Covertside Spring 2019

JUDGING PERFORMANCE TRIALS • CONSERVATION WINNER • A SPECIAL BLOODLINE

THE MAGAZINE OF MOUNTED FOXHUNTING

SPRING 2019 • $5.00

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HIDDEN TRAIL The Plains ~ Magnificent horse property in the midst of serene Virginian countryside. From Young Rd, two driveways access the 107 acres of Hidden Trail Farm. The first leads to one of the finest indoor riding arenas surrounded by exquisite ride out. The second is a graceful, park-like drive which parallels a creek and then gently curves upward leading to the elegant manor home. $5,000,000

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Page 14

Performance trials competitors getting their radio collars.

SPRING 2019 • VOLUME 10, NUMBER 1

Features 14 JUGGLING AT FULL CRY

BY EMILY ESTERSON

Go behind-the-scenes with the Hark Forward Grand Championship judges.

20 TOP PERFORMERS

BY KEITH GRAY, MFH

The offspring of a single British hound show their excellence at performance trials and beyond.

22 DEEP CONSERVATION ROOTS

BY NANCY HARTNEY

The Hunting Habitat Conservation Award honors Deep Run’s parcel-by-parcel preservation efforts.

IN EACH ISSUE: From the Executive Director p.2 From the Publisher p.4 MFHA News p.6 Last Run of the Day p.32

8

10

12

GIVE VOICE Reflections on why we hunt.

THE FIELD HUNTER There’s nothing mule-ish about hunting Ellie Mae. YOUNG ENTRY Two pony clubs win conservation awards.

26

28 30

ASK THE LANDOWNER Aiken’s land conservation efforts.

ON OUR COVER: Judges Ken George and Ashley Hubbard at the Grand

FARE AND FLASK Attendees eat well at the Aiken Horse Show.

Championship Performance Trials in Fitzpatrick, Alabama in November.

FOXHUNTER’S LIBRARY Peek inside An Illustrated Collection of Hunting Haiku.

Photo by KATIE G. PARKER

SPRING 2019 | 1

FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Community Focus

I

2 | COVERTSIDE

www.mfha.com

OFFICERS

Patrick A. Leahy, MFH • President Leslie Crosby, MFH • First Vice-President Penny Denegre, MFH • Second Vice-President Bill Haggard, MFH • Secretary-Treasurer David Twiggs • Executive Director

MFHA FOUNDATION

Patrick A. Leahy, MFH • President PO Box 363, Millwood, VA 22646 (540) 955-5680

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

COVERTSIDE EDITORIAL BOARD

LIZ CALLAR

HOPE EVERYONE IS HAVING a fantastic hunting season so far.

Over the past two years, the MFHA has been focused on bringing hunters together to celebrate the hunting community. This will continue to be a key priority moving forward. It not only allows hunters from different packs to network and strengthen bonds, it has also allowed me the opportunity to listen to our membership and begin to understand what is important to our members.

We have had some tremendous MFHA events this season. The North American Grand Championship Performance Trial raised more than $93,000, but, just as importantly, it also brought together 24 hunts with hounds represented and many more with participating hunters.

Thanks to the Midland Fox Hounds for all the effort in organizing this event (see story page 14). The Junior North American Field Hunter Championship was a tremendous success and continues to grow stronger. Well over a hundred youth participated in the finals with many more who rode in regional qualifiers. This brought together more than 33 hunts in the championship alone. Thanks to Marion Chungo and her crew for all their efforts in making this happen. Our seminars were fantastic opportunities to both educate our members on specific issues and to listen to our membership.

We plan to continue having these types of events regionally so even more members can participate.

As a next step in our efforts to better hear our members’ concerns and ideas, we are planning a survey for all subscribing members. This will give you an even greater opportunity to be part of the discussion planning the future of the MFHA.

MASTERS OF FOXHOUNDS ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA

Please take the time to give us your ideas and opinions when you receive this survey.

Finally, we are coming to the end of our headquarters project and are targeting the Virginia Foxhound Show weekend as our grand opening. I want to thank all the many folks who donated so generously to making this happen. The MFHA will make this facility the hub for education, public relations, and advocacy for the great sport of foxhunting. Please look for additional announcements concerning the grand opening coming soon.

Good hunting,

W. David Twiggs Executive Director and Keeper of the Stud Book, MFHA

Leslie Crosby, MFH Penny Denegre, MFH Emily Esterson, Editor-in-Chief Patrick A. Leahy, MFH David Twiggs, Executive Director

DIRECTORS

Canada • Dr. Charlotte McDonald, MFH Carolinas • Fred Berry, MFH Central • Arlene Taylor, MFH Great Plains • Dr. Luke Matranga, MFH Maryland-Delaware • John McFadden, MFH Midsouth • Eleanor Menefee Parkes, MFH Midwest • Keith Gray, MFH New England • Suzanne Levy, MFH New York-New Jersey • David Feureisen, MFH Northern Virginia-West Virginia • Anne McIntosh, MFH Pacific • Terry Paine, MFH Pennsylvania • Sean Cully, MFH Rocky Mountain • Mary Ewing, MFH Southern • Mercer Fearington, MFH Virginia • Ginny Perrin, MFH Western • Susan Denny Gentry, MFH At Large • Dr. G. Marvin Beeman, MFH At Large • Ed Kelly, MFH At Large • Mason H. Lampton, MFH At Large • Dr. Jack van Nagell, MFH At Large • Daphne Wood, 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

FROM THE PUBLISHER

SPRING 2019 EDITOR-IN-CHIEF/PUBLISHER EMILY ESTERSON publisher@covertside.net 505-553-2671

Traveling as a Pack

T

4 | COVERTSIDE

EDITORIAL ASSOCIATE EDITOR ASHLEY M. BIGGERS ashley.biggers@gmail.com STAFF WRITER/ ECOVERTSIDE.NET EDITOR MARTHA DRUM martha@mfha.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS ROBERT KORNACKI

HE CEILING OF GRACIE’S, a modified double-wideturned-bar in Fitzpatrick, Alabama (you can easily zoom right by it) is a testimony to just how many foxhunters have passed through this tiny hamlet. Study that ceiling long enough and it’s likely you’ll find the name of a foxhunting friend scribbled on it (yes, you can find my name there now, too).

