Stirrup Cup 2015 by KMGdesign

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STIRRUP2015• CUP ELORA Horse & Hound PARADE Tales of a Hunting ARTIST Only in AFRICA

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Eglinton and STIRRUP CUP 2015 Editor Mrs. Christine Gracey MFH Art Director Mrs. Karin McDonald (www.kmgdesign.ca)

The waning days of hunt season

Masters of Foxhounds (MFH) Mr. Alastair Strachan MFH Mrs. Christine Gracey MFH Mrs. Susan Rasmussen MFH Huntsman Mr. Colin Brown

Caledon Hunt In thIs Issue: Master’s Message

Huntsman’s Report

Elora Horse & Hound Parade

Mimosa Summer Games Report

War Horses

Oh... those puppies!

Pan Am Games

Riding with Hounds Pull-out Section

Whipper-in turns traﬃc cop

Tales of a Hunting Artist

Gone Away Sideways

I will always Love you!

CJs Fox Hunt

Only in Africa

Summer Rides

Puppy Show

The Hunt Field

Advertisers Index

Honorary Whipper’s In Mr. Alastair Strachan MFH Mr. Hugh Robertson Mrs. Tina Walker Ms. Victoria Francey Mr. Derek French, ex-MFH, Car Whip Mr. John Quayle, Bicycle Whip Board of Directors Mr. Alastair Strachan MFH Mrs. Christine Gracey MFH Mrs. Susan Rasmussen MFH President- Ms. Priscilla Reeve, ex-MFH Vice President- Mrs. Heather Evans Treasurer-Mrs. Wendy Brett Secretary-Mrs. Tina Walker Ms. Sarah Murphy Mr. Brad Ellis Mr. Andrij Brygidyr Cover Photo: Karin McDonald, Beamirage Photo www.flickr.com/photos/beaumiragephoto/albums

For more information on the eglinton and Caledon hunt please contact: Ms. Priscilla Reeve, ex MFH 519-837-3964 prisreeve@gmail.com Click for upcoming events, news & classifieds: http://eglintoncaledonhunt.com/

Eglinton and Caledon Hunt

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MASTER’S MESSAGE We are so happy to be putting out the fifth issue of our stirrup Cup magazine. It serves as a remembrance of some of the wonderful times we have had in the past year – for our main activity of riding to hounds as well as all the great social events that went on as well. We have a very busy schedule of activities throughout the year, usually over 40 days hunting, a spring and a Fall hunter Pace, a Poker Run, the Mimosa summer Games, a Barn Dance or hunt Ball, approximately fifteen or more Breakfasts (either in the evenings or as a tailgate), our Puppy show, and a Bookclub that meets regularly. That is a lot of events and great value for your Membership in eCh. so much of the magazine articles and photos come to us from our members; and that makes this edition of the stirrup Cup even more special. We give many thanks to the advertisers who put their faith in our publication. take a good look at their ads and please make use of their services, as they are local people who give us their support. We also give many thanks to the 500+ private landowners who generously allow us to cross their land. We ride through many scenic areas in Caledon, Mono, east Garafraxa, southgate, Melancthon and several other parts of southern Ontario. The beauty of all these places adds a great deal of enjoyment to our times in the field. I would also like to thank Karin McDonald; our art director and photographer. This is also her fifth stirrup Cup magazine, and we couldn’t publish it without utilizing her great skills and large amounts of her time. so sit down with a cup of tea or coﬀee, or a glass of wine. Put your feet up and enjoy our magazine. We hope it transmits to everyone our enjoyment of the great outdoors, our love of seeing hounds work, and glad times spent on horseback or oﬀ, with good company and friends. Christine Gracey MFH, Eglinton and Caledon Hunt Editor, Stirrup Cup Magazine

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HUNTSMAN’S REPORT having now been in Canada for 6 months I feel that I can share with you some of the journey thus far. Landing in late April and visiting the hunt and seeing the country, I was only too pleased to obtain my work permit three days before the Canadian hound show in Ottawa. showing the hounds, we obtained a good third overall. I was assisted by Victoria Francey, who had done a great job of running kennels during the period between my predecessor leaving and my obtaining the work permit. I spent most of the summer on hunter pace days and summer rides familiarizing myself with country at most of the meets, helping organize the summer Games and opening new country in the Galten area. This was in addition to exercising and working with the hounds on a daily basis. We found a replacement horse (George) for sedge, who is coming to the ripe old age of 14 and will be retiring at some point. I assisted Victoria in training him to become a huntsman’s horse (she did the riding and I did the instruction). he is now part of the team; a little green but coming on well. We now have some 29.5 couples in the kennels. 5 couples of puppies have now been returned to the kennels by the puppy walkers Morgan Gracey (epic and eclipse), The Givlin family (Komma and Kodiak), the Ferris family (Finnbar and Fiddle) Arlene taylor (Cognac and Countess) and Victoria Francey (temple and tempest). hounds are working well and I am pleased that they have settled to their work with me now having completed some 18 days hunting including Cubbing. They are responsive and honour both my instructions as well as the whips. My thanks go to Brad ellis for the work he has done in advising me where to get things for the kennels and carrying out the essential maintenance in kennels. Thanks to my team of Whippers-In, all of whom have stepped into the breach this season – Alastair strachan MFh, tina Walker, hugh Robertson and Victoria Francey, who continue to learn the hounds and country and always seem to be in the right place at the right time. Thanks to Christine Gracey MFh and Arlene taylor who have assisted in walking out hounds during the summer, and never forgetting the Farmers and Landowners who without their consent and unwaivering support we would not be hunting. Colin Brown, Huntsman, Eglinton and Caledon Hunt

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4th Annual Elora Horse

It was a wonderful sight to behold as Huntsman Colin Brown, with twenty plus hounds and approximately 35 riders and their

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and Hound Paraded

by Christine Gracey MFH

shining steeds rode through the main streets of Elora on October 4. Both sides of the streets were packed with residents and visitors who enjoyed the pageantry of the parade.

