the Middleburg Hunt Cup Armata Stables’ Cornhusker (Jeff Murphy) was reserved off the pace, rallied down the backside the final time and inherited the lead when Arcadia Stable’s Three Hundred (Darren Nagle) pulled up approaching the last fence. Irvin S. Naylor’s Super Saturday rallied under Jacob Roberts, and challenged Cornhusker around the turn and into the stretch but couldn’t get any closer to the winner than the final 2 length margin. Alicia Murphy saddled the winner.

One of the most popular races at the Middleburg Spring Races is the Alfred Hunt Steeplechase over a winding course of varied obstacles. In the last two years this race has been dominated by two horses, Irvin S. Naylor’s Saluda Sam and Kinross Farm’s Schoolhouse Woods. Saluda Sam won in 2013 with Schoolhouse Woods second, and in 2014 the order was reversed.

These two were facing off for the rubber match against five other hopefuls. True to form Saluda Sam (Gerard Galligan) went to the lead at once and held that position throughout the race. Schoolhouse Woods got away a bit slowly, but closed well to take second place 6¾ lengths behind Saluda Sam, who won handily for trainer William Meister. Paddy Young had been named to ride the winner but was ill, and Galligan made the most of this opportunity.

One of the highlights this year was the training flat race that featured Mrs. George L. Ohrstrom, Jr.’s Demonstrative, who was the Eclipse Award winning steeplechase horse last season for trainer Richard Valentine. Demonstrative did not disappoint his followers as he had a front running score, but it wasn’t easy. Merriefield Farm’s Alwaary (Gus Dahl) challenged Demonstrative led for much of the race, and when he dropped back, Clorevia Farm’s Dr. Skip (Tom Foley) loomed boldly and ran with the winner around the last turn and to the finish where Demonstrative held him off by ½ length.

The allowance optional claiming hurdle race attracted a nine-horse field with three of these finishing within a length of each other at the finish. Stone Farm’s Mandola (Paddy Young) was rated well off the pace the first time around, moved up down the backside the final time, saved ground around the last turn and got the win by ¾ length over Beverly R. Steinman’s Perfect Union (Gerard Galligan). Perfect Union led over the last fence and was a very game second beating Woodslane Farm’s Sharp Numbers (Sean Mc Dermott) by a neck. Hall of Fame trainer Jonathan Sheppard trained the winner.

The two Sport of Kings maiden hurdle races were won by Caves Farm’s Western Exchange, ridden by Tom Foley and trained by Edward Graham, and Sharon Sheppard’s Ajzaa with Paddy Young up for trainer Leslie Young. Western Exchange raced in the middle of the pack until rallying in the final six furlongs. He challenged Irvin S. Naylor’s Dunluce Castle (Paddy Young) for the lead with two fences remaining, put him away and romped home alone by 8½ lengths over Virginia B. Lazenby’s Hardrock Eleven (Gerard Galligan), who rallied belatedly. Dunluce Castle held on for third.

In the other division Ajzaa (Paddy Young) went to the front after the second fence and led the remainder of the race. Irvin S. Naylor’s entry of Ride Away (Gus Dahl) and Tubal (Carol-Ann Sloan) both closed well but missed by about 1 length. Ride Away beat Tubal by a head for second.

When S. Bruce Smart, Jr.’s In Todd We Trust won the maiden claiming hurdle race, apprentice rider Brendan Brooks broke his own maiden riding under rules.

Brooks has been riding for trainer Jimmy Day this season and has had a very hot hand, winning regularly on the point-to-point circuit. In the race at Middleburg, Brooks rated In Todd We Trust off the early pace. With three furlongs to run he rallied to take the lead and opened a clear advantage over the last fence in route to

an easy 3 length score. Ricky Hendrik’s Soul of the Moon (Darren Nagle) and Omega Racing Stable LLC’s Green Lazer (Paddy Young) rallied but couldn’t threaten the winner while running second and third.

Loudoun Hunt Point-to-Point Novice Timber Henry San (Bethany Baumgardner, up) - 1st. Richard Clay photo

Middleburg Spring The Paul R. Fout Sport of Kings Maiden Hurdle Western Exchange (Tom Foley, up) - 1st.

Betsy Burke Parker photo

Middleburg Spring Alfred M. Hunt Steeplechase Saluda Sam (Gerard Galligan, up) - 1st.

Betsy Burke Parker photo

Middleburg Spring Temple Gwathmey G. III Hurdle Decoy Daddy (Carol-Ann Sloan, up) - 2nd; Mr Hot Stuff (Paddy Young, up) - 1st. Betsy Burke Parker photo

Middleburg Spring The Middleburg Hunt Cup Cornhusker (right, Jeff Murphy, up) - 1st.

