In & Around Horse Country Holiday 2021

VOLUME XXXIII / NUMBER 4 • THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE VIRGINIA STEEPLECHASE ASSOCIATION • HOLIDAY 2021

IN & AROUND HORSE COUNTRY • HOLIDAY 2021

It is with great pride we announce that

Robin Garbe has affiliated her Real Estate Practice with CENTURY 21 New Millennium!

Her Professional Identity, “Your REALTOR® in Horse Country” says it all. While her competency spans all Residential Property types, Robin is an accomplished equestrian and horse owner who is “living the dream”. Her commitment to the Piedmont Community is from the heart and considerable. Within the Horse Community, she sits on the board of the “Old Peoples Riding Club” and is an active supporter of the Fauquier Equestrian Forum and Rainbow Therapeutic Riding in Haymarket…in this endeavor, she believes she gets back much more than she may give by seeing how impactful this is for the riders.

Robin was an active supporter and volunteer of “Community Touch,”a local organization serving the Homeless and needy in our counties. Her dedication to those she served, and the energy she brought to her role, resulted in her being invited to play a more critical role in the organization. Robin currently serves on the Board of Directors for “Community Touch.”

Robin is a proud “Hokie” & Graduate of Virginia Tech. She is a consummate professional with incredible energy and is someone that everyone enjoys being around.

We could not be prouder of our affiliation!

O 703.753.7910 | Robin.Garbe@c21nm.com | Mobile 703.307.5092 67 W Lee Hwy, Warrenton, VA 20186

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IN & AROUND HORSE COUNTRY • HOLIDAY 2021

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Local Horse and Rider Take the North American Field Hunter Championship

SPORTING LIFE HIGHLIGHTS Douglas Lees Does It Again Longtime and valued contributor to this publication, photographer Douglas Lees has added another award to his impressive collection. In the American Horse Publications Annual Award Competition for material published in 2020, Douglas took the top prize in Freelance Editorial Action Photographs. The winning shot was from the Virginia Gold Cup and ran in the Fall 2020 issue of In & Around Horse Country.

The AHP program described the shot as, “The definition of a great action shot.

Spot on exposure, camera positioning, and timing. Wonderful depth of field helps capture the action through the entire field.”

Douglas’s previous wins include two Eclipse awards (1978 and 2007) and an Douglas Lees’ award-winning shot from the 2020 Virginia Gold Cup, AHP award for his shot of Simon Hobson Virginia Equine Alliance Maiden Hurdle, 2nd Division that appeared on the cover of In & Around (l-r) Mr. Bridger (#2) – 3rd; Princeville (#11, Barry Foley, up) – 2nd; Horse Country’s April/May 2002 cover. Quick Toss #6) – 4th; Lonely Weekend (#3, Michael Mitchell, up) – 1st.

Lindsey Williamson, representing Virginia’s Thornton Hill Hounds, rode her ten-year-old Warmblood mare Gabrina Von Schweetz to first place in this year’s Theodora A. Randolph North American Field Hunter Championship. The week-long competition featured top notch horses and riders representing 25 hunts from eight states and Canada. In the finals, held on October 9th at Glenwood Park, Middleburg, VA, prior to the Virginia Fall Races, Lindsey and “Gabby” were tapped by the judges for the top spot. Norfolk Hunt’s Mary Crane rode her Forever Bernardini to take both the Reserve Champion and Dr. Matthew MackaySmith Top Thoroughbred awards.

George Kingsley’s Stalypso Awarded 2021 Virginia Field Hunter Championship On October 17, a sunny and pleasant day with a slight breeze and temps in the low 60s, 24 riders representing 13 hunts met to compete for the 2021 Virginia Field Hunter Championship. With MFH Katharine “Kip” Holloway’s Fincastle taking the title last year, Farmington Hunt had the honor of hosting this year’s event in Free Union, VA. Under the discerning eye of four expert judges, all current or ex MFHs, the final nod went to Middleburg Hunt’s George Kingsley and his Stalypso Dream. The reserve spot went to Annie Sikorski and Go Quick Go of Bull Run Hunt. Old Dominion Hounds’ Dawn Colgan and Bay were selected as Best Turned Out. Middleburg Hunt will now have the privilege of hosting next year’s competition.

Lindsey Williamson and Gabrina Von Schweetz on their way to capture the North American Field Hunter Championship during the finals at Middleburg’s Glenwood Park, October 9, 2021. Douglas Lees photo

George Kingsley and Stalypso secured this year's Virginia Field Hunter Championship. Photo by Elena Summers for Cathy Summers Photography

Museum of Hounds & Hunting NA The Museum of Hounds & Hunting NA has good news. The newly developed website, www.MHHNA.org, goes live this week with information about the Museum, the collection, events and more. It will feature indepth articles on history, hounds, artifacts and American sporting artists. The long anticipated Huntsmen’s Room induction is scheduled for Saturday, May 28, 2022, at 4:00 pm at the Mansion at Morven Park, Leesburg, Virginia. Join fellow foxhunters, families and guests as Master and Huntsman Jake Carle, Huntsman Tommy Lee Jones and Master and Huntsman David Wendler are inducted into the Room.

This year’s exhibit and sale will feature bronzes by Kathleen Friedenberg, and a special showing of the late artist Sam Savitt’s work. Grosvenor Merle-Smith will give a talk on hunting horns and sign his new book, The Hunting Horn: What to Know and When to Know It. The exhibit will open to members and guests right after the Huntsmen’s Room induction ceremony. The exhibit opens to the public at noon on The One Step At A Time Farm team, (l-r) Lindsey’s fiancée Muiris Hinchion and proud parents Julie and Bob May 29, 2022 during the Virginia Foxhound Show. Please visit the new Museum website for more inforWilliamson savor Lindsey and “Gabby’s” victory in the mation as events are planned. www.MHHNA.org Theodora A. Randolph competition. Liz Callar photo

Epp Wilson, MFH, Belle Meade Hunt, spent some time with the competing hounds before hunting them in the first day of the Performance Trials at Bull Run Hunt, October 23, 2021. Liz Callar photo

PHOTOGRAPHERS: Michelle Arnold Sara Bateman Liz Callar www.lizcallar.com Coady Photography Lauren R. Giannini Karen Kandra Isabel Kurek isabeljkurekphotography.com Douglas Lees douglaslees@comcast.net Joanne Maisano www.joannemaisano.com Robert Mihlbaugh Bill Sigafoos wlsphoto.com Michael Stevens Elena Summers of Cathy Summers Photography David Traxler Max Tufts Chandler Willett ILLUSTRATION Claudia Coleman

is published 4 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 Winter issue is February 2, 2022. Payment in full due with copy.

Publisher: Marion Maggiolo Managing Editor: J. Harris Anderson Advertising: Debbie Cutler (540) 347-3141, (800) 882-4868, Email: hcdebbiebtc@aol.com Contributors: J. Harris Anderson, Grant Chungo, Jean P. Derrick, Lauren Giannini, Will O’Keefe, Osmun, Virginia Equine Alliance, Jenny Young LAYOUT & DESIGN: Kate Houchin Copyright © 2021 In & Around Horse Country®. All Rights Reserved. Volume XXXIII, No. 4 POSTMASTER: CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED Regular subscription 5 issues $25.00, U.S.A. First Class subscription $35.00, Europe, Canada, etc. $45.00

IN & AROUND HORSE COUNTRY • HOLIDAY 2021

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OPENING MEETS

Green Spring Valley Hounds Huntsman Ashley Hubbard was assisted by Professional Whipper-In Brian Groves (left) and Honorary Whipper-In Ned Halle on Opening Day, November 6, 2021, from the Kennels in Glyndon, MD. Huntsman Tim Michel, with Masters and members of Bull Run Hunt, gathered at Locust Hill Farm, Locust Dale, VA, on November 7, 2021, for Opening Meet. Karen Kandra photo

Blue Ridge Huntsman Graham Buston and hounds strike a historic image moving off from Carter Hall (1792) in Millwood, VA, October 30, 2021. Liz Callar photo

Karen Kandra photo

Josh Bentley observed his first Opening Meet as Old Dominion Hounds Huntsman when hounds met at High Meadow, November 6, 2021. Michelle Arnold photo

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IN & AROUND HORSE COUNTRY • HOLIDAY 2021

JUNIORS

From Generation to Generation Juniors Show Bright Promise for the Future of Equestrian Sports

By J. Harris Anderson, Managing Editor

Bella Fidero on Bella the 8-year-old Choctaw, a horse she helped train from the ground up, out for an early season hunt with Thornton Hill Hounds.

In 1949 (coincidentally, the year this writer was born) Lady Violet Apsley published The Fox Hunter’s Bedside Book, a 584-page compendium of hunt poetry and prose. Included in that voluminous assemblage is a short piece titled “The Fox Hunter’s Faith,” attributed simply to “A North Country Hunting Parson.” The good parson employed a scriptural tone to impart ten articles of faith that every devotee of ars venatica should observe. Article Two states: “It is acceptable that those of experience shall, at all times, give explanation and encouragement by word and deed to all young persons, so that foxhunting may continue in the land from generation to generation.”

Many aspects of the sport have changed since those words were penned (possibly in the late 19th century but certainly no later than the early 20th). Happily, though, the spirit of “explaHanmere 3-year-old her Beverly Allen with nation and encouragement” remains strong today, Syntherney in the Junior Handlers Class at the Welsh Pony Show in Bel Air, MD, April, 2021. as evidenced by the number of ardent youth eager to make foxhunting and other equestrian pursuits part of their sporting life.

To capture a sense of that spirit, we asked three young riders—Beverly Allen, 7; Kate Hughes, 8; and Isabella (Bella) Fidero, 12—to give us their thoughts about the role riding and hunting play in their lives. Parents and a grandparent provided some additional input.

Bella started riding at the tender age of two.

Kate reports she was also two, or possibly three, when she first rode. Beverly held off till the mature age of four before throwing a leg over a pony.

We have photographic proof that Kate was already deeply immersed in the more glamorous aspects of the horse world by the age of three. She and her mother, Erika, graced the Summer 2016 cover of this publication in a shot from the leadline class at that year’s Upperville Colt & Horse Show.

When asked if she comes from Bella Fidero with Han Can Richocet after a cross-country course. a riding family, Kate says, “My mom rides. She rode when she was a little girl through college and some afterwards but doesn’t get to as much right now because At the Old Dominion Hounds Pony Club Rally, I keep her pretty October 16, 2021, busy! One thing Alice Johnson’s Copperfield Rosettes presentation following the Junior North American Field Hunter Championship Qualifier Meet at Thornton Hill Hounds, we wanted to do Farm, Hume, VA, Kate Hughes Woodville, VA, October 17, 2021. (L-R) Judges Julie Williamson was foxhunt to- and Tywyll Bae (Ty Ty) await gether and we acTurnout Inspections. and Ellen Flynn, Bella’s friend Rose Muller, and Bella.

tually got to do that at the opening meet for Old Dominion Hounds! My grandma rode when she was young but has always loved everything about horses. She and my grandpa have always had ponies and horses—they have a rescue pony now and are waiting on a second one.”

Bella’s lineage includes an interesting historical twist. “Both of my parents ride, and my great grandparents drove the teams for the Boston Herald Newspaper at one point.” Bella’s mother, Marie, explains where the Fidero family stands today on the question of horse sports. “We made the decision a number of years ago to pursue horse riding and horsemanship as a foundational part of our family culture and have built it into the life of our day-to-day activities.”

Beverly truly embodies the generational spirit of the horse-centered life, despite personal challenges that came at an early age. The daughter of former Piedmont Foxhounds Huntsman Spencer Allen (now Huntsman at Long Run Woodford Hounds in Kentucky) and then Piedmont Whipper-In Rachel Gray, Beverly was just a year old when Rachel died in a tragic motorcycle accident. From the age of two, she’s lived with her grandmother, Barbara Chappell, at the family’s Colt Hills Farm in Warrenton, Virginia.

She’s surrounded there by a support network of aunts, grandfather Butch Gray, and Barbara, a team that has always worked with foxhunting, show hunters, and racehorses.

Beverly Allen with Partly Cloudy, the Small/Medium Children’s Champion Pony at the Washington International Regional Horse Show at Morven Park, Leesburg, VA, October 22, 2021.

IN & AROUND HORSE COUNTRY • HOLIDAY 2021

When asked what appeals to them about riding, the sentiments are similar.

Kate: “I can’t remember ever not wanting to ride! I love everything about it and I love just being around all the horses. I love the jumping because I feel like I’m flying!”

Bella: “The bond between the horse and rider, and the joy I feel when I am riding.”

Beverly: “I like spending time with my ponies and riding at different places.”

Drilling down to the appeal of foxhunting in particular, the responses require multiple exclamation marks.

Kate: “The best thing ever!!”

Bella: “I think it is amazing! I love jumping, trail riding, and cross-country. Foxhunting includes all these things and many more that I love!”

Beverly’s answer reflects her professional hunt staff lineage: “Listen to the hounds speak and getting to gallop across the fields.”

As our readers know well, riding ponies and horses does not happen without challenges. Kate and Beverly are succinct in their approach to handling such situations.

Kate: “I sit up and try to remember to breathe.

I just keep going and keep trying again and again until we get it!”

Beverly (again echoing a word often used by hunt staff): “Just stop and settle.”

With a few more years of experience to reflect back on, Bella shows promise of soon moving from student to teacher. “I think that you have to be patient and confident. Reward the horse instead of punish it.

You need to be firm and be able to troubleshoot and anticipate. My mom has taught me to take difficulties, break them down, and then build them back up to your desired outcome.”

Kate and Bella have both been experiencing foxhunting through their membership in the Old Dominion Hounds Pony Club. Although the connection between Pony Clubs and foxhunting is historically strong, many of today’s Pony Clubs don’t have access to an organized hunt in their area. Happily, such access does exist where these young ladies live and they’re taking full advantage of the opportunity.