I was in Fitzpatrick, along with 125 of my foxhunting friends, for the Hark Forward Grand Championships Performance Trials.

What an event! So much energy, so many friends new and old, far and near, gathered in one remote place. The organizers (see page 22) did a herculean job, accommodating and feeding horses, hounds, and people in a place with no stabling, no kennels, and no hotels (there is, of course, Gracie’s). And it’s a sight to see 50-plus hounds, most of whom have never hunted together before, work as one, solid pack. If there’s a metaphor here for how foxhunters gather, that would be it — in the foxhunting world, there really are no strangers. We may be individuals, but when we gather, we quickly become a pack. I was fascinated by the judging of the trials, and although I rarely write more than this column in the magazine (just too busy), I was inspired to put fingers to keyboard. Four great photographers helped to illustrate this fun event — Allison Howell (frequent Covertside contributor), Tish and Warner Ray and Katie G. Parker.

In this issue we also feature a couple of conservation award winners: Deep Run Hunt was honored at the MFHA meeting in January with the Hunting Habitat Conservation Award. Read about how

ART DIRECTOR GLENNA STOCKS production@covertside.net

hunt members have worked hard to piece together parcels of land that connect fixtures, enhancing and preserving hunting acreage in this rapidly developing area.

And the United States Pony Clubs gives out its own conservation award. This year, two clubs with close ties to hunts (Young Entry, page 12) were the recipients.

Please don’t be shy about sending us your contributions — articles, columns, letters, photos, thoughts. We always welcome them.

Happy Hunting,

Emily Esterson Editor-in-Chief/Publisher

NANCY HARTNEY KEITH GRAY, MFH MARIAN WAHLGREN

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

Aiken, South Carolina .

.

.

HOMES HORSES HISTORY HOSPITALITY

Old Buckland Barn COURTNEY CONGER 803.645.3308 . $1,425,000

Historic training facility in Aiken’s downtown Horse District has spacious 2,787 square foot main residence, combining 2 original cottages with central great room. Cottage is delightfully renovated with wood floors, granite counter tops and all appliances. There are 2 converted race barns with 15 expanded stalls total, board fenced paddocks, grooms’ apartment, dressage arena with mirror.

West Wood Farm

COURTNEY CONGER 803.645.3308 . $450,000

Delightful Sand Hills cottage offers spacious, light filled rooms with high ceilings, heart pine floors, great room with wood burning fireplace and floor to ceiling built in bookcases, formal dining, custom kitchen with granite and downstairs master suite with infrared sauna. The 5-acre tract is developed for horses with 2 board fenced paddocks, each with a run in shed, and 2 wells. Private setting, nestled in Aiken’s equestrian corridor.

C’est La Vie Farm COURTNEY CONGER | RANDY WOLCOTT . $550,000

On over 60 acres of fenced fields & woods, this fully developed horse farm includes brick 3 bedroom home, 2-car garage, center aisle barn, dressage arena, 6 large paddocks, 2 run-in sheds, round pen and dog run. Custom barn has 8-10 stalls, tack room/lounge, half bath, feed room, wash stall, unfinished loft.

Oak Tree Farm

COURTNEY CONGER 803.645.3308 . $699,000

Country contemporary with 3 bedrooms and 3 full baths is nestled in a grove of beautiful old live oaks on over 48 acres of board fenced Bermuda pastures and woods. Window walls provide sweeping views of sparkling pool and extensive coastal fields. Renovated kitchen with granite countertops, all new appliances, and new wood flooring. Center aisle barn with 3 stalls, tack & feed room, run-in, hay storage.

Wadmalaw Island Equestrian JACK ROTH 803.341.8787 . $1,150,000

This Charleston equestrian property offers proximity, privacy and possibilities! Renovated main residence has 5 bedrooms (2 master suites!), 3.5 baths, huge walk-in closets with built-ins, home office and gym. Property includes nearly 17 acres, with 15 acres of fenced pasture and riding arena. Large 8-stall barn with kitchen, bath, laundry, wash area and detached tack room. The 4-stall barn has hay loft and plenty of storage.

The Polo Club

MIKE HOSANG 803.270.6358 | BRIAN CAVANAUGH 803.624.6072 . $1,075,000

An early century charmer, originally built as a clubhouse for Whitney Polo Field. Directly across from Aiken's Training Track in the Historic downtown Horse District, with easy access to race tracks, polo fields, Hitchcock Woods riding reserve. Enjoy the wrap-around porch with picturesque views. Keep cozy in front of the 5 fireplaces.

Beautiful hardwood floors enhance this historic property that also boasts ample paddock space.

Polo Vista Stables at New Bridge COURTNEY CONGER 803.645.3308 . $695,400

This beautifully constructed center aisle barn on 22.47 acres overlooking polo field offers 18 large, matted stalls, wash stall, spacious tack room/lounge combo, 2 bunk rooms, laundry room and full bath. Includes 1800 square foot equipment shed and 13 board fenced paddocks. Amenities include riding trails, clubhouse and pool. May be purchased with charming 4-bedroom cottage across polo field, offered at $454,000 (see right).