Betsy Burke Parker photo

IN & AROUND HORSE COUNTRY • SUMMER 2015

19

Thornton Hill Fort Valley Hounds Point-to-Point The Irish had their St. Patrick’s Day celebration a little late on Sunday, April 19 at the Thornton Hill Fort Valley Hounds Point-to-Point near Sperryville. The first three races on the card were won by Irish-bred horses that were all ridden by an Irish rider, Brendan Brooks, and that are trained

by Irish-born Jimmy Day. For the second time this year Jimmy Day has come to the rescue of a meet that had light entries, and once again his support was rewarded as he was able to saddle winners for three different owners.

The win fest started with the first race as Michael A. Smith’s Cul Baire (Ire) romped home alone in the amateur/novice rider hurdle race. Celtic Venture Stable’s Acela (Gerard Galligan) set the early pace with Cul Baire close behind in this three-horse field. With a little less than a half mile to run Cul Baire joined Acela, and these two raced to the second last fence as a team. Acela made a mistake and Thornton Hill Fort Valley Hounds Point-to-Point fell leaving Cul Baire with a big lead. Sweet Talking Guy Amateur/Novice Hurdle (Erin Swope) finished second about three-sixteenths of a Cul Baire (#2, Brendan Brooks, up) - 1st; Sweet Talking mile behind the winner.

Guy (Erin Swope, up) - 2nd. Richard Clay photo In the open hurdle race Daybreak Stables’ Irish-bred Manacor (Brooks/Day) stamped himself as the odds on favorite to be VPPF Hurdle Horse of the Year for the second consecutive year. In the race he ran in close pursuit of Slaney Rock (Ire) with owner Erin Swope up. Manacor went to the lead upon landing after the last fence and easily held off Kinross Farm’s King Ting (Ire), who rallied for second as Slaney Rock faded to third. The final margin was 2 lengths.

The Irish hat trick was completed in the open flat race.

Bruce Smart, Jr.’s Bonded (Ire)(Brooks/Day) was reserved off the pace that was set by Rebecca Shepherd’s Pride of the Fleet (Gerard Galligan), who went to the front at the drop of the flag. Bonded made a bold move on the inside around the final turn to take the lead and won going away by 3 lengths.

Pride of the Fleet held on for second, and Magalen O. Bryant’s Slew’s Best Quality finished third with Bethany Baumgardner up.

Thornton Hill Fort Valley Hounds Point-to-Point In the maiden flat race Bethany Baumgardner rode Amateur/Novice Rider Timber Flash Jordan (Woods Winants, up) - 1st.

Kinross Farm’s Ed’s Big Bet to win over his stable mate, Richard Clay photo Kinross Farm’s Out of Earshot (Brendan Brooks). Out of Earshot closed well for second but was not a threat to the winner, who won by 2¼ lengths. Neil Morris trained the Kinross entry.

There were three timber races on the card but only two horses were on hand. I’m Telling (Emme Fullilove) was in the lady rider race, and David Semmes/Prospect Sale’s Flash Jordan (Woods Winants) was in the amateur/novice rider timber race. These two races were combined, and at the start of the race, it was clear that they would run separate races.

I’m Telling sprinted to a clear lead, and Flash Jordan, who was making his first start, was allowed to school around at a conservative pace. I’m Telling had won at Old Dominion, but was not as fortunate this time. Three fences from home Foxfield Spring Races Emme Fullilove came off, and Flash Jordan came home The Blue Ridge Maiden Claiming Hurdle Fall Colors (center, yellow silks, alone.

Brendan Brooks, up) - 1st. Betsy Burke Parker photo Foxfield Spring Races Another big crowd of UVa students and racing stalwarts were on hand near Charlottesville on Saturday, April 25, for the Foxfield Spring Races. The wet weather may have dampened the spirits of some in the crowd, but it made for a great day for racing.

The value of point-to-point racing was apparent as the winners of four of the five races on the card had their most recent prep races on that level. Jimmy Day has always used the non-sanctioned route to prepare for the sanctioned races, and his longtime owner S. Bruce Smart, Jr. is a great supporter of the sport on all levels. Day saddled two horses for Smart and they both came home victorious.

The featured race was an allowance/optional claiming race over hurdles, and Day sent out apprentice rider Brendan Brooks on Smart’s Orchestra Leader. Brooks rated Orchestra Leader within striking distance but waited until a mile remained before moving to the front of the six-horse Foxfield Spring Races, The Grover Vandevender field. Betsy Mead’s Forgotten Man made a bid on the final Memorial Maiden Hurdle turn but it was to no avail as Orchestra Leader repulsed that Personal Brew (leading, Fritz Boniface, up) - 1st; Dax challenge and easily held off Over Creek Farm LLC’s Ar(Jacob Roberts, up) - 2nd. rakis, who closed well to take second 3½ lengths behind the Betsy Burke Parker photo

winner.

In the maiden claiming race the Brooks, Day, and Smart team got their second win with the five-year-old mare, Fall Colors. Brooks kept her close to the lead for most of the race until only two fences remained. At that point she went to the front and was ridden out to win by 4¾ lengths over Beverly R. Steinman’s Master of Markets (Gerard Galligan), who made a run at the leader on the turn but was second best.