(Continued on page 8)

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Elora Horse and Hound Parade (Continued from page 7)

The sounds of the Huntsman’s horn, the clip clop of the horses, and the sights of the hound’s tails wagging was enough to make everyone happy. Riders were turned out in their formal hunt clothes, with our three elegant sidesaddle ladies looking very ‘Downton Abbey’. The observers all had a chance to get up close and personal with the horses and hounds at several stops along the parade route. Questions were asked and answered, velvety noses were petted and hounds were hugged. This was the fourth annual Elora Horse and Hound Parade. Building on the goodwill and publicity generated in the previous three years, it was a great success and raised an unprecedented amount of over $10,000.00 for the Groves Memorial Hospital. Added to the proceeds from the past years, this means that Eglinton and Caledon Hunt has helped to contribute over $25,000.00 to the hospital fund. Many generous sponsors contributed to this amount, and we are thankful for their continued support. We thank our ECH members and the Guelph Pony Club and the other volunteers for their time and all the effort it takes to organize, groom, trailer, tack up and participate in the day. The results make it all worthwhile! y

Riding sidesaddle in Downton Abbey fashion

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The parade made itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s way from the iconic Elora Mill Inn in a promenade along the historic streets where there were plenty of chances for spectators to take photographs, meet the riders, admire the horses and play with the hounds!

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Hunt Events

ECH presents theoffers Mimosa Mimosa Summer Games a full Cup and Summer Games

Even the dogs were taking the jumps in stride!

Some took a leisurely approach to the Hunter Pace (above). Others displayed tremendous unison during the Mimosa Pairs race (background).

Awesome action and concentration during the Hunter Pace

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A perennial favourite for equine enthusiasts by Kelley Givlin

Our milestone 15th annual running of the Mimosa Cup and Summer Games took place at the beautifully sun swept Caledon Riding Club on August 2nd The excitement of Musical Stalls

Another summer has come and gone and with it, another Mimosa Cup and summer Games. This year brought a special milestone for eCh in that it was the 15th annual running of the perennial favourite. August 2nd brought us another lovely summer day and with it, the enthusiastic descended upon the Riding Club. The Games are always a big job with many man-hours spent working on the trails and sorting out jumps; this year was no diﬀerent. Thankfully, we dodged another ice storm this past winter but there was still a lot of work to be done and the mosquitoes showed us no mercy! In the weeks and days leading up to the event, we had a dedicated and hard-working group out to clean up the trails, mark the courses and ready the venue for what was shaping up to be another terrific installment of the annual event. Again this year, we had a beautiful hunter pace first thing in the morning with more jumps than ever before. The two marquee Mimosa events – the singles and Pairs races – again drew an enthusiastic bunch of entries who take the events quite seriously! The mock hunt provided the pageantry that everyone loves and Frank Merrill supplied his ever informative and entertaining narrative before our new huntsman, Colin Brown, moved oﬀ with the hounds. The field was led by tina Walker and Colin planned a longer route than we have had in the past after which he held our hounds up in front of the clubhouse so that spectators could mingle with them. soon after, Colin recruited participants from the crowd to try their hand (or lips...) at horn-blowing. Attempts were made and ranged from quite impressive to downright funny. This year, the handy Foxhunter class was renamed the Jan seyfried Memorial handy hunter and a trophy was introduced. Jan and Pat have been generous and unflagging sponsors and supporters of

the summer Games and naming this increasingly popular event in Jan’s memory was a fitting tribute to him. serendipitously, tina Walker was our ‘Field Master’ and she happened to be riding Jan’s old hunter, Cassie, for the class. The other events included Musical stalls, the Pairs Relay and a new, rather experimental event called the Dog and Pony Relay. This class involved a horse and rider completing a short stadium course as quickly as possible, immediately followed by a dog completing a flyball line, the fastest combined time winning. The trotting Race drew only two entries this year but didn’t disappoint with drama as we had a de-horsing right at the beginning. everyone was fine and the two tired equines and their riders made it over the finish line to finish our day. Right afterwards, a very casual ribbon and prizegiving took place at the clubhouse and then all of the tired riders, horses, spectators and volunteers starting heading home just before a particularly wicked thunderstorm descended upon the Club. The first event was held in 2000 and coincided with the summer Olympics at the time so was called the eCh summer Games. There were only 37 entries that first year. In 2001, the property in the hockley Valley was sold and the event moved to Mimosa Farm where the hounds still meet each season. It was at that point that it was decided to call the races the Mimosa Cup and summer Games and the trophies and prize money were introduced. The entries quickly grew to 100 and more and it became an important fund-raising event for eCh. Winning one of the two prestigious Mimosa Cup races is considered quite an accomplishment and is a testament to the ability of both the horse and rider. A number of years ago, the event moved to the CRC as Mimosa Farm was sold by Derek French to the current owner, Judy Pace. Judy is a strong supporter of the eCh and invites us to continue our hunt(Continued on page 12)

Tina Walker abord Jan Seyfried’s Cassie 11

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Mimosa Summer Games

Junior competitors were in top form during the close Dog & Pony Relay!

(Continued from page 11) ing from Mimosa Farm for which we are most grateful. The 2015 Mimosa Cup and summer Games were a success and a huge thank you to everybody who helped in any way make it so – it couldn’t have happened without you! Thank you to Colin for his enthusiasm, help and fresh ideas and to Victoria and her talented canines. Thank you to sarah Murphy for handling registrations and payments. Many thanks to our gracious sponsors and all the landowner who make this event possible. An especially big thank you to the committee – Alastair, sue h, Wendy and Adriana – for your tireless eﬀorts over the months leading up to the Games. unless one is involved in the planning and execution of this event, you have no idea how much work goes on ahead of time to make it happen and your dedication to this event is nothing short of amazing! y The scenic Caledon Riding Club

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Member’s Notes

War Horses

Port elizabeth, south Africa. Chances are that you have not been there. That's not surprising really as it is not high on most people's bucket lists. It is a pleasant city, situated at the northern end of the scenic "Garden Way" which runs north from Cape town to Port elizabeth. The city is noted for its busy port, the car assembly plant, moderate climate and attractive beaches. It takes just a couple of hours in a tour bus to see all the sights. The driver is bound to take you past this famous monument. hold it. stop the bus! Back up a bit. Just look at that. There it is, silhouetted against the bright blue sky. A bronze monument of a horse complete with saddle and bridle. no, this time, there is no one sitting on its back, gazing importantly over the city landscape. There is a man there, however. he is kneeling

in front of the horse with a pail of water, offering it to his very thirsty horse. The man is in a soldier's uniform. You can see the compassion in his face as he rewards his faithful mount with that precious drink of water. This is a statue commemorating the role horses played in the second Boer War between the years 1899 and 1902. It was a war between the British colonial forces and the Boers, descendants of the Dutch who had settled in south Africa during the previous centuries. It was one army of colonialists fighting yet another group of the same description. neither side could claim south Africa as their native land. It was one group of foreigners fighting another band of settlers from overseas. today, the Boer Wars, much like 14

