Stirrup Cup 2018

STIRRUP2018 CUP î?–

ECH HUNT

Festival

Foxes & Vixens Olde Fashioned Hoedown

Favorite Memories from the Hunt Field

In the Land of Genghis Khan

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Editor & Master’s Message

In the Land of Genghis Khan

Master’s Report

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6

Opening Meet

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Social Scene

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An Ode to my Horse

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Looking Back

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ECH Hunt Festival

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In the Field

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Foxes & Vixens Olde Fashioned Hoedown

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The Game of Our Hearts

15

Always Pack a Ham Sandwich

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Email Threads

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Tales of a Junior Whip

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The View from Between the Ears

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Riding with Hounds Pull-out

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Ad Index/Contributors

10 Editor Mrs. Christine Gracey MFH Art Director Mrs. Karin McDonald Masters of Foxhounds (MFH) Mr. Alastair Strachan MFH Mrs. Christine Gracey MFH Mrs. Susan Rasmussen MFH Huntsman Mr. Mark McManus Honorary Whipper’s In Mr. Alastaire Strachan, MFH Mrs. Tina Walker Dr. Mark Hurtig Miss Emily Irwin

A Hunt to Remember

25 Road Whips Mr. Jeremy Shrubbs Mr. Hugh Robertson Mr. Michael Givlin Board of Directors Mr. Alastair Strachan MFH Mrs. Christine Gracey MFH Mrs. Susan Rasmussen MFH President - Mrs. Susan Murdoch Vice President/Treasurer - Dr. Wendy Brett Secretary - Mrs. Tina Walker Mr. Tony Connolly Mrs. Debbie Gee Mrs. Maggie Ker Mrs. Deborah Shortill Mr. John Quayle

30 For more information on the Eglinton and Caledon Hounds please contact: Mrs. Tina Walker ​Honorary Secretary secretaryech@gmail.com Click for upcoming events, news & images: www.eglintoncaledonhounds.com

Eglinton and Caledon Hounds

Cover Photo : Opening Meet 2018 Karin McDonald www.kmgdesign.ca 3

Editor's Message I am quite thrilled that our Membership, our Landowners, and other interested friends and supporters now have the 2018 edition of the ECH Stirrup Cup magazine available for their reading pleasure.

We pack a great deal of fun and adventures into every year – from forty plus days of Riding to Hounds, Hunter Paces, Gourmet Hacks, Summer Rides and Beagling. We also have lots of social events such as fantastic Breakfasts, Pub Nights, and our ECH Puppy show. This year we added a wonderful Hunt Festival as well, just to keep our many dedicated volunteers on their toes!

We hope that you will come out to enjoy the beautiful sights and sounds of nature with us as we ride out through the countryside, or join us for one of our other activities. Our sport is a great way to meet other people who enjoy country pursuits, being active and enjoying life with like-minded people. The camaraderie in the Hunt field is second to none!

Thank you to our Art Director Karin McDonald for her time and her amazing photographs that show us off so well. Thanks also to our advertisers for their continuing support. And of course, many thanks to our many Landowners who graciously allow us access through their lovely properties throughout Caledon, Dufferin, East Garafraxa, Southgate and Grey Counties.

Karin McDonald

Christine Gracey MFH, Eglinton and Caledon Hounds Editor, Stirrup Cup Magazine

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Master's Remarks LM

First, a huge thank you to all those landowners who give us permission to cross their properties. It is appreciated more than we can express. We make every effort to foster good relationships with our landowners and to notify them in advance, each time we plan to be in their area. We hope we are successful at this!

The past year has seen continued efforts to expand the areas where we have permission to go with horses and hounds and to improve some of those areas where we have been going for years. New owners arrive in each of our areas every year and need to be contacted and permission obtained so that we can continue our centuries old tradition of ‘Riding to Hounds’.

Our pack of Hounds continues to be rebuilt and improved and we have been successful in rehoming several retired hounds this past year as well as giving some to other packs both in Canada and the USA. We currently have about 50 hounds in our kennels not including several puppies who will become part of the pack in 2019.

Each year we hold our ‘Puppy Show’ where our new hounds are judged according to conformation. When these hounds were about two months old, they spent 2 – 4 months at someone’s home, learning to become acclimatized to people, vehicles, other animals like horses, cats, cows and other livestock etc. This helps tremendously in a young hound’s development and our Puppy Show provides an opportunity to thank the families who take these pups.

Riding to Hounds is an inexpensive, non-competitive hobby that suits people of all ages and backgrounds. The common element is a love of riding and or hounds, camaraderie and a desire to have fun. If you haven’t already, come and join us. We hope to see you out there!