The maiden hurdle race was split into two races that were won in dissimilar styles. In the first race Augustin Stable’s Young Bohemian seized control at the start and led the entire race. Under Robert Walsh, he set a moderate pace since none of the others seemed to be in a rush. With a little more than a quarter mile to run Beverly R. Steinman’s Secret Reward (Gerard Galligan) challenged Young Bohemian. These two dueled to the last fence where the outcome was still in doubt, but upon landing Secret Reward could not match strides with the winner. His bid fell short by 2 lengths. Young Bohemian was the only winner who didn’t prep at the point-to-points. Trainer Richard Valentine brought him to Foxfield off a race at Stoneybrook in North Carolina.

The other maiden race was run in come-from-behind fashion. Kieran Norris was content to let the others make the running while he kept Stephany W. S. Harper’s sevenyear-old mare Outlaw Cody Z at or near the rear of the field.

With a half mile to run she had one horse beaten, but that was about to change. She steadily gained ground and was a close third over the last fence. She split horses after the fence and beat Betsy Mead’s So Far Away (Gerard Galligan) to the finish by two lengths. Ann Braxton JonesLynch’s Controlled Neglect (Brendan Brooks) made most of the running but tired and stumbled at the last fence where she lost all chance to win but finished third.

Leading owner Irvin S. Naylor added to his 2015 win total with a victory by Personal Brew in the maiden timber race. Under Fritz Boniface he took command immediately and set a brisk pace. Move Up Stable and Nancy Jane Reed’s Dax (Jacob Roberts) closed ground on the leader the final time around and appeared to have a chance but made a mistake at the last fence and lost his momentum and the race. Personal Brew won by 2½ lengths and was trained by William Meister.

Middleburg Hunt Point-to-Point On Sunday, April 26, the Middleburg Hunt Point-toPoint had all the ingredients of a sanctioned race meet, and a festive crowd was on hand to enjoy a beautiful day of racing. Glenwood Park near Middleburg is one of the most popular racecourses in America, and you can always count on good racing with horses coming from some of the sport’s leading stables.

Hall of Fame trainer Jonathan Shepherd is not a regular at the point-to-points, but the others need to watch out when he does show up. It was not a great surprise when two of his three starters won. The first was with his own One Giant Step, who carried Keri Brion to victory in the novice rider flat race. Brion rated One Giant Step off the early pace that was set by Erin Swope on Slaney Rock (Ire).

Middleburg Hunt Point-to-Point Novice Rider Flat One Giant Step (#6, Keri Brion, up) - 1st; Daylight Streaker (Michael Wagstaff, up) - 3rd.

Joanne Maisano photo

20 With a quarter mile to run Brion made her move, and One Giant Step shared the lead briefly with Slaney Rock before pulling away at the head of the stretch to win by 1½ lengths.

Keri Brion notched her and Shepherd’s second win in the maiden flat race with William L. Pape’s Castle Hill. The seven-horse field was tightly bunched down the backside when Castle Hill launched his winning move. He had a share of the lead with Michael Leaf’s The Gold Identity (Kieran Norris) with a quarter mile to run and pulled away at the head of the stretch in route to a 2 length victory.

Jack Fisher, multiple times leading trainer, saddled the winner of the amateur/novice rider hurdle race with Mrs. S. K. Johnston, Jr.’s Iron Works. Keystone Thoroughbred’s The Roofer made all of the running under Annie Yeager until the field had three furlongs to run.

At this stage Iron Works (Connor Hankin) had rallied from the rear of the tightly bunched field and had The Roofer measured. They jumped the last fence together; but upon landing, Iron Works drew away and won handily by 4¼ lengths.

Richard Valentine trains last year’s Eclipse Award winning steeplechaser Demonstrative, who belongs to Mrs. George L. Ohrstrom, Jr. and was ridden in all his starts by Robert Walsh. Demonstrative wasn’t at the point-to-point, but Valentine and Walsh made their presence felt. They won both of the maiden hurdle races on the card. The first was won by Avla R. Pitts’ Simply Certain, and the restricted maiden race went to Mrs. George L. Ohrstrom, Jr.’s Worldventurer. Simply Certain led throughout the race. Over Creek Stables LLC’s Boom and Bust (Kieran Norris) made a run at the leader in the final quarter mile but his bid fell short by ¾ length. The restricted maiden race is written for horses that have not started over hurdles prior to this year.

Worldventurer more than qualified since this was his initial outing. Irvin S. Naylor’s Hooded (Kieran Norris) set the pace in the early stages with Sheila J. Williams’ Tecka, who fell back the last time around. Worldventurer assumed a stalking position until after the last fence, where he came to Hooded and proved best in the stretch by ½ length.