Magnolia Blossom Ranch JACK ROTH 803.341.8787 . $735,000

Woolworth House COURTNEY CONGER 803.645.3308 . $675,000

Historic Winter Colony cottage with stables in downtown Aiken just steps from Hitchcock Woods, Aiken’s 2,200 acre riding reserve.

Delightful 3 bedroom, 3.5 bath home, updated in recent years, features high ceilings, wood floors, fireplace, and wall of windows overlooking patio and paddocks. Three-stall shed row barn for horses.

Beautiful equestrian estate at Three Runs Plantation on over 13 acres of established grass with majestic views! The quality built huntbox has 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, custom kitchen in 1638 square feet of living space, and includes 5 stalls with automatic waterers, wash stall, tack/grooming stall and storage. There are 3 large paddocks, irrigation, security system, and gated stone entry. Community amenities include riding rings, clubhouse, pool, fitness center, and miles of groomed riding trails.

Polo Vista . $454,000

COURTNEY CONGER

Comfort and craftsmanship are the hallmarks of this delightful 2929 square foot home featuring open floor plan with cathedral ceilings, wood floors and window walls overlooking polo field. Great room with stone fireplace, 4 bedrooms and 3 full baths. May be purchased with 18-stall stables on 22 acres across polo field.

Three Runs Plantation COURTNEY CONGER 803.645.3308 . $569,000

Aiken’s most desirable equestrian community is the setting for this delightful home on over 5 fenced acres. Wood floors, high ceilings and extensive millwork with formal living room with fireplace, formal dining, custom kitchen with granite, 4 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, screened porch and oversized garage.

www. Carolina HorseProperties.com . 803.648.8660

MFHA NEWS

4 ANNUAL MEETING

Rocky Fork Headley Hunt; and

Deep Run members attended

4 UPCOMING EVENTS

AWARDS AND REPORTS The annual meeting took place

Doug Raynor, Monmouth County

the presentation, including

Mark your calendars to attend

Hunt. Outgoing MFHA District

children and grandchildren of

these special member events.

on January 25, 2019, at the

Directors Terence Hook of New

late Master “Red Dog” Coving-

Details will be posted on

Union Club in New York City.

England and Tad Zimmerman of

ton, whom many credited for

mfha.com.

Leslie Crosby, MFH and 2nd vice

Northern Virginia-West Virginia

his foresight in prioritizing land

president, reported 746 Masters

were honored for their service.

conservation.

and ex-Masters, nearly 6,000

They will be replaced by Su-

subscribing members, and 150

zanne Levy of Wentworth Hunt

Executive Director David Twiggs

MARCH 9, 2019,

member hunts — the latest addi-

Club and Anne McIntosh of Blue

touted the enthusiasm of

Moore County, North Carolina

tion being Tot Goodwin’s newly

Ridge Hunt, respectively.

participants in the Junior North

Moore County Hounds Hunter

American Field Hunter Champi-

Trials, at Walthour Moss Foundation Hunter Trials Course.

The First Annual Carolinas Performance Hunter Series

formed Goodwin Hounds. The following Masters were elected

Deep Run Hunt of Manakin-

onships and praised the effort

to membership a day earlier

Sabot, Virginia, received the

and energy of organizer Marion

at the MFHA Board meeting:

Hunting Habitat Conservation

Chungo. Twiggs emphasized

MARCH 31, 2019

Andrew Bowen, Camargo Hunt;

Award from Daphne Wood,

the importance of supporting

Aiken, South Carolina

James Campbell, Lake of Two

Conservation Committee chair

this event to encourage future

The Aiken Horse Show in

Mountains Hunt; Brian Daniels,

(see related article on page 22)

foxhunters.

Hitchcock Woods.

Sewickley Hunt; Karl Lieder, Long

for its approach to protecting

Lake Hounds; Stephanie Phillips,

territory. More than a dozen

Keynote speaker Mason Lamp-

Drag Seminar

ton detailed the changes and

APRIL 26-28, 2019

growth of the MFHA in recent

Aiken, South Carolina

decades. Lampton highlighted

Aiken Hounds will host a seminar

the work of his fellow past

focusing on challenges and tech-

presidents, and current president

niques of running a drag hunt.

Tony Leahy’s work raising funds for the new headquarters, “an

New Headquarters Open House

effort which I think will unite

MAY 24-25, 2019

foxhunters across America.” He

Middleburg, Virginia

described ways in which the

Tour the new national

organization has evolved to

headquarters.

overcome challenges such as financial pressures, threats from

4 DON’T MISS OUR

anti-hunting groups, and loss of hunt country. Lampton identified

ONLINE COVERAGE Visit ecovertside.net and

innovative fundraising methods,

enter the given search term

especially the establishment of

to read more.

the subscribing membership and

MARTHA DRUM

events like the Centennial and

Hound breeding: Hillsboro

Hark Forward initiatives, that

Hunt (TN) huntsman John Gray

buttressed both participation

shares pedigrees, conformation

and balance sheets. Lampton

evaluation, and performance

encouraged hunts to continue

trial records of some favorite

to organize joint meets, hunter

hounds. Search: Salty

trials, and performance trials as ways to build community across

Determination: Isabelle Powers

Past MFHA President Mason Lampton spoke about the suc-

our sport while also generating

bounces back from lymphoma

cess of the Hark Forward Championship Performance Trial,

income. “If we do this, we will

to achieve her goal of competing

which his Midland Fox Hounds hosted last November. He

perpetuate and promote the

at the Junior North American

presented a bronze hound bust, donated by Lampton and

sport to new members. Let’s

Field Hunter Championships.