Apartheid, are a cause for resentment among many native south Africans. however, the compassionate statue that once stood proudly overlooking Mandela Bay in Port elizabeth, is no more. In April this year, a protest movement known as the economic Freedom Fighters, has made a point of vandalizing the several statues commemorat-

ing past colonial achievements.The list of defacements has included the Jan smuts memorial, the statue of President Botha and those memorials glorifying the Boer Wars. Despite the obvious fact that the statue was celebrating the suffering of horses and not the superiority of the colonialists, it has been destroyed. The monument in Port elizabeth was a moving tribute to the 300,000 horses which suffered great hardship and lost their lives in the battles of the two Boer Wars. Much like the First World War of 1914 to 1918, the casualty list of cavalry and transport horses was huge. If you have seen the stage play or the movie "War horse", you will realize the suffering which our equine friends endure in all wars. The horses in south Africa were subjected to the same harsh and dangerous conditions and the death toll was very high. Although the death of 300,000 horses in the Boer Wars is shocking, it is still overshadowed by the American Civil War. It is estimated that over one million horses and

mules died in Civil War battles during the years 1865 to 1871. The loss of horses in the First World War was even higher at eight million, almost as many as the ten million human fatalities. The logistics of fighting a war in far-off lands are staggering, especially when you consider this was in a pre-flight era. some 150,000 horses were imported to fight on the British side alone. Many were brought from Britain, but such was the demand that 50,000 were imported from the us and another 35,000 from Australia. Port elizabeth was the port through which most of the horses were imported. This photo shows a horse being brought ashore in a sling as a crane unloads it from a ship in Port elizabeth. Casualties among the horses ridden by the Boer army were equally high. Most of the Boer horses were of the native breed known as the Boerperd (farmer's horse) and the native Bosotho Pony. The origin of the Boerperd horses is interesting. In 1652, the Dutch commander, Jan van Riebeeck, imported his Berber Arabian horses from Java (at that time known as the Dutch east Indies). A few years later a ship was wrecked off the coast of south Africa and 14 Arabian horses, originally bound for Persia, swam ashore. They were quickly added to the gene pool of the Van Riebeeck herd. In the fury of the several battles in the Boer War, the death toll among the Boer horses was so high that the Boerperd breed was almost wiped out. The strain has since been re-established and constitutes the primary breed used for trekking in south Africa. There are a few other memorials to horses in other parts of the world, but none have shown the compassion that is expressed in this statue in Port elizabeth. The soldier, kneeling before his thirsty horse, projects a very emotive expression of thanks for the suffering horses endured in wartime conditions. We know that the horse that serves you so well is not subject to mistreatment of any kind, but next time you are down at the barn, give your friend a thankful pat and see that his or her water bowl or bucket is full. Just pausing for a moment to recall the suffering endured by your horse's forebears will make the world a better place. y by Derek French, ex MFH

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Oh…Those Puppies! There is nothing cuter than a six week old foxhound pup cuddled up in your arms. That’s how the Huntsman reels you in, and convinces you that it is a really great idea to bring home a couple of them for the summer... ‘It’s really easy, they can live in a horse stall.’ ‘You just have to walk them a couple of times a day.’ Or, ‘The kids will have so much fun with them!’ And the final closing argument – ‘You get to name them!’ And so they came home. tucked up in a laundry basket in the back seat, crying piteously until they were held and petted. We tried out names that started with an e, settling on epic and eclipse. And they were easy…at first.

We did walk them a couple of times a day, and let them out to play when we were outside. It was quite amusing to watch them tumble up and down the stairs to the deck, and wrestle with our own dog, and explore and get lost within the perennial garden. And the kids did love them. And everyone who visited loved them and was entertained by them. They quickly became more agile, faster and quicker, the wrestling became rougher, and they could jump up higher. Puppy walking is a traditional part of the foxhound’s education. Once weaned, they go home with members in order to learn their names, walk on a leash, socialize well with people and hopefully learn a few basic commands. some of those things were easier than others. epic and eclipse seemed to learn their names quickly. They loved people and were always ready to cuddle and sort of learned to come when they were called. They learned to swim and enjoy the water. They learned to stay away from moving cars, and not to be scared of horses. They napped happily on the deck, in the circle of our dog’s paws. And then day by day, week by week, they got bigger and bolder. If we went

for a walk, they remembered, and went again on their own. They headed down to the pond to explore and swim, again on their own. They checked out the horses, the horse pasture, the manure pile, on their own. They figured out how to dig below the sides of the horse stall, and escape. Our dog run was not foxhound proof, and they escaped that as well. They started to sniﬀ the air, the ground, and started tracking. At about eleven weeks of age, epic caught a pigeon. he didn’t quite know what to do with it, so it was rescued and flew oﬀ. They caught a scent, and they were gone in a split second. They started to come home with dead things – some bones, a bird’s wing, a mole. They still wanted to cuddle, to play, but those things were becoming secondary. They became foxhounds and were cute little pups no longer. And so, they were taken back to the kennels and the huntsman, to join their pack and continue their learning. But I know that they remember us, and we will get many doggy kisses whenever we see them. y By Christine Gracey MFH

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Agatha Mielzynski 905.906.5292 agatha@spiritedaw way ydesigns.com www.spiritedaw way ydesigns.com

Original hand painted or naments celebra ating the wonder and spirit horsses inspiree us to feel.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Horsses lend us the wings we lacckâ&#x20AC;? - Pam Brown

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The Pan Am Games equestrian events brought the world to the Headwaters region, with ECH members volunteering & attending the various events...

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THE EGLINTON

AND CALEDON HUNT Welcome to the excitement and exhilaration of "Riding to Hounds"!

The music of the hounds in "full cry". The sound of the horn echoing off the woodland hills. The excitement of the chase. The thrill of galloping over the countryside, the view of vistas that takes your breath away. The camaraderie of friends pursuing the same passion. Riding to hounds is a wonderful recreation for the whole family that can be enjoyed for a lifetime. What could possibly be better!

THE MASTERS The leaders of our hunt are known as ‘Masters of Foxhunting’, a position of overall responsibility that has been a tradition over the centuries. The role of the Master can be likened to that of a president of an organization and is one which carries with it considerable responsibility and prestige. The Masters will usually lead the riders in the field, and when they are performing this role they are known as ‘Field Masters’. However, on some occasions other members of the hunt may well perform this function. In this case they are also known as ‘Field Masters’ and they will also have responsibility for the safety and control of the riders.