In the Middleburg Bowl open timber race Conrad Somers made most of the running with Emme Fullilove and I’m Telling close behind. The last time around I’m Telling tired and dropped back leaving Illustration with a comfortable lead. Charles C. Fenwick, Jr.’s Puller (Mark Beecher) was rallying in the final quarter mile and jumped the last fence in second but was still well behind Illustration. Puller was not to be denied; he closed the gap quickly, entered the stretch with a narrow advantage and proved best by ¾ lengths. Trainer Todd J. Wyatt had saddled Raven’s Choice to win the Maryland Hunt Cup with Mark Beecher up, and this win was just a little more icing on the cake.

The finale, the open flat race, went to VPPF leading trainer Jimmy Day with Magalen O. Bryant’s Our Emerald Forest (Ire), who was ridden by point-to-point leading rider Brendan Brooks. Irish-bred Our Emerald Forest was rated off the very early pace but quickly burst from between horses with one mile to run and took immediate control of the race. He coasted home 8 lengths before Jonathan Shepherd’s one horse that didn’t win, William L. Pape’s Powerofone (Keri Brion).

Virginia Gold Cup Races Another huge crowd attended the Virginia Gold Cup Races at Great Meadow near The Plains on Saturday, May 2. Records were set for purses ($430,000), and the total bet on the races was also a new record, exceeding last year’s total by 22 percent. Parimutuel wagering was also offered on the Kentucky Derby.

A small but select field contested the 90th anniversary running of the Virginia Gold Cup competing for a $90,000 purse and the coveted gold cup. The runners included the past two winners, Holston Hall’s Hot Rize with Willie McCarthy up, and Michael Wharton’s Grinding Speed with his regular rider Mark Beecher. In

IN & AROUND HORSE COUNTRY • SUMMER 2015

addition to winning the Virginia Gold Cup in 2013, Grinding Speed won the International Gold Cup over this course in 2012 and 2014. These credentials made Grinding Speed the favorite; but Magalen O. Bryant’s Dakota Slew (Darren Nagle), who ran second in last fall’s International Gold Cup, was a close second choice in the betting with Hot Rize.

When starter Graham Alcock dropped the flag, none of the five entries seemed to be in a big rush so Mark Beecher let Grinding Speed take control under a firm hold. Not only did the pace make for the slowest Virginia Gold Cup ever run, but Mark Beecher Virginia Gold Cup, $90,000 Timber Stakes.

(Mark Beecher, up) – 1st. was able to dic- Grinding Speed Douglas Lees photo tate the pace and was sitting on a lot of horse when the pace quickened the final time around. Dakota Slew had stalked the leader throughout and made several bids in the final quarter mile, but Mark Beecher let out a notch every time he was threatened and Grinding Speed won by 1 length.

ris trained the winner.

Irvin S. Naylor was denied a second win when Saluda Sam ran second as he had won the Sport of Kings maiden hurdle race with Tubal (Carol-Ann Sloan). Tubal was never far from the lead and stalked Merriefield Farm’s Alwaary (Jack Doyle) the second time around. Tubal took the lead approaching the last fence and won easily by 5 lengths. This was former rider Kevin Tobin’s first sanctioned win as a trainer.

No one knows the way to the winners’ circle at Great Meadow any better than Jack Fisher. So it was no surprise when he appeared there with Woodslane Farm’s Sharp Numbers following the allowance hurdle race. In the race Magalen O. Bryant’s Plated (Bernie Dalton) and Mrs. George L. Ohrstrom, Jr.’s Class Cherokee (Darren Nagle) raced as a team for much of the race. Sean McDermott rated Sharp Numbers off the pace, but rallied when the field turned for home. He was second to Plated over the last but took control in the stretch to win by 1¾ lengths. Plated was second and Rosbrian Farm’s Wantan (David Byrne) took third over Class Cherokee.

There were a number of things that the last four races on the card had in common. They were all flat races, they all had huge purses ($30,000-$45,000), and they were all won by owners, trainers, and riders who are regular participants in steeplechase racing. The first two races were the split divisions of the maiden race. In the first Ricky Hendriks’ Elusive Evening rallied down the backside, went to the front with a furlong to run and pulled away to beat Bertram R. Firestone’s Golden Rum (Robert Walsh) by 1¼ lengths. S. Bruce Smart’s Bonded (Bernie Dalton) ran evenly and finished third. The second division went to Beverly R. Steinman’s Penn Square, who was ridden by Jeff Murphy and trained by Doug Fout. Penn Square went to the front in the early going and won easily by 4½ lengths over William Meister’s Timmy T (Bernie Dalton). Noble Stables’ Candy Man Can (Robert Walsh) went off as the favorite but couldn’t threaten in the stretch.

Virginia Gold Cup, $75,000 David H. Semmes Memorial Hurdle Stakes.

Parker’s Project (Willie McCarthy, up) – 1st.

Douglas Lees photo

The $75,000 David Semmes Memorial Hurdle Stakes was run in memory of David Semmes, who was a great supporter of foxhunting and steeplechase racing during his lifetime. We have lost a wonderful friend with his passing.