his wife, Mary Lu, to Eleanor Menefee Parkes, MFH, Hillsboro

bring them to Middleburg and

Search: Isabelle

Hounds, in recognition of winner Hillsboro Salty ’15. This per-

teach them our rich history in

petual trophy will be housed in the new MFHA headquarters in

the new office complex. Let’s

Field sports: What mounted

Middleburg, Virginia.

leave a legacy of hunting to

foxhunters can learn by following

our successors.”

foot packs. Search: Aldie

6 | COVERTSIDE

SETTING THE STANDARD FOR 40 YEARS

Complete design services and fine craftsmanship Custom barns, arenas, outbuildings and living quarters

1-888-354-4740 | www.kingbarns.com SPRING 2019 | 7

GIVE VOICE

Joanne, with Latuda, half border terrier and half Jack Russell terrier (left), and Mercutio, a rough-coated Jack

FOOTHILLS FOTOWORKS

Russell terrier.

Joanne’s Hunting Epiphany

It boils down to emotion, instinct, and fun.

L

AST ISSUE, I ELABORATED ON OUR INNATE FASCINATION WITH WATCHING ANIMALS IN THE ACT OF HUNTING. My wife fell into foxhunting by marriage. She says that

she hunts as a way for us to spend time together, which

BY KEITH GRAY, MFH, MILL CREEK HUNT

I was reading in our dining room where there’s a full view of our pastures backed by some thick woods, when I spied a coyote going from right to left inside the fence line. Simultaneously, Joanne hollered from the next room: “WHERE ARE THE DOGS?” A bit

speaks volumes about Joanne’s heart.

With my wife came a very crooked but sweet designer dog named Elouise — ­ half Pekingese/half

toy poodle — the kind of dog where grooming includes a haircut, scented shampoo, and bows. She’s a stark contrast to my two Jack Russell terrors, who have expanded their territory to include not only our property, but all property adjoining us. Gratefully, our neighbors are either rarely home or are amused at our inability to control these dogs.

Early on in our marriage, the tranquility of living in a semi-rural area was broken by screaming little dogs and Joanne’s panicked voice, “Where is Elouise?

annoyed, I responded, “Don’t worry, they’re in here.”

WHY WE HUNT

A continuing series on the spiritual, emotional, and practical reasons behind our captivating sport

There’s a coyote out there!” You see, I’ve determined that my dogs would rather die a noble death trying to rid the world of vermin than be sequestered in a fenced-in yard. Aside from a few

A moment of quiet passed, then I heard the screen door slam, and marveled at the vision of my wife sprinting across the grass, under the fence, and across the pasture where the coyote had been, with the terriers in exuberant tow. She was doing all she could short of getting on all fours to put them on the line … who then took to heel!

By the time I got to the commotion, she had them turned around and heading in the right direction, hot on the coyote’s trail, high-pitched yelps disappearing in the distance. I looked at her, puzzled, and without asking, she innocently answered my question: “I don’t know what came over me. I saw the

coyote and just reacted.”

In this space, I usually write about why we hunt. I try to be logical,

trips to the vet for stitches, our incredibly feisty creatures do an excel-

and credible, backing up statements with research, professional

lent job of making sure no wildlife sets up shop near our home.

opinion, and reason. My lovely wife is now clearly a fox (coyote)

Joanne would just roll her eyes when she’d hear the Jacks dash

hunter (although her choice of dog may need some adjustment).

into the woods, coursing the most recent form of wildlife that dared

Her reaction was not logical or premeditated. It was pure emotion,

come close. “One of these days, those dogs won’t be coming back.” I

instinct, and fun! She demonstrated that sometimes we do things

can’t disagree, but as a hunter myself how can I deprive them of what

simply for those reasons. Let’s appreciate that we have these op-

they live to do?

portunities and share them when we can.

8 | COVERTSIDE

OUR FUTURE

National Headquarters Dear Friends and Supporters, The Masters of Foxhounds Association is entering an exciting new era, building a legacy for the future. The new headquarters and museum will be a symbol of our historic traditions and commitment to hunting’s future. It will be a platform to educate the public about our rich history, expound the values of hunting and rural tradition, and grow our sport. There are many ways for you to be part of this legacy and your donations are tax deductible.

Patrick Anthony Leahy MFHA President

T HE M F H A RE PR E S E N T S F OX H UN T IN G F O R AL L O F US! Whether you give $5 or $5,000, you can be a part of our new headquarters, building on our mission to Promote, Preserve, and Protect mounted foxhunting for future generations!

SUPPORTER:

BENEFACTOR:

GOLD FOXHUNTER:

$1 – 500

$5,000 – $9,999

$50,000 – $99,999

PARTNER:

VISIONARY

PLATINUM FOXHUNTER:

$500 – $999

$10,000 – $19,999

$100,000 – $249,999

PATRON:

SILVER FOXHUNTER:

DIAMOND FOXHUNTER:

$1,000 – $4,999

$20,000 – $49,999

$250,000 and above

DONORS OF $10,000 OR MORE

will have the opportunity to sponsor and name rooms and areas while available. To see the full list of giving opportunities and appreciation go to www.mfha.com or call 540-955-5680 to donate.

Send your tax deductible donation to:

MFHA Foundation, P. O. Box 363, Millwood, VA 22646 Or online at: www.mfha.com Please make the notation “Headquarters Fund” on your check.

PHOTO PROVIDED BY DONNA SPOON

THE FIELD HUNTER

Meet the Mighty Ellie Mae

MULE MAY NOT BE THE FIRST equine that comes to mind when picturing the ideal field hunter.

