Covertside Fall 2015

ALL AMERICAN HOUNDS • GUIDE TO HUNT WEEKS • WARTIME HUNTING IN GERMANY

THE MAGAZINE OF MOUNTED FOXHUNTING

FALL 2015 • $5.00

sJ o h n C o l e s 2 015 s

“A Virginia Horseman Specializing in Virginia Horse Properties” HiCkory TrEE

HiDDEN TrAiL FArM

The beautifully groomed 325 acres of this thoroughbred horse breeding & training farm rests at the edge of Middleburg. The gently rolling land includes a stately manor home, tenant homes, Confederate Hall, the barns and 6 furlong training track. The Georgian Style Training Barn is stunning and includes 28 stalls and a 1/8 mile indoor training track & paddocks. $11,250,000

Magnificent horse property in the midst of the serene countryside. From the picturesque Young Road two driveways access the 107 acres of Hidden Trail Farm. The first leads to one of the finest indoor arenas surrounded by exquisite ride out. The second is the graceful, park-like drive, which parallels a creek and then gently curves up to the elegant manor home. $7,200,000

TriLLiuM

grEEN gArDEN

LIVE, WORK and PLAY!!! Extraordinary 50 acr private estate. Stunning residence and 4 additional structures.

Stone terraces. Offices with fiber optic. 12 stall barn with 8 acres of fenced paddocks. Recreation building with gathering room & theatre.Resistance pool, stocked lake, orchard. Experience the easy flow of outdoor to indoor spaces. $4,474,000

c.1823, with a stunning tree lined entrance, offers one of the grand manor homes in the famed horse country of Upperville and Piedmont Hunt. Recently renovated, the home offers wonderful indoor and outdoor living areas.

Porches, gardens, barns, paddocks, riding arena, pond, pool and magnificent mountain views. $4,200,000

MErryCHASE

wAVErLy

Magnificent 155 Acre Atoka Road Estate with gated entry opening into the private drive lined with mature trees. The charming historic manor home, c. 1827 backs to expansive views of fields and ponds. 4 tenant homes, 3 barns, indoor and outdoor riding arenas.

Gently rolling pasture land with fenced paddocks and fields. $3,600,000

Surrounded by impressive properties protected by Conservation Easements, the historic 62 acre estate is prominently located in prime Orange County Hunt territory. Recently restored, some of the manor home’s special features include gracious sized rooms, a chef’s kitchen and four en-suite bedrooms.Spectacular views from the Bull Run to the Blue Ridge Mountains. $2,925,000

LAND

FoX DEN

HouND HALL

Custom Built stone/stucco 3-story home on 100+ acres with 4 bedrooms plus large master in-law suite with separate parking and entrance. Slate roof,game room, custom theatre, workout room, study, office, dog room, custom kitchen, 4 stone fireplaces. Extensive horse facilities include 18 stall barn,2 stall barn, 14 paddocks, large ring and much more. $5,900,000

MEADowgroVE

Extraordinary 7 Bedroom estate on over 180 acres.

New Gourmet State of the Art Kitchen & Baths.

Gorgeous full wall of windows overlooking a 10 acre lake. Pool and poolhouse with fireplace, spa and new tennis courts. Ideal for horses with 10 stall stable, paddocks with run-in sheds. $3,950,000

NorTH HiLL

c. 1774, Sited high on a knoll, the 16 room Manor Home and “Garden Tea House” enjoy expansive views of mountains, rolling hills and the property’s wonderful Shenandoah River frontage. Once a thoroughbred breeding farm, it offers 20+ stalls and numerous paddocks. North Hill’s rich history provides potential for Historic Preservation Tax Credits. $2,790,000

HuNgry HiLL

RECTORTOWN: 107.76 acres Spectacular views from this highly desirable estate location within the Orange County Hunt Territory. Board fenced with frontage on Atoka Road and Rectortown Road.

Stocked, approx. 4 acre, pond w/island, spring fed from tributary of Goose Creek. Open Space Easement allows for building of main dwelling, garage or barn with apt. and appropriate farm structures. Zoned RA. $1,250,000 Restored Farm House, c.1830 on 65 Private Acres near Middleburg. 3 porches add to the charm. Other features include pool, 4 stall barn with guest suite, 4 bay open equipment barn and 2 bay garage. Shared pond. VOF and PEC Easements do allow for two additional dwellings. $2,395,000

NAKED MOUNTAIN - Delaplane, 276 acres of land on Naked Mountain. A true hunter's paradise!

Mostly wooded, very private. Nice elevation, from 670 to 1,400. Kettle Run stream runs through, great opportunity for tax credits. $1,159,410

An amazing custom built 4 Bedroom, 3.5 Bath Colonial on 70 mostly open acres with approximately 5000 square feet of living space. This exceptional home has been modified from an original 1810 home on site. 5 stall barn, 6 car garage, pond and more. Property is currently in Land Use. $1,800,000

Offers subject to errors, omissions, change of price or withdrawal without notice. Information contained herein is deemed reliable, but is not so warranted nor is it otherwise guaranteed.

(540) 270-0094 THOMAS AND TALBOT REAL ESTATE (540) 687-6500

Middleburg, Virginia 20118

www.Thomas-Talbot.com

Page 18

Colorado skies welcome hunters during the Arapahoe Rendezvous.

FALL 2015 • VOLUME 6, NUMBER 3

Features 12 ALL AMERICAN HOUNDS

BY VICKI CRAWFORD, MFH

A Potomac Hunt Joint Master discusses the forward-going, forward-thinking American Foxhound.

18 HUNT WEEKS

BY MARCIA BRODY ZINA BALASH

Our guide to joining the hunt week fun across North America.

26

HUNTING DIPLOMACY

BY CHRISTOPHER OAKFORD Major general Henry T. Allen’s Coblenz Hounds helped forge diplomatic relations in World War I Europe.

IN EACH ISSUE:

9

10

From the President p.2

MILESTONES News about clubs and members YOUNG ENTRY Elkridge-Harford junior Colin Smith has his sights set on a professional equine career.

34

36

From the Publisher p.4

MFHA News p.6

ASK THE HUNTSMAN MFH and Huntsman Scott Neill of Tejon Hounds discusses balancing his dual roles.

HOUNDS & HORSES Sedgefield Maverick discovers love in retirement, and building sturdy and secure coops

Last Run of the Day p.48

42

THE LIBRARY “The Owl and the Earl” by Paul Smith

44

FARE AND FLASK South Creek Foxhounds’ All-Florida Meet fare offers a taste of England.

46

THE FIND Winter turn out rugs and joint supplements for your foxhunter.

ON OUR COVER: The Potomac hounds look keen during cubbing in 2011. PHOTO BY MARGE EDMUNDSON FALL 2015 | 1

FROM THE PRESIDENT

Centennial Spirit

O

2 | COVERTSIDE

www.mfha.com

OFFICERS

Dr. John R. van Nagell, MFH • President Patrick A. Leahy, MFH • First Vice-President Leslie Crosby, MFH • Second Vice-President Joseph Kent, ex-MFH • Secretary-Treasurer Lt. Col. Dennis J. Foster, ex-MFH • Executive Director

MFHA FOUNDATION

Dr. John R. van Nagell, MFH • Chairman PO Box 363, Millwood, VA 22646 (540) 955-5680

HUNT STAFF BENEFIT FOUNDATION Nancy Stahl, MFH • Chairman PO Box 363, Millwood, VA 22646 (540) 955-5680

COVERTSIDE EDITORIAL BOARD DAVE TRAXLER

ne of the happiest periods in the history of North American foxhunting occurred during the celebration of the MFHA centennial in 2007. It was a time of unparalleled engagement and enthusiasm, with members participating in a number of events, including hound shows, performance trials, field hunter championships, and joint meets. More importantly, we all met to exchange ideas, develop common goals, and have fun. Along the way, many riders were introduced to foxhunting, and funds were raised to promote and strengthen our sport.

Today, we need this same spirit and commitment as we plan for a new era of education, hunting events, and outstanding sport.

As envisaged by the MFHA Site Committee, a new headquarters facility in Middleburg, Virginia, will provide a home for the MFHA and its foundations that is readily accessible to the public, as well as a large number of hunts and related equine organizations.

Hopefully, we also will be able to chronicle some of the historically significant events and prominent figures in North American foxhunting at this new facility.

For the new headquarters to become a reality, we will need your ideas and support.

This is a unique opportunity for all of us to participate in the planning and funding of this facility, and to ensure that it meets the present and future needs of the sport.

With another hunting season approaching, certain age-old questions remain. Will our new entry hunt as well as they look?

How will they interact with the veterans in the pack? Is our hunt country safe, and have we done everything to include

MASTERS OF FOXHOUNDS ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA

“For the new headquarters to become a reality, we will need your ideas and support.” and support our landowners? Have we assembled an outstanding team including huntsman, whippers-in and staff who will guide and protect our hounds as they hunt? Hopefully, the answers to these questions will all be positive.

Happy hunting and best wishes.

Sincerely,

Dr. Jack van Nagell, MFH President, MFHA

Emily Esterson • Editor-in-Chief Dennis J. Foster, ex-MFH Dr. John R. van Nagell, MFH Patrick A. Leahy, MFH Leslie Crosby, MFH

DIRECTORS

Canada • Laurel Byrne, MFH Carolinas • Fred Berry, MFH Central • Arlene Taylor, MFH Great Plains • Dr. Luke Matranga, MFH Maryland-Delaware • Sheila Brown, MFH Midsouth • Orrin Ingram, MFH Midwest • Keith Gray, MFH New England • Dr. Terence Hook, MFH New York-New Jersey • Marion Thorne, MFH Northern Virginia-West Virginia • Tad Zimmerman, MFH Pacific • Terry Paine, MFH Pennsylvania • Russell B. Jones, Jr., ex-MFH Rocky Mountain • Mary Ewing, MFH Southern • Mercer Fearington, MFH Virginia • Bob Ferrer, MFH Western • John P. Dorrier Jr., MFH At Large • Daphne Wood, MFH At Large • Mason H. Lampton, MFH At Large • Dr. G. Marvin Beeman, MFH At Large • Ed Kelly, MFH

COVERTSIDE (ISSN 1547-4216) is published quarterly (February, May, August and November) by the Masters of Foxhounds Association 675 Lime Marl Lane, Berryville, VA 22611. Periodical Postage Paid at Winchester, VA 22601 and additional mailing offices.

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to MFHA, PO Box 363, Millwood, VA 22646. COVERTSIDE READERS: Direct all correspondence to the same address. Tel: (540)955-5680. Website: www.mfha.com

PENNSYLVANIA’S FAMED HUNT COUNTRY

NEW LISTING!

CHESHIRE HUNT COUNTRY

CHESHIRE HUNT COUNTRY

Swingtail Farm on 33.4 ac. w/ a spacious 5 BR, 4.1 BA, 8 stall Barn, fabulous in-ground Pool, stunning In-law Suite over Garage plus woodlands & pastures. Short hack to Laurels Preserve & surrounded by thousands of acres of open space! $2,450,000

Taylor Made Farm sits on 31 acres in a great hunt location. The 4 BR, 3.2 BA main home has dramatic spaces & a stellar Master Suite. There is also a small barn, tennis court, and in-ground pool plus Unionville Schools! $2,389,900

NEW LISTING!