They also have their sights set on moving up through the ranks. Kate just joined the ODHPC this year and is a D-1. But, she quickly adds, “Soon to be a D-2!” Her goal is to go all the way to C-2. Bella, already a D-2, says, “I want to achieve at least C-3 so that I can foxhunt in Ireland!”

Given her extensive family support, Beverly essentially has her own private pony club to help bring her along in the equestrian discipline.

Bella and Beverly wake up every morning to a barn filled with horses and ponies. While this is a wonderful privilege to enjoy, they’ve learned it doesn’t come without responsibility and hard work.

Bella: “I am responsible in part for the care of our horses. I assist with feeding, cleaning stalls, moving horses to different pastures, training and help my mom with her horse lesson program as her assistant after school.”

Beverly: “I take care of my ponies [Daisy, Desy, and Dolly]. They live at my house and I take care of them, catch, groom, clean stalls.”

Kate’s pony, Ty, is boarded at her trainers.

“But,” she says, “I help as much as I can. Sometimes I get to stay over—which I love, because that means I get to do night check!”

As these comments show, the privilege of hav-

ing ponies and horses doesn’t come without attendant responsibilities. It’s not all just a carefree “hop on and ride” lifestyle. It’s a discipline that serves to build character and a strong work ethic.

That aspect comes through in Then three-year-old Kate Hughes the perspectives of and her mother Erika graced the cover of In & Around Horse those who provide Country’s Summer 2016 issue. this opportunity for Isabel Kurek photo the youngsters.

Kate’s mother, Erika, explains: “I think it’s all wonderful. I love that Kate is being exposed to so many different aspects of riding at her young age: foxhunting, horse shows, hunters, jumpers, pony club, dressage, cross country, etc. She is going to have such a great foundation and will be able to pursue what she loves most when she’s older. She has learned so much with Pony Club, and I love that the older kids are really the ones that run and teach it.

It’s really amazing. We are so blessed to live in one of the most beautiful areas of the world, and she gets to ride through it and experience it every day in ways that most could never imagine.”

Marie Fidero, Bella’s mom, puts it this way: “In the immediate present, equestrian activities provide our children with meaningful work caring for animals that are capable of such a strong bond. It is hard work, which we believe is good for them, but also rewarding. We envision many opportunities arising for our children in the future as well through equestrian activities. The confidence and skills they are building now will benefit them throughout their entire lives.”

Barbara Chappell agrees about the life skills kids learn from being responsible for another living being as well as the social skills that come from being part of a group effort, the need for planning, and preparation for unforeseen events. But Barbara also feels a special blessing through the joy her granddaughter Beverly gets from living the pony-centered life. “Beverly truly loves helping in the barn. I don’t have to ask her, she does it herself—sings to her ponies, braids their hair, cleans stalls, grooms, and cleans her tack. She loves foxhunting and showing, it’s truly in her heart and I’m sure it will stay there as an adult. She pops up early to help out for a foxhunting event or horse show. She knows it’s her special responsibility to have riding clothes ready and clean tack. My heart is so filled seeing her smiles while riding, whether it’s lessons, trails or foxhunting.”

It’s not uncommon, sadly, for horse-crazy kids to find their interest in equestrian sport begins to wane as they mature. The demands of school, starting a career, and building a family can take a toll on time, focus, and resources. (Kate has already seen that in her mother’s life.) But at this point, all three young ladies answer strongly in the affirmative that they expect to keep riding as a central part of their adult life.

So for them, and hopefully many more like them, foxhunting may continue in the land from generation to generation. The North Country Hunting Parson would surely be pleased (as are we).

5 Editor’s Note: This issue of In & Around Horse Country focuses heavily on “young persons,” more commonly referred to as “juniors” in hunting parlance. In addition to this profile of three young riders, see the coverage of the MOC Beagles 60th Anniversary Celebration (page 9), Riley Hogan’s progress from the hunt field to victories in the hunter/jumper ring (page 10), and the Junior North American Field Hunter Championship Finals (page 11).

Beverly Allen and Grovespring Farm’s Gadget enjoying a day of sport with Rappahannock Hunt at Larry Levy’s The Hill, January, 2021.

Erika and Kate Hughes hunted together for the first time as mother and daughter at this year’s Opening Meet for Old Dominion Hounds, November 6, 2021, at High Meadow. Michelle Arnold photo

Rappahannock Hunt (VA) hosted their inaugural Young People’s Hunt on November 7, 2021.

Founded in memory and through the generosity of the late mother of one of their members, the goal of this program is to encourage those age 30 and under to experience foxhunting without having to pay a capping fee. While younger “Juniors” are typically accorded waived or reduced fees at many hunts, this program of special hunting days greatly expands that age range to include young adults who may not otherwise have the resources to pay full adult caps.

As the foxhunting community seeks ways to bring along the next generation of hunt followers, a program such as this could serve as a model for other clubs to follow toward that end.

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IN & AROUND HORSE COUNTRY • HOLIDAY 2021

HOUNDS Bull Run and Blue Ridge Hunts Host Spectacular Foxhound Performance Trial

By Jean P. Derrick

Blue Ridge Hunt Joint-Masters Jeff LeHew and Anne McIntosh, along with Huntsman Graham Buston, were all smiles when their hounds topped the scoring ranks for the two-day contest.

Joanne Maisano photo

Middleburg Rosie (#1), Huntsman’s Choice Hound and top winning hound of the Trial, on the job with packmate Middleburg Atlas (#93). Liz Callar photo

After getting familiar with each other before hunting together, an eager pack of hounds were ready for some performance trials action when Grosvenor Merle-Smith released them from the trailer.

Liz Callar photo

Epp Wilson, MFH Belle Meade Hunt (GA), who served as Performance Trials Huntsman, spent some time with the assembled group of hounds before moving off with them from The Preserve on Saturday, October 23, when Bull Run hosted the event.

Liz Callar photo

Both of these hunts may be well over a century old, but they have jumped feet first into the 21st century form of art known as a Foxhound Performance Trial by hosting one of ten of a series of foxhound performance trials scheduled by Chairman Fred Berry, MFH Sedgefield. The Masters of Foxhounds Association is aiming to sponsor such a series every third year. The top 10 hounds from each event of the series will be qualified to participate in the grand championship trials, scheduled in Hoffman, NC, March 26-27, 2022. As Fred explains, “The main purpose is to have fun, and help the hunts develop performance trials both as a fundraiser as well as a framework to show staff and hunt members what good and even great hound work looks like. The trials are a super big joint meet, and a great format to get people of like minds together.”

Eight hunts were entered, each bringing a team of six hounds, for a formidable pack of 24 couple. Two of the hunts, Thornton Hill and Marlborough, brought Penn-Marydels. The remaining hunts (Middleburg, Blue Ridge, Farmington, Deep Run, Bull Run, and Rappahannock) brought crossbreds.

Saturday, October 23rd, 2021 was the time to shine at Bull Run. The choice of meet site was simply beautiful: The Preserve, a rolling, picturesque mixture of standing corn and bean fields, grassy meadows, streams, and woods, linked by well cleared trails and roads which offered good footing. It is paneled with coops and log jumps.

The Preserve is one of several expansive tracts owned by Bull Run MFH Mike Long and his wife Betty, which adjoin their Locust Hill House, circa 1770, Betty’s ancestral home.

The first hour and a half of the day was quiet, and then Bull Run huntsman Tim Michel leaned back in his saddle, looked at me with a twinkle in the eye and said, “I promise you, this is the red fox honey-hole.” Trial huntsman Epp Wilson, MFH Belle Meade Hunt, was drawing an area known as The Cliffs, overlooking the Robinson River, which borders a small, rural “subdivision” of about 6 homes. The red foxes make their homes in the steep rocky hillside overlooking the river, close by these friendly humans. Sure enough, sixty seconds after Tim’s pronouncement, the race was on, and for the remainder of the day the 24 couple of prize foxhounds ran foxes.

At one point the hounds overshot their fox, who briefly merged with the front runners of the pack, and then easily skipped to safety. All the fields viewed multiple times. A pair of judges riding with their whip guide also viewed a young black bear, galloping out of a field of standing corn.

At the end of the day, Epp Wilson commented, “We wanted a fox to help get these good hounds settled. The Penn-Marydels are especially sensitive, and they flinched and sulled up when we mixed them in the trailer this morning. That’s

why I walked the pack to the first covert. Tomorrow will be even better hound work because they understand each other now.”

The winning hound Day One was Thornton Hill Zeus and the winning hunt Middleburg.

Saturday night the participants were invited to High Thicket, the home of Erwin and Beth Opitz, of the Thornton Hill Hounds, for an outdoor cocktail party with a well-stocked bar and groaning tables laden with good food.

Next day, we drove north for an hour and a half. Fall colors were now beginning to show at the higher elevations.

Day Two was Blue Ridge Hunt’s turn, and they did not disappoint. Shannon Hill, in Front Royal, Virginia, home of Blue Ridge Master Jeff LeHew, was the spectacular meet site. He is about finished restoring the 1804 home. Consisting of mostly open, green grassy fields, and woodlands, it is bordered by the Shenandoah River and fenced with stout coops. It was breathtaking to ride down a hill and suddenly be on the bank of the broad, shining Shenandoah.

While the day before had been a PennMarydels day with foxes, today was for the crossbreds and coyotes. Half an hour after casting, the pack struck a big coyote who ran for an hour in clockwise circles, bounded by the river. It was a blazing pace for staff, judges, and fields. At one point, the pack overshot the line in an unharvested corn field, but continued searching. First flight, expertly parked by field master LeHew on a hillside overlooking the corn field, viewed the coyote sneaking out of the field through an adjacent seeded green field fenced with American wire.

Twice the coyote tried to get over the fence, and failed, so he ended up running the fence line into the bordering woods. Blue Ridge Master Anne McIntosh, guiding trial judge and Moore County Hound MFH Cameron Sadler, got a close look at the quarry: “Cameron and I were walking, and here he comes, big as a German Shepherd, running up the fence line into the woods.” But in the end, the coyote gave the pack the slip.

The huntsman got off his horse and horned for the hounds. All 24 couple were back with him in a handful of minutes, comfortably gathered around him. It is remarkable how the hounds meld into a pack on the second day of a performance trial, and it was clear in that moment they had.

Even the Penn-Marydels, who above all love and are loyal to their huntsman, were won over. Wilson roaded them to a pond, where they watered, and then took them on down the lane to two neighboring farms, whose owners had specifically requested of the leadership at Blue Ridge that they be hunted today. There was no more full cry the second day, but the judges did get additional hunting and trailing scores.

Day Two the winning hound was Blue Ridge Newtown, and Blue Ridge the winning pack overall for the two day trial.

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IN & AROUND HORSE COUNTRY • HOLIDAY 2021

OPENING MEETS

Huntsman Graham Buston led the way on Sunday, October 24, when Blue Ridge Hunt welcomed that day’s Performance Trials from Shannon Hill, home of Blue Ridge Joint-Master Jeff LeHew. Joanne Maisano photo

The partnering of Bull Run and Blue Ridge, with each hunt thereby offering their respective spectacular meet sites, was a key ingredient to the success of this Trial. Bull Run MFH Rosie Campbell, who along with Blue Ridge’s MFH Anne McIntosh organized the event, said, “Blue Ridge was great to work with.

We don’t get to see enough of them, and this Trial gave us an excuse to get together and hang out.”

Master Penny Denegre of Middleburg Hunt commented, “We’ve had a lovely time. I especially enjoyed the camaraderie. We’ve talked about breeding programs and solutions to land owner issues. A performance trial offers a perfect platform for this exchange of experiences and ideas.”

MFH Ginny Perrin, of participating Deep Run Hunt, summed it all up: “I would love to see more performance trials in Virginia. Based on the large number of hunts entered [8], and considering some hunts who called too late couldn’t participate, there is a need, there’s a want, there is a market for a performance trial. The difficulty in sponsoring a PT is the need for the large fixture, but the sites here are ideal—open, with good views, making the judges’ job a lot easier to get scores, and allowing all fields to view the action.”

The huntsman’s choice hound was Middleburg Rosie, who coincidentally also was the overall top winning hound of the Trial. (It’s interesting how the accuracy of the computer scoring program is validated by subjective, individual choices.) However, huntsman Epp Wilson, in making his decision, had of course at that time no idea what the judges’ scores would be. Instead, he said simply, “Rosie, marked No.1, was one of the first in the trailer the first day to look me in the eye and accept me as a huntsman. She wasn’t necessarily a stand out in the pack but she did everything—hunted, trailed, and went full cry. That’s a hound I would like to take home with me.”

For scores, go to https://ptm.mfha.com/events/scores/br-br-performance-trial For photos and text, https://m.facebook.com/FoxhoundPerformanceTrials

Upcoming Performance Trials: December 3-4, Long Run Woodford Hounds (KY), Spencer Allen, spencerallenpfh@yahoo.com January 21-22, Belle Meade Hunt (GA) Epp Wilson, eppwilson@foxboro.biz February 19-21, Western States Performance Trial at Tejon Ranch, CA Angela Murray, angela@redrockhounds.com March 5-6, Wicomico Hunt Penn-Marydel trial (MD) Ed Fry, edwinrfry@gmail.com March 5-6, Belle Meade Hunt (GA) Epp Wilson, eppwilson@foxboro.biz March 26-27, Grand Championship Trials, Hoffman, N.C. Fred Berry, FBerry@greensborolaw.com

Riders of Deep Run Hunt (VA) struck a picturesque image as they moved along on Opening Day, October 30, 2021. Bill Sigafoos photo

The Clifton family, 2-year-old William, Shannon, and Sam, made the trip from Ligonier, PA, where Sam serves as Huntsman for Rolling Rock Hunt, to participate in Bull Run Hunt’s Opening Meet, November 7, 2021. Karen Kandra photo

With Huntsman Jordan Hicks sidelined with an injury, Professional Whipper-In John Dean carried the horn when Piedmont Fox Hounds met for Opening Day at Oakley, November 4, 2021. Douglas Lees photo

Huntsman Matt van der Woude and the Warrenton Hunt hounds observed their Opening Meet from the Kennels at Elway as John Wyatt, MFH, (on the gray) led the field, November 6, 2021.