Something long-legged, 17.1 hands, and out of a Thoroughbred may even sound promising and not immediately suggest a donkey’s offspring.

But a 17.1 hand, long-legged, smooth-riding mule the huntsman is delighted to borrow when his horse goes lame midhunt? For owner Donna Spoon and her fellow members at Sedgefield Hunt (North Carolina), 14-year-old Ellie Mae is all that and more.

Spoon, 61, began riding gaited horses and owned several 10 | COVERTSIDE

mules for trail riding with her husband. About 10 years ago, though, she set her sights on

“Everyone thinks it’s all about speed, but it’s standing, dealing with hounds, negotiating different terrain, going through the brush. That’s what makes a mule so great.”

—DONNA SPOON

foxhunting and knew as soon as she saw Ellie Mae’s rangy conformation that the mam-

moth jack/Thoroughbred cross was just the right type. When the owner said Ellie Mae wasn’t for sale, Spoon gave him her card and waited. A year later, he called her back, and Ellie Mae was hers.

“She was already 16 hands, and that’s not your average mule rider’s choice because for trail riding, a tall horse is harder to mount from the ground,” Spoon explains.

“Mules mature more slowly than horses, so she was still growing. They also don’t reach full mental maturity until nearly age ten, so she was a handful at first.”

After taking lessons together, Spoon contacted Sedgefield

BY MARTHA DRUM

about attending the regular Sunday “hunt school” rides — a gentle, organized introduction to following hounds.

“They said, ‘We’ve never had a mule, but she’s welcome to come,’ and they really welcomed us with open arms,” Spoon says.

Like many novice pairs, Spoon and Ellie Mae spent their first season in the third field, working on cantering and acclimating to hounds. They moved to second flight, and, by their third season, Ellie Mae’s jumping ability allowed them to join the first field.

“We both started at zero,” says Spoon. “As they say, it took three seasons, but now

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A

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she’s found her niche and she loves to hunt.”

Ellie Mae also loves Sedgefield Master and Huntsman Fred Berry, according to Spoon.

“When she gets off the

PHOTO PROVIDED BY DONNA SPOON

trailer and hears his voice, the ears prick. And if I need her to really move out when we’re on a run, I just tell her, ‘Git Fred!’ and off we go!”

The affection is mutual — at a meet last fall, Berry unexpectedly needed a replacement mount, and Spoon asked if he’d be okay riding “half a horse.” Berry recalls, “My horse went puny on me in the middle of the hunt, so I’m seeing if anyone will loan me a horse, and the only one brave enough to say yes is Donna. She knows Ellie Mae and I kind of have a love affair. Ellie Mae is just a brilliant ride. She goes anywhere, just bulletproof.”

Spoon and her big mule are now enjoying their ninth season together.

“I think it takes a really intelligent horse to be out in the hunt field. Everyone thinks it’s all about speed, but it’s stand-

Ellie Mae, smooth-riding and reliable, leads the field with her owner, Donna Spoon (also left). Ellie Mae has also been called upon to be a huntsman’s (half) horse.

ing, dealing with hounds, negotiating different terrain, going through the brush. That’s what makes a mule so great.”

Spoon, who enjoyed hiking before her rheumatoid arthritis

limited her ability to walk long distances, finds hunting allows her to keep enjoying the wilderness. “It’s kept me going, and I trust that Ellie Mae is going to keep me safe.”

SPRING 2019 | 11

YOUNG ENTRY

DIANE ECHTERNACHT

Miami Valley, along with Camargo Hunt and others, restored an equestrian path.

Young Conservationists

I

Two pony clubs win conservation awards.

12 | COVERTSIDE

Pony Club, led by members Kara Echternacht and Elaina Grayson, collaborated with the Indian Hill Equestrian Club, the Camargo Hunt (Ohio), and the Village of Indian Hill to restore a safe equestrian connector path from Clippinger Field, an equestrian park, to the Miami Bike Trail, and Galbraith Field, offering contiguous riding without using roadways.

The Middle Tennessee Pony Club was given the Brookfield award for their annual commitment to the Friends of Warner Parks and the Volunteer State Horseman’s Foundation. The club, affiliated with Hillsboro Hounds (Tennessee), works to conserve and maintain the ecological, historical, and recreational facilities of the 3,000-acre Percy Warner Park, located just nine miles from

downtown Nashville. Warner Park is home to an equestrian center that hosts the notable Iroquois Steeplechase and the Middle Tennessee Pony Club Horse Trials, the longest continuously running horse trials in the United States.

The Brookfield Conservation Award is named in honor of historic Brookfield Farm near Lexington, Kentucky. The original parcels of Brookfield were received from the British monarchy in the late 1700s and

include some of the most fertile soil in the famed Bluegrass region of central Kentucky. The Iroquois Hunt, organized in 1880 as one of the premier foxhunts in America, hunted for many years on Brookfield. In 2000, Brookfield was placed in the Bluegrass Conservancy by its owners, Betsy and Jack van Nagell, MFH, Iroquois Hunt and former MFHA president, thereby preserving its land for agriculture, equine activities, and wildlife.

Miami Valley conservationists

DIANE ECHTERNACHT

N PONY CLUB, every member is introduced to the concept of land conservation and preservation.

Members build their knowledge about landowner relations, care, and preservation of the land over which they ride, zoning issues in their area, and steps they can take to help preserve land for equestrian use. Every year, the United States Pony Clubs awards the Brookfield Conservation Award and $500 to a club whose members have helped promote land conservation through their dedication and hard work.

Two clubs were awarded the 2018–2019 Brookfield Conservation Award: Miami Valley Pony Club in Ohio, and the Middle Tennessee Pony Club in Nashville, Tennessee.