Photo: Karin McDonald

FIRST A LI T TLE H ISTORY Foxhunting has existed in North America since colonial days and was enjoyed by hunters, farmers and landed gentry. The earliest record of foxhunting in Canada was in 1650. The earliest established hunt in Canada was the Montreal Hunt in 1826. The popularity of foxhunting continues to grow. Currently there are 168 organized hunts in North America. Our own local hunt is the Eglinton and Caledon Hunt. It is an offshoot of the Toronto Hunt which was formed in 1843. In 1930, The Eglinton Hunt, was formed and located at the corner of Avenue Road and Roselawn Avenue in Toronto and was recognized as a separate hunt under the Mastership of George Beardmore. When the expansion of Toronto necessitated finding new country, hounds were moved to their present location on Creditview Road in Caledon in 1963 and the name changed to Eglinton and Caledon Hunt. Today there are 110 members who participate not only in hunting but also with many related activities.

Learn everything you need to know about being a member of ECH in this special tear-out section.

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HUNTSMAN Under the direction of the Masters, a professional Huntsman is responsible for the kennels and all aspects of managing the hounds, including breeding, training, exercise, and of course, hunting. The Huntsman contributes to fostering a positive relationship with all landowners who provide permission to hunt on their lands. W H I P P E R S -I N The Huntsman is assisted by Whippers-in who participate in the hunting. This includes turning back hounds if they are running onto land not permitted to hunt, or busy roadways, rounding up hounds, and exercising of the hounds under the direction of the Huntsman. THE HOUNDS Training starts before a hound is 1 year old. The young hound is sometimes coupled with an older hound until it learns to stay with the others. They are then introduced to horses. As hounds hunt over private farmland, they must ignore all farm animals and pursue only the chosen quarry. Hounds begin to hunt at 12 to 18 months of age. The goal is to establish a pack of hounds that will run uniformly, give great voice, show stamina, develop a keen nose, and be obedient to the huntsman.

W H AT T H E H O U N D S H U N T Coyote can range in a large territory. The coyote, when chased, will run in straight lines and may take the hounds out of their assigned hunting areas. The coyote scent is stronger than the fox, and coyote chasing is more common in our area. Foxes are territorial. It knows good and bad scenting days. It can lead the pack on a merry chase, evading it by cunning or jumping into the first available den or hole.

GLOSSARY OF HUNT TERMS All on - All hounds present and accounted for Away - When the quarry has left a cover and gone away; the hounds are gone away. Babbling - When hounds are giving voice or barking for no good reason. Cast - When the huntsman sends hounds into a cover or brings them together and then sends them another direction, he is said to be casting his hounds. Challenge - When drawing for a fox, the first hound, which throws his tongue, is a challenge. Check - When hounds in chase stop for want of scent, or have overrun it. Couple - Two hounds (any sex). Hounds are always counted in couples. Drawing - When hounds are working a covert or an area they are said to be drawing it. Full Cry - When the whole pack is running hard after the quarry and throwing or giving tongue. Gone to Ground - When a fox or coyote goes into a natural earth, hole or drain. Pinks - A term used to describe the red or scarlet hunt coat. Whelps - Unweaned puppies.

Photos courtesy: Karin McDonald

THE FIELDS Followers of our hounds ride in one of three groups. Experienced riders on steady horses who are comfortable jumping obstacles at speed usually will ride with the ‘First Field’. The “Second Field’ rides at a slightly slower pace and jumping is optional. The ‘Third Field’ known as the ‘Hill Toppers’ keep mostly to a walk and trot. The ‘First Field’ follows the hunt as closely as possible without interfering with either hounds or the Huntsman and Whippers-in. The pace can reach cross country galloping speed and fences are usually negotiated in order to keep up with the hounds. The ‘Second Field’ is not far behind. The ‘Hill Toppers’ move at a distance endeavouring to see the hounds working, and anticipate where game may be flushed to observe a ‘viewing’. Riders are not permitted to pass the Field Masters and must obey the directions of the Field Masters. If a rider decides to retire for the day, he or she must advise the Field Master and request permission to leave. It is important that a rider does not cross through an area which will be hunted that day, as this could interfere with scenting.

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General etiquet te

and

rules

for a

• To come out to hunt you must be escorted by an existing member of the hunt. • Arrangements will be made with a Master to bring a guest to a meet. There is a fee to be paid by a guest of the hunt (known as a "capping fee") as well as waiver forms to be signed at the meet prior to mounting up. Your host should provide you with full details and introduce you to the Honourary Secretary (who has the forms and collects the fees) and the Masters at the meet. • When riding, a guest should always follow the path set by the Field Master and obey any instructions given by the Field Master. It is considered proper etiquette to ride behind the experienced riders with "colours". • Care must be taken when riding on cultivated fields; you should always ride single

Guest rider

of tHe

H u n t:

file and close to the outside perimeter of the field. Avoid riding close to houses and farm buildings whenever possible. Never gallop down a landowner’s driveway or past his house. Circle all livestock so as to not disturb them. • Riders who have a horse that is inclined to kick out must wear a red ribbon on the horse’s tail and ride at the back of the group. Horses that are young or considered "green" should wear a green ribbon on the tail. Hounds always have the right of way. • A word about tack and bitting. Hunting can be as exciting for the horse as the rider. Horses tend to become stronger when galloping in a group. We recommend you consider using either a running or standing martingale and look at using a bit which will provide stronger "brakes".

W H AT Y O U C A N E X P E C T AT A T Y P I C A L M E E T : We hunt in various terrains and weather conditions. Discuss with your host, what attire is appropriate for your day of hunting. Proper turnout is not only a hunting tradition but also a sign of respect. Plan to arrive in time to sign waivers and pay fees before mounting, and be mounted at least ten minutes prior to "moving off "time. In this ten minute period riders gather to hear announcements and are introduced to the landowners who are thanked for providing permission to hunt their land, and guests are introduced to the field. At this time you will also be offered a "Stirrup Cup" (a drink of sherry or port) prior to the hunt commencing. Once the hunt moves off, be prepared to meet other members of the field and forge new acquaintances to enjoy your hunting experience. A hunt can last several hours; you would be wise to bring a snack and or a drink with you. At the conclusion of the hunt, either a ‘tailgate breakfast’ is enjoyed by all or you will be invited to attend an evening breakfast with your host to enjoy a hearty meal, liquid refreshments and swap tales of the days hunting escapades. y

Riding to hounds is a most enjoyable experience and we would love to have you join us... For more information please contact : ms. Priscilla reeve, ex mfH 519-837-3964 prisreeve@gmail.com or visit www.eglintoncaledonhunt.com 21