Max Tufts photo

Huntsman Reg Spreadborough had a sizable and appreciative audience of spectators in attendance when Orange County Hounds met for Opening Meet on November 6, 2021, at Glen Welby. Joanne Maisano photo

IN & AROUND HORSE COUNTRY • HOLIDAY 2021

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OSMUN’S OBSERVATIONS

A Problem of Piddling Pups After eight months at my desk at Horse Claudia Coleman illustration Country Saddlery—well, actually under the desk and in a Shires Doggy Day Bed—I have to make my first difficult executive decision. And it’s a tough one.

Some decisions are a snap; where to place the new equestrian pillows? Do we or don’t we reorder the Mallard lamp? I ask myself at least ten times a day, “Do we or don’t we?” But this tough decision really has everyone in a tizzy. For the first time since the store’s opening in 1970, should we hang a “No Pets” sign on the entrance door?

Being a pet myself, this was no easy decision, believe me. Here at Horse Country, pets have always been welcome as part of our patron’s family. But an on-going problem has been growing and is now too obvious to ignore.

The problem: House training! Or, really, a lack thereof. Visiting dogs are making messes throughout the store. It isn’t just the visitors from the countryside. It’s not just the frantic Irish setters. Even the sophisticated pure breeds are guilty of it. I ask, can you blame them, really?

One trots in the front door and the nose is assaulted by the pungent smell of well-oiled leather from the seasoned saddles and dyed boots. English bridles and fine belts beckon the newcomer from the entrance all the way to the back of the store and downstairs into the saddlery. The call of the tannery is truly a call of nature! And, as a result of that overwhelming olfactory assault, my fellow dogs have little control over themselves. Off one goes to a darkened corner, soon to sheepishly return to the counter with the demeanor of the truly guilty. (The problem appears to be with just the dogs. Children seem to control themselves much better, for some strange reason. It almost seems that the smell of leather doesn’t have the same pull over them as it does with us canines. Odd, because they’re so like us in many other ways.)

Clean ups are getting more frequent and often these little accidents can go for a day without being noticed. Last month, we had the barfing dog. Last week, two beagles came in and when their owners were looking at tweed jackets, both slipped their collars and ran downstairs through the dog clothing and dog bed section, marking their territory as they went. Another lifted his leg on a tablecloth

as soon as he walked in the store.

The final straw, though, came when I happened on a pet in flagrante excretio and worst of all, it was a fellow Scottie! “Et tu?” I barked.

A lot of barking back and forth went into the discussion with Marion, the staff, and me. We all agreed the decision flies in the face of current business trends. Wineries and breweries have “Pet Days” when patrons can bring their beloved dog with them to the bar of choice.

On those days, the pets can mingle and catch up on each other’s goings-on while the owners belly up and enjoy a favorite Virginia produced beverage. (Not that the pets are served special drinks. We had a quick lunch at the Red Horse in Middleburg recently and the nice waitress brought me a huge bowl of fresh water. Ah! Thirst quenching after walking the hot pavement while Marion dragged me window shopping.)

Mind you, water is a pet’s beverage of choice. At each Pet Day or Blessing of the Animals I attend, bowls of water and assorted kibbles are offered —very dry kibbles, I might add.

So, after much debate, Marion left the decision to me. I finally decided that enough is enough. The sign will be placed on the door.

Granted, my continued presence in the store might smack of hypocrisy. I can hear some of my fellow canines whining to their humans, “How come he’s allowed in and I’m not?” Believe me, I’m not any happier about this than they are. But I have to think about my coworkers and the grief these occurrences have caused them. (And as any dog knows, when your humans aren’t happy, neither are you.)

If it’s any consolation, perhaps we can take a tip from the winery and brewery folks and have a special day when dogs can come to visit. We could set some Pasha-like tents up outside with serving bowls of Fiji water—Horse Country’s water of choice—and assorted kibbles (dry, of course).

Until then, though, I can personally attest to the appeal offered by the lovely bushes arrayed just outside the store. Surely a better option than a tablecloth!

Orange County Hounds Team Chase Perfect weather graced the day for this year’s Orange County Team Chase, held at Old Whitewood Farm, the home of Mr. and Mrs. Mark Ohrstrom. Under the knowledgeable assessment of judges Anne Macintosh, MFH; Snowden Clarke; Karyn Wilson; and Emily Day, the category winners were: Hilltopper Pairs: “The Gray Ladies,” Julie Banner and Boyden Rohner.

Hilltopper Pairs Best Turned Out: “The Brush Arbor Ladies,” Annabel Bybee, Ann Ma, and Jane Quilter.

First Flight Best Turned Out: “One Is Not Like the Other,” George Kuk, Erika Offut, and Devon Zebrovious.

Best Hunt Team: Michele, Richard, and Rosie Powers (“Powers Please”).

Nearest Optimum Time: OCH Joint Master Jeb Hannum, his wife Emily, and daughter Flora.

Junior Champion: Morgan Botto and Distant Strike (MOC Beagles).

Adult Champion: Dr. Rae Stone and Galahad (OCH).

An eager group of foxhunters ready for the day’s competition in the Orange County Hounds Team Chase held at Reserve Champion: Cricket Bedford (Piedmont Fox Old Whitewood Farm, October 31, 2021.

Hounds).

Robert Mihlbaugh photo Most Suitable Hunter: Cal Bowie’s Tucker (OCH).

FO FO FOX OX X IN NH HO HORSESHOE O INKWELL INK IN NK N NKWEL KW WEL ELL E Wood, W Woo ood, d crystal cryys and bra b rass. sss. s M Ma ad de in brass.

Made England. fox E Eng lan and. a d. Carved Ca C a m mas k with with hg mask glass eyes. #2 #25 2 177 00 709 (HC1A) #2517-009

HORSE COUNTRY®

The spirit of holidays past beckons with distinctive hunt-themed antiques.

And a gallery of modern delights awaits beyond.

EQUESTRIAN EPERGNE Made in England, 19th century Silverplated, 23" x 12" x 8" #3471-10303 (HC1B) BOA O RT U USK BOAR TUSK H HUN TS TSM SMAN HUNTSMAN CA CAN C AN A DLE LE L E HO H OLD CANDLE HOLDERS. 118 186 860's 0'ss,, Set Set of of 2 1860's, 2.

Boa o r Tusks oa Tusk uskss w ith th h Boar with Hun untsm u ssman Huntsman #18 1 6718 67-102 67 102 0210 10 10 02 2 #1867-102102 (HC HC C1C) 1C 1C (HC1C)

FRIENDS CRYSTAL PIN Custom design 14k yellow gold with four sets of five diamonds #57-SP2HHCR (HC1E)

ANTIQUE COCKTAIL SHAKER Circa 1900, 14" tall Includes 8 glasses Rare red glass with sterling silver Made in Czechoslovakia #5100-1211-002 (HC1G)

CARVED WOOD PLAQUES One of a fox, the other a hare French made, Set of two #5201-088 (HC1D)

FOX AND HORSE CRYSTAL BRACELET 14k with bits, horseshoes and stirrups. Two fox head crystals and 1 horse head crystal. #9300-002. (HC1F)

(540) 347-3141 800-88-2-HUNT (4868) 60 Alexandria Pike, Warrenton, Virginia 20186

FOX MASK CLOCK AND BAROMETER Set in two horseshoes Made in England, Brass over nickel Key included. 9” tall by 7.5” wide. #4700-052010-001 (HC1Hß)

Store Hours: Monday–Saturday 10AM - 5PM (ET) OPEN SUNDAY 12-4 FROM THANKSGIVING UNTIL CHRISTMAS

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Shop online! www.HorseCountryCarrot.com COUNTRY HUNT OR JOCKEY GLASSES Four unique glasses. Gold metallic rim.

11 oz., Set 4, Hand-wash Hunt DOF #1207-21HUSH855 (HC2A) $72.00 Hunt High Ball # 1207-21HUTA857 (HC2B) $72.00 Jockey DOF # 1207-21VSJ0855 (HC2C) $72.00

CHESHIRE ICE BUCKET Lucite with Hunt Theme Fabric.

Available in 8"(3Qt) or 10"(5Qt) 8" #1661-CB3 (HC2D)$89.95 10" #1661-H251 (HC2E) $99.95

PIMLICO PLASTIC CUP SET 16 oz., Set 10 Design wraps around the entire cup Shatterproof, Frosted Cups #1943-CSF010 (HC2H) $32.99

HUNT VALLEY Y ICE BUCKET Lucite with Hunt Theme Fabric.

8" Tall, Available in Navy & Green Green #1661-CB1 (HC2F) $89.95 Navy #1661-CB2 (HC2G) $89.95

HORSEHEAD DECANTER SET Decanter and four Double Old Fashioned glasses. Hand decorated / hand painted. 24K gold banding. Hand wash, Gift boxed. #288-2061-53 (HC2J) $87.95

HERRING HUNT SCENE DECANTER SET 28 oz. Decanter. Four 9 oz. Tapered Old Fashioned Glasses. Set of 4. Hand Wash, Gift Boxed. #2039HS (HC2K) $87.95

HERRING HUNT SCENE DOUBLE OLD FASHIONED Four 14 Oz. Glasses Hand Wash, Gift Boxed #2026HS (HC2L) $49.95

FOXEY DECANTER SET Four 14 oz Glasses, Decanter 28 oz.

24K gold banding Hand wash, Gift boxed #2033FX (HC2M) $87.95

HERRING SHOT GLASS SET Includes faux leather book "Scarlet Fever" is hot stamped in gold on the spine of the book. Glasses are 2.5" tall, book is 7" tall, 6" wide, 2.5" deep. Hand-wash #BW12HS (HC2N) $60.00 FOXEY HIGHBALL Four 13 oz. Glasses Rims are finished in 24k gold. Hand wash, Gift boxed. #202040 (HC2P) $49.95

FOXEY DOUBLE OLD FASHIONED Four 14 oz. glasses. Rims are finished in 24k gold. Hand wash, Gift boxed. #202640 (HC2Q) $49.95

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SPODE MEADOW LANE RABBIT TRAY Gold accents with light blue trim Approx. 12" x 7.5" #3161-MLT010 (HC3J) $25.00

LUXU FUDGE 8.8 OZ. LUXURY Eac ch piece of fudge is individually wrapped ed Each Atttrac Attractively illustrated embossed tins Bailey le #1929-CWT050 (HC3A) $19.95 Bailey's im m Beam B 5 Jim #1929-CBT010 (HC3B) $19.95 Lap ph Laphroaig #1929-CWT030 (HC3C) $19.95 Do og Sitter S Dog # 1929-CTY010 (HC3D) $15.50

BELMONT SUGAR, CREAMER, & TRAY Pure-pewter accents. Includes Creamer pitcher, serving tray, sugar bowl with pewter lid and sugar spoon. #4005-H317EQ (HC3K) $155.00

SPODE MEADOW LANE RABBIT 12oz. Mug Set of 4, Gold Accents. Trimmed with soft pastel colors on rims #3161-MLM010 (HC3L) $40.00

HUNTSMAN PREMIUM BLOODY MARY MIX In store pickup by the bottle. Shipping by the case only. (Rates are cost) #4104-001 (HC3E) $9.95 CREAM FUDGE 7 OZ. A whimsical gift. Attractively illustrated embossed tin. Approximately 30 individually wrapped pieces.

Ponies Dairy #1929-CT0020 (HC3F) $15.50 Garden Dairy # 1929-CT0030 (HC3G) $15.50

Woodland Collection Tray T Tr Tra ra ay 19.25 19 9..2 9.2 25 x 11.75 11.75 11 75 7 5 #3161-RWMT2 #31 #3 (HC3M) $19.99 Tray (HC3N) $9.99 Tr T Tra ray 15.25 15.2 15.2 25 x 6.75 6.75 6.

75 #3161-RWMT1 #31 # 316 3 C Cot o ton on Apron Ap pro ron on #3161-RWAP1 o #3 # 3161 161 61Cotton (HC3P) $19.99 Co Cot C o ton Tea Te ea Towel Tow owe wel #3161-RWTT1 #31 31 Cotton (HC3Q) $11.99

HORSE COUNTRY RY PELHAM & CHEEK EK K PEANUTS With Sea Salt #9367-F00010 (HC3H) $10.95

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PORCELAIN HORSES LAMP Antiqued solid brass base and cap. Lamp base height: 13.2". Lamp depth and width: 5" X 5". Overall dimensions 23" high.

12" wide. 3 way socket maximum 100W, UL listed Lamp shade: Antique White. #1895-TL0030 (HC4A ) $325.00

PO POR O C CEL E PORCELAIN HORSES GIN G ING GER ER LAMP GINGER Lam am mp Base Ba Height: 10.4" Lamp De Dep D eptth h and a Width: Depth 6.3 6 .3" X 6.3" .3 6..

6 6.3" Ov Ove v ral r l dimensions ra d Overall 20.

0.5 0.

5"" high hiig h hig g 13" wide 20.5" 3 Way Way ay socket, so maximum 100 00W W,, UL U listed 100W, Sha hade ha de e color: c Shade Antique Whi Wh h tte. e. #1895-TL0020 # White. $ (HC4B) $225.00

PORCELAIN HORSES BOWL Detachable Wooden Black Base. 14" ( ) $335.00 $ Diameter #1895-PB0010 (HC4C)

WOODLAND CHRISTMAS TEA POT Fine Bone China 1 Pint, Overall 5" x 8" Dishwasher, microwave, freezer and oven safe. #3161-RWXTP (HC4J) $40.00

SHE WHO LOVES HORSES MUG Porcelain, 11oz. Quote in back, Hand wash. #1949-MUG001 (HC4L) $16.95 HOLIDAY MIDNIGHT FEAST MUG 13.5 oz Mug with matching decorative gift box. New Bone China. Dishwasher, microwave safe. #3258-28395 (HC4M) $17.50

PORCELAIN HORSES SCALLOPED TEA LAMP Lamp base height 12.5". Lamp base depth and width 7.6"x 5.9". 3 way socket, maximum 100w, UL listed. Overall dimensions 22" High 14" Wide. Shade and Finial included.