In the spirit of the Brookfield award, the Miami Valley

BY MARIAN WAHLGREN, US PONY CLUBS

JOANNE MAISANO PHOTO

More than 100 junior foxhunters qualified for the championships.

JUNIORS COMPETE AT CHAMPIONSHIPS

N

OVEMBER 10TH MARKED THE 16TH ANNUAL JUNIOR NORTH AMERICAN FIELD HUNTER CHAMPIONSHIPS, hosted by the Old Dominion Hounds in Orlean, Virginia.

Founded by Douglas WiseStuart and Iona Pillion, the championship has continued to grow every year, and, in 2018, more than 100 junior foxhunters qualified to compete at the championships.

Organizers Marion Chungo

and Michelle Arnold, along with Old Dominion Hounds and the Old Dominion Hounds Pony Club, put on a spectacular event for the 60 competitors who traveled to Virginia for the weekend festivities.

The JNAFHC is designed to not only showcase junior foxhunters, but also to instill the importance of land conservation and riding in the open.

FIRST FIELD – 13 AND OVER Champion – Ashleigh Currier, Belle Meade Hunt (GA) Reserve Champion – Nancy Alcock, Piedmont Fox Hounds (VA) FIRST FIELD – 12 AND UNDER Champion – Gavin Sacco, Live Oak Hounds (FL) Reserve Champion – Taylor Kogen, Mill Creek Hunt (IL) HILLTOPPER – 11 AND OVER Champion – Ella Johnson, Orange County Hounds (VA) Reserve Champion – Mell Boucher, Camden Hunt (SC) HILLTOPPER – 10 AND UNDER Champion – Ashby Hunt, Blue Ridge Hunt (VA) Reserve Champion – Brynn Miller, Potomac Hunt (MD) THE LYNDA JOHNSTON PERPETUAL SPIRIT AWARD Henry Nylen, New Market-Middletown Valley Hounds (MD)

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ALLISON HOWELL

JUGGLING AT

PUT YOURSELF IN THE ACTION FOR

JUST A MOMENT: The hounds are in full cry, you’re galloping all out to keep up with some of the fastest and keenest hounds in the country.

14 | COVERTSIDE

You’re trying to catch a glimpse of the numbers painted on the hounds’ sides. And, you’re hunting in unfamiliar territory, with a guide from the local hunt serving as your navigator. You have to position yourself so you can see the action up close, but not interfere with the quarry, the hounds, or the hunt staff. You might be riding a borrowed horse, who hopefully knows his job. You’ll be wearing a watch and carrying a digital recorder — or two since one could fail — on a lanyard around your neck.

As the day continues, you’ll cover some country, with your guide leading you to the best places to see the

FULL CRY

Being a judge at the performance trials means understanding hounds, and being technically savvy.

BY EMILY ESTERSON

action. You’ll hope to remember to push “record” and look at your watch, noting the time and the activity: “8:42, trailing, hound 70.” You have pre-hunt nightmares about not recording your scores correctly — or having a technical malfunction. When the hounds break covert in full cry, you’ll look at your watch to mark the time and push the record button on your recorder to note the lead hound’s number, all at a full gallop on an unfamiliar horse in country you don’t know. You hope for the best.

Such was the job of the six judges on horseback who scored hounds at the Hark Forward Grand

Championship Performance Trials, held in the tiny hamlet of Fitzpatrick, Alabama, from November 5 to 7, 2018. Fitzpatrick is Midland country, where the late Ben Hardaway, MFH, launched a legacy of breeding and hunting some of the finest hounds on the continent. Overall, a couple hundred field members, car followers, hunt staff, masters, friends, and family descended on the village, which consists of little more than Gracie’s Bar (where visitors sign their names on the ceiling and Midland huntsman Ken George operates the karaoke machine with, ahem,

More than 100 field members joined the fun.

expertise) and the Lamptons’ Foxpatrick Pavilion, where several of the meals and the opening night hound show took place.

Approximately 125 riders followed the action, and the judges included some of the top huntsmen, Masters, and staff from around the country — and the world: Frank Houghton-Brown (United Kingdom); Charmian Green (United Kingdom), who followed hounds in a Polaris; Leslie Crosby; Tim Easby (United Kingdom); Dennis Foster; Dinwiddie Lampton; and Lincoln Sadler, along with road judges Steve Clifton, Toddy Smith, and Rick Conger. “[On the first day] We found [the quarry] very quickly, riding three miles in eight minutes,” says Tim Easby, director of the British MFHA. “Most of us got one or two scores, I think. We heard them marking and got to where two hounds had the 16 | COVERTSIDE

coyote at bay. That was the first hunt. ... The thing is, you have to remember you’re there to judge and not just enjoy the hunting. Fortunately, the [voice recorder] worked. I did have this nightmare that the thing would turn off. I pressed play at one stage, and I could hear this voice, and I thought, ‘that’s me talking to myself!’ It was very exciting, and it’s a real privilege to do it. And I had a really lovely former steeplechase horse — we flew some nice coops.”

As the capstone event for the season-long Hark Forward performance trials, the competition focused on combining everything foxhunters love about the sport. Each pack comes from different country, hunts different quarry with huntsmen who have different styles. When it comes to writing a set of rules for a non-competitive sport, Cameron Sadler, trial president and its technical delegate, notes: “I apply the 80/20

The first day’s Rutland fixture featured large grass fields, crop and grazing land, and some small creeks and wooded coverts.