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"Hunting is often described as a sport. But to those of us who have heard the music of the hounds and have loved it, it is far more than that. Hunting is our music, it is our poetry, it is our art, it is our pleasure. It is where many of our best friendships are made, it is our community. It is our whole way of life. " ~ Baroness Mallalieu's speech to a Countryside Rally in Hyde Park

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Member’s Notes

Whipper-in turns traﬃc Cop

Photos: Karin McDonald

“Land's sakes” says Hugh, in his burred Scottish accent. “There I was quietly enjoying a quick puﬀ on my favourite cigarillo, when it all started.” Hugh Robertson is new this year to the role of whipper-in with the Eglinton and Caledon Hounds. An experienced horseman, Hugh was an ideal candidate to help out with the Hunt. It was early in the season and the hounds were drawing the swamp

ECH whipper-in Hugh Robertson aboard Flash

by Derek French, ex MFH

fox has just crossed the line headed west. Hounds are not on his line. Over”, reported Hugh using his traditional military style of radio etiquette. At this point, the lead hounds broke cover and streamed past Hugh on the line of the coyote. All the ruckus of the hounds in full cry must have alerted a four-pointer stag quietly enjoying a peaceful moment in the morning sun. Hugh's head swung in yet another direction as the startled stag headed away from him in gracious bounding leaps over the bushes and a rusty old wire fence. “No need to report that” thought Hugh, “The hounds are well focused on the coyote's line”. With a flash of its white flag, a final leap took the stag into the protecting cover of the nearby trees, and the deer vanished into the safety of the deeplywooded valley. “Ah, here comes Colin,” thought Hugh as the sound of a horse cantering up the slope towards him continued the nonstop action. Wrong! It was a riderless horse with its bridle dangling oﬀ one side of its head. Subsequent enquiries determined that a protruding branch had slipped between the horse's head and the cheek strap of the bridle. The forward motion of the

"There I was quietly enjoying a quick puff on my favourite cigarillo, when it all started.” in the valley at the south end of Galten Farms country in Caledon. So far the day had been quiet, providing the opportunity for Hugh to enjoy the overly warm but beautiful September day. “Get on up there to the north on the ridge and keep an eye out”, Colin the new ECH Huntsman had said. “The swamp is bound to produce something in this heat”. Hugh took up his assigned lookout point. The first hound spoke. Tentatively at first and then with more conviction as others joined in. Hugh's horse, Flash, pricked his ears and a little tremor was reflected up through the saddle. Hugh stubbed out the cigarillo and waited expectantly. A gentle rustling in the sun-scorched weeds below him was the first hint that something was afoot. A moment later, a sandy coloured coyote slipped quietly past him, headed northeast. Not the biggest one Hugh had ever seen but a healthy youngster probably from this spring's litter. A brief word on the two-way radio to the Huntsman was all that was needed as the hounds were now speaking to the line. “Here we go,” thought Hugh. Not just yet, as it turned out. No sooner had he gathered up the reins than a large red fox sped under his horse's feet travelling east to west. This fellow knew when it was best to get out of town. “A full grown

horse had pried the bridle half oﬀ his head, crushing an ear. The horse had freaked out and the rider was dumped. Meanwhile, our intrepid whipper-in moved across the horse's path. Talking gently, he managed to calm down the frightened animal. Taking the bridle in hand, Hugh slipped it back over the horse's ears and used the now-broken reins as a lead line. It was just a few minutes later that the sound of more twigs cracking underfoot and laboured breathing announced the arrival of the horse's erstwhile rider. “ Would you be looking for this fine fellow, Master?” said Hugh as he handed the reins back to the Field Master of the first flight. At this point, the Huntsman appeared, intent on staying with the hounds. As he cantered past Hugh, he was heard to say “Did you see anything?” Hugh didn't have time to respond but thought, “Did I ever!” Some might doubt the authenticity of this little action tale. Some might even question what was inside that cigarillo that Hugh was smoking. Be assured that our hero is of impeccably good character. Maybe the author of this tale is sometimes prone to a little exaggeration, but the essence of the story is accurate. It just goes to prove that the Boy Scout motto of 'Be Prepared' applies in the hunt field too. You never know when the whipper-in will need to become a traﬃc cop. y 23

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The light and action-filled sporting paintings of Sir Alfred Munnings are familiar images to most foxhunting folk, but admirers may not be aware that the skill with which he portrayed the hunt was borne of first-hand experience and a genuine love of the sport. The son of a Suﬀolk miller, Munnings was accustomed to farm horses from an early age, but his great youthful desire was to own a proper hunter. At the age of 22, enjoying the first blush of an immensely successful career as an artist, he bought a bay gelding for its fine looks. But this handsome horse tyrannized its abject owner and gave him nightmares from which the artist awoke in a cold sweat, shouting “Whoa!” The horse was sold on. Contenting himself with painting more complacent horses owned by his neighbors, Munnings befriended a local gypsy, chosen for his resemblance to characters from the artist’s favourite Surtees novels. He bought a scarlet coat from the huntsman of the Norwich Staghounds, and set his model up on a friend’s big chestnut, painting his first hunting picture to be accepted by the Royal Academy (1906). So began a series of hunting scenes, produced over the course of Munnings’ lifetime. Many of the later hunting pictures were

to recount the many adventures when following hounds in Norfolk, long before the first World War.”3 Moving to an artist’s colony in Cornwall at about this time, “being smitten with the hunting in that western end of Cornwall, with … the Western Foxhounds, I determined to buy a grey horse,” he recalls.4 Off to Ireland he Sir Alfred and went, where he bought not only a grey mare, but Lady Violet also the bay gelding, “St Patrick”, which feature hunting in many of Munnings’ paintings of that period. One of the most iconic of these is a picture titled “Gone to Cliff ”. Hunting at Morvah, on the rugged coast of north Cornwall, the fox got away over the cliffs and was seen crouching on a rock far below. Munnings and the whip went down after it, whereupon it leapt into the raging sea and swam for its life. A wave washed it up onto a ledge, and there it clung. The whip was all for going to get the fox, but Munnings insisted that it had earned its freedom and that the hunt be called off. Infuriated, the huntsman raged, “That’s the last time we’ll ever let Mr. Munnings go down after a fox!”5