Shade Color: Antique White. #1895-TL0010 (HC4D) $260.00

FOXY MUG 14 oz. Mug . Fine bone china.

Dishwasher and microwave safe #1792-FMG1L (HC4N) $26.00

P PO O PORCELAIN H HO HORSES C CA CACHEPOT VASE A Ap p Approx.

13". # #1 #1895-PV0010 (H H (HC4E) $210.00

SMART ASS MUG 14oz.,Ceramic #1945-MG0002 (HC4P) $21.00

D DECORATIVE HORSE FIGURES C Ceramic with an electroplated glaze 9 9"L x 2 1/2"W x 7 1/4"T B Bright Silver finish #1195-880061 ((HC4F) $39.00 (H B Bright Gold finish #1195-880060 (H (HC4G) $39.00 W White finish (not shown) # #1195-880062 (HC4H) $39.00

HC4 H O R S E C OUNTRY ® 800 88-2 HUNT Visit us online! www.horsecountrylife.com

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WOODLAND MUG/ COASTER SET 11 Oz Mug, 3.75" Coaster Set includes 1 mug and 1 coaster. Fine Bone china.

Dishwasher, microwave, freezer safe. #3161-RWXMC (HC4K) $15.00

www.HorseCountryCarrot.com w Hors H r eC eCou Cou unt ntry try r C Carr Ca rrot rr ot ot

B BEST FRIEND HAS TAIL T TRAVEL MUG 116 oz., Stainless Steel travel ttumbler. Durable & Long LLasting. #1949-TUM002 ((HC4Q) $16.95

Shop online! www.HorseCountryCarrot.com DOORMATS/RUG DO D O 1100% 10 100 0 00 0 Polyester fiber and backing Co C o Colorful and vibrant, 21" x 33" IIdeal Id Ide de d e for tackroom, mudroom, kit k ki itc kitchen and entry way.

H Hu u Scene #1247-DM0700 Hunt (H (HC HC H C (HC5C) $39.99 Ba Bar B ar Friends #1247-DM0400 Barn ((HC (H HC H C (HC5D) $39.00

MAN AND STEED Vinyl floor mat for indoor use. 30"x 23". #1446-VM21 (HC5B) $69.99 MALLARD, MA MAL M A AL LLA LAR ARD, D, MFH MF MFH, FH, L FH LAMP AM A M Ce Cer C erami am c ffigure am igu ig gu urre e 110 10" 0"" tta 0 a Ceramic tall.

Ov Ove O v ral ve rall,l, a ap app pp pprox prox rox ox. 2 3" 3" Overall, approx.

23" ta tal na4 4"" ba b asse e wi wit w ih it talll o on base with ad adj a djjust d usstabl stta abl blle h b eig gh htt cre c re e adjustable height cream sh sha h de ha de. e. # e 246 46 462-4 62-4 2-4 -41116 1 shade. #2462-4116-L (HC HC5A) HC 5A) $2 $ 29 95.

95 5 00 0 (HC5A) $295.00

PAINTERLY FOX PILLOW 18" x 18". Soft brushed cotton. Down filled, zipper closure. #770819-001 (HC5F) $103.00

UGLY SWEATER FOX PILLOW 18" x 18". 100% polyester #1923-TP0001 (HC5E) $29.95

STIRRUP NAPKIN RINGS Made in Spain, Set of four Gold or Silver finish Gold #958-180047 (HC5G) $46.99 Silver #958-180046 (HC5H) $46.99

S MUNNINGS PLACEMATS Made in England.

Set of 2 mats.

Heat and stain resistant.

Wipes clean.

15" x 11.5" x 0.2" with rounded corners #118 880 80 0--SM SM M0 009 0 09 (HC5N) (H HC HC5 C N N)) $125.00 $125.0 $12 5 00 5.0 Nobby Gray Huntsman #1880-SM009 (HC5P HC5P C5P) $125 $ 112 125 25 5.00 00 0 0 Gray Mare #1880-SM0011 (H (HC5P) $125.00

ENGLISH EN ENG NGLIS LIIIS L SH HUNT HU UNT N NT T PLACEMATS PL P LACE LACE C M CEMAT MA MAT AT A TS & COASTERS COAST CO AST A ST TE 16" Round - Set of 4 Pebbled Vinyl, Completely Wipeable Made In The USA, Indoor/Outdoor Use Placemats: Red Boarder #1901-PM001B (HC5J) $99.00 No Boarder #1901-PM001A (HC5K) $99.00 Coasters: Red Boarder #1901-CST002A (HC5L) $39.00 No Boarder #1901-CST002A (HC5M) $39.00

BAMBOO CUTTING BOARDS Approx. 8.5" x 12" x .5" Fox #3682-FOXBOARD (HC5Q) $38.00 Horns #3682-HORNBOARD (HC5R) $38.00

H ORS E C OUNTRY ® 800 88-2 HUNT HC5 www.Facebook.com/HorseCountryLife

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GAZING FOXES TRAY 10.75"x 8", FSC Certified Birch wood Handmade, Dishwasher safe Suitable for use with food #1792-FTRSM (HC6D) $36.95

FOXES TELESCOPING UMBRELLA 100% Pongee material canopy. Straight grey handle, 8 panels.

Auto open and canopy close. Folds down to approx. 11" x 5" #1792-FUM00 (HC6A) $54.00

FOXES F FO O WEEKENDER BAG M Made from matte oilcloth. Zip c cl closure, 4 studded feet on base A Ad Adjustable shoulder strap. Faux lle e leather detailing W Weekender 24"x 13"x 6".#1792FW FWB00 (HC6B) $105.00 To T ote 19"x ot 1 19 Tote 14"x 5". #1792-FT001 (H HC6C) HC H 6C) C $8 $ 85 5.0 00 (HC6C) $85.00

FOXEY FINGERLESS GLOVES AND ND SC SCARF CARF C AR ARF RF Sweater knit fabric is mid-weight and htt an nd cyycle cle ed super soft. Made in the USA. Recycled cotton blend. One size fits mostt $27 27.95 27 .9 Gloves #1686-436007 (HC6F) $2 $27.95 37.95 37 5 Scarf #1686-437007 (HC6G) $37.95

CAPELLA KNIT HATS Made in Italy, Merino wool knit ool kni nitt Vibrant color combinations. tio on ns. s (HC6H) $98.00 each rp ple wit with h Red Red d 1450-MKH01E - Purple erise eri se wit with hO Ora ra a ge ange an 1450-MKH01D - C Cerise Orange ple l wit with hG ra ay 1450-MKH01B - Purple Gray th Or ran ang nge 1450-MKH01A - Olive with Orange vy 1450-MKH01C - Gray with Navy 1450-MKH01F - Black with Gray

FOXES FOLDING SHOPPER TOTE The bag folds into the internal pocket. 100% cotton, Machine W Washable . 17"x 15", Folded size 6""x 6 6 6"" . # 6"x #1792-FT000 (H (HC HC6E) HC 6E 6E E)) $ $1 6.9 6 6.95 95 (HC6E) $16.95

AMELIA AME ELIA LIIA IA BIT SHAWL / MUFFLER 74 74” 5 Bit Pattern with European 74”xx 2 25”. fla l re rre. e. e Double Do D o flare. weighted, cashmere fe fee ee e elin ling g synthetic blend. Dry clean only. feeling Tan T an n/Bl / u #4245-1021-04 (HC6J) $55.00 /B Tan/Blue C Ch Cho ho h oc./ c T #4245-1021-02 (HC6K) $55.00 Choc./Tan P Pin i k/G k Grr #4245-1021-03 (HC6L) $55.00 Pink/Grey Go Gol G od d/N /N Gold/Navy #4245-1021-01 (HC6M) $55.00

HC6 H O R S E C OUNTRY ® 800 88-2 HUNT Visit us online! www.horsecountrylife.com

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MONICA A velvet and faux fur hat embellished with a permanent feather accent and a smallish brim. One size with an adjustable hat liner.

Brown #1856-LFH01A (HC7B) $148.00 Black #1856-LFH01B (HC7C) $148.00

SPANISH SUEDE VEST Tobacco colored suede with horn buttons, reverses to luxurious crème fur. Sizes 40 (36”), 42 (38”), 44 (40”) #1878-LV0020 (HC7A) $1595.00

HAMPTON LEATHER BACKPACKS Made in England, Luxury quality leather Buckle front with cinch closure Adjustable leather straps on back with buckles. Interior zip pocket.

Overall size 12" x 12" x 8" Available colors: Black, Havana and Cognac #3235-BACKPACK (HC7M) $533.00

ZARA WAX TRIMMED IN SUEDE Waxed cotton, One size Navy/Navy #1856-LWH01A (HC7E) $95.00 Green/Burgundy #1856-LWH01C (HC7F) $95.00 Green/Olive #1856-LWH01B (HC7G) $95.00 Navy/Purple #1856-LWH01D (HC7H) $95.00

BARBOUR® AMBUSH HAT Waxed cotton, Sizes SM-LG #4-LH0210OL (HC7D) $70.00

CROSSBODY SADDLE BAG Made in Italy. A small bag in sturdy Belgian linen and Acorn Italian leather. 7 ½” wide x 6” tall x 2” deep. #3461-SAD-SML (HC7J) $825.00 Also in full size model: Belgian linen and Acorn Italian leather, like the small bag #3461-SADPAO (HC7K) $995.00; and Dark Brown leather saddle with Dark Brown suede bottom. #3461-SAD-BRN (HC7L) $995.00 BA BAR B AR A RBO BOU B OU O UR W ITF TF TF FORD OR ORD O RD R D CL C LASS AS AS SS SIC S IC C TOT TO T OT O T TE E BARBOUR WITFORD CLASSIC TOTE Inner pocket, Detachable pouch. Zipped main compartment. 11.5 x 13 x 4.5 inches Inner: 100% Cotton c Outer: 78% Polyester, 17% Wool, 3% A Acrylic, 2% Nylon N ((HC7N) $150.00 00 0 #4-LB0304TN

T TWEED TW GLOVES M Made in England for Horse C Country. Fine leather with D Donegal tweed backing.

Si Silk lined. Sizes 6.5-8.

(H (HC7P) $125.00 A. Cognac #1272-DG03CG A B. Olive #1272-DG03OG C C. Brown #1272-DG03MB D D. Copper #1272-DG03CR

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Shop online! www.HorseCountryCarrot.com CHAMP SOFTSHELL QUILTED JACKET 100% Polyester. Large outer pockets.

Attached hood Sizes 5/6, 6/8, 9/10 Item # 4333-CQJ001 (HC8A) $69.95

KIDS FLEECE POLARTEC® POWER STRETCH TIGHT 53% polyester, 38% nylon, 9% spandex Brushed inside for softness and warmth Outer fabric sheds hay and horse hair Four-way stretch, 1.5" elastic waistband with belt loops Handy side pocket, Anti-slip Kerrits Sticks™ knee patches Tan, Sizes XS-LG #1773-60543TN (HC8C) $89.00

KIDS THERMO TECH TIGHT 88% Polyester / 12% Spandex Four-way stretch Thermo Tech™ knit Lightly brushed inside. 2” elastic waistband with belt loops. Two generous side pockets.

Kerrit Sticks™ silicone grip along the inner full-leg Black, Sizes SM-XL #1773-60555BK (HC8D) $79.00

KEEP ON RIDING FLEECE TIGHT T ta ane 71% viscose, 24% nylon, 5% elastane arm rmth rm th Brushed fleece lining for added w warmth Knee patch: silicone print Adjustable elastic waistband Sizes 2/4, 4/6, 6/7, 7/9 #4333-CRT001 (HC8E) $55.95

DIAMOND HORSE QUILTED JACKETS AND VESTS Quilted with 100-gram poly-loft fill. Lightweight, full front zip.

Two in-seam pockets. Riders cut hem for in-saddle coverage Sizes SM-XL. (HC8B) $79.00 each Jacket Blue #1773-60262BL Vest Blue #1773-60261BL 73 60262 73 60262 62BB 62 2BB B Jacket Purple #1773-60262BB 60262 60 262BB 26 2BB BB Vest Purple #1773-60262BB

HORSE LOVE SWEATSHIRT NAVY 95% cotton, 5% elastane Jersey feel with warmth in mind Raised collar to keep the neck warm Sizes 3/5, 5/6, 6/8, 9/10, 11/12 Item #4333-CSS010 (HC8F) $41.95

CHILDS LIGHT UP MY LIFE SHIRT 95% cotton, 5% elastane Long sleeve T-shirt Pink or Navy, Sizes 3/5, 5/6, 6/8 Pink #4333-CTS01A (HC8G) $34.95 Navy #4333-CTS01B (HC8H) $34.95

HC8 H O R S E C OUNTRY ® 800 88-2 HUNT Visit us online! www.horsecountrylife.com

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Shop online! www.HorseCountryCarrot.com LI IL F LIL FRITZ PLUSH RATTLE 8 lo 8"" long, Soft fox rattle S a atin accents and internal rattle Satin In nfan Safe with embroidered Infant eyes ey yess and nose yye #1 #19 # 2 #1921-BABY10 (HC9F) $14.95

GIRLS HORSE AROUND FLEECE SHIRT BY KERRITS Technical four-way stretch knit 84% Polyester, 16% Spandex Lightweight and breathable Sizes SM-XL #1773-60259BH (HC9A) $59.00

C CEL ELE EL EST ST STIAL AL HO AL H ORS RSE SES CELESTIAL HORSES SWEATSHIRT tane ta ne 95% cotton, 5% elastane p th he Raised collar to keep the neck warm Center hand pocket warmer 2 Sizes 6/8, 9/10, 11/12 Ite tem # te 43 433 33 33 CSS0 CSS SS SS0 S0 020 20 20 Item #4333-CSS020 ((HC HC C9B 9B) B) $ B $4 48.9 8..9 8 95 (HC9B) $48.95

TA TA AN N TANDEM HORSE HOODIE PU P U PURPLE Ulltt Ul Ultra-plush fleece on the in ins in nssi inside.