RADNOR HUNT/BRANDYWINE COUNTRY

CHESHIRE HUNT COUNTRY

Alnwyck Farm on 92 ac. with a historic 5 BR, 3 BA stone home, bank barn, spring house, pond, stream, open fields & woodlands. Currently an organic farm, can easily be a wonderful equestrian estate & surrounded by conserved land! $2,191,000

CHESHIRE HUNT COUNTRY

Newlin Homes will build this 5,300 sq. ft. home on a 20.5 acre parcel surrounded by large estates in hunt country! Other floor plans available at variety of prices. $1,749,000

NEW LISTING!

Crackerjack Farm contains a large 5 BR, 4.1 BA stone home & a great newer 4 stall Barn on 15 acres. The historic home enjoys a pleasant view and has large rooms (LR: 30x18; DR: 18x14; FR: 22x15) - huge for c.1700s home!! Wonderful pool and pool house. $1,474,000

NEW PRICE!

BIRCHRUN HUNT

Set on a quiet road in Chester Springs, you must see this 4BR, 3.1BA well-maintained & updated home on 10.44 acres w/2BR Cottage & stunning 4 stall barn. Large ring & several paddocks. $995,000

NEW LISTING!

AVON GROVE

NORTHERN CHESTER COUNTY HUNTS

RADNOR HUNT/BRANDYWINE COUNTRY

Set on 21.5 acres, the home has been totally updated with new roof, windows, siding, Kitchen, Baths, heating system, septic system & the list goes on!

There’s a 6 stall barn, outbuildings and several paddocks. $825,000

Looking for a wonderful & affordable horse farm? You must see this 10.93 acre farm with a spacious 4BR, 2.1BA home, a great 6 stall barn, and a 100' x 200' lighted ring! Located in a wonderful equestrian area. $739,000

Rarely does a 26.4 ac. parcel in such a highly desirable area come on the market! The farm has a cute 4 stall Barn with 1200 sf, 1 BR, 1BA apartment upstairs. Surrounded by lots of protected open space, this is a great place to build your dream home here!! Unionville Schools! $725,000

NEW LISTING!

NEW LISTING!

NEW LISTING!

NORTHERN CHESTER COUNTY HUNTS

Set on 10 beautiful acres abutting French Creek State Park, sits this charming 4 BR, 3.1 BA county estate w/ a 3 stall Barn, pool, pond, tennis court & two rentals that pay the expenses!!! Possible subdivision or build your house to take advantage of the great views! $725,000

CHESHIRE HUNT COUNTRY

Looking for a manageable farmette with boundless riding potential? Then you must see this stellar 4 BR, 2.1 BA home with new Marvin widows, stunning newer Kitchen, new soaring Great Room, newer luxurious Baths plus a 4 stall Barn.

Unionville-Chadds Ford Schools! $724,500

CHESHIRE HUNT COUNTRY

This 6.8 acre property is surrounded by conserved farms & thousands of acres of open space – you can ride forever! The 4 BR, 2.1 BA home has large rooms & is great for entertaining. There is a large auxilary building that would make a great Barn!

Very well priced! $500,000

FROM THE PUBLISHER

Kidding Around

A

s I write this, I am just back from United States Pony Club Championships. The Masters of Foxhounds Association and Covertside had a vendor booth at the event, where some 1000 kids, plus coaches, parents, volunteers and officials converged on the Virginia Horse Center for four days of competition, shopping, and fun.

It could have been heat-stroke city in southern Virginia in July, but the weekend was mild and sunny, with temperatures in the pleasant low- to mid-eighties. Although I had a decidedly less sexy booth than some (no cool socks, no awesome tied-dyed shirts, no nice tack or purple gloves or pink galloping boots to buy) I talked with many, many kids and adults.

Sadly, there’s a lack of understanding about what foxhunting is and how kids can get involved. I was happy to have preached a bit of the gospel of foxhunting to those

who were interested. I showed the kids a foxhunting video on my laptop periodically.

I gave out hundreds of “Introduction to Foxhunting” booklets. I showed them where the nearest hunts are to their clubs (for those not connected already). I schmoozed with parents and kids who are already foxhunting.

I taught a half a dozen kids to tie a stock tie (they have to know this for the quiz competition). It was a heck of a lot of fun for me, and my hope is that we recruited a few new foxhunters who’ll stick around and pass the sport on to their own children.

It is these kinds of small efforts, both on the local and national level, that can help grow our sport. If we continue to circulate in our own small universe, we won’t bring in new hunters, and in a generation or two there won’t be any of us left at all. This, to me, is as urgent a mission as fighting the antis or conserving land.

Ten new junior members will be receiving this issue of Covertside, and if you are reading this column, we hope enjoy it and learn from it. Inside, you’ll find the third in our series of hound articles, this one written by Potomac MFH Vicki Crawford; we visit Maverick, a Sedgefield hound who, in his dotage, has fallen in love, and our resident historian, Christopher Oakford, writes about hunting in Germany in World War I.

Kick on!

FALL 2015 EDITOR-IN-CHIEF/PUBLISHER EMILY ESTERSON publisher@covertside.net 505-553-2671 ART DIRECTOR GLENNA STOCKS production@covertside.net

EDITORIAL ASSOCIATE EDITOR KATY CARTER katy@covertside.net

CONTRIBUTING

WRITERS

SUSAN HOFFMAN JO MESZOLY LAURA MULLANE MICHAEL STERN

ADVERTISING AND MARKETING SALES MANAGER CHERYL MICROUTSICOS sales@covertside.net 434-664-7057 PENNSYLVANIA/MID-ATLANTIC KATHY DRESS kdress@ptd.net

MARIAN WAHLGREN

NORTHEAST SPENCER MOORE spencer@covertside.net

Emily Esterson Editor-in-Chief/Publisher

CORRECTIONS • In the summer issue story, “Trust, Calm and Loyalty,” we noted that Hillsboro Hunt is in Maryland. It is actually in Tennessee.

• We accidentally omitted the artist’s credit in the story about Mountain and 4 | COVERTSIDE

Muse. Sara Jo Renzulli is a wonderful young artist from Maryland, with a concentration on rural scenes and animals.

• The photos that accompanied the Fare and Flask article were taken by Madi Hartwig, not Michael Stern.

EVENTS HOPE LYNNE GRAVES events@covertside.net Covertside is the official publication of the Masters of Foxhounds Association Published by E-Squared Editorial Services LLC 2329 Lakeview Rd. SW Albuquerque, NM 87105 Telephone: 505-553-2671 Web Address: www.ecovertside.net www.mfha.com

2nd Annual Southeast Hunter Trials SATURDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2015

AAAAAAAAAA CCCCCCC OOOOOOO TTTT YYYY

HILLTOPPER OPEN HUNTER

FAMILY CLASS FOXHUNTER COSTUME CLASS SIDESADDLE FUTURE FOXHUNTER RIBBONS AWARDED THROUGH 6TH PLACE

TEAMS PAIRS

$2500 PRIZE MONEY

AND STABLE VIEW SOUTHEAST HUNTER TRIALS

PERPETUAL TROPHY AWARDED TO THE

HUNT

HHHHHHHHH TTTTTTTT CCCCCCCCCCC

FFFFFFF

PROCEEDS TO BENEFIT

AAAAAA SSSSSSS

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MFHA NEWS

 BOARD ELECTS

NEW MASTERS The following new Masters

 KIELY CLINCHES NATIONAL

were elected to membership

HORN BLOWING TITLE The National Horn Blowing

at the May 2015 meeting of the board of directors: Richard

Championship was held at the

Christensen, Hamilton Hunt;

Virginia Hound Show in May. The

Edward Franco, Rose Tree-Blue

new championship rules allow

Mountain Hunt; Richard Glaude,

any MFHA member hunt staff to

Lake of Two Mountains Hunt;

compete regardless of whether

Christine Gracey, Eglinton and

they’ve won another hound show

Caledon Hunt; Richard Hagen,

competition. This year, a record 15

Potomac Hunt; Bonnie Hayden,

huntsmen competed.

Santa Ynez Valley Hounds; G.

1ST PLACE

Shane Lyle, Bear Creek Hounds;

Brian Kiely, Potomac Hunt

Brian Quinn, Smithtown Hunt;

2ND PLACE

Dr. Lloyd “Jock” Tate Jr.,

Adrian Smith, Metamora Hunt

Al Thompson, Red Mountain

3RD PLACE

Foxhounds; Nancy M. Wiley, Keswick Hunt.

EMILY ESTERSON

Moore County Hounds; Lewis

John Tabachka, Sewickley Hunt

 MFHA ACCEPTING

APPLICATIONS FOR 2016

swinners will receive a conser-

HUNTING HABITAT

vation trophy, recognition at the

 MFHA DONATES TO WILD

 WHIPPER-IN SEMINAR

CONSERVATION AWARD The Hunting Habitat Conserva-

annual Members Meeting and

HORSE AND BURRO COALITION As an active member of

The Whipper-in Seminar was

a $5,000 cash award. Nomina-

tion Award recognizes fox-

tions must be submitted to the

American Wildlife Conservation

ven Park, in Leesburg, Virginia,

hunting clubs, individuals and

MFHA Conservation Committee

Partners (AWCP), the MFHA

the Saturday before the hound

organizations that have made

via the MFHA office by October

was first to donate to a sub-

show. The panel consisted of

a significant and enduring con-

2, 2015. For all application and

committee of that group, the

four professional huntsmen/

tribution toward the preserva-

submission information, please

Wild Horse and Burro Coalition.

whippers-in: Stephen “Reg”

tion of rural countryside. Award

visit www.mfha.org.

The coalition is raising money

Spreadborough, Orange County

for very short commercials to

Hounds; Charles Montgomery,

be aired on public television to

Bull Run Hunt; Johnny Gray, Hill-

bring the plight and reality of

sboro Hounds; Richard Roberts,

America’s wild horses and bur-

Deep Run Hunt. Each offered ad-

ros to the American public and

vice on the skills and sensibilities

expose the misinformation that

of that all-important job. Speak-

animal rights groups have fed

ing to a near-capacity audience,

the media and public.

the four addressed such topics

EMILY ESTERSON

 PDP GRADUATES CELEBRATED AT MAY MEETING

The MFHA Foundation Professional Development Program graduated another fine class of staff in May. Posing for their picture with instructor Andrew Barclay (left) and First Vice President Tony Leahy (far right), the 2015 graduates are (l-r) Dan White, Annapolis Valley; Mike Gottier, Midland; Tommy Gesell, Wiggins Hounds; Andrew Daly, Red Mountain.

6 | COVERTSIDE

held for the second time at Mor-

There are over 55,000 wild

as handling the whip properly,

horses on public lands that can

building a level of trust among

support only 26,000 horses —

staff, developing a vocabulary to

numbers far exceeding what

use with the hounds, and proper

President Reagan’s 1970s legis-

positioning for whippers-in.

lation intended. That doesn’t

New this year was an interactive

account for the 46,000 horses

exercise that involved audience

in BLM off-range holding pas-

members. Maps were distributed

tures that are costing taxpayers

that showed various features

$74 million. This overpopulation

of different fixtures. Moderator

has resulted in many horses suf-

Andrew Barclay provided other

fering from starvation and thirst.

details, such as wind direction

The MFHA was the first to make

and the location of livestock and

a small donation to this effort.

housing developments. Audi-

tricountyfeeds.com

FIND SUPERBLY TAILORED HACKING JACKETS FROM ALEXANDER JAMES AT THE FEED STORE. We are pleased to offer hacking hackets in lightweight, water-resistant wool, created exclusively for Tri-County, made in England by Alexander James. Ready-to-wear for immediate gratification, or order a tweed for your customized jacket. Also find a fine selection of cubbing and field boots, stock ties, gloves, helmets and tack.

PHOTO BY LIZ CALLAR

It’s much more than a feed store.