KM

Alastair Strachan MFH, E glinton and Caledon Hounds eglintoncaledonhounds.com

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Opening Meet 88th Annual

Images by Karin McDonald

Henria Dairy Farm ~ Southgate, ON ~ Sept. 22, 2018

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Images courtesy Karin McDonald

he 88th Opening Meet of the Eglinton and Caledon Hounds was held on September 22, 2018. After horrendous winds and torrential rains the previous day, we had beautiful sunshine and perfect, cool fall temperatures for the day of the Meet. For the first time, our Opening Meet was held at our Southgate fixture west of Shelburne. Last minute requests from the landowners required modifications to our plan for the day as we accommodated their harvest schedule. However, Huntsman and Masters made some strategic changes to the plan for the draw and off went the Huntsman, hounds and field, after a Stirrup Cup, thanks and announcements.

We had a grand day, enjoying the green fields of alfalfa, and the harvested corn fields that made for great galloping terrain. The open fields meant we could watch the Huntsman and his hounds as they worked through the coverts and fields. After three plus hours and seventeen and a half couple of hounds all on, everyone returned to the Meet. That just gave us enoght time to return home, care for our equine partners, our hounds, make a quick change and head out the Breakfast hosted by the Joint-Masters at the Gracey residence. And once there, we had a most enjoyable evening, recounting the adventures of the day, and enjoying good food, good friends and good cheer. y

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Inquisitive spectator!

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An Ode To My Horse

By: Alice Peirce

[Originally published by Chronicle of the Horse February 16, 2018 with permission] Dearest beloved horse, They say there is no such thing as love at first sight, but when I gazed upon your feces-encrusted, conformationally challenged physique, I knew you were the one for me.

My friends and family urged me not to rush into anything… again… and that Craigslist was probably not the best way to find true love, but here we are. I’ll never forget those first magical 30 days together. Before the reserpine wore off.

I mean, how else is one expected to find out the sort of health coverage they have if they’re never given the opportunity to use it? The $5,000 deductible was just fine print before we met and now, thanks to you, my precious creature, I know what the term “high premium” means, and also that dental plans are completely separate insurance entities.

For that, I thank you. You have taught me so much in the magical time we’ve spent together.

I used to be so preoccupied with what others thought of me, but fighting with you in public has completely opened my eyes. Being repeatedly hung over jump rails like wet laundry, rubbed against trees until torn off by thorny branches, water boarded with a saddle pad when you decided to go for a roll in the stream and splitting the butt of my pants open while desperately clinging to your noodle

neck in front of an arena full of 9-yearold lesson kids has humbled me to the point of shamelessness. Judge away world, I wear Ninja Turtle underwear, am a poor swimmer and have nothing left to give you.

Before I met you I had no idea it was even possible for a horse to lay down on the cross ties and leap over trailer breast bars with all the grace of a prodigal child gymnast. Twice now strangers have offered me the phone number of local women’s shelters after observing my black eyes and busted lip. I’m quick to thank them and assure them “I just fell.” (Fell five feet from the saddle after you clocked me in the face with the back of your bony skull feigning terror at a child’s purple mitten discarded in the farm drive.) For a moment there you even had me convinced the tiny purple hand-shaped horror was a venomous stone dust starfish, an Oscar-worthy performance if there ever was one. You are so full of mysterious talents—I’m so lucky you chose to share them all with me.

I’d like to think you’ve learned from me as well—learned that you’ll always have a nice blanket to tear apart when the weather turns. That you’ll always have fresh hay and grain even when you get a little “hippy.” You’ll always have orthopedic shoes for your TERRIBLE feet whether I have electricity that month

or not. You’ll have a doctor, dentist and podiatrist on call whenever you should need them. You’ll have shelter from the wind and rain, and I’ll always empty the soggy turds from your water bucket so you can have fresh drinks until you decide to desecrate it again.

Of all the lessons our relationship has taught me, the most important ones are what you’ve taught me about myself.

I can be selfless, I can be strong, I have an incredibly high threshold for facial pain. For all our trials and challenges, if I take away nothing else, I’ll leave with the knowledge that I am determined and able to love unconditionally and without expectation. Many humans go entire lifetimes never truly knowing themselves— thanks to you, I do.

So I wished happy Valentine’s Day to you, my majestic mud unicorn. No matter how many times I tell you the trailer is headed to a new home, I hope you know it’s just another paper chase.

Probably.

I leave you with a poem…

Chestnuts are red, some roans are blue, some horses are mud-colored, and you might be the devil.

XOXO, your humbled human

Photo : Lori Metcalfe

Alice Peirce was raised as a self-described “feral horse farm child” in Howard County, Maryland.. She’s made efforts to leave the horse world over the years but always comes back and has worked for a number of people in various disciplines. Currently she’s riding young race horses and training foxhunters in Monkton, Maryland, where she hunts with the Elkridge-Harford Hunt.

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Eglinton and Caledon Hounds Host the

ECH HUNT FESTIVAL oct 11-14, 2018

Guests experienced four days of merriment, camaraderie, sunshine, great food, dancing and of course enjoying the glorious fall countryside from the back of a horse!