65% Polyester, 32% Co Co Cotton, 3% Spandex Str S St tre Stretch fabric and excellent th he thermal warmth. Lined a ta at att attached plush hood Fu ull zip front, Two open u Full han ha n warmer pockets. hand Siz S iz ze MD-XL Sizes #17 #1 #1773-60260BB (H HC H C (HC9C) $79.00

ROECKL YOUTH TRYON NAVY GLOVES Comfortable, soft, and breathable. Made with Lycra for high stretch Hard-wearing Durasense synthetic suede on the palm. Easy closure cuff, Glitter print horse.

Sizes 3-5.

Pink #273-7006PK (HC9D) $34.95 Navy #273-7006NY (HC9E) $34.95

PL PLUSH LUS BABY BLANKET 29" x 40". Super-soft plush blankets. Trimmed with coordinating jersey cotton.

Carson Colt Tan #1622-81761 (HC9G) $26.50 Nellie Horse Pink #1622-81961 (HC9H) $26.50

LIL FRITZ PACIFIER HOLDER Size: 7.5", Super Soft Polyester fiber, approved for all ages.

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LADIES' CHATHAM TWEED JACKETS Sizes 6-16 From Left:

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FINLEY SHOOTING VEST OLIVE 100% cotton twill, Fully lined. Adjustable back, Recoil pad. Pockets with drainage holes. Sizes SM-XL #1833-MV0001A (HC13A) $239.95 MEN'S CHATHAM TWEED JACKET MC37 Gold, Olive and Orange Puppytooth. Sizes 40-46 (HC13F) $895.00

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To WINCHESTER, I-66 & I-81

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17

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IN & AROUND HORSE COUNTRY • HOLIDAY 2021

BEAGLES

9

Middleburg Orange County Beagles Celebrates 60 Years

By Grant Chungo

About two months ago, I received a call from Nina Fout in Virginia asking me to come and speak at the 60th anniversary celebration for the Middleburg Orange County Beagles. I could not believe that the organization Eve Fout, Nina’s mother, created was already celebrating its 60th year. I was also very happy to hear that the MOC Beagles were planning to celebrate this milestone. I’m currently living in New York, working as a morning news anchor, and had just come off an early morning shift, very tired. But I perked up and said of course I would travel to Virginia in October to speak at the event.

Thinking back to my time as a kid hunting with the beagles, I remember how Mrs. Fout was my first mentor in everything horse related. I did not even realize it at the time. I was too busy running around the kennels and playing with my favorite beagles (as well as raising beagle puppies, preparing them for their time in the pack). My mother, Marion Chungo, was the DC of the Middleburg Orange County Pony Club. But she could not keep me in the ring once I started getting involved with the beagles and spent most of her free time with me in the kennels as well. During this time in my life, I wanted nothing else but to be out hunting. I would miss as much school as I possibly could without Grant Chungo, 2003, at the Fairfax Hunt kennels. my grades slipping just to get out and hunt with the beagle pack. Ironic, as my riding career turned to the show ring and led me to riding in Grand Prix not long after.

Fast-forward 15 years to this October. Upon arriving to the anniversary celebration, I was greeted with a sea of familiar faces wanting to say hello. I couldn’t even hold a conversation with one given person for more than a minute, as there were too many people to greet that I hadn’t seen in many years. There were also many faces I did not recognize, younger ones, which I was happy to see as this meant there is a whole new generation involved with the beagles in 2021. It quickly showed me how great of a job both Nina and Eve’s daughter-in-law Beth Fout have done with the pack after taking over Mrs. Fout’s legacy.

I was the honorary emcee of the event and got up to read an excerpt from a news article that ran back in the 1960s about why Eve Fout started the beagle

JENNY’S PICKS New Books Anderson, Tootie. Ride of a Lifetime. Eventing enthusiasts take note: the beautiful chestnut mare on the front cover was a rogue Irish draught for which the author paid $10.00 to make the purchase “official.” And she went from an “I’ll eat you alive” fury into a deeply trusted and loved eventing partner, Anderson’s horse of a lifetime. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this account of her transition, and I’m sure you will too. A horse doesn’t have to be an Olympic champion to have a great story behind it, nor does a rider. Paperback, 225pp. $29.99 Brown, Rita Mae. Claws for Alarm. When a new veterinarian in town is found murdered, “Harry” Harristeen’s husband “Fair,” who is also an equine vet, is questioned by the police in hopes he can shed some light on the newbie’s demise, which appears linked to drug theft. Naturally Harry and her pets have to get involved, especially when Fair finds he has also been robbed of drugs. Another murder leaves Harry trying to help settle the elderly lady’s estate, which is bitterly fought over by the two siblings, who never got along to begin with. This volume also features flashbacks to postRevolutionary America to continue following the fortunes and misfortunes of two Charlottesville estate owners and their black and white families. Hardcover, 249pp. $28.00 Malone, Booth. The Fortunate Sons. Hot off the press is this historical novel of the men from the Third Alabama Volunteers, CSA, the first regiment from any outside state to reach Virginia at the beginning of the war. Malone, a well-known equestrian artist, has gleaned information from numerous diaries, letters, newspaper articles and other sources to make this as realistic an account as possible of real people. I have nearly finished the book and am very impressed with his ability to hold my interest while jumping from person to person, action to action. Unlike most novels, there is no fictional central hero around which to base background information; the regiment itself is the “hero.” Malone has effectively captured the feeling of a mass of individuals, many of Alabama’s aristocracy, as they become a unit and learn what it is like to be soldiers. Paperback, 361pp. $28.95 Miller, Candyce. Beaufort the Painted Pony. This charming book for very young children is just in time for Christmas! With colorful illustrations by Jocelyn Sandor Urban, Beaufort’s tale has a gentle message that perhaps would have been more timely 50 years ago.

Why? It tells of a pinto ranch cowpony sold to a little girl from the

pack in the first place. It hit me at that moment while reading that her initial mission really worked, especially on myself. She began the pack to get more male involvement in the sport and that’s exactly why I stuck with it as a kid. I An enthusiastic crowd of junior hunters, their parents and other wanted more excite- supporters gathered to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the ment than what stay- Middleburg Orange County Beagles, the only mounted beagle ing in the ring could pack in North America and solely dedicated to bringing along young devotees of mounted hunting. Photo courtesy of the author offer me.

I then continued my speech by showing monthly newsletters I made back in 2005, created when I was only 10 years old. In these newsletters I would choose my top three beagles each month and explain why they ranked the way they did.

I would also highlight good days we had out hunting. Reading these brought back so many memories. To be completely honest, I had forgotten I had put so much effort into these newsletters and I was glad my mother had kept them all these years and sent them to Nina prior to the event. These really proved to hit home with the new generation of kids as just a day after the event, pictures were surfacing on Facebook of the new children involved with the pack making their own newsletters and choosing their top three beagles, which brought a huge smile to my face.

As I was speaking, I was looking around the packed room and the sight of multiple generations of people coming together for this organization really showed how impactful a space Mrs. Fout had created for children 60 years ago.

With the passion Beth and Nina have put into the pack, the MOC Beagles will surely continue to thrive for many years to come.

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 East, who takes him on a trail ride. He is humiliated by snide remarks from other riders—all suited up in formal hunt attire!—and horses about his coloring—until he has a chance to show his talents when a loose herd of cows frightens the rest of the trail ride and one young rider is thrown. (Nowadays it is not at all uncommon to see Appaloosas, piebalds and skewbalds in the hunt field and certainly on trail rides.) Of course Beaufort saves the day! Hardcover, unpaginated. $19.99 Used Books Gasset, Jose Ortega. Meditations on Hunting. Chas. Scribner’s Sons, New York, 1985. Paperback, very good condition. Discourses on hunting of various sorts, including foxhunting. 132pp. #6492. $55.00 Higginson, A. Henry. Try Back. Collins, London, 1932. Fair cond., sun-faded spine, ragged edges, but sound and clean interior. These foxhunting reminiscences are by a noted MFH who is described in the foreword as the greatest MFH ever. We have several other volumes by Higginson in stock as well. B&w photos. Hardcover, 238pp. #6494. $25.00 Houghland, Mason. Gone Away. Blue Ridge Press, Berryville, VA, 1970. 2nd printing. Ill. by Olive Whitmore. Sueded cover, brown & tan with illus. of fox on a log. Very good condition. No dj. A timeless statement on the art and science of foxhunting by a man known and respected for his knowledge of hounds and hunting.

Hardcover, 145pp. #6495. $50.00 Ladew, Harvey S. Random Recollections on Fox-Hunting. Privately published in Harford Co., MD. 1985. Very good cond. Comments on foxhunting in the US, Ireland, France and England by Mr. Ladew, who today would be called a Renaissance man. His topiary gardens are noted for the foxhunting scene, with hounds, hunters and fox. Paperback, 48pp. #6498. $20.00

Macdonald, David. Running with the Fox. Facts on File Publications, New York & Oxford, 1987. First American edition. Very good condition, dj vg, price-clipped. A behavioral study of the red fox in England conducted by an Oxford researcher, with many photographs. 224pp. #6499 $30.00 Mackay-Smith, Alexander. Foxhunting in North America. American Foxhound Club, Millwood, VA, 1985. Autographed. Book vg, dj has a few tears. This comprehensive guide to the hunt in America contains good general information by a man respected for his extensive knowledge of foxhounds and foxhunting. His other works, many of which we have, include the development of the American foxhound and the American Quarter Horse, a collection of hunting poetry and another of foxhunting songs. Hardcover, 263pp. #6500. $35.00 Pollard, H. B. C. The Mystery of Scent. Eyre & Spottiswood, London, 1937. Good cond., dj dirty with small chips. A technical treatise on scent by an enthusiastic horseman and hunter. Hardcover, 139pp. #6506. $25.00 Sassoon, Siegfried. Memoirs of George Sherston. Literary Guild of America, New York, 1937. Book and dj fair condition. Dj has some tears and discolorations; book has wear to edges and corners are bumped, previous owners’ names inside front cover, but book is sound. This is a collection of Sassoon’s books following the life of “George Sherston,” supposed to be largely autobiographical, but written as fiction. Sassoon was an avid foxhunter himself but is best known for his writings on WWI, of which he was a participant.

Hardcover, 943pp. #6522.

Set of 10 novels by Surtees, Eyre & Spottiswoode, London/Charles Scribner, New York, 1929-30, edition of 950 in red cloth cover.

Fair condition. All have sun-faded spines, bumped corners. Handley Cross, Vol. 1&2; Hillingdon Hall; Hawbuck Grange; Mr. Sponge’s Sporting Tour, Vol. 1 & 2; Ask Momma, Vol. 1 & 2; Plain or Ringlets; and Mr. Facey Romford’s Hounds. All but one are #165; Handley Cross, Vol. 2 is numbered 173. #6512. $145.00 Six-book set of Surtees, the “Jorrocks Edition,” Bradbury & Agnew, London, 1926 In battered slipcase, but books are in very good condition with plastic wrap. Ask Momma, Handley Cross, Hawbuck Grange, Mr. Romford’s Hounds, Mr. Sponge’s Sporting Tour and Plain or Ringlets. #6513. $175.00 Calendars 2022 Wall Calendars: Foxes $14.95 North American Foxhunting. Call store for price.

10

IN & AROUND HORSE COUNTRY • HOLIDAY 2021

JUNIORS

Living Childhood Dreams & Then Some

By Lauren R. Giannini

Riley’s determination shined from an early age.

Michael Stevens photo

Competing on Hunt Night at the 2019 Warrenton Horse Show.

Michael Stevens photo

Foxhunting, a family tradition for both Riley (on the gray) and her cousin Lexi van der Woude, has played a significant role in her achievements in the hunter/jumper ring.

Michael Stevens photo

Riley Hogan has more than horses in her genes. An accomplished rider to hounds and champion in the show ring, she is also an honors student, served as an acolyte at the Little Fork Church, belonged to the C.L. Payne Chapter of the Future Farmers of America, and volunteered at the Rappahannock County Food Pantry. Riley is the walking—and riding—definition of two wonderful and wise, oldie-but-goody sayings: “Children live what they learn” and “Apples don’t fall far from the tree.”

Getting to the top in any sport, endeavor or profession, isn’t a walk in the park. It takes talent, certainly, which Riley has in abundance. She also has drive, determination, and a pretty amazing work ethic. Her achievements keep stacking up.

She’s like every horse-crazy kid with dreams of equestrian glory, but Riley goes above and beyond: she sets goals and meets them, one at a time.

At the Capital Challenge Horse Show in Maryland, Riley Hogan checked off another item on her To Do list: compete in the Capital Challenge Horse Show in Maryland in the fifth annual EMO Insurance/United States Hunter/Jumper Association (USHJA) 3’3” Jumping Seat Medal Final – East. It’s a big deal to qualify for these Big Eq finals, but to win…

Riley proved best of the field of 153 as she rode to victory aboard Wengen, owned by her trainer, Don Stewart. After finishing a very respectable 18th in the flat phase, gymnastics propelled Riley into second place overall. That was on Friday, October 1. The final test, jumping, took place on Saturday. Riley held up under the pressure and put in a brilliant round to earn a final score of 404.50, a solid 14.50 points ahead of the secondplaced rider, Lauren Jorgenson (NM).

