Stirrup Cup 2022

Executive

Mrs. Maria Britto

Managing

Mrs. Christine Gracey MFH Art Director Mrs. Karin McDonald Master of Foxhounds (MFH) Dr Wendy Brett MFH

Huntsman Mr. Mark McManus Whipper’s

Mrs. Sara Welsh Mrs. Kelley Givlin Dr. Mark Hurtig Grady Givlin

President - Mr. Blaine

Vice President - Mrs. Laura

Treasurer - Mr. John

Secretary - Mrs. Rhonda Schop Mrs. Sue MacNamara

President's Message

Hello Fellow Hunt Members!!!!

As our season starts to wind up it reminds me of the excite ment that a teenager would have preparing to go back to school. The excitement of seeing friends again, the wonder of where we will go as the year progresses and of course where we will end up. All these are valid feelings that abso lutely cross over into the hunt world.

Some of us members live further away than others, and many mornings are up before daylight gathering horses, hooking up trailers and filling a flask. Often we are wondering why on earth do we do this. As the sun peeks over the horizon and the cool air hits your chest you start to remember the feeling of back to school and a new season about to start. Wondering whom you will ride with that day, trying to decide which way the hounds may go and of course wondering how far we will have to hack to get back to the trailers afterwards.

I believe these feelings of wonderment often go unno ticed as it seems like just another day as you work to get ready. It is my ask that as we go into the 2022 Season we all take the time to look around and enjoy where we are at the present moment. Be kind to one another and respect ful of all the hard work so many people put into this club, allowing this wonderful sport of riding to hounds to carry on.

ECH is rapidly making progress; changes that need to happen in order to have this sport continue and thrive over the next few decades. We are moving in the correct direction.

Remember to support where you can, help when needed and most of all enjoy every moment of every Hunt Day!

Cheers for now. Blaine Nicholls President, Eglinton & Caledon Hounds

Meet the Artist

Mark Grice

Mark is a senior riding member with ECH and has been participating as often as possible for the past four seasons. Trained as an artist many years ago in Sheridan College’s 3 year illustration program, Mark took a detour from his art career to train and show Quarter Horses professionally for 30 years.

From his farm in Caledon Mark coached youth and amateur riders to numerous high point awards and competed successfully himself up to World Cham pionship level competition in a wide variety of events. Grice’s equine expertise made him sought after as a horse show judge and clinician and he authored many training articles for equine publications. Twice he was elected President of the Ontario Quar ter Horse Association and he served on other national committees in the industry.

For the past fourteen years he has had a studio and gallery space in the Alton Mill Arts Centre in Caledon where visitors can view and purchase his artwork. Mark paints in acrylics in a variety of styles from abstract to realism and enjoys painting equine, wildlife and land scape subjects. Since 2014 he has had a tv show called Mark Grice The Artist airing daily

on Rogers TV networks across the province where he completes a painting from start to finish. In addition to his art, Mark has worked extensively in the acting field in television and film, commercials and music videos as well as professional theatre.

Since he stopped competing in horse shows professionally, Mark has taken over the microphone as a horse show announc er for numerous Quarter Horse Circuits as well as the hunter rings at Caledon Equestrian Park and Angelstone. Announcing duties accounted for 65 days of work in 2022.

Mark has also written an award winning novel which is pop ular in the horse industry. Paint The Horse Blue is a fictional story from the horse country of Ontario and is available on Amazon and most other online book sellers.

If all of this isn’t enough to keep him busy, Mark is also a licensed wedding officiant and conducts fifteen to twenty wedding ceremonies per year.

Mark is looking forward to getting even more involved in the horse industry again as he has raised his two year old Hanoverian gelding Bateman with big plans to get back into the show ring in the future. The fall of 2022 has also given him the opportunity to move back to a farm in Caledon and plans are underway with a five stall barn and more horses in years ahead.

ECH member Mark Grice has created the cover illustration for this year’s issue of Stirrup Cup.

A life spent with horses & hounds

Mark McManus was born and raised in Silverton Devon UK. He grew up on Dunsmore Farm, a large dairy farm, with his twin brother, Allen and their older brother, Kurt. Mark’s father was a terrier man with the Silverton Fox Hounds, and Mark was his shadow. He would go out hunt ing as much as possible either running or on his bicycle, sometimes cutting school! Finally at 16, he saved enough money to buy his first horse, an Anglo Arab, and started hunting on horse-back.

His tireless dedication to hunting was noticed by the masters and huntsman who asked Mark to help out as a whipper-in. He whipped-in (honorary) to the Silverton for roughly 16 seasons, while also hunting with the Tiverton Fox Hounds, Tiverton Stag Hounds, Devon & Somerset Stag Hounds and the East Devon Fox Hounds. After a few years as honorable staff for the Silverton, he decided to make a career change (from working dairy farms) and apply for a job in hunt service. Eggesford Hunt hired him in as their Kennel Huntsman for the 1998/1999 season. From there, he moved to the South & West Wilts Hunt as First Whipper-In for two seasons, and to the Isle of Wight Hunt as Kennel Huntsman for a season. He adored hunting and hounds and horses and was offered the job of Huntsman the Banwen Miners. Mark stayed there for three seasons until he decided to take a huge leap in his

life and accept a Huntsman position in Italy.