I GOT IT AT THE FEED STORE

7408 John Marshall Hwy > Marshall, VA 20115 540.364.1891

Members of the audience were asked to participate by demonstrating, using maps, where they would ideally place themselves if they were whipping-in in various scenarios.

DAVE TRAXLER

ence members were then asked

Details: A chance for new Masters

for input as to where they would

to meet the MFHA Board of Direc-

position themselves if they were

tors. Seminar will begin immedi-

whipping-in. The interactive na-

ately following lunch and will be

ture of the seminar made for lively

led by past MFHA President Marty

discussion, with panel members

Wood, MFH Live Oak Hounds.

explaining what they would do in each scenario.

Once again, moderators

MASTER’S DINNER When: January 28, 2016, Cocktails

encouraged candid dialogue be-

at 7 p.m., Dinner at 8 p.m.

tween whippers-in in the audience

Where: Union Club

and huntsmen on the panel. The

Cost: $275/pp

seminar was a fundraiser for the

Details: Masters and ex-Masters

MFHA Foundation.

only

 SAVE THE DATE FOR THE

ANNUAL MEMBERS

 MFHA IS PLEASED TO AN-

BIENNIAL STAFF SEMINAR The 2016 Staff Seminar will take

MEETING/SEMINAR

NOUNCE the registration of three

When: January 29, 2016, at 9 a.m.

new hunts for 2015: Cedar Knob

heart of the Rockies, where its

place in Virginia on April 22 and

Where: Union Club

Hounds, Tennessee; Headwaters

pack of American and Crossbred

23, 2016. Check the MFHA website

Cost: No charge

Hounds, Colorado; and Red Oak

foxhounds hunts coyote, jackrab-

soon for more details and to make

Details: Must be a current sub-

Foxhounds, Virginia. Registration

bit and mountain lion across

your reservations.

scribing member to attend (jacket

is provisional for one year so that

open, rolling Bureau of Land

and tie required)

hunts have time to build their

Management grasslands. Dr. Al-

Keynote Speaker: TBD

pack and organization, and meet

lison Brown, huntsman and Joint

MFHA requirements prior to ap-

MFH, reports that membership

plication for recognized status.

and the number of fixtures are

 PLAN NOW FOR MFHA

of junior whippers-in.

Headwaters Hounds is in the

JANUARY MEETING AND EVENTS The 2016 January events are

MASTERS’ BALL

approaching faster than you

When: January 29, 2016, cocktails

realize! As is tradition, the events

at 7 p.m., dinner at 8 p.m.

see, is the Cedar Knob Hounds,

take place in New York City.

Where: The Pierre

where Albert Menefee III is MFH

This installment is sure to be an

Cost: $275/pp

and huntsman for the 25 couple

MFHs, are the husband and

entertaining and exciting time for

Details: Must be a current sub-

pack of Penn-Marydels. Cedar

wife team behind the Red Oak

all participants. The events begin

scribing member to attend

Knob shares territory with Hills-

Foxhounds, kenneled at their

January 28, 2016.

For more information, please visit

boro Hounds and had the plea-

Oakwood Farm in Brunswick

www.mfha.org

sure of hosting this year’s Ten-

County, Virginia, southwest of Pe-

nessee Hunt Week with Hillsboro,

tersburg. Theresa hunts the pack

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS:

Nestled in Cornersville, Tennes-

growing and the pack now totals 15 couple.

Harry and Theresa Miller, Joint

NEW MASTERS’

Room Blocks are reserved

Longreen Foxhounds, Tennessee

of Penn-Marydels and Harry leads

LUNCH & SEMINAR

at The Pierre

Valley Hunt and Mell’s Fox-

the field. Red Oak membership

(invitations will be sent to new

(800) 743-7734

hounds in attendance. Menefee

has doubled from the first season

Masters)

$370/night standard

is a strong proponent of youth

and the Millers are spearheading

When: January 28, 2016, at 12 p.m.

$430/night city view

involvement and Cedar Knob has

a new member initiative, encour-

Where: The Pierre

Reserve your room by

a regular Pony Club field. Two

aging juniors and adults new to

Cost: No charge

December 26, 2015

Pony Club kids even hold the title

foxhunting to get involved.

8 | COVERTSIDE

MILESTONES

GONE AWAY

Howard Young

ex-MFH Eglinton & Caledon Hunt

HOWARD’S COMMITMENT to working with the local horse community is hard to surpass. The family was very active in the Caledon Riding Club and the Caledon Pony Club. Howard was a fixture both on the grounds and on the board of directors, serving a term as president.

Howard was also an avid lover of foxhunting and all horse events. Over the years he bred a number of star

Marjorie Denny

MFH Cloudline Hounds Marjorie Denny, MFH Cloudline Hounds (Texas), died at her home in Celeste, Texas, in February 2015, aged 92.

BORN IN TUCSON, ARIZONA, Marjorie graduated from Mary Washington College in 1944 and married then-Lieutenant Rex Denny in 1948. A highly successful career show rider

SMILE AT THE BIRDIE

Howard Drakers Young, MFH Eglinton and Caledon Hunt (Ontario), passed away March 7, 2015. He was 88 years old.

Equestrian Style...

competition horses for his daughters that eventually retired to become competent field hunters. He joined the Eglinton and Caledon Hunt Club in the ’80s, serving as treasurer and as president as well as Master of Foxhounds from 1991 until 2006 when he was forced to dismount due to a serious knee injury.

who competed hunters and jumpers, Marjorie was responsible for introducing her husband to English riding and foxhunting, which ultimately resulted in Colonel Denny’s founding of Cloudline Hounds in 1974.

Casanova Hunt offered some hounds to the Dennys and Marjorie began teaching English riding in Texas; those students became the first members of Cloudline Hounds. Marjorie was known as an extraordinary hostess and Master and continued to support the hounds and hunting until her death.

from subway to saddle.

Blundstone

FALL 2015 | 9

YOUNG ENTRY

Flying the Fences Young horseman Colin Smith is on the path to a bright future. BY LESLIE VANSANT

“W

e jumped a coop into the woods on a run.

I was riding my pony, Jackie O, with my friend Teddy [Davies] on his pony Hickory. After a nice canter through the woods, we finally jumped out and saw the hounds take off across a big open field.

We got to gallop across the field.

That is my favorite thing about hunting: jumping, cantering, galloping across fields and of course, tally-ho-ing.”

Colin Smith, 11, is a stringbean of a boy who gets a fire in his eyes when he talks about his favorite things: horses, hunting and jumping fences with Elkridge-Harford Hounds.

Entering his fifth season hunting and his second in first

A horseman-intraining, he speaks of his hunt ponies with admiration and respect for the education each pony has provided him. flight, Colin spends his free time riding at mother Mimi Schmitz’s professional barn, The 10 | COVERTSIDE

Stables, in Monkton, Maryland.

He also helps her with chores and caring for clients’ horses.

On hunting days, he’s up early, grooming, tacking up and then cleaning tack and caring for the ponies upon their return home.

When he’s not foxhunting, Colin enjoys pairs racing, horse showing, and field master chases. The young sportsman enjoys goose, coyote and deer hunting, too.

A horseman-in-training, he speaks of his hunt ponies with admiration and respect for the education each pony has provided him. “My first hunt pony, Paintbrush, made me feel safe going cross country. Simba, my second pony, taught me how to stay on a really good jumping pony. Now I have Jackie, she is awesome and teaching me how to jump big,” he says breaking into a huge grin.

“This pony has taught him to be brave,” said Schmitz. “Jackie will jump anything out hunting.” She recalls a day hunting last year when she jumped a 3’6” coop and looked back to watch Colin and Jackie approach. “I couldn’t see Colin on the other side of the fence it was so big, then up and over comes Jackie with Colin in great form.”

Young horseman Colin Smith races ponies, shows and foxhunts with Elkridge-Harford Hounds (Md.).

This past summer, Colin was on the road racing Shetland ponies at major horse shows including Devon, Central Park, Washington International and Toronto Royal Winter Fair. “It was fun, but next year I’ll be too tall,” he said. But it was enough to add more heat to the fire he already has for running and jumping.

A sixth grader at the Sacred

Heart School in Glyndon, Colin has big plans for his future. “I want to work with horses. Maybe be a jockey, or a whip with a hunt. Huntsmen are cool, but I think the whips get to be with the horses more. So that’s what I want to be: with the horses.

Riding and jumping.”

Leslie VanSant lives on a farm in Middleburg, Va., and hunts with the Piedmont Fox Hounds.

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Middleburg (pictured), Keswick and Essex are among the hunts that have tri-color American foxhounds.

This homegrown singing hound is light on its feet.

All American

BY VICKI CRAWFORD, MFH

W

HEN I FIRST STARTED HUNTING with the Potomac Hunt (Maryland) in 1960, I had no idea that there were different breeds of foxhounds. I was a teenager who thought she knew everything about hunting dogs. My father bred pointers and hunted them when I was a child. Not until I attended my first hound show in 1961, the Bryn Mawr Hound Show at the Radnor Hunt Club in Pennsylvania, did I understand the concept of the American foxhound.

At Bryn Mawr, under the tutelage of Lyn Carroll, honorary whipperin and wife of Bill Carroll, MFH, Potomac Hunt, I paid attention. That day, watching hounds being shown, handled, stood up, and exhibited in a pack, I learned all about the four major breeds of foxhounds — American, English, Crossbred, and Penn-Marydel. Of course, being just a tad prejudiced, I favored the American hound and I didn’t understand the need for those other breeds. Why were they so stocky, so big or fat, and why those long, long ears? I cruised between the different rings and watched, and watched, and watched.

12 | COVERTSIDE

MIDDLEBURG PHOTO

FALL 2015 | 13

DEEP ROOTS

Why did the Potomac Hunt have American hounds? It started in the late 1800s with the Chevy Chase Hunt (Maryland), the antecedent to the Potomac Hunt, and continued during World War I when the Chevy Chase Hunt became the Washington Riding and Hunt Club from about 1912-15, and finally the Potomac Hunt in 1930. Throughout these years, the American foxhound was the hound of choice. I am sure some Crossbred blood was mixed in from time to time, which is good to keep the bloodlines strong, but it was always a mostly American pack. When they showed at Bryn Mawr for the first time in 1954, they established themselves as a championship pack and have maintained that status ever since.

In the 1960s, the American foxhound was popular and at the hound shows, the American ring was full, with many packs exhibiting from hunts up and down the East Coast. Over the past 50 years, the American packs have shrunk to a few hunts from New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland and Virginia. The Potomac Hunt and the Orange County Hounds are two of the most well-known packs due to their recognizable coloring. Potomac has always maintained the red spots or ticking on a white body, and Orange County has consistently bred the red ring-necked color, which is a red blanket of color with a white ring around the neck.

The two packs most well-known for their tri-color hounds are Keswick and Essex.

The current major hunts that consist of mostly American or have all American hounds are Millbrook Hunt and Rombout Hunt in New York, the Essex Fox Hounds of New Jersey, Sewickley Hunt and Rolling Rock Hunt in Pennsylvania, Orange County Hounds, Middleburg Hunt, Casanova Hunt, and Keswick Hunt in Virginia, Potomac Hunt, Goshen Hounds, and New Market-Middletown Valley Hounds in Maryland, and Brazos Valley Hounds in Texas.

When you look through the roster of the MFHA, many hunts in the United States have some American blood in their kennels, but they are mostly Crossbred packs. The Crossbred hound has become the most popular breed in most kennels across the United States.