ALLISON HOWELL

THIS IMAGE ALLISON HOWELL, LEFT TISH RAY

KATIE G. PARKER

Frank Houghton-Brown, a judge from the UK, watching the pack. Below, performance trials Huntsman Ashley Hubbard (left) and Tim Easby, a judge and the director of the British MFHA, shake hands on a great day of hunting. Below, cooling off on day 1, which was hot and humid.

rule. Eighty percent of it is getting the people together so we’re going to have fun doing what we love to do, which is hunting with hounds on horseback. Twenty percent is making sure we have guidelines so that we are able to distinguish who should win and who should not.”

Sadler also notes the incredible organization necessary to pull off a national-level trial. “Huge hats off for organizing everything before 55 hounds, 25 packs, and all their people, and all their horses showed up here. There was a huge amount of background organizing, like portable stalls, and food — I heard [from Mason Lampton] that over 1,000 meals were served over these three days.” The event was organized by a committee consisting of Hark Forward Performance Trials series chairman Epp Wilson, MFH; Jean Derrick, Mason Hardaway Lampton, Mary Lu Lampton, Ken George, Erin Gray, Robert Miller, Justin Simpson, and Christy Stapleman, as well as Sadler, MFH, judges, guides, and volunteers.

Although scoring individual hounds, it’s the packs actually being judged. The hounds are scored on four elements: hunting, trailing, full cry, and marking. For

KATIE G. PARKER

hunting, judges are looking for hounds that persistently hunt — either with head up or down, depending on the conditions. A hound receives a good score for trailing when it follows the game at distance while giving tongue and making a strong effort to catch up to the quarry. For full cry, the quarry is “started” — leaping out of the covert and moving — and the pack is running. For marking, the hounds are scored for bringing the quarry to bay, to ground, or accounting for it. The first judge to arrive at a marking event is the scoring master. All the hounds causing or participating in a marking are given scores.

According to Sadler, who supported Dennis Foster and Epp Wilson in writing the performance trials’ rules, being a judge requires a keen knowledge of hunting.

“First, you have to love hunting, and you have to want to be where the hounds are. You also have to know what 18 | COVERTSIDE

you’re looking for in hound performance. You have to thoroughly understand the four different [elements]. The second thing is to be a good rider on a good horse. You have to be agile and quick, and be where the hounds are, because you need to capture who’s in front. And of course, you need to be able to operate the voice recorder.

That’s one of the biggest challenges. And you need to multi-task, riding at a fast speed. Sometimes when you’re scoring hunting or trailing, it’s not fast, but if you’re going to catch the full cry scores, you need to be thinking about where [the hounds] are going to go, instead of just following where they are at the moment.”

Dennis Foster adds that the ability to read hounds’ body language is the no.1 most important part of being a judge. You have to know what a hunting hound looks like.

“For example, trailing hounds — they could be in a line

A bench show preceded the performance trials, allowing hunts to show off form and function.

TISH RAY THIS PHOTO AND RIGHT EMILY ESTERSON

Above, group photo of the field, the judges, and the organizers; below left, putting radio collars on the competitors; below right, Midland MFH and host-withthe-most Mason Lampton.

RESULTS CHAMPION Hillsboro Salty ’15 (Hillsboro Flintstone ’11 x Hillsboro Sable ’13) RESERVE

with competitors coming from and opening once in a while. But they Midland Bliss ’12 as far away as the Midwest. It inare not really moving forward. For (Midland Wilton ’08 x Midland Birdsong ’06) cluded shared meals, gallops in the full cry, if you miss the first hound, field, and connecting with friends. you can’t give any other hound a OVERALL PACK WINNERS Says Sadler, “The real thing is that score,” Foster says. Another element Midland Fox Hounds it’s all about camaraderie — bringis that, for each hour the pack is Hillsboro Hounds ing people together from different hunting, the computer adds points, Shawnee Hounds hunts, and enjoying a little bit of so that hounds receive more points competition, and doing what we the later in the day it is, rewarding a all love doing.” pack’s ability to work well into the third, fourth, or even fifth hour of a hunt.

Despite the competitive nature of the event, it was Emily Esterson is the editor of Covertside magazine. a festive gathering of hunters from around the country, She hunts with Caza Ladron in Santa Fe, New Mexico.

TO READ A FULL ROUNDUP OF THE EVENTS, VISIT ECOVERTSIDE.NET

Top Performers It was old-home week at the grand championships for a United Kingdom–based judge and her breeding program.

BY KEITH GRAY, MFH, MILL CREEK HUNT

W

TISH RAY

ex-MFH of the Vale of the White Horse, has overseen the hat started as an effort to bring genetic diverwell-regarded VWH breeding program since 1977 and is consity to foxhounds in the United States may sidered one of the top hound breeders in the United Kingdom. have turned out to be far more influential His breeding program has produced successful hounds for than expected. Five hounds from the same both the field and the show ring.

English litter qualified for the Hark Forward Grand Champi“These hounds are the nucleus of my pack,” says Gray. “They onship Performance Trials. In fact, peruse the results of the have tremendous drive, and are always thinking forward. Plus, year’s 12 qualifying events, and you’ll notice these recurring they’re tough!” Not only do they perform well, but they show names: Fox River Valley’s Daffodil, Mill Creek’s Dallas and well, too: “We put Virginia Champion Midland Striker to DayDakota, and Hillsboro’s Dagwood. light to get [Hillsboro] Starlight, a Reserve Champion at Virginia Thanks to the careful breeding of Charmian Green, ex[Hound Show],” adds Gray.