In the race Hudson River Farm’s Parker’s Project (Willie McCarthy) was reserved off the pace that was set by Rock Ford Stables LLC’s Sporty (Kieran Norris) and Clorevia Farm’s Dr. Skip (Robert Walsh). Dr. Skip put Sporty away and had the lead over the last fence, but Parker’s Project would not be denied and won by a neck after a stretch long duel. McCarthy was the leading rider in 2014, and Jonathan Sheppard is the sport’s most renowned trainer.

The steeplethon is always a crowd pleaser, and this year’s running had the added excitement of a horse trying to win for the third straight year. Irvin S. Naylor’s Saluda Sam had won this race in 2013 and 2014 and was coming off an impressive win two weeks earlier at the Middleburg Spring Races. Saluda Sam normally goes to the front immediately, but this year Nicki Valvo’s Triton Light (Jeff Murphy) set the pace with Saluda Sam close behind. With over a mile to run Saluda Sam assumed his normal position and had the lead when the field turned for home. Darren Nagle had rated Kinross Farm’s Schoolhouse Woods for most of the race, but he was on the move and was cutting into Saluda Sam’s advantage. Shortly after the last fence Schoolhouse Woods took the lead and drew away to win by 2¼ lengths over a very game Saluda Sam. Neil Mor-

Virginia Gold Cup, $40,000 Rutherford Chase Sport of Kings Maiden Hurdle.

Leading over the Water Jump (l-r) Alwaary (Jake Doyle, up) – 2nd; Tubal (Carol-Ann Sloan, up) – 1st. Douglas Lees photo

The fact that Willow Oaks Stables LLC’s Iconic Artist was the longest shot (57-1) on the entire program did not stop him from lighting up the tote board by winning the allowance flat race. Under Jack Doyle, Iconic Artist rallied down the backside, was second in the final furlong and proved best by 1½ lengths over Robert A. Kinsley’s No Wunder (Gus Dahl). Magalen O. Bryant’s Slews Best Quality (Robert Walsh) had the lead entering the stretch but couldn’t hold on. The first two finishers were both trained by Elizabeth Voss.

The home team was well represented in the Virginia-bred or sired flat race as Casanova’s Sara E. Collette owned and bred the winner. Wahoo had won his last two races on the point-to point-circuit and proved more than capable under rules. He was fourth as the field raced down the back side, rallied on the final turn and joined Quest Realty’s Gumper (Tom Foley) for a share of the lead at the head of the stretch. These two battled to the wire where Wahoo prevailed by ½ length.

This was rider Darren Nagle’s third win on the card and trainer Neil Morris’ second.

IN & AROUND HORSE COUNTRY • SUMMER 2015

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2015 Virginia Steeplechase Association Standings through Virginia Gold Cup Races 1.

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OPEN LEADING OWNER Irvin Naylor 28 S. Bruce Smart, Jr. 15 Kinross Farm 10 Beverly R. Steinman 9 Magalen Bryant 8 OPEN LEADING RIDER Gerard Galligan 22 Paddy Young 19 Brendan Brooks 19 Kieran Norris 16 Sean McDermott 14 OPEN LEADING TRAINER Jack Fisher 22 Doug Fout 20 Jimmy Day 20 Alicia Murphy 15 William Meister 13 LEADING OWNER 105th My Lady’s Manor 10th Fence: S. Bruce Smart, Jr. 15 Grinding Speed (gray, Mark Beecher up) broke from the pack to win the 105th My Lady’s Manor.

Kinross Farm 10 Maryland Hunt Cup, Glyndon, Maryland, April 25, 2015 Magalen Bryant 8 Raven’s Choice (Mark Beecher, up) – 1st.

Woodslane Farm 7 Betsy Mead 6 LEADING TRAINER Maryland Races Doug Fout 20 Douglas Lees photos Jimmy Day 20 Richard Valentine 12 Neil Morris 10 Julie Gomena 6 LEADING RIDER Gerard Galligan 22 Brendan Brooks 19 Kieran Norris 16 Jeff Murphy 13 Woods Winants 2 LEADING HURDLE HORSE Sharp Numbers (Woodslane Farm) 7 Orchestra Leader (S. Bruce Smart, Jr.) 5 Dr. Skip (Clorevia Farm) 5 My Lady’s Manor, Grand National Steeplechase, Arrakis (Over Creek Stables LLC) 3 Monkton, Maryland, April 11, 2015, 13th Fence – Schapiro Memorial: Butler, Maryland, April 18, 2015 Sporty (Rock Ford Stables LLC) 3 Bethany Baumgardner won on Snow Blizzard; McLane Hendricks on The Grand National Kisser N Run (Clarke Ohrstrom) 3 Fort Henry; Edward Mclaughlin on Cold Water Spring; Diana Gillam on Amateur Timber Stakes.

So Far Away (Betsy Mead) 3 Saint Dynaformer.