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The ECH Hunt Festival took place from October 11 -14 and was jam packed with events. We started the whole thing off at Mono Cliffs Inn – Peter’s Cellar Pub on Thursday evening. The pub was packed with ECH members, friends and guests from TNYH, Lake of Two Mountains Hunt, Wellington-Waterloo Hunt and Ottawa Valley Hunt. Judging by the loudness, the amount of drinks and food consumed, the

evening was a great success.

Friday morning was the first of the two Hunts for the Festival and took place at our Southgate fixture. Our Festival was now international with guests from Chagrin Valley, Ohio present. We met at Henria Dairy Farm for a superbly presented Stirrup Cup before 43 riders headed out. Despite very strong winds, and copious truckloads of manure being spread just upwind of the

coverts, our hounds worked hard and all three fields heard lots of great hound music.

We then retired to the Henria lunch room for a hearty and well-deserved Breakfast.

That was it for scheduled events of the day, although I did hear rumors of late night festivities taking place at a few homes that evening…

However, almost everyone was up early for a Champagne Breakfast at the Caledon

Chasing the hounds and Huntsman to the first cover!

A few drops of rain didn't dampen the spirits of ECH members and guests from TNYH, Lake of Two Mountains Hunt, Wellington-Waterloo Hunt and Ottawa Valley Hunt as they set off from Henria Dairy Farm in Southgate, ON. Images courtesy: Karin McDonald, Heather Swan & Tom Clarke

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Happy horses wondering where their next adventure will take them.

The Southgate Stirrup Cup as presented by ECH member Carmen Cotter

Enjoying the fall colours on foot while Beagling!

Chilaxing after a long walk.

Riding Club on Saturday morning. This was followed by Beagling on the grounds of the Riding Club. The ECH Hare Raisers put on a great show for those in attendance.

Then there was just enough time to get geared up and dressed up in our cowboy finery for the Foxes and Vixens Hoedown (pg 12), held at Caledon Country Club. 125+ guests spent a fantastic evening bidding on silent and live auction items, trying square

Peekaboo!

dancing, and dancing the night away to the music of a live band. All this after a delicious dinner!

Sunday morning alarms came way too early, but we had a beautiful day for our second day of Hunting. This took place at our Erin North fixture (pg 13), where the autumn leaves were on full display, the sun was shining and the hounds were running!

We once again had a splendid Stirrup Cup

at the Meet and another great Breakfast back at the Caledon Riding Club. There we said goodbye to our guests, before collapsing into puddles of exhaustion.

Thank you to all our members who helped to make this a memorable weekend for everyone who attended. And thanks to all our guests for making the time to attend the Festival and enjoy the camaraderie, friendship and great Foxhunting sport. y

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The adventure continued at the

Foxes & Vixens Olde Fashioned Hoedown . . .

Plaid & Denim was the style of the night!

The Horn Blowing competition

The Silent Auction

New Boys Band absolutely rocked the house!

Boots were polished for the live Square Dancing Grab a partner! Heel, toe, heel, toe!

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...then back into the field!

The glorious fall foliage in full colour at our Erin North fixture.

A man or woman of thoroughbred intelligence rides his mind at a gallop across country in pursuit of an idea.

- Virginia Woolf 13

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Member’s Notes

Always Pack a Ham Sandwich Derek French has been a member of ECH since 1988. He was a joint master from 2000 to 2007 and continued his support of the hunt as a road whip in the years that followed. Many will remember the fun riders had at the annual Mimosa Cup and Summer Games event at his Mimosa Farm. For 15 years this was a major fund raising event for the hunt. His contribution of articles & favourite memories from the hunt field for the Stirrup Cup magazine have always raised a chuckle.

Derek saw the war years of 1939 to 1945 through the eyes of a boy. Brought up on a farm in England near London, he recalls those tumultuous years with a light hearted touch in his memoir-cum-history book titled That’s The Spirit.

The Eglinton and Caledon Hounds have always been noted for excellent live hunting. Drag hunting has been considered on occasions but the decision has always been made to stay with pursuing the plentiful live coyotes in the hunt club’s southern Ontario countryside. Often this decision has been made with the urging of the livestock farmers in the area due to the loss of young stock to the predatory coyotes in the heavily treed country.

It is not surprising really that the one attempt to incorporate some drag hunting with live hunting did not go according to plan. The occasion was at one of the meets during the highly successful Ontario Festival of Hunting which Walter Pady MFH, of the Toronto North York Hunt, spearheaded with the support of the five Ontario and and Quebec clubs during the 90’s and early 2000’s. The festivals took place every other year during this decade and invitations were sent to all North American hunt clubs. Riders from as far away as Alabama made the long trek to Ontario. Some riders even came from overseas for the five days of hunting with foxhounds, beagles and basset hounds interspersed with much partying and socializing.