The Roma Fox Hound kennels are located just outside of the city of Rome and housed over fifty couple of fox hounds! In the six seasons spent in Italy, Mark enjoyed the sights, sounds and tastes the country and it’s famous city offered. Sadly, the hunt closed in 2011, bringing he and his son, Aran, to Canada and the Ottawa Valley Hunt, his first drag pack. Lots of snow and cold were a little of a shock after having six years of sunshine and warmth, but the membership and hunt supporters were friendly and helped with the transition nicely. Here Mark worked with their pony club and developed a successful junior program with the hunt.

Wanting to live hunt again and also wanting to try living in the United States, Mark accepted the Huntsman position at the Chagrin Valley Hunt in Cleveland, Ohio in 2015. While at Chagrin, he co-founded the Chagrin Valley Beagles, becoming their Master Huntsman. The foot pack energized the club and the membership bringing many young families to follow the beagles. Fox hunting season went from June to November and Beagle Season was from a September to March so Mark was hunting hounds four days a week when the seasons overlapped. The benefit was huge! It wasn’t uncommon to have up to thirty or forty people out beagling! Some of these beaglers also rode and the fox hunting fields swelled with ‘crossovers.’

Mark was the catalyst of re-branding their hunt ball. He helped the committee chairs turn a standard hunt ball into a six figure fundraiser with a portion of the proceeds going to regional and national horse-centric charities in addition to the hounds.

May of 2018 brought Mark here to the Eglinton Cale don Hounds. He is working on re-establishing lost foun dation hound lines. The success of the Canadian Hound Show this summer rests on his careful and calculated breeding. All of this year’s top winning ECH hounds, both entered and un-entered, were bred by Mark.

“I have worked and hunt ed with many hunts over the years. It’s not just a job to me, but my hobby and life’s passion. Hounds are a breed of their own. It takes an experienced person to understand the pack and the personali ties of each hound. Some good, some bad. Hounds will only trust people they know and they have a high sense for trouble. I would not change my life for anything. Hounds and hunting are my life and it’s what I live for. Thank you.”

M. S MCMANUS

Walking the ridgeline of the dunes afforded us all a fantastic view of the Oregon Coast.

Exploring the wonderful & wild Willamette Coast

What do Foxhunters do when there is no spring hunting, and they are in need of adventure?

by Christine Gracey

They book the Willamette Coast ride with their fox hunting friends! This ride includes a vineyard riding tour, extreme mountain trails as well as many long gallops along Oregon’s famous beaches. This was just what was required to satis fy our need for adventure.

This trip was originally planned for 2020, but we all know what happened to all our 2020 plans, and the 2021 plans as well.

But in June 2022 there were 6 ECH ladies booked on flights to Portland, Oregon. Not all on the same flights, or even the same day. That would be too simple, as Foxhunters are a fiercely independent group. Then airline problems intervened but 2 of us miraculously managed to arrive in Portland on time. Myself and Laura arrived first and had two days to thoroughly check out Port land’s waterfront, restaurants and bars and breweries.

Wendy, Tina, and Cilla made it as far as Calgary before getting caught up

in airline chaos and getting delayed by two days. However, they made the best of it and enjoyed the Calgary Canada Day celebrations. Picture them zooming around on E-scooters! That seems more dangerous than horseback riding! They did however arrive in Portland just in time for a Willamette River Champagne cruise with endless Mimosas. Eni was last to arrive, too late for the Mimosas but just in time to drive south with the rest of us to McMinnville, central to most of Oregon’s 600+ wineries and home to Foothills Farm, with Lindley and Justin Leahy as our ride hosts.

We settled ourselves into the very comfortable Tuscan Estate B and B, and then walked the few blocks to Main Street to sample the local food and drink. With both goals met, and some nice wine purchased to enjoy while sitting on our porch, we headed back for the evening.

The next morning, after an amazing

Exploring the Willamette Coast

four course breakfast we drove out to the ranch. After meeting our hosts in person, the serious business of horse se lection began. Each horse was ridden by Justin or Lindley, giving us the chance to see them in action. Then we tried them out in the grass ring. There were a variety of horse breeds and ages; from Serious the gorgeous Friesian cross, to Nico the very round Halfling er, a couple of lovely bay Mustangs, a Warmblood Paint, and an Irish Sport horse. Justin was very good at selecting the right horse for the right rider. After we were all mounted, we had a trail ride throughout the property so we could get used to each other. Then time for a lovely lunch on the porch.

After lunch the horses were loaded into two trailers and trucked to a nearby access point in the nearby foothills. We followed and mounted up. A miscommunication between Justin, Lindley and the young horse Lindley was riding meant that Lindley hit the ground after a spin into the air and into Laura. Lindley was fine; Laura got hit hard, but stayed in the saddle, and after a few moments of seeing stars, went on to complete the two-hour ride. She is one tough lady and

had the bruises to prove it by the next morning! The afternoon ride, through previously logged forest, had ground now covered with masses of flowers in bloom. We did more trotting and cantering, getting more comfortable with our mounts. Our ride then took us through the slopes of a vineyard, enjoying the gorgeous vistas and the beautiful weather. After trailering back to the ranch and untacking, we headed back to McMinnville, with only time for a quick cleanup prior to a private wine tasting in town, and a lovely welcome dinner at the B and B.