Serene Harbor (Annie Yeager, up) – 1st.

Plated (Magalen Bryant) 3 OPEN LEADING HURDLE HORSE All Together (Sheila Williams & Andre W. Brewster) 9 Parker's Project (Hudson River Farms) 7 Mr. Hot Stuff (Mrs. S. K. Johnston, Jr.) 7 Sharp Numbers (Woodslane Farm) 7 Orchestra Leader (S. Bruce Smart, Jr.) 5 Dr. Skip (Clorevia Farm) 5 Outlaw Cody Z (Stephany W. S. Harper) 5 Mandola (Farm LLC Stone) 5 OPEN LEADING TIMBER HORSE Saluda Sam (Irvin Naylor) 8 Schoolhouse Woods (Kinross Farm) 8 Grinding Speed (Michael Wharton) 7 Cornhusker (GB) (Armata Stables) 7 Dakota Slew (Magalen Bryant) 5 Super Saturday (Irvin Naylor) 5 LEADING TIMBER HORSE Schoolhouse Woods (Kinross Farm) 8 Dakota Slew (Magalen Bryant) 5 Spy In The Sky (Colvin Ryan) 2 Triton Light (Nicki Valvo) 2 Adios Diablo (Magalen Bryant) 1 LEADING HORSE ON THE FLAT Wahoo (Sara Collette) 5 Dr. Skip (Clorevia Farm) 5 Golden Rum (Bertram Firestone) 3 Bonded (Ire) (S. Bruce Smart, Jr.) 2 Candy Man Can (Noble Stables) 2 Grand National Steeplechase, Benjamin H. Murray Memorial Amateur Allowance Timber.

Slew's Best Quality (Magalen Bryant) 2 Sovereign Fund (Annie Yeager, up) – 1st.

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IN & AROUND HORSE COUNTRY • SUMMER 2015

ACROSS THE POND First Foxhound Show of 2015

By Jim Meads The hound show season in the UK began in fine style here in mid-Wales on May 3. This was part of a country show, with rings for horses and ponies, show-jumping, and dogs and terriers as well as foxhounds.

Entries were the best ever, as was the attendance, and with classes for Welsh, Fell, and Hill hounds, there was plenty to watch! Usually, one or two top packs monopolize the first prizes, but this year, no less than eight packs came out on top. In the Welsh ring, the Llanwnnen Farmers, the Plas Machynleth, and the Llanwrthwl won classes, with the last pack’s Entered Doghound “Tudor” being Champion. In the Fell hounds, the USK Valley, Brecon and Talybont, and Teme Valley scored, with the last pack’s Entered Bitch “Rascal” taking the accolade. Winners in the Hill Hound ring came from the Sennybridge Farmers, Brecon & Talybont, and Irfon & Towy, with the Champion being the Brecon & Talybont’s Entered Dog “Kickback” shown by former Toronto & North York (Canada) huntsman Mark Powell, MFH. The Champion Unentered hound was Sennybridge Farmers “Bleddin.” Then came a nail-biting ten minutes as the four champions were shown against each other. Finally, the Supreme Champion was announced as Llanwrthwl “Tudor,” produced by Huntsman Mark Jones, whose 10-year-old daughter Elin also showed a hound to win its class.

Top Welsh Stallion Hound Llanwrthwl “Brenin,” with 10-year-old Elin Jones.

Best Unentered Fell Doghound Usk Valley “Comrade,” with Huntsman Will Pinkney.

Best Unentered Welsh Doghound Llansnnen Best Entered Fell Doghound Brecon & Talybont “Ranter,” with Mark Powell, MFH. “Tumbler,” with Ianto Evans, MFH.

Mid-Wales Hound Show, May 3, 2015 Champion Welsh Hound and Grand Champion Llanwrthwl “Tudor.” Huntsman Mark Jones and Judge Martin Thomas.

Champion Fell Hound Teme Valley “Rascal,” with Robbie Savage.

Top Welsh Entered Bitch Plas Machynlleth “Dor-

Champion Unentered Hound Sennybridge “Bledin,” with huntsman Ian Hawkins and sponsor Champion Hill Hound Brecon & Talybont “KickHannah Richards. back,” with Mark Powell, MFH.

VIRGINIA HUNT WEEK

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I’m headed to Hunt Week . . . Are you?