“Winning a medal final has been a goal of mine for a long time,” Riley said. “When I was younger, I got a young pony that had been bred to be a polo pony, but didn’t grow enough. Even though he was quite green, I told Susan Deal, my instructor, that I wanted to take him to Pony Finals some day. We made a plan to bring him along and eventually do the large greens. In 2016 I was fortunate enough to receive the Gochman Family grant to attend Pony Finals and was able to check that off the list. After we left Pony Finals, my mom asked me what my next goal was going to be and I said I want to win an Equitation Final. To be able to finally achieve this goal was a dream come true.”

Right after Big Eq at Capital Challenge, it was back on the AA circuit for Riley and more items to check off her list, including the Dover Saddlery/USEF Hunt Seat Medal Finals, ASPCA Maclay Championship, and Washington International Horse Show Equitation Finals. She planned to take a break in mid-November to return home to Virginia for the holidays to see her family, hunt with Warrenton, and get ready to leave for Oklahoma State University in January where she will ride on the Division 1 NCAA team.

In Spring 2021, Riley graduated with high

honors from Liberty High School (Bealeton, VA) where she belonged to the National Honor Society, but skipped the ceremony to show at Tryon (NC).

She began riding at three years old and was seven when she started going out with Warrenton Hunt.

Her first hilltopping pony, Hanky Panky, 11 hands Shetland cross, was one family treasure. Riley’s first flight pony, Farnley Mitre, another family treasure, also gave Riley her first showing experiences: Leadline and Walk-Trot (first real division) at the Warrenton Horse Show. My Shooting Star (aka Comet) was the first pony Riley ever owned, the one bred to be a polo pony. Riley took Comet from baby through green and qualified him for Pony Finals in 2016 when she won the Gochman Grant.

“We were driving home from the Pony Finals and I asked what her next goal was,” her mother Sara recalled. “Riley replied, ‘Medal and Maclay Finals!’ She has always enjoyed working with the horses and trying to figure each of them out and has capitalized on the opportunities offered to her.

Riley has always been goal-oriented and willing to make sacrifices to achieve her goals.”

For the last year, Riley has been a working student with Don Stewart and is also mentored by one of his trainers, Megan Ghere. In fact, her victory in the EMO/USHJA Jumper Seat Final was even sweeter because EMO’s Sue Bopp had encouraged and helped Riley when she was 13 to go to Don Stewart in Ocala for a week of lessons – her Christmas present that year.

“I think Riley has a natural ability and she is built to ride,” Sue said. “She is probably one of the only top equitation riders that grew up in the hunting field and she has a broad base of working with green ponies and horses. Of course, it really helps that she’s a working student with a top trainer.

Riley is very appreciative of all the opportunities offered to her and Don has a stable full of sales horses which gives her a lot of experience and exposure. She’s a great kid, not spoiled at all. She loves what she’s doing and she has fun doing it.”

Riley is blessed with horsey genes from both sides of the family tree: Riley’s parents are Brian Hogan and Sara (Laimbeer) Hogan. Her brother Gerard, 21, stopped riding after high school, although he still has those horsey genes. Hogan and Laimbeer are well-known names in the horse world, especially hunting and steeplechasing circles. Their roots originate in Ireland and span the Atlantic to Virginia’s Horse Country and beyond.

“For us, horses are definitely a family thing,” Sara said. “My husband Brian grew up in Ireland where he foxhunted and worked with his family’s horses. When he moved to America, he galloped racehorses for several years. His mother and father both foxhunted and rode and trained steeplechase horses, and his mom showed working hunters. He has aunts, uncles and cousins in Ireland all involved with horses and his sister Dierdre Hogan is secretary for the County Limerick Hunt.”

IN & AROUND HORSE COUNTRY • HOLIDAY 2021

Riley Hogan, winner of the EMO Insurance/United States Hunter/Jumper Association 3’3” Jumping Seat Medal Final–East: (l-r) Ringmaster Steve Rector, Sue Bopp of The EMO Agency, USHJA President Mary Babick Knowlton, Megan Ghere, Jose Cruz, and Don Stewart. Photo courtesy of Sara Hogan

Sara’s parents, Frank and Rosemary Laimbeer, hunted and showed. Before they moved to Warrenton, they rode with Genesee Valley Hunt (NY). Sara’s siblings (Bill, Rick, Daphrie) and their families ride. Her brother-in-law Matt van der Woude is the professional huntsman for Warrenton Hunt and his wife Daphrie (neé Laimbeer) and their daughters, Eliza and Lexi, both hunt and show. Richard (Rick) Laimbeer, ex-Master of Foxhounds, and his wife Alice Laimbeer both hunt with Warrenton and show. They all earn their share of rosettes and, even if they aren’t competing, they’re cheering at the annual end-of-summer Warrenton Horse Show, which features the wildly popular Hunt Night. This year, Sara won Foxhunter Over Fences (46 and over), riding Riley’s hunter, Master of Markets.

“As well as the strong background in foxhunting, Riley has always taken lessons and is fortunate to have a good foundation,” Sara said. “She started with Susan Deal at Grovespring Farm. After that she had great instruction from Elizabeth Brewer Cella and then moved to Sanmar Farm in Culpeper. Danny Mahon was their professional at the time and was generous enough to let Riley ride some

JUNIORS

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of her horses. When she is home, Kathy Newman helps Riley, which brings it back to a family thing as she trains my sister and her family and used to coach my mother and helped me with my steeplechase horses.”

Riley is both athlete and scholar. Even as a working student for a top trainer, she made a point of gaining knowledge about the entire show industry while taking every opportunity to ride as many different horses as possible. Education is obviously part of her work ethic, on and off a horse.

Over the years, Riley has applied for and received grants through various organizations, such as the USHJA. The list is pretty impressive: Mrs. T. A. Randolph Spring Scholarship 2018; Sandy Gerald Memorial Riding Scholarship 2018; Leo Conroy Equitation Grant 2020; J.T. Tallon Memorial Equitation Grant 2020. That last grant honors the coach of the Southern Seminary and Randolph Macon Women’s College teams. Riley is a thinking rider. She considers this class a great opportunity to feel the pressure of Big Eq finals at a lower height, which can make it a better first experience for riders who haven’t done many equitation finals. Her own background of galloping and jumping cross-country and riding precise hunter and jumper rounds in the show ring certainly contributes to her success. She recalled her efforts to keep cool under pressure, especially heading into the final show jumping phase in second place and how her equine partner contributed to her Big Eq success.

“I took a deep breath when I walked in and tried to keep myself calm,” Riley said. “Wengen was right where I needed him to be so I didn’t have to worry and could focus about keeping myself in the right head space.”

Riley was just as thrilled that Wengen was named Best Equitation Horse and received his own trophy, bridle ribbon and gifts. Their triumph takes a lot more than luck.

“I am very fortunate that every member of my family has fully supported me, even if is has meant I have been gone quite a lot and missed several family functions and my high school graduation,” Riley said. “My family has a long history with horses and my grandparents on both sides were very involved. I actually have an old ASPCA medal that was my grandmother Rosemary’s I carry in my coat pocket whenever I am showing.”

It’s said that “Luck lies at the intersection of preparation and opportunity.”

Through dedicated preparation, the opportunities that have come from being part of a horse-centered foxhunting family, along with that smidgeon of luck and love from her late grandmother’s medal, Riley Hogan has already accomplished so much at her young age. We enthusiasts look forward to following Riley’s continued success as she makes the leap to college competition and beyond.

Juniors Brave Chilly, Wet Weather to Compete in the JNAFHC Finals

The 2021 Junior North American Field Hunter Championship Finals were hosted October 29-31 by Iroquois Hunt in Lexington, Kentucky. 63 juniors, representing 21 hunts and eight Pony Clubs, met at Boone Valley Farm, the home Dr. Jack van Nagell, MFH. Porter Pfister, Iroquois Hunt, The weekend events inChampion, Hilltopper 10 & Under. cluded a Friday morning hunt followed by a meet-and-greet tailgate and then a tour of the Iroquois kennels led by Huntsman Lilla Mason, MFH. Despite chilly, rainy conditions on Saturday, the championship competition went off as planned. Later that evening, following the whip cracking and horn blowing contest, Andrew Barclay presented JNAFHC pins to all those who attended the finals and the championship awards for the four riding categories, along with Sportsmanship and Best Turned Out, were announced.

There were 28 guests for Sunday morning’s hunt, after which everyone packed up and headed home.

As with many group events, the JNAFHC has faced challenges the past two years. After a two year hiatus, the organizing committee, comprised of Carla Babcock, Camargo Hunt; Martha Johnson, MFH, Iroquois Hunt; Ashley Johnson; and Mary Jo Moloney of Iroquois Hunt, a plan was developed, executed, and the full program of local qualifiers and the finals weekend resumed to full success this year.

Neither a worldwide pandemic nor the cold and rainy weather could deter the spirit of junior foxhunters across North America.

For the full results, go to www.JNAFHC.com.

David Traxler Photos

Caroline Anthony, Hillsboro Hounds, Champion, Hilltopper 11-19.

Mia Valdez, Keswick Hunt, Champion, First Field, 13 & Under.

Giacomo Wilson, Keswick Hunt, Best Turned Out.

Emma Pretti, Live Oak Hounds, Champion, First Field, 14-19.

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IN & AROUND HORSE COUNTRY • HOLIDAY 2021

RACING

Fall Races

By Will O’Keefe • Douglas Lees Photos

Foxfield Fall Races, 10/3/2021 The Foxfield Races returned with full spectator capacity on Sunday, October 3. Under new local management, the Foxfield Races benefited from strategic and financial investments in the future of racing at this venue. Race Chairmen Jack Sanford, Jr. and Reynolds Cowles did a great job with the race course, and the result of these efforts was a very good day of racing. A lot of participants went home smiling with different owners, trainers, and riders winning in each of the six races.

Jeffrey Morris’s Shaka won the maiden claiming hurdle race for the husband and wife team of trainer Kate Dalton and rider Bernard Dalton, up for the races from South Carolina. The first time around Shaka stalked KMSN Stables’ Swim (Parker Hendriks). Swim faded and pulled up, leaving Shaka to take a commanding lead on his way to a 7¾ length victory. Kinross Farm’s Sea Mast (Barry Foley) rallied for second and Noble Stables’ Onarock (Graham Watters) was never a threat and came in third.

Hudson River Farms’ Iranistan has won nearly $250,000 in his career and was making his first start this year in the training flat race. He is trained by hot trainer Keri Brion and was ridden by Richard Condon. Sent to the front immediately, he stayed there to the finish where he held off Mrs. S. K. JohnFoxfield Fall Races, Maiden Claiming Hurdle ston, Jr.’s Cite (Graham Watters), who made a late rush and just missed by ½ length. Mary P. Voss’s Bernie Dalton won the maiden Claiming Hurdle race on Shaka.

Beyond the Pale (Eddie Keating) rallied belatedly to finish third.

In the filly & mare maiden hurdle race, Mary P. Voss’s Bella Coola (Eddie Keating) made all of the running on the front end. She was challenged by Beverly R. Steinman’s Investor over the last two fences, but pulled away in the stretch to win by 4 lengths. The owner’s daughter, Elizabeth Voss, trained the winner. Ashwell Stable’s Cup of Aiken (Gerard Galligan) never contended but finished third.

The maiden hurdle race was also won in front running style by Ballybristol Farm LLC’s The Flasche. Rider Thomas Garner and trainer Leslie Young are in the thick of the battle for leading their NSA divisions, and this was a welcome result. The Flasche won handily by 10 lengths over Holwood Stable’s Quality Choice (Graham Watters), who made a mild bid on the final turn but was no match for the winner. Irvin S. Naylor’s Turbo Drive (Gerard Galligan) was in contention for most of the race but could not sustain a rally and finished third.

A year ago Parker Hendriks won his first sanctioned race on Choo Choo in a flat race at Foxfield, and this year he visited the Foxfield winners circle again. This year it was in the apprentice hurdle race on Hepcat, who is trained by his mother, Sanna Neilson, and is owned by her in partnership with Steven Poorman. Hep Cat led the last time around and won by 6½ lengths over Del Rio Chasers LLC’s Foxfield Fall Races, Training Flat Closing in on the finish (l-r) Beyond The Pale (Eddie Keating, up) Mr. Sarinara (Mell Boucher). Mr. Sarinara led early but made a mistake, losing valuable ground. Mell rd nd – 3 ; Cite (Graham Watters, up) – 2 ; Iranistan (Richard Condon, Boucher is the daughter of Richard Boucher, who is a veteran rider, and Lilith Boucher, who also rode up) – 1st; Glencorrib Sky (Skylar McKenna, up) – 4th. races. Joseph Davies and Blythe Miller’s son, Teddy Davies, rode Ballybristol Farm LLC’s Shadow Seven to just miss finishing second.

In steeplechase racing in many cases it’s a family affair.

The featured race on the card was a handicap hurdle race for horses rated 110 or lower. In the race William Russell’s Animal Kingston (Gerard Galligan) stalked Port Lairge Stables and Holwood Stables’ Decisive Triumph (Stefan Tobin). Decisive Triumph led over the last hurdle but could not hold off Animal Kingston, who won by 1½ lengths.

Foxfield Fall Races, Filly & Mare Maiden Hurdle (l-r) Bella Coola (#4, Eddie Keating, up) – 1st; Invester (#1, Barry Animal Kingston obviously likes this Foley, up) – 2nd. course because he had broken his maiden over hurdles at Foxfield a year earlier. Beverly Steinman’s Foxfield Fall Races, Ratings Handicap Hurdle Eve’s City (Skyler McKenna) fin- (l-r) Embrace the Grind (#8, Graham Watters, up); Animal Kingston (#6, Gerard Galligan, up) – 1st. ished third. Skyler McKenna is Kathy Neilson and Todd McKenna’s daughter.

Virginia Fall Races 10/9/2021 Steeplechase action shifted to Middleburg for the Virginia Fall Races on October 9 at Glenwood Park.