The next morning, we left the B and B for the coastal area about an hour away, following the two rigs to a field where the horses would overnight. Saddled and mounted, we left the field and almost immediately began to climb through the coastal forest. Although it had only been a week since the horses had been on the trail, there was so much new growth that the paths were sometimes hard to see. We picked orange salmonberries from the branch es alongside of us, savouring their tart flavour and unique taste. The path got steeper and steeper, both uphill and

down, and we didn’t see a single soul as we travelled on national park property, private land and old logging trails and roads. There were stunningly beauti ful vistas through the misty, diffused light. We stopped for lunch, sitting on fallen logs, next to ferns and flowers, having the kind of simple picnic food that always tastes so wonderful after a ride. However, when you go up, you must go down, so much of our afternoon ride was steep downhills. An especially beautiful valley was memorable for the ghostly green mossed tree trunks and the vibrant ferns and trickling stream. We finished our ride with a walk down a river, cooling off the horses prior to put ting them out in their temporary homes for the night. They rolled and began to graze, not looking like they had had any kind of strenuous workout.

Our day was not yet done, as we followed the Leahy’s to Neskowin Beach, staying at beach side studio condos. The view from the condos showed the majes

Mark Hurtig, DVM, Professor Emeritus

Kegan is a 20 year old Irish Sport Horse who came to hunting after a successful career in Eventing. As an event horse, Kegan and I were successful up to Train ing level. We (Kegan and I) have been "whipping in'' for ECH for several years and in 2021, Kegan was awarded "Hunt Horse of the Year".

ECH is a welcoming commu nity that has enabled me to further develop my horse's versatility. ~ MH

by Rhonda Schop

Wait... what the heck is a Hunter Pace?

This is an organized but essentially low-key competitive riding event that originates from foxhunting. Teams of 2-4 ride together through a marked course that typically covers 10-15 km. Originally, the time was set by the Huntsman, riding the course himself, at what he would consider as a proper “hunting pace”. The time was then recorded and sealed in an envelope. The riders then tried to match what they considered to be the proper pace and the team that came the closest to the Huntsman’s time was the winner. These days there’s all sorts of rules for timing the event, first flight, hilltopper, fastest, slowest, etc. to accommodate people of all levels and disciplines. Not all hunter paces have jumps, and if they do, they are made of natural materials such as one would see in the hunt field.

The Eglinton Caledon Hounds are very grateful to three sets of landowners who have worked extremely hard to host Hunt er Paces, as fund-raising events for ECH.

First in the season, in beautiful Mono, ON, the hunter pace starting out from Hilltopper Hollow, owned by hunt club members Deb and Morley Shortill. This year, with additional landowners (6 landowners in total) there was access to more trails, resulting in a course that was 18 km long. Weather was spectacular, and the catered lunch (provided by Janis Dixon and her husband Mark Cowan) provided the eighty-five riders with a well-deserved feast upon completion. The trail wound its way through Mono, with beautiful escarpment views and part of the Bruce trail.

In July, new to the hunter pace series, the aptly named 11th Line Hunter Pace (a collaboration of owners/riders from the 11th Line of East Garafraxa), was organized by owners on

Riders arrived in teams to register with Maria Britto and Laura Allen at the trailer.

For foxhunters and horse enthusiasts of all types, the Hunter Pace allows us to feed into the dream about the season to come.

the 11th line and hunt club members

Sue Murdoch, Phil Schwab, Charlotte Palmer-Benson, Priscilla Reeve, Rhonda Schop and Mark Hurtig. The whole neighbourhood came together to host 45 riders. Starting at Weybread Hill Farm, the trail wound its way through gently rolling hills which crossed over 7 farms and included 22 inviting, optional jumps (some of which were newly made for the hunter pace) for a course length of 12 km. Again, a catered lunch saw riders and landowners meeting up to share the stories of the day.

Starting out at High Hill farm in Mulmur, the third and final hunter pace of the series, hosted by hunt club mem ber Margie Spence and her neighbours, did not disappoint!

Blessed again with great weather, Margie and her amazing crew of landowners and helpers including Deb and Norman Gee, set out a course that was complete with enough twists and turns to keep the riders concentrating on the orange ribbons marking the course. As the course wound its way through forests and open fields, views of other riders includ ing eventers, hunters, western games and barrels racers was an amazing sight to see. My appreciation for those riding these fit and athletic horses cannot be understated…well done! As always, laughter and smiles were non-stop.