The field sizes were inevitably large, as many as 120 riders, making the selection of

Festival visitors Sue Batchelor and Sally Ferrers from the West Kent Hunt in the UK.

meet sites limited to those locations which could handle this number of riders and the trailer parking. In the festival of October 2000, one of the selected locations, when ECH was hosting, was Mono Centre where there was adequate parking and Mono Cliffs Inn was nearby to provide a suitable watering hole for participants at the end of the day. The surrounding country from the meet area north to Blithe Hill and beyond has always been one of ECH’s best hunt country locations. The difficulty was how to get 120 horses and riders away from the pub parking lot in the middle of the village to more open country where the live hunting could begin. The prospect of taking this large group of horses and riders, and a combined pack of about 30 couple of foxhounds (60 dogs) down the narrow and busy road to the start point presented a safety problem. This was especially true as the horses and hounds were fresh and in high spirits, having just been unloaded from the trailers and horse boxes.

At the time, I was living at Wyndham House about ten kms south of Mono and had previously undertaken to open up the country in Mono Township. This involved many hours visiting landowners and getting to know the lay of the land. Consequently, it was my job to determine the best way to get the horses and hounds away from the meet and into the safety of open country.

The solution seemed to be to lay a dragline through the complex area of small private properties to the east of the pub and away from the busy M20 road.

A few days ahead of the meet, Sam

Clifton, the huntsman’s 21 year-old son, and newly established whipper-in, and I worked out a route south of Mono Road 20 to come out on the Third Line. From there, we turned south for 300 metres before entering a driveway past a private home and into more open country to the east. The route then turned north up through a plantation of pine trees. At the top of this hill we built a rough cedar rail coop over a wire fence into a steep gully. This was where we found the skull of a cow so we named this ‘Dead Cow Gulch’.

Travelling north, the route lay up and

The work crew building the "Dead Cow Gulch" Coop.

Derek French with Sally Ferrers.

down a series of steep hills followed by sharp drops, an area which quickly causes horses to start blowing. Another coop or two brought us north to Clarence’s farm.

I had made two or three visits with landowner Clarence, which involved sitting in the sun on a rough wooden bench outside his back door. We solved the problems of the world over a few drams of rye whiskey before licence was provided to ride over his strategically placed property. His land was somewhat hazardous as the large field →

“ It is not surprising really that the one attempt to incorporate some drag hunting with live hunting did not go according to plan. ” 15

Member’s Notes

Always Pack a Ham Sandwich beside his house was scattered with farm equipment and wire fence. Never mind, it was the access to Mono Road 20 which we needed. Once across the road, we were into wide open country towards Blithe Hill.

With the problem of the route solved, we arranged for a really fresh and juicy bag of drag scent to be available at the meet on the scheduled day. I don’t know where the drag juice came from or who provided it, but it proved to be the real McCoy, 80% proof and with a long ‘best before’ date of 30 days or more. It is advisable to not enquire about such matters and to leave it to the hounds to tell you how good it is by the volume of the music they produce as their noses do the analysis.

About thirty minutes before ‘moving off’ time Sam and I set out on the prescribed route. All went well for the first kilometre or two as we took turns dragging the succulent bag of whatever over the ground. We popped over the single rail onto the Third Line as planned. Turning south for 300 metres, we turned east up the private driveway.

This is where our troubles started.

We had ridden the trial route on a Sunday.

This was now a weekday. Previously, the owners had been there and happily waved us through their property. When they returned to their city home for the start of the work week, they had closed and padlocked the driveway gate.

The more nimble Sam jumped off his horse and started to find a way to open the gate. As he tried to release the chain which barred our entry, the clock was ticking and our lead time was dwindling. By lifting the wire frame gate off its hinges, he eventually was able to swing it open it in the wrong direction. As he did this, I stood by holding the string of the drag bag.

The sound of the horn and the cry of the hounds told us that the hunt had moved off and was moving fast in our direction, thanks to the fresh scent of the potent dragline. With each minute of delay the hound music was

(Cont'd from page 15)

getting louder. Sam increased his efforts to swing open the gate.

With the gate finally open, Sam and I continued on at a much increased pace. Now at a fast canter, we continued through the rows of pine trees up the hill to Dead Cow Gulch. At an ever faster pace, we jumped the improvised coop down into the valley and up the steep hill to the north. This was a good viewing point on top of the hill.so we paused to assess the situation. We saw the flash of scarlet coats in the valley below to the west as the lead riders came out on to the Third Line.

We didn’t see any hounds but we could tell by the volume of the cry that they were already coming up through the pines behind us.

This caused us to change our plan as our horses would be unable to outrun the hounds in this steep terrain. Sam came up with the answer. “You stay here, while I lift the drag and hightail it west over to the Fourth Line where I will bury it or get rid of it somehow”.

Without wasting a second, he gathered up the string and, holding it at arms length off the ground, he kicked on his horse and quickly disappeared from view.

Later, I told everyone that we had always intended to have a check on top of this hill as we didn’t want the field to have blown their horses so early in the hunt. I waited the two minutes or so before the lead hounds appeared. Soon the whole pack of 30 couple arrived and I was surrounded by the entire pack of hounds, feathering the hilltop and wondering what had happened to the strong smelling coyote. Seeing me on horseback, they surrounded me, waiting for an explanation.