Tales of a Hunting Artist ‘The Bramham Moor Hounds’

commissions, but the most successful canvases were some of the earliest, and were painted for sheer personal pleasure. Eventually, Sir Alfred found and bought a good brown mare. So mounted, “Thus began a phase which I did not attempt to resist – the vain glories of the chase.”1 Astride his new partner, he hunted for several seasons with the Norwich Staghounds. And so, he recalled in his three-volume autobiography, “Hunting became part of my life, and I saw many things on those days: bright winter sunshine on clipped horses and scarlet coats… on farmhouse gables; the riding out after a slight frost; the riding home with a frost beginning and a young moon in the sky, puddles already crisping over”2, adding later that he “could fill a volume if I began 24

Invited to paint the hounds of the Belvoir, highlighted by a portrait of the Master, Tommy Bouch, Munnings portrayed the hounds both at exercise and feeding in the Victorian kennels at Belvoir Castle. He was given a room at the kennels in which to paint, and delighted in this arrangement: “What a room! There was a table, a big chair or two; trophies of the chase around the walls – foxes’ masks and brushes – spurs, a bright fire, and at one end, piles of canvases and all my belongings.”6 Recalls Munnings, Major Bouch “supplied me with hounds, horses and men to paint, [and] thoroughly understood an artist’s temperament. He knew how much I was tied to painting pictures day in and day out, but he persuaded me now and then to go out on a hunt.”7 When the army requisitioned Sir Alfred and Lady Violet’s home, Castle House, in Essex (which is now an art gallery of his work, and open to the public) during the Second World War, they retreated to their hunt box in the village of Withypool, on Exmoor. Violet adored hunting, and rode both astride and aside with The Devon & Somerset Staghounds, the Exmoor Foxhounds and Lord Poltimore’s. A fine horsewoman, she is a frequent subject in her husband’s work. Throughout his lifetime, Sir Alfred loved to write poetry, and he published an illustrated collection of verse in 1957. Many of the poems concern hunting, but the longest and best of these is “The Tale of Anthony Bell: A Hunting Ballad”. It is as entertaining today as it was in the long-ago days when Sir Alfred delighted in reciting it - from memory - to any appreciative audience, welllubricated with the artist’s potent punch. The ballad comprises sixty stanzas filled up with hunting folklore, an exciting run, a legendary stone wall, and a ghost! Sir Alfred was commissioned to paint Lord Harewood’s

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Alfred & Magnolia

‘Gone to Cliff’

~ Sir Alfred Munnings (1878-1959) Bramham Moor Hounds, with Edwin Short, the huntsman. Short took an interest in the picture, but objected to the extravagance of the bow on his hunt cap, with its droopy ends. Diverting his attention, and always seeking to portray a horse in its best light, Sir Alfred remarked, “ ‘Well, what about your horse? … The grey you have been sitting on is not such a horse as the one in the picture.’ ‘Oh’, said Short, ‘please don’t alter him, I’ve never been on such a horse in my life, and I’d like to go down to posterity wellmounted.’ ”8 Similarly, Munnings portrayed Frank Freeman, huntsman of the Pytchley, on his legendary hunt-horse, “Pilot”. “What a horse that was, to carry Freeman over the biggest piece of country in the Shires! He stood about sixteen hands, and was deep in the girth – a strong, corky horse with a short back…. The picture shows the huntsman on a late winter’s afternoon, with the sun getting low and the frost coming on thinking probably he may have to make a cast.”9 Munnings was also commissioned to paint the Master of the Pytchley, Ronnie Tree, and stayed as a guest at his home, Kelmarsh Hall. Nancy Lancaster, Tree’s wife, describes a scene at the Hall thus: “If the hunt ended near Kelmarsh, dozens of riders would come in for tea. When you added the men in the scarlet coats …, it was an extraordinary sight, a very attractive picture. Munnings wanted to paint the hall and everyone in it. He thought it would make a marvelous painting…. But he had been at Kelmarsh for what seemed like weeks by then, painting Ronnie. Every night he was in the cups and got rather bleary-eyed. I

by Beth Munnings-Winter

thought, ‘I’ll be damned if he stays here any longer.’ I wouldn’t let him paint the hall, because I wanted him to go. What a pity it is; I wish I had let him do it. It would have made a wonderful record of the day.”10 Munnings’ paintings now sell for millions of dollars at auction (his record reaches almost $8M USD), and his work continues to be enjoyed by generations of art enthusiasts, especially of the horsey set. Sir Alfred’s immense talent is clearly the greatest factor in the popularity of his work, but a very real passion for hunting is surely an important element of his success as a sporting artist. y

‘Changing Horses’

1 Sir Alfred Munnings, An Artist’s Life, (London: Museum Press, 1950) 185; 2 Ibid, 258; 3 Ibid, 262; 4 Ibid, 282; 5 Ibid, 285-286; 6 Sir Alfred Munnings, The Second Burst, (London: Museum Press, 1951) 71; 7 Ibid, 74-75; 8 Ibid, 225; 9 Ibid, 304; 10 Robert Becker, Nancy Lancaster: Her Life, Her World, Her Art, (New York, Alfred A Knopf, 1986), 163 **All images “Copyright Estate of Sir Alfred Munnings, All rights reserved, DACS 2015.”

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Member’s Notes Member’s Notes

Gone Away Sideways

early a year has passed since the first installment of my adventures in sidesaddle and so perhaps a little update is in order. Since then, I am happy to say that I pulled together the equipment, skills and nerve to hunt aside. It wasn’t horrible. It wasn’t scary. It was just diﬀerent and I would do it again. I’ve also kept working at jumping aside, a very diﬀerent experience than astride. Again, it was not a horrible or scary experience, just a little strange. Thankfully, I have a horse and husband that are very tolerant of these shenanigans! During the winter months, while riding was greatly put on hold due to weather and skiing, I decided to brave another side saddle- related project: making myself a habit. Once I had decided what style I wanted in a habit, the challenge then became to find a pattern to use. Riding habit pat-

terns barely exist. In the end, I patched together a pattern that consisted of a few parts from a traditional riding coat and many parts of an Edwardian reproduction coat. The construction itself wasn’t very diﬃcult but with any tailoring job, a lot of time, fitting and especially patience were required. The end result was an aﬀordable, respectable riding habit that fits better than any antique one that would have been within budget (considering that ladies of yesteryear were generally quite smaller than many of us today!). The advent of Downton Abbey has, by many accounts, played a big part in the increased popularity and resurgence of riding sidesaddle. Those that follow the program have had the pleasure of admiring Lady Mary looking very sophisticated and ladylike, her habits beyond elegant, all while perched atop her spotless mount. This is in sharp contrast to the majority of us modern day equestrians who, after time spent coercing our horse out of the muddy