Fri. Oct. 16 Commonwealth Sat. Oct. 17 Deep Run Sun. Oct. 18 Stonewall Mon. Oct. 19 Bedford Tues. Oct. 20 Casanova Wed. Oct. 21 Shopping Thurs. Oct. 22 Bull Run Fri. Oct. 23 Old Dominion Sat. Oct. 24 Rappahannock Sun. Oct. 25 Caroline Mon. Oct. 26 Keswick Tues. Oct. 27 Farmington Wed. Oct. 28 Oak Ridge Thurs. Oct. 29 Middlebrook Fri. Oct. 30 Glenmore Sat. Oct. 31 Rockbridge For information, visit www.vahuntweek.org

IN & AROUND HORSE COUNTRY • SUMMER 2015

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New England Hunts Hound Show 2015 Hosted by Wentworth Hunt at their kennels at Tuckaway Farm, Lee, NH on May 3, 2015 Photos by Eric Schneider

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

Ah, summer! Time to turn out the hunters for a rest, let the hounds loll around in the heat, and put up your feet with a cold glass of something and…a good book. Because this is our traditional hound show issue, I will start by offering a new book on hounds and a reminder that we still have plenty of Todd Addis’s book on the Penn-Marydels.

Huntsman Sandra Studer of North Country Hounds, winners of the Pack class.

Hancock, David. Hounds/Hunting by Scent. Probably the most complete book of hound breeds you’ll ever see!

Most of the breeds pictured or mentioned in the book are foreign breeds I’ve never heard of, and they far exceed the foxhound/basset hound/beagle triad we are most familiar with in the hunting world. Here you will also find the mastiffs, originally heavy hunting dogs to bring down large game. Staghounds, harehounds, otterhounds, bloodhounds, greyhounds, PBGVs, even the Dalmatian—to name the more familiar—appear with the Cretan Hound, the Bullenbeisser, the Porcelaine, the Italian Segugio, and a host of others. Color and b&w photos and artwork depict the breeds as they are and/or as they were—very useful in tracking the physical development of the animals.

Not only are the breeds portrayed in “model” format, they are also illustrated doing what they were bred to do— hunt! And because a real hunting dog has to be sound, there are some sharp comments on the fads popular with bench judges and show competitors that result in harmful breed deformities, such as the saggy-eyed, crooked-leg basset hounds that would trip over their long ears if sent after a rabbit. Hardcover, 240pp. $49.95 Addis, H. L. Todd. Our Penn-Marydel Hound. Many hunts are partial to the strain of foxhound known as the Penn-Marydel, from the three states in which it primarily developed. This is the story of that strain’s development, accompanied by numerous photographs in b&w and color, but it is not a beginning-to-end history so much as an anthology of writings by a wide variety of people.

Hardcover, 224pp. $39.00

Best in Show went to Norfolk Piglet, shown by Rachelle Davenport (front). Owen P. Hugues, joint-MFH and Ruth Lawler, joint-MFH (standing).

Dr. Gilbert Rodgers of the Norfolk Hunt Club was presented with the MFHA Conservation Award for “exemplary contributions to the preservation of open space and the traditions of hunting.”

Secord, William. A Breed Apart. Secord’s book Dog Painting has been very popular with our customers.

While we still have copies of that available, I also ordered another of his books, like the first a gorgeous full-color assemblage from the art collections of the AKC and AKC Museum of the Dog. Sculptures as well as linear works are included. As with Secord’s other book, the physical changes in many of the breeds over the years are evident and fascinating to observe. This is a great coffee-table book that deserves a place in every dog-lover’s library.

(I’m a cat lover and had to buy both these books, they’re so beautiful. It’s too bad there isn’t enough cat art to create a book this spectacular!) Hardcover, 325pp. $60.00

ume in the Sneaky Pie series!

Brown, Rita Mae. Tail Gait. Punctuated by flashbacks to the Revolutionary War era, the action starts with a murder at a local golf course. Naturally Harry and her cohorts start poking around to find out why—and by whom—the popular UVA professor was killed. Was it the perpetual drunk who was once an All-American football player and was refused permission to date the professor’s daughter in his teens? Was it anything to do with the Revolutionary War POW camp on Barracks Road in Charlottesville that the history professor was researching? Hardcover, 307pp. $26.00 And then there are just odds ‘n’ ends. Actually we have a lot more of those in the store, but we can’t list them all, so I’m including a few that might tickle your fancy or tempt your tastebuds.

Brook, Jane. You Know You’re a Horse Lover When…

There’s a chuckle a page on this tiny 4.5 x 4.5” gift book, with comic illustrations by Roger Penwill. Each page completes the sentence begun by the book’s title, for example, my favorite on p. 20: “…Your bedroom looks like a bomb hit it, but your horse’s stall is spotless.” Hardcover, 95pp. $7.95 Stephenson, Tristan. The Curious Bartender/An Odyssey of Malt, Bourbon & Rye Whiskies. For drinkers of the hard stuff or just someone who likes to learn about new things, this is a fascinating volume. It’s divided into four parts: “The History of Whisky,” “How Whisky Is Made,” “The Whisky Tour,” and “Blends & Cocktails,” followed up by a glossary of terms and a glossary of distilleries.