FAVORITE TRAITS

I interviewed a few people who really know this breed: Larry Pitts, who recently retired as huntsman of the Potomac Hunt after 35 seasons; Jake Carle, ex-MFH, Keswick Hunt; Tony Gammell, huntsman, Keswick Hunt; and my husband, Skip Crawford, MFH, Potomac. Jake is well-known as a hound show judge, since he has judged all breeds of hounds at all the major shows and was the MFH and huntsman for many seasons at Keswick in Charlottesville, Virginia. Tony has been hunting at Keswick for 15 years. Skip has been MFH at Potomac Hunt for 30 seasons, has been a judge at all the major shows, and appreciates the American foxhound.

First, I asked our outgoing huntsman, Larry Pitts, to list the best qualities of the American foxhound. “Besides all the usual hound characteristics such as good nose, good cry, drive and steadiness, 14 | COVERTSIDE

The Orange County hounds are famous for their red blanket of color with a white ring around the neck.

I strive to breed hounds that are athletic, intelligent, and easy to handle. Hounds that want to please and hunt with me are my ideal,” Larry said.

When he first mentioned their intelligence, I recalled an incident in the American Pack class at Bryn Mawr a few years ago when John Gilbert, huntsman at Essex (New Jersey), was exhibiting. The judge requested that they take their pack to the other side of a fence, through a gate on the racecourse, hold them up, and then retrieve them through another gate. As John was walking away from his hounds, they immediately backtracked through the first gate and caught up with John as he rounded the fence. The crowd burst into applause with joy at the cleverness of the hounds. This is typical of the American hound — very clever.

The next trait Larry picked was their drive. “When sending hounds into the covert, they will work and work until they find the scent and then push forward as a pack.” Brian Kiely, the new huntsman at the Potomac Hunt added, “They are not individualists. They are forward-going and forward-thinking, because they want to do their job and work together to find the quarry — a true team effort.

The American hounds are not dwellers, they are going to figure out where the fox is going, not where he has been, and they will put 100 percent of their hearts into the job.”

“I love a hound with a lot of drive,” Larry continued. “On a

KAREN K. WENZEL

MEREDITH PARK

is poor. When the hounds strike on a fox, you had best be ready! Hunting behind an American pack requires a horse that is fit and quick because the hounds are so fast,” he said.

“I love their charismatic personalities: open, friendly, eager to learn,” said Jake Carle. “ They respond to kindness, but resent harsh treatment. In kennel, they are more laid back and generally less quarrelsome than some other breeds. American hounds are, as a rule, biddable — I’ve found that especially true in those of the famous Bywaters strain. They want to please. As a result, they are easier to pack break and steady to riot. Afield, they are famous for their nose, cry, speed, and drive.

Poor scenting conditions are commonplace in North American hunting, but the American hound has the ability to adapt to, and overcome, almost any condition. In open country, their strident, melodious voices are a joy; in mountainous and wooded country, they are a necessity for keeping staff and field in touch.”

Jake added, “One of my favorite qualities of the American hound is his ability to work on his own, without human interference. This trait is most helpful in difficult or mountainous country. Instead of looking for help from the huntsman, American hounds will usually work it out for themselves, thereby keeping the flow moving ever forward.

An added boon is the stamina factor. The American hound has the hardiness to do three-day-a-week fixtures throughout a long season and in all weather conditions. Sounds like the ideal hound to me!

Breed your American hounds for your country and you’ll find that they can hunt in any country!”

Tony Gammell, was won over by the American foxhound when he became the huntsman at Keswick in 2001. Having grown up with English hounds, he was used to them and thought they were great foxhounds. After coming to the United States to work at Andrews Bridge in Pennsylvania with its Penn-Marydel hounds, he learned all about this version of the American hound and appreciated its qualities. By fall of that year, though, he was totally in love with the American hound. “They totally changed my mind,” he said. “They are far more intelligent than the English or the PennMarydel. When casting the hounds, they do it themselves; they don’t require assistance like the other breeds of hounds.”

Skip Crawford, MFH, Potomac Hunt added, “When I began foxhunting in 1971, Val Wilson, MFH, Potomac, 1970-73, extolled the virtues of the Virginia strain of the American foxhound.

Potomac Jipsy ’01 was Grand Champion Bitch in 2007. She exhibits the red ticking and fine conformation of the Potomac hound.

good scenting day, our Potomac hounds are a pack that demonstrate a lot of drive. Some say their drive is too much, but as far as I am concerned, as long as they are not flashy, there is no such thing as too much drive. However, on a poor scenting day, they will slow down, and put their noses on the ground to work it out.

I am not a fan of a hound that enjoys hunting a cold line. … The American hound nose is sharp and strong even when the scenting

FALL 2015 | 15

KAREN K. WENZEL

pies grow strong and afThe bloodlines of the fectionate as they mature Orange County hounds into well-developed contributed to much of hounds. Affection is imour pack in the 1970s, portant in the breeding as well as some other program, and it makes great Virginia packs of the hounds easy to train.

American hounds.” Skip If you are affectionate recalled a quote from Bill with them, they show Brainard, former MFH, you how much they love Old Dominion Hunt, Viryou and they want to ginia. “We were fortunate please you all the time. to hunt those hounds Disciplining comes easy and should feel sorry for because they learn fast anyone who doesn’t have and they remember.” that opportunity.”

Larry believes a qualMy personal favorite ity hound with a lighter trait of the American frame will hunt a longer foxhound is their voice, day, especially in hot, deep from the throat, humid weather; will rich and melodious. Yes, hunt more days in a seamusic comes to mind For Jake Carle, Grand Champion American Hound Jefferson ’05 was the most perfect example of the American hound he had ever seen. son and will hunt more when speaking about the years than a large, bighounds in full cry. In the boned, heavily muscled ’60s, for the first few years hound, which seems to be a current trend with some hound enthuI hunted, I had no idea that different packs of hounds had different siasts. The light build of the American hound is important during voices. Eventually, I learned that some packs have good voices, but hunting season when the weather becomes too warm. They tolerate in my opinion, not as rich as the American voice. Years ago, while hunting with another pack of hounds, I heard panicked, high-pitched the heat better than a heavy hound. Their light frame carries them screaming on the other side of the hill, that bordered on frightening. I over all types of terrain and their speed is legendary.

“I’ve had a few hounds — mostly my smallest, lightest bitches was worried that someone had been injured but found out that it was — who have remained keen and useful into their tenth season, conthe hounds in full cry, not the human voices I thought I heard. It was tinuing to work hard and even running up front. I like to compare a cry that was definitely not like the American hound, with its steady, a lighter hound to the Thoroughbred and Arabian horses. These are throaty call like a symphony of French horns. two breeds known for their speed and stamina as opposed to the heavier draft and warm-blooded horses that are not. I don’t see the NEXT GENERATIONS need to have a 90- or 100-pound hound to chase a 10-pound fox.”

The breeding program Larry Pitts built over his 35 seasons at Jefferson, for example, retired in his ninth season.

Potomac has produced many champions. His favorites, though, are And finally, the American hound has personality! They love to the Grand Champion American Hound Jefferson ’05, and the Grand play, are very affectionate, and adapt to new situations very rapidly.

Champion Bitch Jipsy ’01, who were the Centennial Champions A few years ago, we had a hound that we wanted to give to one of in 2007. Larry said that Jefferson was one of the finest hounds he the members who was recently widowed. When a friend asked me has ever bred, and Jake Carle added that he was the most perfect how long it would take to house break and train this hound to livexample of the American hound he has ever seen. The Potomac Hunt has maintained a championship pack over 35 years — a testa- ing in a house, I replied “oh about 30 seconds!” And, that’s exactly what happened. The new owner took the hound home, opened ment to Larry’s eye and planning to produce a level, well-behaved the door to the house and the hound walked in. He looked at the pack of hounds. “Pretty is as pretty does,” as the saying goes, and kitchen, checked out the dog dish on the floor, walked through the this American pack proved over and over. They were as good at their job in the field as they were at winning numerous ribbons and dining room and into the living room, found the sofa and immediately curled up on it. It’s as if he said, “This’ll do.” trophies in the shows.

Breeding American hounds is easy. “The bitches are always good mothers and tend to their young devotedly,” Larry said. “The pupVicki Crawford is Joint Master of the Potomac Hunt in Maryland.

16 | COVERTSIDE

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Hit the Road

RAB BEVERLY LUCKEY

Hunt weeks provide adventure, camaraderie, community.

BY MARCIA BRODY

W

E CAN TRACE the grand tradition of hunt weeks back 110 years to the Great Hound Match of November 1905, which pitted Henry Higginson’s American hounds of the Middlesex against Harry Worcester Smith’s English hounds of the Grafton. Staged in Virginia’s hunt country around Middleburg, the event featured twelve days of hunting alternating between the two packs, with a rest day on Sunday. Interest was reportedly so great that 100 horses were brought to the area for participants’ use in the field.

Today, the tradition continues around North America.

Hunt weeks, or long hunt weekends, entice foxhunters to leave their comfortable burrows and venture in search of the ultimate foxhunting experience, consolidating multiple hunts into a condensed period of time. For people like Mary Ann Jacobson — who currently lives in an area of Texas she describes as “horse desert,” and is able to hunt only sporadically — organized hunt weeks provide an opportunity to gorge on her favorite pastime.

“The best part is that you can go and do basically an overload of hunting — essentially get your whole season 18 | COVERTSIDE

in in two weeks.” She continued, “When I went to Virginia Hunt Week two years ago, I had only hunted two times down here. It was great to feel like I was foxhunting again.” Mary Ann also points out that hunt weeks convey an opportunity to experience hunting away from your home environs. “Growing up in Illinois, I only read about the hunts in Virginia. I never realized I would be able to experience them in person. Hunt gatherings give you the opportunity to sign up and go with the best packs, ones you might not go with otherwise.”

Hunts also make it logistically and financially attractive to participate in their events. Package pricing is often far less than the à la carte equivalent. Some of the hunts in remote locations go to great lengths to make acceptable mounts available for their guests at reasonable rates. Social events and meals are often sponsored and don’t add much, if anything, to the cost. Finally, group rates for accommodations for horses and people are often secured in advance, resulting in additional savings.

Participants are reminded to check rules for hunting licenses in each state that they plan to visit. Rules differ substantially by jurisdiction.

HUNT WEEKS

Hunt Week Checklist DESTINATION Are you familiar with the hunt(s) you have selected and prepared for their territory?

Do the hunts you have chosen offer fields appropriate to the readiness of you and your horse?

Have you researched the Masters so you know whom to thank at the conclusion of the day?

Are you generally familiar with appropriate hunting etiquette?

DOCUMENTATION EIA (Coggins test) and Health Certificate for your horse for interstate travel Map or directions to scheduled fixtures

TWO WEEKS IN VIRGINIA Hunt Week Checklist FITNESS Are you sufficiently physically fit to accomplish your itinerary?

Is your horse sufficiently conditioned for the hunts you have selected?

PRESENTATION Is your horse clean, clipped if necessary?

Does your tack conform to the host hunt’s guidelines?

Do you have proper attire for the day, whether formal or informal, colors or without colors?

Have you packed appropriately for weather contingencies?

Virginia Hunt Week VIRGINIA HUNT WEEK (VHW) is one of the most comprehensive and best established of the hunt weeks and even boasts its own website (www.vahuntweek. org). Conceived as a foxhunting marathon by author and Oak Ridge MFH Rita Mae Brown and some of her colleagues, the event launched in 2000 and has grown at a steady pace.