 Keey Givlin pasture, expend an extreme amount of eﬀort to groom away the layers of filth and end up looking like disheveled, dusty versions of our everyday selves. It is this lack of refinement

that has inspired many to seek out a (basically antique) sidesaddle, scrounge together a habit and throw both legs on one side of their horse. If it catches your fancy, give it a try... it may just make ladies out of us yet! y

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I will always love you! I know you well. The workman school horse. The chestnut coat. The white blaze that runs the length of your nose, starting in the center and then fading to one side. We rode together nearly every ride I had in class. It was like you were mine. I hadn’t ridden for a long time, and when I started back, and you were my guy. I was so nervous. You were too. You must have wondered, “Who is this scared woman? And what does she want me to do?” I couldn’t remember the proper aids half the time. But you didn’t hold it against me. You dutifully carried me around countless lessons, loyally taking care of me both on the flat and over fences. You helped me remember how to ride. And you reminded me why I love to ride. When I started jumping again, you

taught me to get up into my two point position a little early so I didn’t get left behind with that funny partial stride you seem to throw in before every jump. You forgave me hitting you in the mouth when I forgot to release early over the fence. You showed me that you were the one who had to get us both over the fence, that I couldn’t carry you over. My inner “control freak” forgot that from time to time. You showed me that your lack of rhythm was not a character flaw, but a training opportunity. And when you were completely

By Sue van der Linden

warmed up, and I put on the speed, you could find a beautiful rhythm, but it was definitely your own, and unlike any other horse in the barn. You were brave for me, doing a makeshift cross country course through the park, which you had never done. But when I asked you to go, you went with gusto, including a downhill jump and a glorious gallop up the hill and home. You put up with my pathetic braiding skills before a show, and my nerves during the show. And you floated us around the ring like we were on a cloud. And we both knew it.

“You’ve made me look like a rock star in front of a group, with the flying

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You’ve made me look like a rock star in front of a group, with the flying change you only give out when you’re in the mood — which is rare. I know your vulnerable spots, like that place on your nose at the bottom of your blaze that’s pink, and really needs some sunscreen. But I also know you hate the way it smells. And I laugh when you try your hardest to sneeze it all oﬀ, and onto me. It makes my outfit complete. I know your sore spots, like the way your hind legs stock up, and the stiﬀness in your hocks, probably from arthritis. We figured out how to work through them together. I wrapped your legs precisely and lovingly, before every ride, hoping they would take down the swelling. And now I help the other people who ride you get those wraps just right. I know your bad habits, like fading to the left over jumps. We’ve tried lots of

things to break that habit, but it’s pretty deeply ingrained at this point. So using the old fashioned method of lots of left leg and right rein, and we at least got to where we didn’t knock over the standard on that side. I know your character flaws, like your deplorable ground manners. I made excuses for you, like the way you snap at everyone when you’re in cross ties. They just don’t understand you! But I have figured you out in places, too. Like your territorial nature, which I respect by asking before entering your stall. And while you don’t love it, you acknowledge my eﬀorts by not pinning your ears, and gently approaching for a small neck scratch when I come to your door, look down, and wait. When you’re in a really good mood, you drop your head let me scratch your forelock. And you get that silly look on your face. Don’t get me wrong. I’ve been damned mad at you too. Like the lesson when we

spent the entire hour going sideways. Or the time you bit my hand and drew blood. I still have the scar. You’ve made me cry. Like when you spun madly in your stall, refusing to let me put on your halter and kicking the walls, leaving me shaking in fear. Or when you ran oﬀ with me, and we went so fast that I couldn’t catch my breath. But even though I now have my own horse, I still stop by your stall with apples, even before I go see “my” horse. I always will. And even though you’re not “my responsibility,” I still get you nice tack for Christmas because you deserve it. You see, you’re the horse that made my horse possible. You gave me the confidence and experience and passion that I needed in order to be an owner in my own right. And for that, I will always love you. ~ Originally published by HorseJunkiesUnited

change you only give out when you’re in the mood – which is rare.”

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CJ's Fox Hunt “Fox Hunting is a misnomer.” Charles James leads the Chase. “Frivolity 'cross country, more likely the case.” Twilight time, Charles James woke to a brave dawn, Dew crested fields, cool breeze, and whispering spirits among the forest folk.

Second flight heard, sensed the stir, then out of nowhere, a string of stings. Well-bred horses felt loose reins, and high-jinxed into the surrounding bush.

Bird song called. Deer lifted chiseled heads, and then grazed again. A lone skunk stopped to sniff, listen, then shuffle away.

“'Ware bees!” Too late! “Damn the consequences. CJ again!” CJ doubled back, enjoying the pandemonium undulating dislocations of a spontaneous St. Vitus' Dance.

CJ stretched, yawned, and padded black paws derived from russet legs, broke slowly his covert. “Plenty of time for horses, hounds, and people to drink spirits.”

“Wonderful. Wonderful. Wonderful. That'll teach 'em to try to out fox the fox.” CJ chortled with unmitigated joy.

CJ padded to edge of the easterly Dufferin fence line, watched, satisfied in the misty turn out. Ever-patient horses, soft voices, and occasional hounds gave faint impressions of the Chase to be. “Mixed pack,” CJ ruminated. “Bitches, dog hounds, geldings, mares, and scarlet, black, ratcatcher.” “Mixed pack. No bitches in heat. Pity.” “Master, please.” MFH doffed cap. Artillery voice resonated: “When Hunting, pay heed to horn, tongue, shaky bushes, and the View.” CJ ready steadied for the Chase. He pledged himself to evaporate into thin air. Assembled, off they moved at a fast trot across the stone road to the woods. Toot. Toot. “They're off.” Harness jangled. Hooves beat. Thuds. Grunts. Silence echoed from birch and maple against opposing Bathurst Hill. The Field strung out, ranked by happenstance. Subscription distinction of no concern. CJ jumped onto the top split rail, paused, saw them focus attention, and leapt. “There he goes.” Horn doubled. Huntsman, MFH, Field galloped forward, ever forward. Cross Mar-vel Creek. Found along the opposing split rail. Scent filled field, air, and wood.