A special thanks to the Comisso’s for hosting the rest stop, including water for the horses and Timbits for the riders! Un believable views of the hills of Mulmur, fabulous footing and a delicious lunch afterwards capped the day. Course length for this event was about 14 km. Over 90 riders made their way to Mulmur to help raise money to support the hounds of ECH. With at least 36 hounds and puppies…that’s a lot of mouths to feed and provide veterinary care for! Thank you everyone!! ~ RS

Mount & Member Spotlight

Kim Merrill

I am currently hunting a 24 yr old thoroughbred named Sedge. He was a gift from ECH 5 years ago after aging out as the Huntsman's horse and has hunted like a dream taking care of me every step of the way. My Mother Sally was a keen Fox Hunter and started me hunting at the age of six on my pony named Danzy. Now at 64 yrs old I realize how blessed I am to have enjoyed a lifetime of hunting. The attached photo is me on Sedge with my Dear friend Earl Barnet who also hunted for many years and still enjoys coming out to the local meets! Hunting is a rare Sport in that Everyone returns home feeling like a Winner! My wish is to enjoy many more years of hunting and when my number's up I hope I'm atop another horse of my dreams skipping over fields to full cry! Tally Ho!! ~KM

A very happy team showing off their fourth place ribbons after an exciting & successful ride.

The Canadian Hound Show

Eglinton and Caledon Hounds were pleased to host the Canadian Hound Show on Saturday June 11. The morning started out stormy and rainy but it all blew through in time for the classes to start. We had a great turnout of members and guests to watch the classes and enjoy a tasty lunch and tea. We were pleased to have Andrew Barclay as our judge and he did a wonderful job judging the hounds belonging to Hamilton Hunt, Montreal Hunt, Palm Beach Hounds and Toronto and North York Hunt as well as our ECH hounds.

Highlights from the day included ECH Jasper winning as Best Unentered Dog, Champion Unentered Dog and Reserve Grand Champion, and ECH Nova winning Best Unentered Bitch, and ECH Keswick as Best Entered Dog. We had numerous seconds and thirds and were 1/2 a point behind the winning TNYH in total stand ings with Hamilton Hunt in third place. Montreal Hunt with Huntsman Andrew Marren won the always entertaining pack class.

Many thanks to our Huntsman Mark McManus and the many volunteers who helped get the Cale don Riding Club grounds ready for the day! Mark was thrilled that his Patterdale Terrier Nellie was Best Terrier Bitch and Reserve Champion Terrier; and Oscar was Best Terrier Dog and Champion Terrier Dog. During those classes, Mark’s Patterdale pup pies were running around the ring to the amusement of the crowd; and I believe our esteemed judge did try and put one in his pocket to take home. We are looking forward to hosting again next year and hope even more people will be out to enjoy the day.

The Eglinton & Caledon Hounds

Welcome to the excitement and exhilaration of “Riding to Hounds”!

First A Little History

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 con tinues to grow. Currently there are 165 organized hunts in North America.

Our own local hunt is the Eglinton and Caledon Hounds. 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 Rose lawn Avenue in Toronto and was recognized as a sepa rate 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 Hounds. Today there are approx. 100 members who participate not only in hunting but also with many related activities.

The Masters

The leaders of our hunt are known as ‘Masters of Fox hunting’, 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 often lead the riders in the field, and when they are performing this role they are known as Field Masters. Other members of the hunt can perform the role of Field Master, as well. In this case they are also known as Field Masters and they have re sponsibility for the safety and control of the riders.

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 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.

The Fields

Followers of our hounds ride in one of three groups. Experi enced riders on steady horses who are comfortable jumping obstacles at speed usually will ride with the ‘First Field, following the hunt as closely as possible without interfering with either hounds or the Huntsman’. 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 anticipating where game may be flushed to observe a ‘viewing.

Huntsman

Under the direction of the Masters, a professional Hunts man is responsible for the kennels and all aspects of man aging the hounds, including breeding, training, exercise, and of course, hunting. The Huntsman contributes to fostering a positive relationship with all landowners who provide per mission to hunt on their lands.

Whippers-In

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 obe dient to the huntsman.

What the hounds hunt 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.

What You Can Expect at a Typical Meet: 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 “mov ing 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 of fered 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.

Riding to hounds is a most enjoyable experience and we would love to have you join us...

For more information please contact : secretaryech@gmail.com or visit www.echounds.com

Meet our Master of Foxhounds

Dr. Wendy Brett received her BSc in Zoology from the University of Guelph in 1984 and her Doctor of Veterinary Medi cine Degree from the Ontario Veterinary College (OVC) in 1988, winning the OVC Equine Medicine and Surgery Award. Between 1990 and 1991 she undertook a Residency in Large Animal Surgery also at the OVC.

Dr. Brett entered private equine vet erinary practice in 1988, working first with Dr. Alan Young of Terra Cotta catering to performance horses and thor oughbred breeding farms Subsequently she ran her own equine practice and surgeries in Caledon and Rockwood Ontario. Her career transitioned to small and companion animal medicine from 1994 to 2000, followed by clinical research positions at private companies and the University of Guelph. Since 2020, she has worked as a small animal veterinarian in Guelph. Dr. Brett has also been a course Instructor for the Equine Diploma Course online, University of Guelph, and a lecturer for the Veterinary Skills Training Enhancement Program (VSTEP) which facilitates the train ing of foreign veterinarians.

Wendy started riding at an early age. She was a mem ber of the Timbertop and Meadowvale Pony Clubs, and showed ponies, junior jumpers and hunters on the “A” circuit. She spent a year as a working riding student in Schleswig Holstein, Germany, working with mainly young Holstein stallions, in a private jumper and dressage sales and breeding barn. Returning to Canada, Wendy worked for Dick Day for five years as head rider, instructor and barn and breeding horse manager, showing hunters, jump ers and conformation line horses.