“Virginia Hunt Week is an opportunity for people to enjoy the varied terrain of our beautiful state,” says Lynn Stevenson, hunt secretary for Oak Ridge. “From hills and valleys to mountains and sandy creek beds, the fall foliage can’t be beat. The week attracts foxhunters from all over and gives everyone a chance to come together and share a common love for a great sport.”

Scheduled in October this year, VHW offers the opportunity to hunt with as many as 15 Virginia packs over a twoweek stretch for a single fee. The sched-

ule will be published in September. Past participating hunts include the Bedford County Hunt, Bull Run Hunt, Caroline Hunt, Casanova Hunt, Commonwealth Foxhounds, Deep Run Hunt, Farmington Hunt, Glenmore Hunt, Keswick Hunt, Middlebrook Hounds, Oak Ridge Fox Hunt, Old Dominion Hounds, Rappahannock Hunt, Rockbridge Hunt and the Stonewall Hounds. Hunts agree to limit their meets during Hunt Week to members and Virginia Hunt Week participants only. Fields can be quite large — 100 plus people per hunt — but are divided into multiple flights. If your horse is tired, aelecting a slower field may be a more attractive option than sitting out the day.

Meets are generally organized geographically so that guests may use a central base of operations for multiple hunting days. Experienced VHW-ers will bring multiple horses and alternate them.

FALL 2015 | 19

Hunt Week Checklist

HUNT WEEKS

HEAD SOUTH TO THE ALL-FLORIDA MEET

EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS Is your health care and health insurance information accessible?

The South Creek Foxhounds THE SOUTH CREEK FOXHOUNDS has hosted the All-Florida Meet for 22 years and the 23rd installment promises a week of great sport, fun and sun in central Florida. The week kicks off with a welcome party at the clubhouse and kennels, followed by two consecutive days of hunting and South Creek’s famous “teas” (See Fare and Flask, page 44). If you survive Friday evening’s hunt ball, you can look forward to a day at the races at

Are your companions knowledgeable about any specific health conditions or considerations?

Tampa Bay Downs on Saturday and more hunting on Sunday!

“It is a non-stop event that makes you feel like you’ve run 400 marathons,” laughs Vickie Reeves, MFH. “Some people come each year, so it’s like a homecoming for foxhunters. Guests will bring different friends, who will return with even more friends, so the comradery is high — people are pumped up about foxhunting and everyone steps it up a notch.”

Do you carry basic first aid supplies for humans and horses?

Are you carrying potentially necessary spares — halters, leads, girths, bridles, pads?

If your horse is shod, have you packed an extra set of shoes?

Sewing kit, duct tape, leather punch for quick repairs?

HORSE CARE Feed, supplements and hay (if not supplied with stabling) Grooming and cleaning supplies JAY SMOAK

Many guests head to Tampa for the All-Florida Meet in February.

Buckets Blankets or coolers Wraps, boots or bandages

Take a Buddy or Two Two heads are always better than one.

Traveling with a friend or small group will lessen any logistical headache of traveling with horses. And when the inevitable must-have item is left on the tack room shelf at home, a travel partner is unlikely to have forgotten the same thing. In case of emergency, it is always best to travel with a companion who knows you and your horses, and will be an instant support system in the event catastrophe strikes.

20 | COVERTSIDE

Gathering for hunt weeks, field trials, or field hunter competitions quickly becomes an addiction on many foxhunters’ calendars. Not only is each experience an education and an exposure to the different ways huntsmen and hounds conduct their chase, but an introduction to another facet of the foxhunting community. The constant features are the camaraderie, the sense of the community, and the ability to share in our love of the sport.

DESTINATION CALIFORNIA Tejon Hunt Week AS THE HOLIDAYS FADE into the new year, and ice and slush close in on the north, foxhunters are ready to travel and trade for a chance at some sun and sport. What could provide better

HUNT WEEKS

SOUTH CAROLINA IS CALLING Lowcountry Hunt, Whiskey Road Foxhounds, & Belle Meade Hunt

WHISKEY ROAD FOXHOUNDS holds its hunt week in Aiken during the first week of February. Hounds will go out Thursday, Friday and Sunday, with social activities every night beginning Wednesday evening. Guests are also welcome to cap with the Aiken Hounds on Saturday in Hitchcock Woods. Though the event has been shortened to about half its original length, reduced caps will be available to anyone who wants to stay on and hunt during the following week.

destination hunting than sunny southern California? The 237,000-acre Tejon Ranch, about an hour from Burbank, was founded more than 170 years ago and is home to the relatively new Tejon Hounds, registered by the MFHA in 2013. Tejon Hounds is a small part of Tejon’s recreational resources, which combine an equestrian center, hunting facilities, and extensive agriculture under the main umbrella. Centralized management and

FEBRUARY CONTINUES with a very special hunt week for the Belle Meade Hunt in Thomson, Georgia. Attendees will gather Sunday evening, February 14, for a social event. Joint Master and Huntsman Epp Wilson’s Crossbred hounds will hunt Monday, Friday and Saturday, with the optional Tuesday to travel to the Aiken Hounds. There will be either a hunt or hunt-related activity every day that week. The event will climax with the hunt’s 50th Anniversary Hunt Ball on Saturday. “Live to Hunt, Ride Belle Meade” is a mantra this group wears well.

“Hunt Week has been a win-win for our club and for our visitors,” says Wilson. “What was designed as a fundraiser had become a ‘fun raiser’ for our club. Many of us plan ahead and take the entire week off. It is fun to hunt day after day — and not have to go to work the next morning.”

CATHERINE DAVEY

“COME AND EXPERIENCE LOWCOUNTRY HUNT’S hospitality and fox hunting at its best,” says MFH Melinda Shambley. “See why so many attendees rebook their reservations year after year!”

Lowcountry Hunt in South Carolina has scheduled its long hunt weekend for the middle of January. The weekend features three days of hunting (Friday afternoon, Saturday morning and Sunday morning) with social events beginning on Thursday evening and continuing on Friday and Saturday evenings, featuring great fellowship and legendary South Carolina Lowcountry cuisine. Participants will hunt beautiful, historic plantations along avenues of live oaks draped in Spanish moss, and have the opportunity to view not only foxes aplenty, but alligators, bald eagles and waterfowl.

ownership of resources makes organization of Hunt Week at Tejon Ranch a relatively easy logistical exercise.

The first Tejon Hunt Week, held in January 2015, attracted nearly 50 participants from nine different states, as well as the Red Rock, Grand Canyon, and Santa Fe Hounds. The Paradise Valley Beagles also joined in for some action.

Many horses were provided by the Red Rock Hounds, while stabling and human

Make Your Own Hunt Week Foxhunters also find it relatively easy to coordinate their own foxhunting weeks, particularly if their destinations are foxhunting-dense sections in the eastern part of the U.S. Most hunt clubs welcome guests, and the hunt secretary is an excellent first point of contact to answer questions about attire and hunting licenses, as well as to make recommendations on accommodations or horses. The MFHA Hunt Roster and Business Directory (included with your Covertside Fall issue) includes the essential contact information as well as an indication of regularly scheduled hunting days. Livery or stabling is available in most areas and foxhunters are typically very welcoming hosts.

The southern hunts welcome visitors with classic hospitality, and great hunting on historic plantations.

accommodations were all easily furnished by the Tejon Equestrian Center, under the direction of Huntsman and Joint Master Scott Neill. Neill hails from New Zealand and originally came to California as huntsman of the West Hills Hounds in Los Angeles County. The week provided participants with mounted hunts and attendant social activities, as well as one day of jackrabbit hunting with the Paradise Valley pack.

FALL 2015 | 21

HUNT WEEKS

RENDEZVOUS IN THE ROCKIES The Arapahoe Rendezvous THE ARAPAHOE RENDEZVOUS will be held from November 11 through 14, and just might be the best value going. For the price of a ticket to the Huntsman’s Dinner, participants receive four days of hunting and social events (though the cost of travel to Colorado might boost the price tag a bit). Arapahoe invites two other hunts to join the Rendezvous. Hounds from the visiting packs hunt Wednesday and Thursday.

On Friday, Arapahoe takes its turn with its hounds. Saturday, a combined pack of host and visiting hounds provides the sport, and the evening culminates with

the Huntsman’s Dinner and Auction.

Anyone with the steam left to join in is invited to go out on Sunday with all three packs in action that day.

“You need to have some good horses and be riding fit,” says Mary Ewing, MFH. “However, we don’t have the traditional first, second or third fields; we do have first field, where we really rock it, but those who don’t want to ride first field can follow hounds at their pleasure. We can accommodate all different kinds of riders and horses. You can have a jolly time at a speed you’re comfortable with!”

Save the Date

ZINA BALASH

The Arapahoe Rendezvous features packs from the Southwest.

CHECK THE INSANITY BOX Bull Run Hunt’s March Madness BULL RUN HUNT near Culpeper, Virginia, has survived five years of March Madness.

Aptly named, the week kicks off with the Bull Run Hunt Races and concludes with the annual hunt ball. In between are six consecutive days of vigorous hunting with Bull Run’s Crossbred foxhounds.

“We encourage people from all over to come and experience our country,” says Master Rosie Campbell. “We do most of our best fixtures that week. Most importantly, we want people to come and have a lot of fun.”

Fun is definitely the theme of the week, as every hunting day begins with the question, “What are we going to do today?” And the strong reply from the field — “Have FUN!!” However, endurance awards should be given to any participants able to achieve full attendance and leave the hunt ball under their own power.

HUNT WEEK

DATE

CONTACT

WEBSITE

Virginia Hunt Week

Oct 17-25, 2015

Lynn Stevenson

VAHuntWeek.org

Arapahoe Rendezvous

Nov 11-14, 2015

Mary Ewing, MFH

ArapahoeHunt.com

Tejon Hounds

Jan 2016

Scott Neill, MFH

TejonHounds.com

Lowcountry Hunt Week

Jan 14-17, 2016

Melinda Shambley, MFH

thelowcountryhunt.com

Whiskey Road Hunt Week

Feb 3-7, 2016

Barbara Nelson, MFH

Whiskeyroadfoxhounds.com

All-Florida Meet

Feb 10-14, 2016

Vicki Reeves, MFH

Southcreekfoxhounds.com

Belle Meade

Feb 14-20, 2016

Epp Wilson, MFH

bellemeadehounds.com

Bull Run Hunt March Madness

Mar 20-26, 2016

Rosie Campbell, MFH

BullRunHuntClub.com

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COURTESY LUBRISYN

Proactive vs. Reactive Wellness begins with a healthy body condition score.

T

BY STEVEN ALLDAY, DVM

his article is the first in a series of articles regarding the importance of a proactive approach to equine wellness. A quote comes to mind when I think of being proactive: “The windshield is bigger than the rearview mirror.” Whether a veterinarian, trainer, casual horse owner, or other equine professional, viewing our horses through the “windshield” provides an advantage when compared to viewing problems with horses in the “rearview mirror.” From feeding programs to a thorough pre-ride routine, approaching the wellness of your equine companion in a proactive manner saves you time and money, and improves the performance career of your horse.

24 | COVERTSIDE

A vital component of a proactive approach to equine wellness is helping your horse maintain a proper weight throughout its career.

Body condition scoring (BCS) was established as a quick and relatively accurate way of tracking the physical condition of equine athletes.

There are several different systems out there, however, in this piece we are focusing on a 1-10 scale (1 being extremely malnourished and 10 being extremely obese). There is quite a bit of literature regarding the actual scoring of your horse, so this piece will focus on the effect your equine athlete’s body condition score has on its soundness, longevity, and performance career.

The optimal BCS range for each individual horse can vary, but it should stay between

a score of 5 and 6 with a 5+ being optimal.