Some stood on their hind legs demanding answers.

“OK”, they seemed to say, “What did you do with the coyote. We did our job and you screwed it up. Now what do we do?” I was hoping the huntsman would arrive soon and placate the 60 overly keen hounds milling around DaVinci, my horse, but the speed of the opening run was such that he was still

struggling up through the pines.

Then the solution came to me.

Here I should explain that I was brought up in a Foxhunting family. On hunting days my mother always sent my father, myself and any of my brothers and sisters who could find a pony that wasn’t lame, off with oversized ham sandwiches in our pockets The bread was what we called ‘doorstep’ thick slices, filled with generous carvings of ham and a hearty smear of mustard. Not that “namby-pamby” Dijon stuff but Coleman’s yellow powder variety, made with a drop or two of water and not olive oil or vinegar. We expected our ham sandwiches to shake us up with a hot burning sensation at the back of the throat, good ‘puts hair on your chest’ stuff. This is a tradition that has stayed with me ever since those early days. Even today, my hunt jacket has always bulged with this same hearty lunch on hunting days.

That timeless tradition came to my rescue.

I reached into my jacket pocket as 60 pairs of eyes looked on in anticipation. While I cannot claim any parallel to the parable of the loaves and fishes, I can claim to have provided sustenance to a large number of hungry mouths.

As usual, the oversized sandwich had already turned to a mushy consistency but this made it easier to apportion it into tiny bite-size pieces. Trying to toss these minuscule treats to as many of the hounds as I could, I soon had their full attention.

Fortunately the hunt staff arrived as my food supply ran out. As Steve Clifton, the huntsman, took over, I was able to toss him a cheeky quip, “Maybe you should take over now, Steve”.

Sam soon returned from disposing of the dragline and a good day’s live hunting began.

I believe that was the last time ECH tried drag hunting. I continued to pack a ham sandwich on hunt days. After all, you never know when it might be needed for more than just lunch. If you follow this same tradition, be sure to use the hot variety of mustard! y

“ While I cannot claim any parallel to the parable of the loaves and fishes, I can claim to have provided sustenance to a large number of hungry mouths.”

~ Derek French 16

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Junior Members

Tales of a Junior Whip

by Grady Givlin

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Image: Heather Swan

Image: Heather Swan

Hi my name is Grady, I am 9 years old and I like to hunt. I have been out with the hunt for almost 4 years now and I like hunting a lot. When I go hunting, it feels good to be out with the hounds, horses and to get outside. I got into hunting from my mom and my dad going out road whipping. I started going out with them and I really liked it so I started to go out with them more and more and I have been doing it ever since.

Two months ago I started beagling with Mark, our huntsman, and Master Alastair. Beagling is really fun. The beagles are cute and funny. Some of their names are Zara, Spartan, Gucci, Nearly, Mustard, Sage and Necklace. When beagling we take out five couples of hounds. Road whipping is really fun because I like the peace and quiet and I like listening for the hounds to speak. I also like cracking the whip.

My family has walked hounds since I was a baby. Their names are Lola, London, Komma, Kodiak, Logan, Lotus and Loudoun. This year Lola retired and now I have her at my house. I have my own foxhound now! y

Lola hit the jackpot!

The Eglinton

a n d C al e d o n H o u n d s 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!

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 continues 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 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 Cale-

don 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 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 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 responsibility for the safety and control of the riders.

Photo: Karin McDonald

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

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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.

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.

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.

KM

The Hounds

the

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.

Hounds Hunt

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.

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Glossary of Hunt Terms

Photo: Tom Clarke

What

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.

Photos : Lori Metcalfe

The Fields

G e n e r a l E t i q u e tt e

and

Rules

Guest Rider

of the

Hunt:

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”.

Photos : Karin McDonald

• 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 file and close to the outside perimeter of

for a

W h a t Y o u C a n E x p e ct

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 “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.

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

For more information please contact : Mrs. Tina Walker, Honorary Secretary secretaryech@gmail.com

or visit www.eglintoncaledonhounds.com 21

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Social Scene

Joint Gourmet Hack

There has been a great cooperative spirit this year between Eglinton and Caledon Hounds and Toronto and North York Hunt. This was very much in evidence at the Joint ECH/TNYH Gourmet Hack on August 19 at Fox Hollow Farm, hosted by Ron Adam and Glenn Jones. Everyone attending had a fantastic ride through the beautiful hills and forests of Mono Cliffs Park. After that, it was on to enjoying appetizers and drinks on the patio, followed by a lovely lunch under the trees on the front lawn of this beautiful home and property. Some great items were available for the Silent Auction, and of course, no horsey event is ever complete without an informal barn tour! y

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Member's Travels

IN THE LAND OF GENGHIS KHAN

By Priscilla Reeve

M

ongolia – the remote birthplace of Genghis Khan, where horses are an integral part of the culture, and where the nomadic way of life still continues, has fascinated me for a long time. So this summer I set out with my friend, Ellen Helps, on a riding expedition there.