She continued showing conformation and working hunters through her university years, and then riding for pleasure with her own jumpers until taking up eventing later in life. Wendy enjoyed good eventing successes with “Blue Moon”, and then “McDuff” who is now her principal hunt horse. McDuff was Ontario eventing champion for three consecutive years. While her daughter Meredith was growing up Wendy was District Commissioner of the Guelph Pony Club, and helped Meredith with her hunter and jumper ponies and horses. Wendy started hunting with ECH in 2011, was Treasurer and a Board member for five years, then took on the role of Joint Master in 2019.

Wendy is married to Dr. Jeff Wilson, a veterinary pa thologist and epidemiologist who runs his own consulting business. They live on a small farm in Puslinch, Ontario, with their horses, dog, cats and a few assorted chickens.

The Tailgate Tradition

We are all pretty thirsty and really hungry after a great morning of hunting to hounds, and there is no sight more welcoming than to see a couple of tables set up with food and drink as you return to the trailers. It can be a last minute potluck with everyone contributing whatever is on hand or in the freezer, or a full on formal feast in the great outdoors. Everyone pulls out their fold-up camping chairs, we eagerly gather round and fill up our plates and our glasses, and then happily recount the morning’s adventures.

A few Members are known for their regular contribu tions. Whether the guilty pleasure of a bucket of KFC, a hot and filling, tasty chili or homemade deviled eggs, every thing tastes better after a morning spent on horseback, riding through our fabulous countryside. My own standby is the frozen shrimp ring. I always have a couple in the freez er. It thaws in the truck as we ride and is ready to set out on the table when we return. However, some of our Members plan ahead and make much more of an effort. Here are two perennial tailgate favourites. These recipes for Deb’s Curried Chickpea Salad and Tina’s Scotch Eggs are beyond excellent! Each is guaranteed to disappear much quicker than the time spent to make it! ~Christine Gracey

Mount & Member Spotlight

Gen Brady

Sweet Pea, a medicine hat pinto, of unknown "vintage" is an exceptionally safe and smart hunt horse who was retired at the completion of the 2021 hunt season. She has provided me with a wonderful, careful hunting experience, leading 2nd field over coops when asked and has definitely earned her pension! Wanting to stay connected to the hunt community, I am introducing Delilah into the hunt field this year. She is an 8 year old flea-bitten grey who, only after 3 months, is showing great aptitude and bravery. As a relative late-comer to hunting, ECH members have been hugely sup portive and a great source of knowledge and fun. ~RS

My horse is Cromwell Jones, a Dark Bay Holsteiner famous for once escaping his trailer and ruining lunch in Dundalk while myself, Mark Hurtig and the police chased him around town one fateful Wednesday hunt!! I once evented at pre lim level and had many horses going (with all the nerve in the world!) but when Cromwell refused to event we decid ed to find him something else to do. Nothing brings us more joy than the great outdoors and beautiful scenery so hunt ing was a fantastic fit! We have thoroughly enjoyed the hospi tality of the ECH members. Very welcoming and friendly bunch, serious and knowledgeable about the sport in the field and have enjoyed the tailgate breakfasts immensely!!! Very grateful to have been introduced to ECH! ~GB

Rhonda Schop

For the salad:

CURRIED CHICKPEA SALAD

Dressing:

3tbsp tahini

1 1/2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

2tbsp pure maple syrup

2tbsp water

Juice of half a lemon

2tsp apple cider vinegar

1tbsp curry powder

1tsp turmeric

1/2 tsp salt

Freshly ground black pepper

2 - 15oz can chickpeas, drained and rinsed

1/2 cup chopped green onions

1/2 small bunch cilantro, chopped

1 bell pepper, chopped

1/2 cup raisins

1/3 cup cashews, chopped sugar snap peas - optional

Whisk together all dressing ingredients in a small bowl.

Place salad ingredients in a large bowl.

Add dressing and toss to combine.

379 calories/serving

Troy and Laura Allen

SCOTCH EGGS

4 hard boiled eggs

8oz sausage meat, preferably beef

2 spring onions, finely chopped

1tsp fresh thyme, finely chopped

3tsp chives, snipped

1tbsp parsley, finely chopped

Toasted breadcrumbs

Seasoned flour

1 small egg, beaten

Salt and pepper to taste

• Mix sausage meat with spring onions and herbs.

• Shell cooled hard-boiled eggs and coat each one with seasoned flour.

• Divide sausage meat into 4 portions and pat each piece out on a floured surface to a rough shape of 3inches x 5inches.

• Place an egg in the centre of each piece and gather up the sausage meat to cover the egg completely.

• Seal the joins well, and smooth and pat into shape all over.

• Coat each one first in beaten egg and then in toasted bread crumbs.

• Chill in fridge for one hour.

• Bake in oven at 400 degrees for 30 minutes on a baking rack.

• Cool before packing up in airtight container.