A record crowd was on hand to see the featured National Sporting Library & Museum Cup Timber Stakes and seven other races. Six horses went to the start in the feature timber race, and when Graham Alcock dropped the flag, Sheila J. Williams’ and Northwoods Stable’s Storm Team (Graham Watters) went to the front with the others close behind. The field was tightly bunched until they went down the backside for the final time. That was where Storm Team, Fat Chance Farm’s Flaming Sword (McLane Hendriks), and Leipers Fork Steeplechasers’ Tomgarrow (Thomas Garner) pulled away from the others. At the last fence, Storm Team and Tomgarrow shared the lead, but Storm Team had a gear that Foxfield Fall Races, Maiden Hurdle (l-r) The Flasche (#4, Thomas Garner, up) – 1st; Master Plan (#7, Tomgarrow couldn’t match in the stretch. He pulled away to win by 5 lengths with Tomgarrow second Eddie Keating, up) – 4th. and Flaming Sword third. Hall of Fame trainer Jack Fisher trained Storm Team.

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IN & AROUND HORSE COUNTRY • HOLIDAY 2021

The last time we saw William Russell’s Animal Kingston was in the winners circle at Foxfield and we saw him again in the Glenwood Park winners circle six days later after winning the hurdle handicap for horses rated 115 or lower.

Animal Kingston (Richard Condon) was rated off the pace until the final quarter mile. At that time he joined the pace setter, Flying Elvis Stable’s Vincent Van Go Go (Gerard Galligan), and these two jumped the last hurdle together. In the stretch, Animal Kingston put Vincent Van Go Go away and won by 4½ lengths. Leading Virginia (l-r) Thomas Bishop, one of Four Virginia Gents, trainer Neil Morris trained the winner and the owners of First Friday; trainer Doug Fout; and second placed finisher. Sanna Neilson’s Anticijockey Barry Foley. pating (Parker Hendriks) came from off the pace to finish third.

It didn’t take long for Neil Morris to win another race. This was an allowance race for horses that had not won two races and was run in the memory of Magalen O. Bryant, who will be remembered for her horses here and in France and her generosity to many worthy causes. In the race South Branch Equine LLC’s Compass Zone (Sean McDermott) set the pace until the last fence, but PathFinder Racing’s Knockholt (Gerard Galligan) and Melissa Cantacuzene’s Yankee Doodle Boy (Barry Foley) had him measured. Knockholt took the lead in the stretch and won driving by ¾ length over the late charging Yankee Doodle Boy. Compass Zone held on for third.

Neil Morris wasn’t finished yet. He completed a hat trick when he saddled MRQ Racing’s Argentic (Parker Hendriks) to win the maiden claiming hurdle Virginia Fall Races, Maiden Claiming Hurdle race. Argentic was reserved off the early pace but had Argentic (Parker Hendriks, up) – 1st. rallied to take the lead with two hurdles remaining.

From that point, he drew away from the others and won by 12 lengths. William G. Wofford’s Ubuntu (Barry Foley) ran evenly and finished second. Kiplin Hall’s Real Good Man (Gerard Galligan) had the lead in the early stages but faded to finish third.

In the maiden hurdle race The Fields Stable’s Elusive Soul (Eddie Keating) sprinted away from the start and established a clear lead. Leipers Fork Steeplechasers’ Drewscourt (Thomas Garner) stalked the leader from a distance but rallied around the last turn. These two jumped the last hurdle as a team. Upon landing, Drewscourt pulled away, winning by 1¾ lengths over Irvin S. Naylor’s Westerland (Gerard Galligan), who got up to beat Elusive Soul for second place, relegating Elusive Soul to third place. Leslie Young saddled Drewscourt.

It was a good day for the Clerk of the Course, Doug Fout. Not only was the course in top condition, but he saddled Virginia Gents’ First Friday (Barry Foley), to win the maiden timber race. First Friday stalked PathFinder Racing’s Ack Feisty (McLane Hendriks), who led until he lost his rider at the tenth fence. John Greene’s first time starter, Monbeg Stream (Thomas Garner) assumed the stalking role and seriously challenged First Friday in the stretch, but First Friday turned him back and won by ¾ of a length in a driving finish. Irvin S. Naylor’s On My Wish List (Eddie Keating) ran well but was third best.

In the Kinross Steeplethon, Silverton Hill LLC’s Bodes Well (Thomas Garner) set the pace until the second fence from home. At that time Armata Stables’ New Member (Graham Watters) went to the front and held Bodes Well safe by 1 length in a driving finish. This was trainer Jack Fisher’s second win on the card. The Hundred Acre Field’s Cracker Factory (Sean McDermott) was the only other finisher.

In the training flat race, Ashwell Stable’s Honor Up (Thomas Garner) set the pace but could not hold off Atlanta Hall LLC’s Renown (Eddie Keating), who rallied in the stretch and won by ½ length. Elizabeth Voss was the winning trainer. Black and Blue Stable’s Barrister (Barry Foley) was a good third in the nine horse field.

International Gold Cup Races 10/23/2021 The 82nd running of the International Gold Cup Races took place on Saturday, October 23rd at Great Meadows near The Plains, Virginia. Spectators were back this year and pari-mutuel wagering also returned. There were eight races with the International Gold Cup the feature.

When entries closed, there were five of the best timber horses in training in the International Gold Cup. Jack Fisher entered two horses, this year’s Virginia Gold Cup winner, Mrs. John R. S. Fisher’s Schoodic; and this year’s National Sporting Library and Museum Cup winner, Sheila J. Williams’ and Northwoods Stable’s Storm Team. Fisher was holding a hot hand but things started to unravel for him before the race started. Schoodic was scratched, leaving Storm Team (Graham Watters) to represent last year’s NSA leading trainer. The bettors made Leipers Fork Steeplechasers’ Tomgarrow (Thomas Garner) the favorite and Storm Team was the second choice. This was the third win of the day for Thomas Garner.

Virginia Fall Races, National Sporting Library and Museum Cup Timber Stakes (l-r) Tomgarrow (#2, Thomas Garner, up) – 2nd; Renegade River (#6, Parker Hendriks, up) – 4th; Storm Team (Graham Watters, up) – 1st.

Virginia Fall Races, Virginia Equine Alliance Ratings Handicap Hurdle (l-r) Animal Kingston (#3, Richard Condon, up) – 1st; Vincent Van Gogo (#2, Gerard Galligan, up) – 2nd.

Virginia Fall Races, Magalen Ohrstrom Bryant Memorial Allowance Hurdle Knockholt (Gerard Galligan, up) – 1st.

Virginia Fall Races, The Kinross Steeplethon New Member (Graham Watters, up) – 1st.

14 In the race, Tomgarrow and Kiplin Hall’s Renegade River (Parker Hendriks) made the early running with the others close behind. After the fifth fence, confusion set in for the riders of Renegade River and Storm Team. They went off course and subsequently pulled up. That left Frank A. Bonsal, Jr.’s Stand Down (Eddie Keating) and Tomgarrow. These two raced as a team until they went down the backside for the final time. Stand Down could not keep pace with Tomgarrow, who romped home by 49 lengths. Tomgarrow’s trainer, Leslie Young, and rider, Thomas Garner, also won the Steeplethon with Silverton Hill LLC’s Bodes Well. He went to the lead immediately and was never seriously challenged. He beat Irvin S. Naylor’s A Silent Player (Parker Hendriks) by 5½ lengths, and Turks Head Turf’s Brooklyn Speights (Eddie Keating) was 9 lengths farther back.

Irvin S. Naylor had better luck in the David L. (Zeke) Ferguson Hurdle Stakes with Bedrock (Gerard Galligan). In the early stages, Bedrock was rated off the pace but started to make up ground on the final turn. He led over the final fence and pulled away to win handily by 7¾ lengths. Sharon E. Sheppard’s Redicean (Thomas Garner) ran evenly but was second best. Mrs. S. K. Johnston, Jr.’s Brianbakescookies (Graham Watters) led most of the race but faded to third. Cyril Murphy trained Bedrock.

Mrs. S. K. Johnston, Jr’s State of Affair (Thomas Garner) broke his maiden in the first race. Trained by Todd Wyatt, State of Affair led all the way and was much the best of the rest, turning back Mason Lampton’s Ace Ventura (Skylar McKenna) by 5½ lengths.

Ace Ventura rallied from the back of the field and got up in the final strides to take second away from Riverdee Stable’s Twenty Years On (Graham Watters).

The second maiden hurdle race was won by Hurricana Farm’s Merry Maker (Gerard Galligan). Trainer Arch Kingsley had Merry Maker ready to win at first asking. Even more amazing was that he had never started anywhere over hurdles or on flat. He won racing on the front end and took complete control on the final turn. He beat Straylight Racing LLC’s Frontline Citizen (Alex Leventhal) by 2 lengths. Stewart Strawbridge’s Lap of the Gods (Parker Hendriks) was third.

In racing, when a rider wins his first sanctioned race, he or she gets doused with a bucket of ice water.

This doesn’t happen too often, but it happened twice at Great Meadow. Stefan Tobin won aboard Port Lairge Stables and Holwood Stable’s Decisive Triumph in the non-winners of two allowance race. Always near or on the lead, he won by 4¼ lengths going away. Mark Beecher was the winning trainer. Irvin S. Naylor’s Global Freedom (Parker Hendriks) stalked the leader but was second best and Melissa Cantacuzene’s Yankee Doodle Boy (Barry Foley) rallied belatedly for third.

It was Teddy Davies’ turn to get wet after he won the allowance optional claiming hurdle race on Mrs. S. K. Johnston, Jr.’s Contented. Carrington Holdings’ Boss Man (Gerard Galligan) led in the early stages but Contented and Sara Collette’s Eryx (Barry Foley) took over on the final turn. Eryx led over the last hurdle but couldn’t match strides with Contented, who won by 5 lengths. Eryx finished second and Boss Man held on for third. Richard Valentine trained the winner.

The maiden claiming hurdle race went to Riverdee Stable’s Senor Seville (Ross Geraghty), who made his move in the final quarter mile and won in the stretch by a neck over Happenstance Stable and Achsah O’Donavan’s Hero’s Return (Stefan Tobin).

He was never too far from the leaders and closed fast

IN & AROUND HORSE COUNTRY • HOLIDAY 2021

to be second. Kiplin Hall’s Real Good Man (Gerard Galligan) finished evenly for third. Former champion rider Danielle Hodsdon was the winning trainer.

International Gold Cup, Virginia Equine Alliance Maiden Hurdle, First Division State of Affair (Thomas Garner, up) – 1st.

International Gold Cup, Virginia Equine Alliance, Maiden Hurdle, Second Division (l-r) Merry Maker (Gerard Galligan, up) – 1st; Frontline Citizen (Alex Leventhal, up) – 2nd.

International Gold Cup, Steeplethon Stakes (l-r) Bodes Well (Thomas Garner, up) – 1st; New Member (Graham Watters, up); A Silent Player (Parker Hendriks, up) – 2nd.

International Gold Cup, Allowance Hurdle Decisive Triumph (Stefan Tobin, up) – 1st.

International Gold Cup, David L. “Zeke” Ferguson Memorial (Grade II) Hurdle Stakes Bedrock (Gerard Galligan, up) – 1st.

:International Gold Cup, Timber Stakes (l-r) Stand Down (Eddie Keating, up) – 2nd ; Tomgarrow (Thomas Garner, up) – 1st.

International Gold Cup, Ratings Handicap Hurdle Contented (Teddy Davies, up) – 1st. (This was Teddy Davies’ first win over hurdles.)

International Gold Cup, Maiden Claiming Hurdle (l-r) Senor Seville (Ross Geraghty, up) narrowly edged out Hero’s Return (Stefan Tobin, up) at the finish for the win.

IN & AROUND HORSE COUNTRY • HOLIDAY 2021

Montpelier Hunt Races Saturday, 11/6/2021 The Montpelier Hunt Races is one of the biggest events in Orange County each year, and once again on Saturday, November 6, a huge crowd was on hand after a one year hiatus caused by the pandemic.

The races are held at President James Madison’s Montpelier, and no venue can equal this as a backdrop for a day of racing.

The Noel Laing Memorial Hurdle Handicap is the featured race and is the only race that still runs over natural privet hedges. Irvin S. Naylor’s Amschel had won the Noel Laing in 2019 and was looking for a repeat performance against a talented field this year. This was an exciting race with five of the six horses in contention with a quarter mile to run.

Hudson River Farm’s Iranistan (Eddie Keating) had trailed in the early going but rallied to lead the pack over the last fence. Amschel (Barry Foley) finished well but was second best. Trainer Keri Brian continues to saddle winners at a high rate. Sharon ShepMontpelier Races, Noel Laing Hurdle Handicap Stakes pard’s Redician (Thomas Garner) was third.

Iranistan (Eddie Keating, up) – 1st.

It was a good day for Virginia-based participants, starting with the first race on the flat dirt training track. All of the starters were from Virginia, and the winner, Lisa Nelm’s Big Dave (Jamie Bargary), was trained by David Bourke, who trains at Montpelier. Big Dave immediately went to the front but Bruce Collette’s Grunion (Barry Foley) was right with him. These two ran as a team until the final sixteenth where Big Dave proved best by ½ length. Another Bourke trained horse, Bourke Racing’s Economic Policy (Bernard Dalton), finished third.

The winner of the second race over hurdles for horses that were rated 110 or lower was owned, trained and ridden by Virginia based participants. In the race, Wendy W. Hendriks’ Embrace the Grind (Eddie Keating) set the pace with Jeffrey Morris’s Shaka (Bernard Dalton) and Potter Group USA LLC’s Don’t Shout (Thomas Garner). These three were still in contention with a quarter mile to run, but Melissa Cantacuzene’s Yankee Doodle Boy (Barry Foley) was on the move. He was second over Montpelier Races, Montpelier Foundation Cup Training Flat the last fence and out-finished Don’t Shout in the (l-r) Grunion (Barry Foley, up) – 2nd; Big Dave run in to the finish to win by 2¼ lengths. Embrace (Jamie Bargary, up), 1st. the Grind tired from his efforts and finished third.