The capital is Ulaanbaatur, the coldest capital city in the world, and one of the highest, at 4,430 feet above sea level. It is south of Russia, and next to China. There is still a strong Russian influence, although in 1990 the Mongolians moved away from the communist system to a democracy with a market economy. Although the winters are very cold, the people are not. We found them to be warm and very welcoming.

After a night in the capital we moved to the country side where we spent the first three days staying with a herder The beautiful artistry of a Mongolian saddle.

and his family, in the Gorkhi-Terelj National Park. In summer the family live in a ger, a round tent with a wood stove in the middle and a hole in the roof to let out the smoke. In spite of being so remote, they had a television!

While staying with herders we went out riding and came across a herd of mares being milked. In Mongolia, the mares are used for breeding and milking and the male horses are used for riding and as pack horses. After the mares were milked we were invited into the ger for a drink of ashrak, the national drink made of fermented mares’ milk. It tasted like a mixture of yoghurt and vodka and wasn’t too bad at all!

Our nine day trek was organized by Stone Horse, Mongolia. We camped in remote areas and everything had to be taken with us on pack horses. The Mongolian horses are incredibly tough and → 25

in the land of genghis Khan

Taking a rest inside the Mongolian Ger, a portable, round tent covered with fabric.

(Cont'd from page 25)

although they are small, about 14hh, they are up to weight and can travel long distances over very tough going. The saddles were quite comfortable, like outback saddles, and the Mongolians ride with quite short stirrups.

Each day we would ride for about six hours, but with several stops and a long lunch break.

The countryside was spectacular, through mountain passes, across wide fast flowing rivers and through miles of grassy open lands where sheep, goats, cattle and horses grazed. We trotted long distances, and the horses had a rhythm a little like sewing machines.

One night, instead of camping in tents, we stayed in a ger at a retreat. Imagine our astonishment when a helicopter appeared in the sky and landed on the grass in front of us. Out of the helicopter climbed three Tibetan Buddhist monks, in traditional garb. We were told they

“The herders were listening to traditional Mongolian music but then, even more to our

astonishment, they started to play American Country and Western music.�

Priscilla and her mount hit the trail.

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were spiritual advisors to the wealthy Mongolian who owned the helicopter. After dinner we were invited to join one of the local herders who had lit a large bonfire. The monks decided to join us. The herders were listening to traditional Mongolian music but then, even more to our astonishment, they started to play American Country and Western music. The world is indeed a small place!

After the horse trek we returned to Ulaanbaatur for the Nadaam Festival, their big annual national event, when horse racing, wrestling and archery are celebrated. The horse races are held out of town and can be up to fifty miles long.

Kids aged 7 years old race for twenty five miles. This has started to be a little controversial, and I was interviewed by the national TV station for my opinion. These kids have been around horses all their lives, and can ride almost before they can walk. I said I thought that the race was great, and that all kids should be brought up with a horse to ride. And so I became a national TV celebrity, at least for that brief moment in time! y

Statue of Genghis Khan

Receiving a lesson in archery from one of our Mongolian guides.

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Remembrance Day 2009 - A Hunt to Remember By: Hank Martin

T

he Fixture Card said Abbeville but the time had been set back to nine, just after sunup with the time change. The day started out as one to remember in that Hank’s truck decided to run out of fuel as he backed to the trailer hook up. Luckily, Aline’s truck and trailer were ready to go.

Finding her keys, Maggie and I switched to plan B and loaded horses Homer and Ellie.

Off we went only to discover that the trailer was listing hard to starboard and it was clear that the right rear tire, troublesome previously, had decided to reinforce Murphy’s Law. U-turn on big Creek Road, back to kennels to pump the tire up with that very handy compressor. Thank you John!

Arriving at the meet, late by 10 minutes, the field was moving off as we unloaded and

got mounted. Catching up at Abbeville was easily done, since there is a good view of the entire back fields from the Hamilton’s yard.

We soon caught up and could see that the field was small with John Lecluse leading two guests from Neil Burton’s stable and Andea Mcdonald whipping in. At this point, Robert started a draw of the Chernesky’s bush and then moved on to Bowman’s bush. The hounds were keen and feathering here and there, but nothing definite. Drawing on we covered the Bowman’s hay field, the line of pines and the little round cover to the east, still nothing.

We crossed Baptist Church and started down the west, very swampy side of Quinn’s.

Three very formidable ditches full of water, belly deep had to be forded. With a good

lead from Hogan and Homer, all made it through. Hounds were drawing well and soon in the bush back of the last hay field, some hounds were speaking. Robert cheered the rest of the pack on to get up to them, but now they were going away fast, angling towards Van Sickle’s stubble field and McBay’s bush beyond. Robert led at a very fast pace through bush, mud, water - not for the faint of heart, as bushes flashed past and horses slithered down very muddy tracks. Hounds were at a great distance now and it was obvious that the slower hounds would have a job to catch the leaders unless there was a mighty big check – which there wasn’t. Through McBay’s bush and out into the open fields to the south we ran, straight towards Reiis’s.