We have two horses, Marvin a black Canadian Cross Gelding bred in Nova Scotia and Angel a Homebred dark bay Trakehner CSHA mare. We love to travel with our horses and have had many adventures across the US and Canada. Laura has been riding since she was very young and primarily competed in the hunters and CSHA Breed shows, until recently coming back to foxhunting. Troy learned to ride 9 years ago when we purchased Marvin. Troy and Marvin have made a great team and taught each other a lot over the years. Marvin has proven to be a superb hunt horse and Angel "tolerates" hunting. We love the ECH for people, the social scene and for the great sport it gives us. Tally Ho! ~LA

Jill Gellatly

I have hunted for over 50 years, 18 with ECH and 15 years with TNYH and in Quebec and England After getting my BHSAI at Porlock England I taught riding and had a successful competitive career eventing to the preliminary level, hunter trials being the National Champion, riding both sidesaddle and over fences at the Royal Winter Fair. I am now enjoying my retirement on my estate in Grand Valley with my husband Brian, my Wheaton Terrier Tommy and my lovely gardens and horses. I enjoy hunting with Eglinton over their varied territory and socializing with people with similar interests. Chequemate, aka "Matey", a 17 yr old Canadian Gelding has been in my barn 11 years after a career as a carriage horse. He just loves the hunt and doesn't want to go back to the trailers until the hounds retire. ~JG

to our Formal Season! Welcome

The Opening Meet that starts off our formal season is always a special day. All riding Members are up bright and early to clean our horses and our tack, ensuring that we look our best for the morning. We usually meet at our Ramshead fixture in Caledon, where our hosts the Kindboms and other neighbouring landowners give us a warm welcome. A Stirrup Cup of port or sherry is offered, as well as tasty treats. Many photos are taken prior to the start; and we try our best to line up for a group photo with varying amounts of success. It’s sometimes hard to get thirty or more horses and riders to all stand nicely right before the excitement of a Hunt!

This year there was a great deal of storm damage in the forest that we ride through after leaving the Meet. Huntsman Mark McManus and helpers did a great deal of work beforehand to clear the trails, and used some of the downed tress to create more jumps of varying heights and difficulties to add to our experience. We always offer two fields at Ramshead, with First field riding behind the Huntsman and jumping the coops, stone walls and logs. Second field goes a little slower, with the jumps all optional.

After a most enjoyable couple of hours spent following hounds and riding through the countryside, we took our hors es home and just had time to clean up before the Opening Meet Breakfast held at Caledon Villa Inn. Hosted by Master Wendy Brett, the past Masters and the Board of Directors, we had a great evening with wonderful appetizers, drinks and a fantastic meal.

Happy Century Tina & Flash

ECH congratulates Tina Walker and

Year of

age of

This means that

on their

have a

Christine Gracy

My Appaloosa Marty (Skips Starfinder) and I both started hunting together 15 years ago. Marty and I have led second field and occasionally first field for many years. She has recently retired at the age of 23 and is passing on her knowledge of hunting to my new mount Iona Sofa, as they hang out in the paddock together.

I have had such great fun over the years; rid ing cross country through the beautiful South ern Ontario countryside with great friends on good horses, and hanging out together after wards enjoying fine food and telling tales of the day. ~ CG Mr. Rolf Kindbom

I am a retired international construction executive with experience from Hongkong, Holland, Germany, Brunei, Bangladesh and Scandinavia. I was born in Sweden and am now a landowner in Erin and a long time member of ECH. I am no rider and I have no horse, but the club hunts several times a year from my property Ramshead, and they are great people. ~RK

Bill Schoenhardt

My hunt horse is a clyde cross named Boone. Boone is 13 years old and his characteristics: powerful: but quiet and sensible. I enjoy riding outdoors with the second field as well as socializing after the Hunt. I have hunted with ECH some 22 years and prior 15 years with Hamil ton Hunt. ~ BS

Sarah Aston

I started riding at the age of 3. I have enjoyed many years of eventing and love the fun and company found with ECH. Moving forward I hope to become more involved with the hunt and I am very grateful for the use of "Winnie" on loan kindly from Kim Merrill.

~ SA

Grady Givlin

Grady’s little horse, Monty, is on a free lease to the Givlin’s. He is a Welsh/Han noverian cross, 15hh and 6 yrs old. He is a saucy little horse and he and Grady are learning a lot from each other.

Grady has been out to ECH functions since he was a baby, road-whipping with mom or dad since he could walk. He really got involved with the hounds after Mark McManus invited him to kennels to help out and got serious about his riding so that he could keep up with the hounds and really see them working. Grady also loves skiing, fishing & golfing.

Kelley Givlin

Kelley’s horse is Archie, a 5 yr old, 15.3hh off-track Thoroughbred.

Kelley has had Archie since he came off the track as a 3 yr old. He has proven to be a very level-headed young horse who has taken to whipping-in and has even been a last-minute fill in for the Huntsman on a couple of occasions.

Kelley first hunted when in Pony Club and came back to the sport as an adult. She loves being able to ride in beautiful country that would otherwise not be accessible, spending time with great people and watching the hounds work. Kelley has been an honorary whipper-in for the last two seasons.

Denise Patterson

My name is Denise Patterson, and this is my partner in crime Flo. We started hunting together in 2020, to get away from the show direction and stress environments. I am currently an environmental scientist day to day, with the farm life occupying my personal time. There’s no better way to spend my Saturday’s getting out with some amazing members and exposing my horses to some lovely days out in the field. ~DP

Diane Baker

I teach English and art at an alternative, at-risk high school in Oshawa. It’s a big challenge at times but it’s very reward ing to encourage young people to dream big.