Virginians struck again when Kinross Farm’s Sea Mast, trained by Richard Valentine and ridden

by Barry Foley, won the maiden claiming hurdle Montpelier Races, Montpelier Cup Filly race. NRQ Racing’s Criticize (Bernard Dalton) was on the pace but relinquished the lead to Sea Mast & Mare Allowance Hurdle and Petticoats Loose Farm’s The Kid Rocks (Teddy Eve’s City Davies) in the final quarter mile. In the race between (Jamie Bargary, up) these two to the finish, Sea Mast prevailed by 1 – 1st. length and Criticize held on for third place.

Barry Foley finished a hat trick when he won his third race in a row. He had the mount on Irvin S. Naylor’s Scorpion’s Revenge in the maiden hurdle race. He was rated off the pace set by Gregory D. Hawkin’s Mekong (Bernard Dalton) and had to rally the second time around with Kiplin Hall’s Gearhead (Jamie Bargary). Scorpion’s Revenge led over the last hurdle and held off Gearhead in the stretch to win by 1¾ lengths. Louisa Stevenson and Achsah O’Donovan’s Focus Group (Sean McDermott) finished well for third. Cyril Murphy trained the winner.

Frank Bonsal, Jr.’s Profiteer (Colin Smith) and The International Venture and Blue Streak Racing’s Montpelier Races, Marion duPont Scott Memorial Going Country (Eddie Keating) went to the front in Maiden Hurdle the second maiden hurdle race and were near the Queens Empire (Jamie Bargary, up) – 1st.

15 lead with a quarter mile to run. Riverdee Stable’s Queen’s Empire (Jamie Bargary) had been making up ground and came flying in the stretch to win going away by 3½ lengths. Going Country finished second and Profiteer held on for third. This was a valuable win for Jack Fisher in the race for the NSA’s leading trainer.

Trainer Doug Fout saddled the winner and third place finishers in the filly and mare hurdle race and both belong to Beverly R. Steinman. Her Eve’s City had broken her maiden at Montpelier in 2019 and was still looking for a second win. Eve’s City (Jamie Bragary) made most of the running and won by 1½ lengths over Theodore C. Gregory’s Screen Image (Eddie Keating). Screen Image trailed in the early going but started to make up ground the final half-mile and jumped the last with Eve’s City. Entering the stretch, Screen Image seemed to have Eve’s City measured, but Eve’s City came again to win. Beverly R. Steinman’s Speed Alert (Barry Foley) was prominent the first time around but failed to respond to urging and finished third. Jamie Bargary joined Barry Foley with three wins on the card.

Montpelier Races, The Battleship Maiden Claiming Hurdle On the final turn (l-r) Criticize (Bernie Dalton, up) – 3rd; Sea Mast (Barry Foley, up) – 1st; The Kid Rocks (Teddy Davies, up) – 2nd.

Montpelier Races, Madison Plate Ratings Handicap Hurdle (l-r) Don’t Shout (Thomas Garner, up) – 2nd; Yankee Doodle Boy (Barry Foley, up) – 1st.

Montpelier Races, The Constitution Maiden Hurdle (l-r) Gearhead (Jamie Bargary, up) – 2nd; Scorpion’s Revenge (Barry Foley, up) – 1st.

16

RACING

IN & AROUND HORSE COUNTRY • HOLIDAY 2021

Horses and People to Watch Virginia Equine Alliance

Colonial Downs In New Kent Completes Record Setting Thoroughbred Meet Highlighted by more than $10 million in purse distribution, a new alltime daily average handle, and wide participation from some of America’s leading racing stables, jockeys, and trainers, Colonial Downs concluded its 2021 record-setting meeting in a spectacularly successful fashion.

Fans were welcomed back to the track for a 21-day Virginia-festive racing program that ran from July 19 through September 1. The track conducted racing Monday through Wednesday afternoons instead of Jockey Julian Pimentel leads Virginia Beach evening programs later in the week. to victory in the Camptown Stakes.

Coady Photography Incentivized by a daily purse structure of $520,000-plus, powerhouse stables like Godolphin and Juddmonte, and renowned trainers like Shug McGaughey, Graham Motion, Brad Cox, and Steve Asmussen competed for $10,441,300 in total purses.

As further proof of Colonial’s progress in the Mid-Atlantic region, a total of 725 horses were stabled on the grounds. In addition to those based in Virginia, horsemen participating in the meeting came from Kentucky, New York, New Jersey, Florida, Maryland, Delaware, West Virginia, and Pennsylvania.

In all, total handle for the 21-days was $46,867,078, good for a record average daily handle of $2,231,765. The 2019 meet, which was 15 days over five weeks, produced an average handle of $1,166,666, for a more that 91% increase.

“It is so gratifying to see the continued revival of Virginia racing as we mark new all-time handle heights,” said John Marshall, Colonial Downs Group Executive Vice President, Operations. “We have held true to our promise of building Colonial Downs into one of the country’s elite boutique meets.”

The Colonial racing program generated a total of 1,713 starters for the 205 races conducted this year, for an average of 8.36 runners per race. A total of 148 races were contested over Colonial’s signature Secretariat Turf Course while the other 57 were held on the dirt track.

The 2021 meeting was also conducted under the strictest safety and security protocols. These practices played a major role resulting in zero racing or equine fatalities and placed Colonial Downs among the country’s best on The Jockey Club’s Equine Industry Database (EID).

Virginia-Bred/Sired Stakes Day Recap The September 1 closing card, highlighted by five $100,000 stakes for Virginia bred/sired horses, produced the largest non-Derby Day all sources handle ever: $3,421,338.

Ed & Susie Orr’s Virginia-bred Boldor reached the winners circle in the Punch Line Stakes, his third stakes win of 2021. The 5-year-old Munnings gelding scored earlier this year in the Sams Town and King Cotton Stakes at Delta Downs and Oaklawn, respectively. The Steve Asmussen trainee was bred by Carlos Moore and Gillian Gordon-Moore.

Reiley McDonald’s Passion Play earned a 1½ length win over American Dubai, who was making his first Virginia start in 36 outings, in the one mile Edward P. Evans Stakes. It was the 5year-old Hold Me Back gelding’s second stakes win at the Colonial meet. The winner was bred by Mr. & Mrs. C. Oliver Iselin III. Country Life Farm’s Virginia Beach, Boldor captures the Punch Line Stakes, September 1, his another Iselin-bred, third stakes win of the year. Coady Photography

collected a 1½ length triumph over Tea In China in the Camptown Stakes. A winner of the M. Tyson Gilpin Stakes last fall, the 4-year-old Twirling Candy filly earned her fourth career victory for trainer Michael Trombetta.

Winchester Place Thoroughbreds, LLC’s Urban Fairytale broke through after a trio of consecutive third place finishes to win the Brookmeade Stakes as betting favorite. The winner was bred by Audley Farm Equine who also bred the winner of the Jamestown Stakes. That race, for 2-year-olds, was captured by D. Hatman Thoroughbreds and Kingdom Bloodstock Inc.’s Determined Kingdom, who won by 2¾ lengths.

Colonial hosted two non-betting steeplechase races every Monday before the pari-mutuel races began—a total of 12 in all.

Trainer Neil Morris, who is based at the Middleburg Training Center, won four of those with Choo Choo, Ritzy A.P., Vincent Van Gogo, and Junonia. The signature jump event—the $75,000 Randolph D. Rouse Stakes—was won Junonia, a Neil Morris trainee, is 3-for-4 this year,

by Theodore Gregory’s including a July 26 win at Colonial Downs. VEA photo Screen Image.

Larry Johnson, owner of Legacy Farm in Bluemont, Virginia, was the leading owner with 6 wins, beating PTK, LLC who had 5. Johnson scored with Mr. Jefferson, Spun Glass, Zip Line To Heaven, Street Copper, Never Enough Time, and Street Silence.

Record Purse Monies Distributed at Shenandoah Downs Harness Meet in Woodstock Shenandoah Downs completed its sixth annual pari-mutuel Standardbred meet in Woodstock on October 16 with record purse distribution from 127 races contested over the five-week season. A total of $1,526,557 was doled out, including eight Virginia Breeder’s Championship Stakes worth a combined $684,225.

Horsemen continued their strong support of the Shenandoah meet—cards of 18 races each were contested on September 25 and October 2 while a 15-race program was held on October 9.

Fastest pacing mile of the meet belonged to Danilo Premovic’s Shane Adam who scored a 1:53 1/5 winning effort on September 18. The Shenandoah track record is 1:52 1/5, authored by John’s Dream in 2016. Megan Roberts and Graham Grace Stables’ Judge Bob triggered a 1:56 1/5 trotting mile, the meet’s fastest, on September 25. Gee Whiz George has the Shenandoah trot mark of 1:55 1/5, which was set in 2019.

Horse of the Meet honors went to Shantae Gant’s Vulcan Hanover who went 5-for-5 during the meet. The 4-year-old Donato Hanover gelding trotter is trained

by Michael Whitaker, who competed in Woodstock for the first time, and was driven by Billy Carter in all five triumphs. Vulcan Hanover also raced at the Shenandoah County Fair meet which preceded the Downs season, and was 3for-4 there. Overall, he won seven straight races in the “Valley”.

On closing weekend, memorial races were held to remember two prominent long time Virginia horsemen who passed away recently. Winston Lineweaver’s remembrance race was held October 15 and Ron McLenaghan’s race was held the following day. Family and friends gathered in the winners circle for both and a blanket was presented to each race winner.

The 2022 Colonial Downs and Shenandoah Downs seasons are expected to increase in length.

Details in the coming weeks will be available at virginiahorseracShenandoah Downs Horse of the Meet Vulcan ing.com.

Hanover was 5-for-5 in Woodstock this fall.

VEA photo

REMEMBRANCE

OPENING MEETS

Sara Elizabeth Collette

Richard J.M. Poulson

1935-2021 The racing world lost a long-time owner/breeder with the passing of Sarah Collette. The owner of Pageland near Warrenton, Virginia, her breeding program produced many notable winners over the years, including two Virginia Gold Cup winners, one of them a two-time winner (Salmo, 2007, 2009) and Zanclus (2018).

Zanclus also won My Lady’s Manor that same year. Sara is seen here following the win at the 2018 Virginia Gold Cup with trainer Neil Morris, jockey Darren Nagle, and Bruce Collette, her husband of 66 years. (For more details, https://www.fauquier.com/obituaries/sara-elizabethcollette/article_81952dc6-2d02-11ec-95b1-c39a9cd72b0 d.html) Douglas Lees photo.

1938 - 2021 Attorney, civic and community leader, and breeder of Thoroughbred racehorses, Richard Poulson passed away on November 4, 2021. An avid sportsman, Richard and his wife Anne’s breeding operation in Orange, Virginia, produced the 1994 Kentucky Derby Winner Go For Gin and numerous stakes horses.

The Poulsons also raced steeplechase horses, and Richard served on the Board of Stewards of the National Steeplechase Association. (For more details, https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/dailyprogress/name/richard-poulson-obituary?id= 31551063)

Robert Lee “Sam” Huff

1934 - 2021 Gregg Ryan, MFH, led the field on November 7, Sam Huff made his mark in two 2021, for Snickersville Hounds Opening Meet, held at Sunny Bank Farm, Middleburg, VA. arenas—football and horseracing.

His achievement as a middle line- He’s followed here by Dr. Al Griffin (on the gray) and Maureen Brittell (riding aside). backer for the New York Giants Joanne Maisano photo Edward “Skeeter” Hembry and Washington Redskins earned 1939-2021 him a spot in the NFL Hall of A staple in the local horse world for more than 50 years, Fame. In 1986 he began breeding Edward “Skeeter” Hembry passed away on November, Thoroughbreds at his Sporting Life 4, 2021. He was featured in our Winter 2019 issue, proFarm in Middleburg, Virginia. His filed by Lauren Giannini in an arhomebred Bursting Forth was a five-time stakes winner ticle titled “Legends of Leather.” in the late 1990s, with victories in the Vinery MatchSkeeter was truly a legend, an exmaker (G3T) at Monmouth Park, All Along (G3T) pert craftsman known for both his at Colonial Downs, and Bewitch (G3T) at Keeneland topcustom work and his ability to reping her resume. Huff also won the 2005 Smart Halo store any piece of damaged or Stakes at Laurel Park with homebred Jet Set Citi. In worn tack back to sturdy and func1987, Huff helped start the West Virginia Breeders’ Clastional condition. He also bred and sic at Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races. (For trained horses, held clinics, and more details, https://www.bloodhorse.com/horsejudged shows. There is sadness in racing/articles/254967/nfl-hall-of-famer-racing-advoa multitude of hearts among his lecate-huff-dies-at-87) gion of friends and fans, softened only slightly by the presence of countless items hanging in tackrooms that once felt his expert touch (For more details, https://www.fauquier.com/obituaries/edwardMatt van der Woude paused for a moment of skeeter-hembry/article_ba164574-409c-11ec-a774reflection as the Warrenton Hunt hounds worked out scent on Opening Day, November 6, 2021.

6b927291707f.html). Lauren Giannini photo Max Tufts photo

Rita Mae Brown, Master and Huntsman of Oak Ridge Fox Hunt, led her followers for a day of sport from Oak Ridge Estate, Arrington, VA, on Opening Day, November 7, 2021. Sara Bateman photo

(l-r) Flora, Jeb, and Emily Hannum pose for a family photo prior to Orange County Hounds’ Opening Meet from Glen Welby, November 6, 2021. In addition to serving as Executive Director of the Virginia Equine Alliance, Jeb was recently appointed Joint-Master of Orange County Hounds.

Joanne Maisano photo