Full gallop, some folks fading.

“ I think after all the details of the chase have faded and the rush of adrenaline at the time forgotten, I will remember always being transported back in time, to another place as those magnificent aircraft roared past.”

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The Lancaster bomber

Andrea at this point was asked to get back and bring on Nailer and some of the tail hounds. Now the line appeared to Robert to have swung right handed towards Brant 22. With some tail hounds now catching up, Robert spotted Marksman ahead, but well behind the lead hounds who could barely be heard. There followed a wild gallop along the hydro road. Slipping and splashing through mud, water, more mud, more water. There were only two of us now, Robert leading and Homer doing his best to keep up and stay on all four. Marksman was our only guide now, as it was obvious that Brant 22 would be crossed. As we arrived at the road, we just saw the last of the lead hounds cross Mr Hill’s hay field, dash across #22, and climb up the bank into Elson’s south paddocks. Crossing 22 and galloping down Big Creek, hounds were seen milling around the corn just west of the Hydro copse. Robert encouraged a draw in this corn and some hounds spoke towards Lumpy’s lane but not convincingly.

Blowing them in we seemed to be a couple and a half light. We started back towards Quinns and the trailers, hoping to pick up the final stragglers. It was 10:45 – what a gallop, still none of the field or Andrea in sight.

Walking along with hounds pretty closely collected around us, there was a distant roar of aircraft approaching. The chill wind, low scuttling clouds, punctuated with brilliant blue made a perfect backdrop for what we saw next. A mass of aircraft, lead by the Lancaster roared overhead, shattering the ears, almost shaking the ground. Riding along with the hounds in full formal attire, I was suddenly whipped, as in a time warp, back to 1945, war ended, British air force celebrating the end. A lump formed in my throat, a slight tear as I looked at my watch. The eleventh minute of the eleventh hour of the eleventh day! Truly a hunt to remember. y 29

Social Scene

Fabulous weather and turnout for Spring & Fall ECH Hunter Pace events

Photos courtesy: Heather Swan

The Spring Hunter Pace was held at the lovely Blithe Hill Farm property and over 75 riders enjoyed the beautiful trails through the lovely hills of Mono. A lavish spread was enjoyed afterwards and prizes given for closest time and best costumes. Our Fall Hunter Pace was once again held at the lovely High Hills Farm in Mulmur. All the riders enjoyed the forest trails and beautiful vistas. As anticipated, another fabulous feast finished off the day!

Many thanks to all our volunteers for organizing these events, and the members and guests who came out to enjoy the day with us. y

The 2018 ECH PUPPY SHOW was held at the kennels on Sunday June 3. Members and guests dressed up in their Sunday best, with appropriate fancy hats to watch our Huntsman show our young hounds.

This event also serves to thank the families who walked out those puppies. ECH Loudoun was judged Best in Show by our honorary judges Judy Barr MFH and Paul Sherman MFH of Wellington-Waterloo Hunt. A lovely High Tea in the Clubhouse was served to finish off the afternoon.

On June 9, the CANADIAN FOXHOUND SHOW was hosted by the MFHA and the London Hunt at the London Hunt and Country Club. Judges for this event were Mr. P. Anthony (Tony) Leahy, MFH Fox River Valley and Mr. David Twiggs, CEO Masters of Foxhounds Association. Six of the Canadian clubs showed hounds during the day. Our hounds showed well for us, bringing home an assorted collection of different coloured ribbons, and trophies for Best Unentered Bitch (Lollipop), Best Unentered Couple of Bitches (Lollipop & Loudoun) and Best Champion Terrier. Thanks to the many volunteers who helped ensure the success of the day. y

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Looking Back

James Woods, Kennelman, groom and professional whip for ECH. James tells us about that time in his life....

March 19, 1968 - I was a professional whip... got hired out of a Globe and Mail ad. The huntsman who hired me was named David Gaylord and of course Major Kindersly was always about. David and his wife Rosemary ran the kennels and stables from just before I got there until early December 1969 when they got homesick and went back to England. That left me there alone to look after things.

I was the one and only kennel man in charge of 70 foxhounds and 5 horses until the following July when they hired Vincent Tartagia. When David Gaylord Looking after hired me he said that to work the horses, there I would have to get a c1970. haircut and being from the hip east end of Toronto, everyone I was associated with had rather long hair. I really wanted that job so it was no problem to get a haircut... but that was the last haircut I got!!

David kept ragging me about cutting it again but I held my ground! He said if I didn't get it cut I would not be allowed to hunt.... so he cut me off and I was just a kennel man and groom.