I’ve always loved horses. I started taking riding lessons in grade four in Markham. Over the years, I’ve been lucky enough to own three of my own horses (a quarter horse, a Hanoverian, and a Swedish Warmblood/thoroughbred cross). I don’t have my own horse currently but am fortu nate enough to part-board a horse for lessons and have had some wonderful horses to hunt through the generosity of hunt members. I love dressage, hunting, hacking and shop ping in tack stores. Cha-ching!

My maternal grandparents and uncles allowed fox hunt ing on their working farms in King and Schomberg. My four aunts loved to hear the horn and run out to see ladies riding side-saddle and jumping the fences. They have told me that the riders were respectful of the land, animals, gates and crops, and an invitation to the hunt ball was particularly won derful. So I am thrilled to now be involved in such a tradition, respecting the present land owners and connected to the past. My grandfather would be happy. Knowledgeable riders and horse caretakers, big personalities and friends continue this tradition in the Eglinton Caledon Hunt Club. We always have fun and learn something new! ~DB

Deb & Morley Shortill

Morley began his jumping career at the age of 60, graduating from Mar gie Godson’s “teach your husband to ride” class of 2010 at the top of his class. Straight to the first flight with the late wonderful Max for his first two years until Max’s retirement. Morley enjoyed a further four years hunting his wife’s horse steady horse, Rhubin, and occa sionally Eni Candaras’s “one in a million” majestic Ares. Both Max & Rhubin have gone over the rainbow bridge to their earned rewards.

When Deb is not following hounds she is chasing up the latest fashion trends to display at Hannah’s in the Beautiful Vil lage of Erin, purveyors of Classic Cloth ing for both Men and Women. Deb will be introducing her young horse Huckleby this season. A Clyde/Quarter cross with a kind eye and a promising future.

Deb feels that hunting is a way of life and there is no better club than ECH. Come for a day and stay for a lifetime…. 10 years gone in the blink of an eye and the most fun you’ll ever have with your boots on! ~DS

Maria Britto

I became a social member of ECH not only for my love the equine environ ment but the glorious friendships I have forged through my association with all the members of the club. Visiting Jaipur and influenced by the Polo sport grow ing up, horses have always been a true fascination . Although I am a "horseless member", I have the great pleasure of admiring all the hors es and enjoy the great friendships forged with the members as well.

I have over 38 years of experience as a realtor in the service industry sector. For almost 4 decades I have worked tirelessly with the Community at large Chairing and serving on Boards on some of the largest and significant Organiza tions in the Community including boards for Municipalities, the Province of Ontario and the Federal Government. Thank you ECH....My affiliation with the club has been truly glorious! ~MB

A Day (Well) Spent With Foxes

By Karin McDonald

Iwas very fortunate to spend time with a beautiful family of foxes in Erin during the height of the Pan demic last summer. With all events of interest that I would have normally been enjoying through my lens shut down due to Covid restrictions (including the horses and hounds of ECH), my camera was gathering dust and my mental health was waning. But then a wonderful thing happened... my friend and fellow photog rapher cohort Barb texted to say she & her partner had seen a fox den at the side of a farmers field in Erin.

You have never seen someone pull their sorry arse off a couch so fast and gather up cameras, lenses, batteries & tripod to head 30 minutes north.

Over the course of the next few weeks I spent many hours (about 24 in total) sitting in the adjacent field with either Barb or the few select friends I deemed worthy of knowing the secret location, surveying the various den entrances.

We watched, we photographed, we marveled, we studied, and as I was getting to know these shy but curious creatures I learned a few great facts that I'd like to share...

The red fox (Vulpes vulpes) is the larg est and most well-known species of fox. Red foxes utilize a wide range of habitats but they often prefer areas that are more developed, such as residential neighbour hoods, athletic fields, and urban parks. In fact, they adapt very well to human presence, thriving in many large cities, towns and suburbs—protection from their greatest enemy... the coyote.

Their piercing eyes and pointy ears are two of their most distinguishing features, but both serve very practical purposes. Red foxes have really good visual acuity, used for seeing small movements from far away but their most useful sense is their ultrasonic hearing.

Studies have shown that they have the best known maximal absolute hearing sensitivity of any mammal and can hear a mouse squeak from 100 feet away!

For foxes, life begins in the spring. A female red fox may give birth to up to 13 kits or pups. Kits don't develop their reddish coloring until about a month old. Both mom & dad care for their young but the male red fox plays a more pas sive parenting role by providing food to the kits and leaving the female to do the rest of the parenting. Female yearlings may even stick around to help with the raising of the new litter.

I believe that 2 females were taking care of this litter of pups. We saw one beautiful female nursing the kits early on but then a different female was deliv ering food to them each evening.

These sweet little kits made such amazing subjects and seemed to enjoy our encounters. They were as curious as I was and their lovely soft glances, even if only brief before running off to play, re warded my patience with several winning images. Enjoy! ~ KM

Mama fox was very attentive, bringing a mouthful of food for the kits and they could not wait to be reunited with her.