While the book is predominantly focused on British production, there is a section on American and Canadian distilleries, and our infamous Prohibition Era is featured under the history section. The author discusses the origins of distillation, with a number of illustrations commencing with the medieval period and photographs of distillery machinery. The “how-to” section is a fascinating menu that discusses the types of grains, the water used and even the quality of peat! “The Whisky Tour” gets into the nitty-gritty of different manufacturers and their whisky types and qualities. At the end you get to enjoy the results using suggested blends and cocktails. Hardcover, 288pp. $27.95

Gee, Denise. Southern Cocktails. Learn to make lots of tasty drinkables with this collection of “Dixie drinks, party potions, and classic libations.” Chapter 1 introduces us to “bar necessities”—everything you should need for the well-stocked bar from drinks to glasses. The next three chapters contain recipes, followed by “Nibbles”— because you really do need to have some food along with It’s also horse show season, when you want your horse to all that alcohol! Color photos add an enticing embellishlook its best. We have several books on grooming and ment to encourage you to try something different. Hardbraiding to offer great tips and instructions. cover, 120pp. $14.95 Hill, Cat; and Emma Ford. World-Class Grooming. The Lastly, a little something different from the book departmost beautiful book on horse grooming yet! And it’s not ment: just a grooming book; it’s chock-full of valuable horsecare information, including putting on boots or wraps, Anderson, Neal, artist. Cozy Retreat. If time lags a little, barn care, farm management, horse health & care, show- or you just want to sit down in a cool spot and do next to ing, traveling, and more. The color photographs by Jes- nothing—try this 300-piece fox puzzle! A lovely red fox sica Dailey clearly demonstrate techniques such as snuggles down between a couple of logs amidst ferns, clipping, braiding manes and tails, and fastening show moss and lichen, with maybe a little sweetbrier as well. numbers to your bridle and/or saddle pad. Hardcover spi- Finished size is 24 x 18”. Pretty enough to glue to a backral bound, 230pp. $39.95 ing and frame once you’re done! $13.99 Attention, Rita Mae Brown fans! We just got a new vol-

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IN & AROUND HORSE COUNTRY • SUMMER 2015

HORSE RACING Seen and Heard at the Virginia Thoroughbred Association Awards Reception May 1, 2015 • Great Meadow, The Plains, VA Photos by Douglas Lees and Henry Oviedo, courtesy of the VTA

(l-r) Virginia trainer Stephanie Nixon and Frank Petramalo, VHBPA Executive Director.

Debbie Easter gives Brooke Royster the award for Champion Older Mare, South Andros.

(l-r) Gold Cup director Dr. Al Griffin, his wife Grey Carr Griffin, and Gold Cup Chairman Dr. Will Allison.

(l-r) Cricket Bedford and Cindy Tucker.

(l-r) Martha and Paula Myer.

Carter and Wick McNeely accept the Virginia Bred Horse of the Year Award from Delegate Ed Scott (far right) as Nick Hahn and Debbie Easter look on.

(l-r) Cricket Bedford congratulates Robert Walsh (center) as he accepts the award for Virginia Trained Horse, Jacqueline Ohrstrom’s Demonstrative. Richard Valentine was named Leading Virginia Trainer.

Bob Powell, breeder of Long On Value, and Debbie Easter.

Virginia Racing Commissioner D.G. Van Clief. (l-r) William Backer and Wayne Chatfield-Taylor, breeders of Two-Year-Old Champions: Moon River and Skipalute.

(l-r) Richard Hutchinson and Mike Pearson.

Michael Webert presents Susan Cooney with the award for Champion 2014 Virginia Bred Turf Filly Embarr, which she owns, trains, and bred.

Anne Tucker accepts Thoroughbred Charities of America Award of Merit from Nick Hahn (left) and Debbie Easter.

REMINDER: This year’s $15,000 Yearling Futurity will be held at the Warrenton Horse Show grounds on September 5. Come out and test your eye against the experts! There will be a $200 prize to the spectator who awards the class the closest to the judges’ assessment, and a conformation seminar will be held after the competition. We look forward to seeing you there, whether or not you have a yearling to show.

Maryland Hound Show Karen Kandra Wenzel Photos

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

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Jr. Handler winner, Aleta Kibler with Potomac “Templeton.”

Border Terriers

Brenda Milne (540) 937-2099 Cel. (703) 609-7200 18691 Springs Road Jeffersonton, VA 22724 Champion American Foxhound, Orange County “Kermit,” Reg Spreadborough, Huntsman.

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Champion Crossbred Foxhound, Green Spring Valley “Native,” Sam Clifton, Huntsman.

An Apology In my article “Metamora Memories” I stated the Huntsman, Gene Lasher, was a Virginian, for that is what I had been told by the fellow who took me hunting. However, at the Virginia Hound Show, Metamora Joint Master Joe Mayday put the record straight: Gene hailed from Poughkeepsie, NY. So, my apologies to the Lasher family for my error.

Gene was a gentleman, and as good a huntsman as ever I’ve followed. He could have come from Virginia!

Jake Carle

Champion Penn-Marydel Foxhound, Marlborough “Victor Too,” Christine Faber, Whipper-in, Judge Thomas H. Jackson, MFH.

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