Many horses in the show disciplines are kept at above a 6 BCS score and the potential consequences of this are far-ranging and easily avoidable. One of the easiest and least expensive ways to maintain an equine athlete’s soundness throughout its life is by keeping it at a proper BCS. There are many variables that owners can’t change about their horse or discipline: footing at an event, an individual’s conformation, inherent risks associated with the discipline, and many other factors. But horse owners can control their horse’s weight throughout its competitive career.

With that being said, horses competing at BCS greater than 6 for extended periods of time are subjected to additional wear and tear that could otherwise be avoided. Excess weight and the forces associated with it can affect many aspects of soundness as it relates to equine athletes’ feet, soft-tissue structures, and joints. If an owner thinks along those lines, it only makes sense that less force acting on the support structures of our horses over extended periods of time is a good thing.

Keeping your equine athlete at a stable weight by utilizing weekly or biweekly BCS allows

TERINAR VE I

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APPROVED • ED

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MAKE THE DIFFERENCE.

AN

the animal’s support structures to adjust to what they are being asked to do. The equine athlete’s body is constantly adjusting to its environment. Based on this, common sense dictates that utilizing BCS to maintain stable energy reserves and weight provides your athletes with advantages over your competitors that do not have a proactive approach.

An important aspect of soundness or lack thereof is longevity. Longevity is always a concern with our beloved equine athletes.

We invest time and effort in conditioning our horses both mentally and physically. Most owners have experienced the frustration associated with lingering soundness problems in a horse at the peak of its competitive ability. An easy way to increase the longevity of a horse’s competitive career is to maintain a healthy and stable BCS. The reasons for doing this are obvious when considering topics discussed previously. Alleviating wear and tear from excess weight over several years has a profound effect on how long our horses can stay sound and competitive.

Finally, the impact of BCS on soundness and longevity are for naught if an athlete’s energy needs aren’t met. Maintaining a proper BCS before, during, and after the competition season allows your horse to draw from its energy stores when needed. BCS systems are based on physical and visual analysis of fat deposits over several regions of the horse.

These fat deposits provide your horse with an increased ability to meet and replenish its energy needs during arduous training or competition. The key to being proactive, like in many other aspects of life and horse ownership, is finding the balance between proper fat reserves and the excess weight that taxes your horse. Proper conditioning and feeding programs are still and will always be imperative. Looking through the “windshield” regarding your horse’s BCS provides a way to analyze and track these two factors while providing your horse with lifelong competitive advantages.

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FALL 2015 | 25

HUNTING

COURTESY LIBRARY OF CONGRESS

One of Major General Henry T. Allen’s first actions as commander of U.S. forces in the Rhineland was to establish the Coblenz Hounds in 1919.

26 | COVERTSIDE

A pack of hounds in Coblenz, Germany, during WWI helped forge international relations

BY CHRISTOPHER OAKFORD

DIPLOMACY ON NOVEMBER 16, 1919, An enthusiastic Kentucky foxhunter wrote the following entry in his diary:

“Owing to the rather heavy snow on the ground, Melville and I caught five hares with the hounds, within an hour, along the roadside a few miles north of here.”

By anyone’s standards, it was a day that provided excellent sport.

But the reason for remembering it today lies more with the identity of the author and the location of the hunt. The writer’s name was Major General Henry Tureman Allen of the United States Army, and the hunt took place near the ancient city of Coblenz in the heart of occupied Germany in the aftermath of the First World War.

A

FEW MONTHS EARLIER, Allen had capped an already distinguished career by being appointed commander of the U.S. forces in the Rhineland.

On the November day in question, he and his friend Melville, a British Army colonel, were returning to Allen’s headquarters in Coblenz.

They had dined the previous evening in Cologne with General Sir William Robertson, the commander-in-chief of the British Army of the Rhine — a meeting that was strictly business.

FUN IN WARTIME

The two officers felt there could be no harm in ameliorating their hard work with a little pleasure, and the enticing prospect of some exciting sport on the way back had prompted them to take their hounds along for the ride. This was not unusual. There are many tales of officers hunting hounds for relaxation behind the lines during the war, and several of British officers leading their men into battle blowing hunting horns. And, for Allen in particular, hunting was not something to be viewed as a luxury, but constituted an es-

sential component of life. Twenty-five years earlier, as a young lieutenant, he had co-founded the Cavalry School Hunt at Fort Riley in Kansas. In 1919, one of his first actions following his appointment as commander was to gather together a new pack, known as the Coblenz Hunt, so that suitable entertainment could be provided for his officers and their friends.

Information about the activities of the Coblenz Hunt is scarce and comes from just three principal sources. The first is Allen’s own diaries, which he kept throughout his period of command.

They were published in 1924, a year after U.S. forces left Germany, under the title “My Rhineland Journal.” The second is A. Henry Higginson’s 1928 work “A History of Hunting in the United States and Canada”, which included a section on the Coblenz. And the third, recorded sixty years after the events described in this article took place, comes from an oral history given by Allen’s aide-decamp, Joseph Magoffin Glasgow, who left a vivid portrait of his boss and their time in Europe.

Describing Allen as “one of the finest and most accomplished generals I ever met,” Glasgow noted the many entertainments FALL 2015 | 27

28 | COVERTSIDE

COURTESY LIBRARY OF CONGRESS

available to U.S. military personnel, such as bridge, opera, theatre, racing, and polo; among which “there was organized a Coblenz Hunt Club, where the members of the club hunted to hounds every Sunday morning during the fall and winter months.

This was great sport, and we members of the hunt club turned out in formal regalia with black hats, red coats, white breeches, and black and tan boots as has always been customary in England and America. These hunts were always held in a mostly wooded section in the foothills on the East bank of the Rhine about ten miles or so from Coblenz.”

Glasgow estimated that the club had around 40 officers as regular members, along with many of their wives and daughters. But there were many other people who rode with the hunt and who were not American.

As Higginson reports, the followers also included many “British, French, and Belgian liaison officers in their varied uniforms,” as well as many high-ranking civilians, such as “Lord Kilmarnock, the British member of the Interallied Rhineland High Commission, (who always turned out in ‘pinque’).”

Like their mounted followers, the foxhounds of the Coblenz Hunt were also a cosmopolitan collection. The first to arrive were some American-bred hounds sent by the doyen of hunting in the United States, Joseph B. Thomas. Added to these were French staghounds from the ancient packs of M. Du Souzy and Comte de Broissia. Finally, in late 1921, several couple of English hounds sailed across the Channel. Together, Allen’s French, English, and American hounds formed an appropriately international ensemble.

Regrettably, there seems to be no direct evidence about which English packs provided Allen with hounds. In 1921, however, he traveled to London for a series of meetings. While there, he took the opportunity to experience hunting in The Midlands, riding on consecutive days with the Quorn and the Cottesmore. So it is tempting to think of some of the finest bloodlines in England joining J.B. Thomas’ American-bred hounds in pursuit of wild boar and deer.

We can be more certain about the origin of the French hounds.

And in the case of those given by M. du Souzy, we also know that Allen was availing himself of a family connection. His son, Harry (also a serving officer in the U.S. Army), was engaged to Juliette, the daughter of Jules and Zoé du Souzy.

On January 5, 1921, Allen recorded in his diary: “This morning M. du Souzy showed me his hunters and hounds. On the whole, the pack is not well matched as to color and size, yet it shows the colorings that generally mark hounds containing much English

TOP: Major General Henry T. Allen (pictured hunting with Miss Janet Allen) viewed hunting as an indispensable part of life and saw to it that officers and their friends had access to the sport.

ABOVE: Although Lord Kilmarnock, the British member of the Interallied Rhineland High Commission, was a civilian, he regularly turned up to hunt along with many other French, Belgian and British diplomats.

blood. He also has a kennel of wild boar dogs consisting chiefly of terriers of almost any variety.”

While du Souzy’s pack hunted only deer, the Coblenz Hunt was more broad-ranging in its activities. Live quarry included roe deer, red deer, fox, hare, and boar, and drag hunting was also provided, often on the same day.

COURTESY LIBRARY OF CONGRESS

DECEMBER 25, 1921:

“After hunting all morning, first a drag

and then a roebuck, arrived home for lunch at one. The hounds thus far run drags indifferently, and today demonstrated what has been feared, that the woods around this city have too much game in them. We had up at one time several roe deer in the woods, part of which are too thick to be penetrated with horses, but which afford fine cover for these little animals. ”

Despite its ad hoc approach to game, the hunt was a formal affair.

Higginson noted that the members were “smartly turned out … the Hunt Staff hunting in scarlet, with green collars and yellow waistcoats. They even adopted a Hunt button, with the intertwined monogram CH.” And like hunt clubs everywhere, the Coblenz provided a setting for other social entertainments besides hunting, including a traditional hunt breakfast, dancing and bridge.

HUNTING AS DIPLOMACY

Allen’s job as commander of the U.S. forces occupying Rhineland Germany was as much diplomatic as military and, by all accounts, he was left largely to his own devices in deciding the extent of his role.

Whatever the reason for the autonomy of his command, Allen relished the responsibility and thought deeply about what he felt needed to be achieved. Realizing that he was unlikely to influence high-level policies, such as the Wilson administration’s intractable delay in ratifying the Treaty of Versailles (which bizarrely left the United States as the only Ally still technically at war with Germany), Allen concentrated his FALL 2015 | 29

CROSSING THE POND

Of course, such an idyllic life had to come to an end, and by the close of 1922 it had become clear that the U.S. forces would soon be ordered home. The last chapters of Allen’s journal are full of the increasingly difficult task of keeping the French out of the Rhineland (in March 1923, they would march in as the U.S. forces marched out). As hunting drew to a close, much thought had to be devoted to the fate of the hounds.

Happily, the hounds did make it to Fort Riley, where they formed the basis of the Cavalry School Hunt’s pack. Baily’s Hunting Directory for 1924-25 records the hunt as having “20 couples of English-American-French hounds.” It was lucky that they did.

Within a decade of Allen’s departure from the Rhineland, Germany’s new ruler, Adolf Hitler, banned the sport of foxhunting.

COURTESY LIBRARY OF CONGRESS

Christopher Oakford writes about foxhunting history. He is the co-author of “The Iroquois Hunt: A Bluegrass Foxhunting Tradition.”

COURTESY LIBRARY OF CONGRESS

efforts on two main areas of concern: preventing the French army from encroaching into the heavily industrialized U.S.-controlled area of the Rhineland, and ensuring America was well-placed to resume trading with an eventually revitalized Germany. With those aims in mind, he pursued a grueling schedule of meetings, visits, and social engagements designed to foster good relations. Throughout, sport — and particularly hunting — played a pivotal role, not just in making life more tolerable for his officers, but also in smoothing the path of his diplomacy.

In this, he was aided by the fact that sporting blood runs through military veins regardless of nationality, for the United States was not alone in founding a hunt in occupied Germany. The French army, based around Mainz, was quick to establish its own pack (known as the Mainz Hounds), which was hunted by a Major Féligonde. There are several accounts of joint meets of the two hunts in the Königsforst, a state-owned preserve about 15 kilometers southeast of Cologne.

FEBRUARY 4, 1923:

“ Today we had our last formal stag

hunt from the tent rendezvous near Hohr. Although the stag was once brought to bay in a small stream, he got away and was finally lost. The last hunt supper took place at the Officers ’ Club.

There were many English present, but naturally fewer French and Belgians than usual. There seems to be some doubt as to whether this club will continue after our departure. In answer to a cablegram asking whether Fort Riley desired our hounds as a gift, I was informed affirmatively, but it was understood by the War Department, so the reply stated, that we would defray the cost of transportation from private funds. Mildly expressed, that is some assurance, especially since these hounds have cost us several thousand dollars and our hunt funds are very low.”