One of our first sightings of the kits about 5-6 weeks old.

I kept my distance and relied on my 600mm lens.

I think we counted at least 7 kits but the shy one's often hid in the den for safety.

Exploring the Willamette Coast

Cont. from page 10

tic Proposal Rock, a well-known scenic viewpoint. We moved in, and headed to the neighbouring town Pacific City for dinner. We were a little late for the recommended dining spot but got a tip from a server that the nearby local bar had good food. So, we ended up having some great fish and chips, and beer. Also, a large glass of wine, and a large martini, pretty much indistinguishable from each other!

Most of us started the morning with a walk on the beach, enjoying the sun coming up on another perfect day. We were excited for our first day of riding on the beach though and had no time to linger. The horses were organized and trailered to Pacific City, and we rode into Bob Straub Park, through an other beautiful bit of coastal forest, and then along the river to the estuary and the ocean. Courtesy of Bob Straub, all beaches in Oregon are publicly accessi ble.

We did our first gallop, with Justin checking to make sure we were up to this, and in control. (He says he likes Foxhunters, as we don’t fuss and just ride!) We rode almost seven miles up the beach, and then inland to our lunch spot. The horses were tied with baler twine to trees and relaxed in the shade while we enjoyed another great picnic. After that, we returned to the beach, rode the beautiful trail along the ridge

line of the dunes back to the river, and had a few last gallops before heading back to the trailers. It was a slow slide off the horses at the end of the day, but everyone had a huge smile on their face. We got an extra treat, as Justin and Lindley took care of the horses for us, and we just had to drive back to the condos! That is always a wonderful present for a horse person!

Our dinner that night was very spe cial, at the art galley of a local artist and his family. They prepared a wonderful dinner for us after giving us time to look over the great paintings and the gar dens. All with local wines of course.

After all these busy days, getting to sleep was not an issue for us. But we were up early, ready for our last day of beach riding. Today’s beach ride was on Neskowin Beach, and we started very close to the condos we had been staying at. This beach was also 7 miles long, and beautiful from start to finish. Hard packed and level sand, tide just turning higher, it was a perfect beach to gallop

on. And gallop we did! Again, and again. In the waves and out, along the sand. We rode to the very end of the beach, checking out a scenic cave along the way. We had another picnic at the back of the beach, tucked up against the dunes. Horses were content to rest side by side in the shade, and we sat comfortably on large pieces of drift wood logs. Our way back was on the far side of the dunes, and we finished the day with a final few gallops, in the golden late afternoon sun.

We did the slow slide off our horses once again, unsaddled and helped load the horses on their trailers. Not that that was much work - they all hopped right on, loading nose to tail for the trip back to the ranch. We followed, and headed back to the Tuscan Estate B and B. They had a private wine tast ing for us on the patio, which was so enjoyable. As many wine tastings as we do, we learn something new every time. This was followed by a final four course dinner at the B and B. Every meal we had there was superb!

Our Willamette Coast ride was over, though not our trip. Further wine and food adventures awaited us; including more wineries, olive oil tastings, lovely scenic views and a bit of shopping but the riding portion was done. And four days was enough, and it was so special! We were taken care of and enjoyed every minute. It was an adventure that was made for experienced riders, and technical enough to keep us engaged and happy. We would definitely rec ommend it for other riders wanting a unique experience. Our thanks to Lindley and Justin, who worked so hard to give us this wonderful experience. They would be happy to hear from you about taking part in a future trip! ~ CG http:\\willamettecoastride.com Facebook: Willamette Coast Ride

's an adventure that was made for experienced riders.

Smile (AKA: Nobiz Like Showbiz) is a 15 year old, American Warmblood gelding who I have owned and competed in both dressage and eventing for 10 years. He loves leading trail rides and adores any kind of water. Hunting suits him as he loves the hounds and is a very handy whipper-in horse who doesn’t mind being on his own. I learned to ride as a child from a retired master huntsman and have shown in hunters, jumpers, dressage and eventing in addition to fox hunting. The Ohio farm I call home with my husband, Ed and son, Teddy not only houses all our rabbits, horses, dogs, cats and sheep but is the base of my equine equipment detailing and engraving business, The Savvy Saddle.

ECH has a fun membership, beautiful territory and an interesting history in Ontario, which made it an easy choice to become a member. ~ SMW

Pricilla Reeve, ex MFH Pictured below having a wonderful gallop on her American Sport Horse mare, Barra Tobria Jane. Tobria carried Priscilla with the Eglinton Caledon Hunt for over 12 years and sadly passed away this year. Tobria couldn’t wait to jump onto the trailer, and riding to hounds was her favourite day out! Priscilla has ridden since she was a child, and believes riding to hounds is a wonderful way to have fun, keep fit, and enjoy the countryside in the company of horses, dogs and super friendly people.

Break out the hats and Mint Juleps

The Kentucky Derby is more than a horse race, it’s a long-standing tradition – and an excellent reason for a party!

ECH had a fun, social evening at the home of Laura & Troy Allen to celebrate the 148th running of the Kentucky Der by on May 7th. It was so wonderful to meet again in person and the food, drinks and camaraderie were top notch.

Sara Welsh