As I said, when David and Rosemary went back to England I took over all duties. Next, the Major tried to tie a wage hike into getting a haircut. I again held my ground and my wage gain was earned by the duties I did and not by my ever flowing hairstyle! However, during the first hunt, in order for me to whip-in for the Major, I put it in a ponytail and tucked it up under my hat... the Major was thrilled as he thought I'd got it cut. Anyways, come the hunt ‘breakfast’ I undid the ponytail and walked in proudly. I remember some of the hunt members doing double takes, but Col. Burton searched me out and bought me a drink. Vince Tartaglia had no problem with the hair as long as it was tucked under the hat when hunting.

Problem solved!

So I guess in hunt terms I was a bit of a rebel but proof was in the pudding as far as my abilities. I was a fearless rider and (thanks to David's training) a pretty good groom and kennelman too. When James now Vince took the hounds down south with his pack of pups! to the Hound Show after he'd only been there a couple of weeks, it was my efforts over the past 6/7 months conditioning and feeding the hounds that helped win all the ribbons and trophies.

I've spent the rest of my working career in the trades and am over 65 now, still working but soon to retire.

I left Toronto and have been in the Kingston/Napanee area for the last 40 years. I live in the country and have had horses... still keep a saddle and 2 bridles just in case... hahaha. y 31

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In the Field Photographers Lori Metcalfe & Karin McDonald capture the beauty of days spent riding with hounds.

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Photography by: Kendal Merrill

Happy Hunting and Best Wishes,

~K im and Steve.

W ith

very special thanks to

T he S orensen F amily !

The Game of our Hearts Rate where a rabbit starts, Cheer to a waving stern; Call that we rush to obey From a Whip at his post outside: Gone away! Gone aw-a-a-ay!

And we sit down to ride.

This is the game of our hearts!

Crash and rattle of rail; Lean hounds driving like darts Into the breast of the vale.

Tried Age taking the lead, Rash Youth coated with clay; Glory and glamour of speed, And a right fox away.

This is the game of our hearts, Whatever luck may ensue-This, where a Master of Arts May fail and a dunce get through!

This, where the confident thrust; This, where the cowardly crane;

This, where there's nothing to trust But fate and the feel of the rein.

This is the game of our hearts!

Squire and lawyer and lord, Men of the farms and the marts, Men of the pen and the sword; Comrades we jog to the meet, Rivals we ride the line, And the sound of the hoofs is sweet And the taste of the wind is wine.

Digital painting: Karin McDonald

This is the game of our hearts!

Foot to the stirrup! Away!

Care with the night departs, Joy comes in with the day.

A good horse tossing his rings, A light rime decking the thorn: And the heart of the horseman sings For love of a hunting morn.

This is the game of our hearts!

Mottled flanks in the fern;

by William Henry Ogilvie

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Email Threads

A Coursing Pack for ECH

Question: How did your day out hunting go with ECH?

Derek To: Christine; Alastair

Alastair To: Derek; Christine

I see that China has closed down the dog track in Macao. There are 503 greyhounds up for adoption. Maybe it is time to add a coursing pack to the ECH kennels to complicate matters! Can you imagine riding to a pack of 500 greyhounds across the Caledon countryside. Just let me know if you need any other bright ideas ;D

Make sure they speak English!

Christine To: Derek; Alastair Great idea Derek!

Can we count on you for funding the coursing pack? Keep the ideas coming…

Derek To: Christine; Alastair

The result of a day’s Capping with ECH.

Derek To: Christine; Alastair Alastair, did you ever receive those three zebras I sent to you from South Africa when you were looking for some hunt horses about five years ago?

Alastair To: Derek; Christine Oh yes, one was killed on the crossing and I bred the other two to a Donkey and now have a small herd of cross Donkeys or as they are better known - ZeeDonks!

No problem. I will donate 500 greyhounds, each with their own collar and water bowl f.o.b. free to ECH, to either the Macao airport or Macao docks. Your choice!

Answer: First Crom kicked a hound, then while I was crouched over peeing in the bush he ran me over and I was flailing around in the mud trying to pull my pants up and hang onto him. Shortly after that I fell off going through a tree line where my knee got caught on a branch. The topper of the day was at the restaurant in town afterwards for lunch, Crom finally had a total meltdown in the trailer – kicked out the man door – jumped out and went galloping through town.

Someone ran into the restaurant and told us a horse just jumped out of a trailer and took off so of course I flew out the door and did a half marathon around town to find and catch him.

Thank God he did not hurt anyone.

Needless to say it was a toss up of whether I would actually bother to go find him when he ran away or not!

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The View from Between the Ears Presenting a unique view point of riding with hounds from the rider's perspective...

36 36

Save a horse, ride double!

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Photo : Karin McDonald

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thanks the following contributors :

Photo Submissions: Karin McDonald - Beaumirage Photo, Lori Metcalfe, Heather Swan - Liberty Shots, Tom Clarke, Christine Gracey MFH

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Photo : Karin McDonald

Article Submissions: Derek French, Christine Gracey MFH, Grady Givlin, Alice Peirce, Priscilla Reeve, Hank Martin, James Woods

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