ABOVE: The first hounds of the Coblenz were American-bred foxhounds that arrived in the Rhineland from the kennels of Joseph B. Thomas.

LEFT: General Allen and his pack of hounds hunted wooded territory about ten miles east of Coblenz, Germany, a city that dates to 8 B.C.

30 | COVERTSIDE

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How to Fit Your Helmet

A

A properly fitted helmet is essential to riding and hunting safely. The first rule of helmet shopping is to buy one that meets current safety standards and fits your head. The second rule of helmet shopping is to try on the exact style of helmet in which you are interested.

A helmet that is not properly fitted on your head won’t be able to protect you from injury in a fall. Just like hounds, not all helmets models are exactly alike!

There is variation in shape and fit among helmet models, even within a particular helmet brand, so it is of utmost importance to try on the helmet you are considering for purchase.

A trained helmet fitter at your favorite Charles Owen retailer will have knowledge of the different models available, be able to help you choose the right model, correctly fit the helmet to your head, and make any necessary adjustments. They will be able to measure your head in order to recommend what size of hat to purchase. They will take into account the shape of your head, how you wear your hair, and comfort when helping you choose the correct helmet.

As you try on helmets, take note of which models combine the correct fit with personal comfort. A new helmet should fit snugly all the way around your head. It will mold to the shape

of your head as you wear it. The helmet needs to be comfortable because if it isn’t, you are less likely to wear it, and the helmet can’t protect you from an injury if it isn’t on your head!

In the event that you are concerned a helmet is too tight, remove and reset the helmet a couple of times; spend a few moments browsing the tack shop to see if any initial pressure lessens.

The helmet must never rock backward, forward, or sideways and should fit smoothly around your entire head. The helmet should sit one finger’s width above your eyebrows with the chin strap fastened so that one or two fingers can slide underneath your chin from ear to ear.

The chinstrap should be adjusted first, followed by the back laces, which support the chinstrap. Gaps between the helmet and your head indicate that you should choose something different. A helmet that moves on the head significantly reduces the level of protection it is designed to offer. And no one wants to miss a view or lose sight of hounds because their helmet has fallen over their eyes!

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Please send me information about ways to leave a legacy.

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Mail to: MFHA Foundation, Attn: Legacy Program PO Box 363, Millwood, VA 22646

MFHA Foundation is a 501 (c)(3) organization. Our federal tax ID number is 54-1999844

ASK THE HUNTSMAN

Balancing Act

Scott Neill, Tejon huntsman and MFH, was whipping-in when he was 11.

Dual roles are a challenge for the Master of a new hunt.

G

BY KATY CARTER

COVERTSIDE: You serve as Master and huntsman for a newly organized and MFHA-registered hunt. How do you balance both jobs?

COVERTSIDE: What strategies do you employ to balance your dual role?

SCOTT:

SCOTT:

I balance things by being as consistent as possible with the hunting. My roles here on the ranch are very diverse.

At times I don’t know how it all comes together, but, rain or shine, Wednesday and Sunday mornings I will be hunting. At this stage, I haven’t missed a day’s hunting in my working career, and it’s a personal goal to keep going. However, this sometimes means I leave directly after a hunt and go to other ranch duties.

I don’t think I do anything different than before. However, as I gain more experience I tend to look at the whole hunt as an event as opposed to just worrying about the hounds and how the day is going. I try to make it fun for all that are following; we are not all at the same riding level and to grow numbers at any hunt it has to be a fun day regardless of riding ability. People hunt for a host of different reasons and they are a very diverse bunch, so I try and find a happy medium for everyone.

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LORI OVANESSIAN

ROWING UP IN A NEW ZEALAND hunting family has its advantages and Scott Neill, MFH and huntsman for Tejon Hounds in Lebec, California, has taken advantage of every opportunity he’s had: hunting hare in New Zealand, red fox in Australia, and now coyote with 15 couple Crossbred hounds on the 270,000 acre Tejon Ranch, the largest single private landholding in California. Scott was thrown in to the hunting life at an early age and began whipping-in to his huntsman father at age 11. When his father sustained a broken scapula from a mishap at a wire fence a year later, Scott took up the horn and hunted hounds for two weeks. He has hardly ridden in the field since and will start his 26th season as huntsman this fall.

COVERTSIDE: How has the development of a new pack influenced your decision making in both roles?

SCOTT:

The pack is just now starting to happen for me! I was very lucky to be given hounds that suit the country that I have to hunt — that’s all you can hope for at the start. We all have a style of hunting and I have mine, too. I would advise a huntsman trying something new to keep an open mind. Years of hunting harriers in 60 inches of rain a year is not going to help you with foxhounds hunting coyote with six inches of rain a year. Look and talk to the other huntsmen. Look for things they do better than you and try it with your pack.

Katy Carter is the associate editor for Covertside and the editor of ecovertside.net.

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HOUNDS & HORSES

Maverick, who arrived at Sedgefield in a feed bucket, hunted nine seasons.

NICK BRIDGES

The Old Man Finds Love As a semi-retiree, Sedgefied Maverick ’05 lives the good life.

BY FRED BERRY, MFH AND HUNTSMAN, SEDGEFIELD HUNT

“I can’t believe he gave Maverick away!”

T

hat’s what I overheard after I did it. But the hound was old — he had hunted for us nine and a half seasons. Even though he was still running well, he had to slow down sometime. He needed a retirement home.

Doc Addis bred Maverick, and when he was three weeks old, Doc brought him to us at the Kimberton hound show in

36 | COVERTSIDE

a feed bucket. Doc claimed the pups were eating, but my wife Elaine bottle fed them for a while. He was a mouthy young hound and could have easily been written off as a babbler.

Nonetheless, he matured into a great hound. He became the Boy Scout of foxhounds: trustworthy, brave, obedient, and cheerful. He had a cold nose, a distinctive voice, he rarely missed a day, and he was always in the truck at the end of the hunt. We had many a grand adventure together. Maverick went on a trip out west with

us, and was bitten by a bear in the Rocky Mountains. But he couldn’t last forever.

Huntsman Katherine Gunter at Aiken Hounds needed some help with her pack. She asked around for some steady, honest, stick-to-the-line hounds that might have a season or two left.

We gave them Yugo and Maverick. Both hounds did well, but Maverick became a rock star.

Every once in a while, a hound comes along that even the riders in the field come to know, and all the members of Aiken Hounds know Maverick.

“Maverick transformed our pack,” said Katherine. “He got on the line, and every third step he spoke with his distinctive booming voice. Our young hounds honor him, and the cry in our pack is now incredible. He is the best hound I have ever had.”

AND THEN THERE WAS LOVE

Katherine Gunter is Maverick’s sun, his moon, and all his stars.

He is now a one-woman dog.

He even moved in with her. But he is not retired; no sir. At the end of his tenth season, he still

NICK BRIDGES

Trustworthy, brave, honest, obedient: Maverick’s booming voice called the young entry to honor him, and wth his leadership, he improved the pack.

hunts two or three days a week.

But if he is not hunting, he wants Katherine in his sight.

Maverick follows her around and keeps a sharp eye on her.

And he is jealous. Her husband, John, can get close to her, but no one else — unless they are smaller than Katherine. Maverick sleeps on the couch with the cats, but every morning he jumps in bed for a roll and a belly rub. His Katherine obsession extends to her stuff: he gathers her clothes and personal things and hoards them. He is a Katherine nut, and the feeling is mutual. “I adore him,” she said.

STILL HUNTING

As is befitting a rock star, Maverick rides to the meet in a limousine — or a Yukon, anyway. Aiken Hounds hunt both live and drag, and he is the best at both. Maverick is unflappable on the drag, no matter what nonsense the other hounds may get into. In live hunting, he is the essential certifier: he either finds the game, or verifies it is okay. If another hound opens, Maverick goes in and has a sniff.

If he speaks, Katherine cheers the pack

Fred Berry is MFH of the Sedgefield Hunt.

KATHERINE GUNTER

When Maverick moved on to Aiken Hounds, he fell in love with huntsman Katherine Gunter.

He still hunts, but he lives in the house.

on; if he comes back looking disgusted, she calls them off the line. If Maverick says it is trash, they don’t chase it.

The old man has a real sense of right and wrong. He has rules: don’t run deer; no one hurts Katherine; he rides in the car, not the hound trailer; workers work. On the farm, if the workers are busy, Maverick is fine; if they take a break, he barks at them.

Now, at age 11, running coyotes with the youngsters is too much. As soon as the pack settles on a coyote, Maverick comes back to Katherine and his grandson Motor and the next generation takes over.

He hangs out while Katherine gets someone to put him in the truck. Even so, he is expected to be in the lineup next year.

Life is good. Yet love has its price — its obligations — for on cold days, Maverick has to wear a sweater emblazoned with a big ugly Georgia Bulldog “G.” Poor thing.

FALL 2015 | 37

HOUNDS & HORSES

The Lowdown on Coop Safety

I

How to build — and jump — coops safely.

BY LAURA ANN MULLANE

ROSEMARIE MERLE-SMITH

as possible, the t’s long been Merle-Smiths said that a set pressurefoxhunter treated posts in the doesn’t hunt ground, usually to jump, but the two at either end other way around. to serve as both After all, coops and a brace for the other fences in the wire fence the field are there to coop is straddling, keep livestock conand as a wing for tained — and thus the coop. Then keep farmers happy everything ties into — while allowing the posts. Their hunters to cross the coops are made country quickly with seven 1 x 6 and keep up with oak boards. Oak the hounds. But ask is strong enough any foxhunter and that it can take a they’ll tell you that beating — both jumping coops is, Properly designed and constructed coops can safely withstand the rigors of hunting for multiple seasons. from horses and if not the goal of the elements — and still last for boggy field when a coop aphunting, certainly an exhilarating or hits it,” said Ms. Merle-Smith. years. “You don’t want anybyproduct of it. Rosemarie Merle- pears in front of you that must “A coop must never move or thing the horse can put a hoof be jumped. Oh, and there are Smith, a Master with the Tennesbreak. I’ve seen numerous through,” said Ms. Merle-Smith. see Valley Hunt, recalls explaining 25 other riders ahead of or wrecks from coops [that did].” behind you who will also be “hilltopping” to her mother-inHer husband, Grosvenor, also It’s also critical to build coops with a pointed top — versus a law, Katherine — known as “Miss jumping it. a Master with the Tennessee Valflat one — so a horse doesn’t But the wild and woolly Kitty” when she was the riding ley Hunt and formerly with the bank the jump and punch a hoof nature of foxhunting doesn’t instructor at Foxcroft School Bull Run and Keswick Hunts in through the top, another dangermean that hunt clubs can’t take and a lifelong foxhunter — who Virginia, built coops in the early ous scenario. precautions to make coops in replied, “What’s the point of 1990s for Keswick that are still The minimum height of the the field safer. Here are a few hunting if you can’t jump?” standing today. “I have watched a tips from those who’ve been But jumping, of course, is horse very closely hit a coop that Tennessee Valley Hunt coops is three feet, with some as high as building — and jumping — not without its risks. That’s true wasn’t secured,” he said, “and three foot six inches. “There’s a coops for decades. when you’re alone with your as the coop started to roll, the new trend to build coops lower mount in an arena, jumping horses’ hooves cleared the top, than three feet so more people are brightly colored poles that colonly to continue on and become STURDY AND SECURE comfortable jumping them,” Ms. lapse if your horse barely taps tangled in the rolling coop, The resounding consensus in the Merle-Smith said. “But if you do them on a course that’s been ultimately being trapped under hunt field is: The sturdier and that, the farmer is going to have measured to perfectly match a more secure the coop, the safer it it. The horse flipped and landed to put a rail or wire across the 12-foot stride and the footing is is. “The most important thing [in on the rider. I’ve heard of a few top and someone is going to have groomed with the utmost care. other accidents that sounded coop building] is that any jump to take it down before the field It’s doubly true when you’re out exactly the same. All resulted in is permanently attached to the jumps it. It defeats the purpose in the hunt field, on a chase, serious injury or death.” ground so there is no chance of of being able to move across careening around corners in a To keep their coops as secure it moving when a horse touches

38 | COVERTSIDE

Integrity. Craftsmanship.

allows the coop posts to settle further into the ground, making it even more secure.