“There he goes.” Undulations ceased. Control authoritatively exercised its right. CJ waited for the multitudes to be in view. “There he goes.” CJ trotted, strolled, tantalized, teased from Bathurst Hill. Fancy, lead bitch, nosed the scent. Gave tongue. “They're off,” CJ smiled in satisfaction. “To the knoll. To the knoll. To the knoll. Westward, the way,” CJ loved to lead the Chase. Along Sugar Bush Trail, jump coops, mud slide, swamp path, road stones. Live for Livery Hill. Away. Away. Away. Over logs, staggered jumps, surprising trail twists. Up West Dufferin slope. “To the knoll. To the knoll. To the knoll. Plenty of holes. Disappear.” CJ fox-laughed out loud. Horn doubled. Hounds cried. “All on,” Huntsman, “Hello-ed.” Determination everywhere. Sun rays filtered through mature trees. Pines wavered. Astonished. CJ flashed. Disappeared. Simply wasn't anymore. On west Dufferin Knoll, beyond Livery Hill, fading maples and dark pine, hounds milled, confused. Huntsman called, “Gone to ground.” Master halted. Field assembled. “We'll give 'im best, today.”

“I know of ground bees,” CJ calculated. “It'll be wonderful.” Three beat canter. Up and Over. “Heels down. Heads up. Knees in.” Riding school tight.

CJ exhilarated, circled, enjoyed the march past from his lofty protected vantage. He stretched, yawned, and padded black paws derived from russet legs, viewed 'em from his covert.

Cross Mar-vel Creek. Up Bathurst Hill. Along Sugar Bush Trail. “Whack.” Winter's dead fall surprised first followers. “'Ware branch!” Ah. Too late.

Plenty of time for horses, hounds, and people to drink in the spirits. “Gone away.” CJ stretched, yawned, and padded black paws out of russet legs, “Mice are also nice.”

by Sheldon H. Clark 30

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Member’s Travels

Only in Africa! As I galloped through a private game reserve with giraﬀes and zebras running with us I told myself that this is an image I shall never forget. In March this year my long time riding friend, Ellen Helps, and I went to Africa. We flew from London into Cape Town, where we stayed for several days, then to Franshhoek in wine country, and Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe before heading out on a week’s riding safari. Our riding safari, “The African Explorer” was arranged through Equitours, and took us to private game parks in South Africa and Botswana. There were seven of us in the group, the others were from Denmark, France and England. All were competent riders and a lot of fun. We started at Camp Davidson, located in the Waterberg area of South Africa. Our accommodation was luxury camping – not a sleeping bag or air mattress to be seen, thank God! Although the camp was quite remote, it was all very civilized. Each morning we were woken up with a morning tea or coﬀee, presented on the table on our ve-

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by Priscilla Reeve randah and correctly served in a teapot or coffee pot! Before we set out for our first safari ride, we had a short ride to see how we liked our horses and to assess our riding ability. My horse, a bright bay called “Red Sausage” was a fine fellow. On our first morning we saw koodoo, (large deer with huge horns,) giraffe, warthogs, hippopotamus, and zebra. The markings of zebra are all different, like the fingerprints on our own human hands. After three hours riding, as the temperature was rising, we returned to the camp for a swim and lunch, served in a very elegant dining tent. After four days at Camp Davidson we went to another private game reserve, the Limpopo Horse Safari in Botswana. In both South Africa and Botswana there are many private game reserves, which are a way to promote and protect the game. Poaching wild game is a huge threat to their existence and we saw several police checks to monitor game poaching. In South Africa the game reserves are all fenced, with wire and electric fence, but not in Botswana. Our journey to Botswana gave us a bit of a surprise. We knew we had to cross the border from South Africa to Botswana, but didn’t realize that the road ended in South Africa at the Limpopo River. The only way across the border was in a tiny cable car, with room for just 3 people. But it safely chugged across the river where we were met by our guide in a Jeep on the other side. The next camp, located in the Tuli Block of Botswana is known for its elephant herds, hyena, lion and leopard. Our guide in the front carried a rifle, and our guide behind was to lead us away in case of danger. Although we saw the fresh print of a lion and heard the call of a leopard, we didn’t get to see either, but like finding game anywhere, that is just a matter of luck. So our guide didn’t need to use his gun, although on one occasion an elephant suddenly appeared behind a bush. Our front guide leapt off his horse and threw a rock at the elephant to distract him and we galloped off away at top speed with our rear guide! On our second morning we saw a great number of huge brown vultures circling in the sky. We rode over to see what was happening. They were feeding on a young dead elephant. Our guide thought the elephant

had died because he had broken his leg. As we watched a jackal and hyena approached, but both were being chased away by the vultures, who did an amazing little dance to keep them back. Mr Hyena was very bold, and very persistent, and eventually managed to grab an elephant bone. Upon return to camp our guide cracked his bull whip to alert the staﬀ that we were returning, so they were ready to take away our horses as were dismounted and untack them. Even better was the appearance of a woman with a basket of warm wet towels, for us to refresh our hot brows. I have been waiting for that to happen ever since I came home. I think it would be a nice touch to oﬀer after a hard day’s hunting, but “Only in Africa” as they say, I suppose. y

Priscilla aboard her mount Red Sausage

We saw koodoo, giraffe, warthogs, hippopotamus, and zebra. The markings of zebra are all different, like the fingerprints on our own human hands.

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Summer Rides

Once again we had a full slate of Summer Rides taking place in June and July. These are casual, non-competitive trail rides, held in various areas throughout our Hunt territories and beyond. They are a perfect opportunity for members and non-members to spend time together on horseback, sauntering along beautiful trails throughout some of southern Ontarioâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most scenic rural areas. They provide an enjoyable way to get you and your horse fit in time for the start of Cubbing. We had some scrumptious feasts after our rides as well. They range from a potluck tailgate, to lunch at a local restaurant or cafĂŠ, or a BBQ or delicious lunch catered by the hosts of the ride. It was quite amazing how often the weather was forecasting rain this year on the morning of the rides, and yet we hardly had a drop fall on us throughout the whole summer ride schedule! Guests and members alike had some wonderful times this year on the rides. From river crossings, beautiful trails winding through forests and fields, some jumping practice, letting the horses cool off in a pond, or galloping around a racetrack, there was an infinite variety of experiences to be enjoyed.

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Puppy Show

The ECH Puppy Show this past summer, was a fashionable event with a great collection of attractive hats and dresses on view. This year we also had fancy umbrellas as there was a touch of rain while the hounds were being shown. The Junior handlers class was entertaining as usual with a wide variety of pups on parade. The day was thoroughly enjoyed by members and guests alike.

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Photo: VNR Photography

Photos, left & top: Karin McDonald

The Fall Hunt Field

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Spring Hunting & Cubbing

Photos, left & above: Christine Gracey

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