There’s also the question of whether to leave gaps between the boards that comprise the coop. Some say there should be no gaps, pointing out that large gaps can result in a hound’s paw or horse’s hoof getting caught.

The other side argues, however, that a fence that looks too solid might encourage a horse to try to climb over it, rather than jump it, which could cause a horse’s foot to punch through.

In both cases, the worst-case scenario is not one anyone wants to experience. MFHA The resounding consensus guidelines recommend placing the two top in the hunt field is: The boards of the coop sturdier and more secure snugly against each the coop, the safer it is. other to prevent hounds from catching a toenail when they bank the boards. The Ward, a member of the hunt other boards can have small gaps and volunteer coop-builder. between them. (For more details, “Higher than two-foot-six see http://www.mfha.org/docs/arintimidates a lot of people. But ticlebuildingsafercoopsbynormany lower than that, the horses fine.pdf.) don’t take them seriously.”

Although the particulars of Ward concurs that the safest coop building may vary accordfences are the sturdiest ones. ing to local landscape and cli“What’s dangerous is having mate, a well-built coop should coops that are in disrepair — do its job over the course of with nails falling out and boards several years — even decades. sticking out.” His materials of “A good coop,” Mr. Merle-Smith choice are pressure-treated 2 x 6 explained, “discourages cattle boards — anything smaller tends from climbing over it, yet are to warp faster, especially in the inviting and inherently safe dry Colorado climate. He builds the coops in an A-frame construc- for horses to jump.” He notes that the angle of coops allows a tion, with the bottom boards horse to hit them fairly hard and two to four inches off the ground yet still slip over them safely. when the coop is first set. This the country quickly.” Still, some hunts will run wire (contained within PVC pipe) or boards over the top of smaller coops so the hunt staff and first field can jump them when they’re on a line, while the second and third fields can take down the wire or board to make the coop more inviting for less experienced riders.

Other hunts just make the coops smaller. The Arapahoe Hunt in Colorado, for example, measures most of its 125 coops at about two feet six-inches.

“We don’t use a top bar and haven’t had any issues with cattle climbing over,” said Zach

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“The safest coop,” he added, “is one that is absolutely rock solid and bomb-proof — period.”

RIDING BETTER

The second most critical element of jumping safely is, of course, the riding itself. Ms. Merle-Smith, who’s been a trainer and instructor for decades, says the quality of the riding in the field has declined in the more than 30 years she’s been hunting. “When I started hunting, there really weren’t hilltoppers,” she said. “They were grooms with green horses or kids on ponies.” Now, the hilltoppers can be the largest field in a hunt. “We need to get people to step up and be comfortable jumping three feet and three-foot-six,” she said. “We give people so many different options now so they don’t have

40 | COVERTSIDE

to jump, but it keeps people from growing and becoming better riders.”

She noted how many people don’t ride in the summer, then turn up in the fall out of shape and rusty — and mounted on out-ofshape and rusty horses. “You can’t let a horse sit around in a field for five months, then take it out for cubbing in September and expect it to do fine,” she said.

Cathy Wieschhoff, a longtime foxhunter and upperlevel eventer, agrees, saying that many foxhunters just don’t ride enough to improve their skills.

how to get a distance. It’s about hanging on to the mane and letting the horse figure it out.”

It’s these riders, Ms. A-FRAME Merle-Smith COOP said, who are the most at risk of injury in the field. A coop can only do so much to keep a horse and rider 2 x 4 Rough Oak safe. In the end, it’s up to 1 x 6 Rough Oak the rider to be able to get their horse to the jump in a way that for a day of hunting, but never he can clear it without hurtride otherwise,” she said. She recalls training young foxhunters ing himself, his rider or those around him. for Edith Conyers in Kentucky.

“I would be helping these horses Laura Ann Mullane is a frequent get their distances and set them contributor to Covertside who up for the jump, but Edith told hunts with Caza Ladron in Santa me that these riders don’t know Fe, New Mexico.

“They used to call them ‘punters’ in England — the people who would come out from London

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FALL 2015 41 4/3/2015 2:25:53| PM

LIBRARY

Money Woes

I

f you are on the hunt for a fun, entertaining read with a satisfying twist at the end, author Paul Smith’s 2014 novel “The Owl and the Earl” will fit the bill. Although Smith’s delightfully comical story may be about a fictional hunt’s quest to raise funds to build new stables, foxhunters around the world will undoubtedly identify with the story and the personalities that bring it to life.

Like his lead character, Hector Griffiths, Smith became a lawyer and started what would

become a highly successful insurance business. Smith also drew on his own 25 years of experience hunting with “the crack hunts of the Yorkshire” in the UK and his subsequent four seasons as Joint Master of the Middleton Hunt (UK), to create a novel filled with wonderfully authentic and, at times, zany characters.

(There is likely a real-life version of each character somewhere in the hunting world.)

The tale follows the quest of newly minted Master Hector Griffiths to raise £35,000 to restore the Blankshire Hunt’s dilapidated one-hundred-year-old stables. While the landowners and members of the Blankshire are supportive and want to help, they seem to want to engage in the project only on their own terms and, of course, do not take

kindly to the idea of settling past feuds, making peace and getting along with those who have wronged them in one way or another — even if the perceived sins were committed a generation ago.

A cocktail party and a hunt cookbook launch (sound familiar?) kick off the drive to save the stables, and while most members contribute what they are able, a certain landowner refuses to do his part. As the fundraising deadline looms ever closer, Hector’s diplomatic skills are tested

AUDREY WALLROCK

A fictional hunt’s misadventures in fundraising make for a whacky adventure. REVIEW BY KATY CARTER

at every turn. With his head spinning, Hector is compelled to call in reinforcements from outside the Blankshire community, as the chaos and perplexities of rallying the local troops have all but exhausted him.

Will Hector’s ultimate plan work? Sit back, relax and laugh along with what could also be called the misadventures of hunt fundraising.

Katy Carter is the associate editor for Covertside and the editor for ecovertside.net.

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FARE & FLASK

from SOUTH CREEK FOXHOUNDS, Tampa, Fl.

president of the racetrack.

Festivities begin Wednesday evening with what club members know as the British Welcome Party, a dinner for some six dozen people, held in the club’s hunt house by the kennels. South Creek’s Katie Wentz, who hails from England, explains how it came to be: “I was in the UK at Kimblewick’s summer Picnic Ball and, out of the blue, I volunteered to cook the dinner when I invited eight of them to come to our Although it takes place among the palm trees and warm winter of Florida, the South Creek Foxhounds All-Florida Meet has a distinctly British flare.

All-Florida Meet. It has been The grand finale to the hunt breakfast is Katie Wentz’s delicious trifle. thriving ever since. My two British friends, Kate Ryan and Jo Winrow, who are members of our club, help give it a real British feel. Kate makes sausage rolls, Scotch eggs, and crudités (with which we drink Pimm’s cup); Jo makes a carrot and Swede mash and buttered cabbage or Brussels sprouts. I make shepherd’s pie, A British transplant offers up which technically is cottage pie, as traditional fare in Florida.

I make it with ground beef rather than lamb. Everything has lashings of hot beef gravy. Members of

BY MICHAEL STERN the South Creek Pony Club, who attend in smart red polo shirts, serve and bus and are delightful.” anniversary, was cold.

Temperahere is scant need The grand finale of the tures were down in the 50s. But to persuade anyone Welcome Party dinner is the we had people from Canada who spent last trifle Katie makes for dessert. It and Michigan strolling about in winter north of the underscores the British accent of shorts and short sleeves; it was Sun Belt that Florida is a mighty the meal and concludes things on such a relief for them.” nice place to be in February. It is a jolly note with a one-two punch Visitors have the opportunity an especially inviting destination of caffeine and liqueur. For all for foxhunters because of the All- to hunt Thursday, Friday and Florida Meet sponsored by South Sunday, and each hunt is followed its sparkle, this trifle is, in Katie’s words, “the simplest, simplest of by what South Creek folk know Creek Foxhounds of Tampa. desserts. Anyone can make it. It is as tea (a.k.a breakfast). There is a “This is when we encourage a very good recipe if, like me, you people from other hunts to come hunt ball Friday night and a day at the races at Tampa Bay Downs would rather spend more time in down and join us,” says Vicki Reeves, Joint Master. “It is a way on Saturday. Race day is hosted by the barn than in the kitchen.”

Bronson and Stella Thayer, Bronto show off what we have here.

Michael Stern has co-authored son being one of South Creek’s To us, the 2015 meet, when original Masters, and Stella being over forty books about Ameriwe celebrated our club’s 50th

LAYERS OF DELIGHT

T

Fare & Flask is sponsored by Huntsman’s Premium Bloody Mary Mix

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can food and popular culture.

He created roadfood.com and is heard weekly on Public Radio’s “The Splendid Table.”

the recipe

KATIE’S TRIFLE Ridiculously easy to put together, but sure to wow guests, Katie’s trifle came to her as a recipe in a ring binder of family favorites from her mother-in-law. The original recipe calls for instant chocolate pudding and Cool Whip. As Katie makes it, the instant pudding is fine (although mousse may be substituted for an upscale twist), but she prefers freshly whipped cream to Cool Whip. As easy and forgiving as the recipe may be, proper presentation is essential. Trifle must be served in a glass bowl that shows off its multiple layers.

INGREDIENTS: • 1 box devil’s food chocolate cake mix, prepared according to box directions • 1 cup Kahlua • 2 boxes instant chocolate pudding, prepared according to box directions (Katie says she uses three boxes, so she can have extra for the trifle and some to eat while cooking.)

• 1 16-ounce container of Cool Whip or 4 cups whipping cream beaten to stiff peaks (add sugar to taste) • Chocolate shavings • Berries DIRECTIONS: WHEN THE CAKE IS BAKED and cooled, break it into large chunks and use half of the chunks to line the bottom of a trifle bowl. Drizzle half the Kahlua over the cake. Layer on half the chocolate pudding, then half the whipped cream.

REPEAT THE LAYERS and garnish the top layer of whipped cream with chocolate shavings and a few berries. Refrigerate several hours or overnight.

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LAST RUN OF THE DAY Photograph by James Thoms

Body Double JANICE SNELLING, Camargo Hunt’s professional whipperin and kennelman, on her mare CC. She’s whipping-in during a hunt at our fixture called the Little Red Schoolhouse, Cincinnati, Ohio. It was opening day, October 2014.

—CARLA BABCOCK

EDITOR’S NOTE: Do you have a photo, story or essay to share with Covertside? Send high-resolution, 300 dpi photographs or essays to editor@covertside.net, or snail mail to Covertside, 2329 Lakeview Rd. SW, Albuquerque, NM 87105 48 | COVERTSIDE

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