Master of Fox River Valley Hunt (Illinois), a litter of pups “They have tremendous heart and drive. I’ve already bred to grew up to be finalists for the grand championship, and one Daffodil, who easily soars over — Hillsboro Dagwood — earned our fences,” shares Leahy. “Plus, top honors. The results were she has a lot of heart and drive.” proof-positive of an outstanding Leahy offered Dakota and Dalbloodline, no matter the country. las, the largest puppies in the litAnd Green herself was a judge at ter, to Mill Creek where the hunt the event, able to see the results country is tight. They are among of her program in action. the top hounds in that kennel, Hillsboro Hounds’ Profestoo. “I need hounds that are sional Huntsman Johnny Gray honest because we have so many explains: “We were looking deer, and biddable because of the for some new blood. Nonbusy roads that run through our traditional. Tony [Leahy, Master country,” explains Prof. Huntsand huntsman at Massbach/Fox man Brenda Yost. “These hounds River Valley] had a connection are very special, and we’ve already at Warwickshire Hunt (United Hillsboro Dagwood (number 40, left side) has incredible drive. put Dallas to our top bitch.”

Kingdom), and we agreed to Although Glider and Daylight share the cost of bringing back come from hundreds of years of breeding specifically for fox in a bitch in whelp.” After her mastership at Fox River Valley, a specific region in England, the American puppies have shown Green moved back to England where she became a Master of brilliance by hunting different regions of the US and by sucWarwickshire. It was that connection with Green that Leahy cessfully hunting a variety of game such as coyote, bobcat, and tapped for hounds. wild boar. “These hounds are honest. They’re the first ones back Warwickshire Daylight came to the United States in 2015, when the pack picks up something they shouldn’t, and they tell carrying a litter by Ledbury Glider. Daylight comes from Vale me about it,” chuckles Gray. “They’re just very smart.” of the White Horse Rancher on the stallion hound side. “I’ve Lowcountry Prof. Huntsman Martyn Blackmore says he always used [Vale of the White Horse] blood. I trust Martin has one litter of six from Daisy, and will breed her back to an Scott implicitly, and I’ve had a lot of luck with his stallion English import this year. “She works great, has great voice, and hounds,” explains Green at the trials, in Fitzpatrick, Alais always there!” bama in November (see related story, page 14). Martin Scott,

20 | COVERTSIDE

While there may be some distant cousins already in America through the prolific Midland pack, these new arrivals have been widely dispersed: WARWICKSHIRE ‘DAYLIGHT’ PUPPIES CURRENT PACK Dazzle, Danger, Dagwood, Daiquiri

Hillsboro (TN)

Daffodil

Massbach Hounds/ Fox River Valley (IL)

Dakota, Dallas

Mill Creek (IL)

Damsel

Bull Run (VA)

Daisy (registered as Mooreland ‘Gilly’)

Lowcountry (SC)

Daily

Blue Ridge (VA)

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Equestrian & Sporting Life Jewelry Charles Montgomery, professional huntsman, Bull Run Hunt, attributes his plans for Damsel to his friend Captain Ronnie Wallace. “Ronnie would often go back to old English lines to gain ‘fox sense’ in his pack. By fox sense, I mean they just seem to be thinking about catching the fox more than any other breed.” To bring more old English into the Bull Run pack, Damsel was bred to a very American hound with Piedmont Watchman on both sides. “Watchman, who may be the most bred-to hound in the ’90s, goes back to Bull Run Wellington. What I like about Damsel,” adds Montgomery, “is that she fit right in to a very mixed pack, and they hunt together. It’s what makes a pack effective, especially in coyote country.”

The Daylight hounds have proven themselves through different regions by running a variety of game; they were well represented at performance trials and have shown well in hound shows. With second generations already on the ground, this bloodline has had an impact on hunting with hounds in America. If you’re fortunate enough to visit any of the hunts with Daylight blood in their pack, ask the huntsman and settle in for an enlightening conversation.

Keith Gray is Joint Master of the Mill Creek Hounds.

www.marklexton.com SPRING 2019 | 21

DEEP

CONSERVATION ROOTS FIGHTING URBANIZATION, ONE PARCEL AND LEGACY AT A TIME.

BY NANCY HARTNEY

When he purchased Sunnyside, Red Dog Covington restored the land, created desirable wildlife habitats, added contiguous plots, and rebuilt historic barns and cottages.

T

the heart of Deep Run hunt territory in Fluvanna County. In the following years, he purchased properties at risk of development and thus added more than 1,153 acres under easement to the Deep Run country.

Red Dog did not stop there but followed the ‘line’ to local farmers, large plot owners, and individual homeowners, encouraging and educating them on the benefits of protecting the countryside through conservation easements. Deep Run Hunt

Mel Sheridan, Fluvanna County Commissioner of Revenue, landowner, and occasional hunter, worked extensively with Red Dog identifying land and educating landowners who might benefit from easements and land tax structures. Together they identified county acreage to be maintained as rural, a support to municipal officials who plan development for the county’s towns and countryside.

After Red Dog’s death, Commissioner Sheridan continued to work with Deep Run Hunt Masters to balance the needs of open land tracts and wildlife conservation with the requirements of suburban development and population growth.

ACRE BY ACRE

DEBBY THOMAS ART & PHOTOGRAPHY

HE SUN YAWNS AWAKE in a thin light and a hound’s voice spirals visible in the air. The huntsman confers briefly with the kennelman, selects the day’s hunting pack, and checks the position of staff and mounted hunters. The hounds know, really know, it’s time to hunt.

They settle at the first covert, draw through the area with sterns flagging and noses to ground, already puzzling out Reynard’s line. A dog hound opens, his bay rolls across a pasture toward a copse.

A second, then third hound honors. The pack screams in full cry.

Analogous to a trusted strike hound stands the late James “Red Dog” Covington, Jr. and Deep Run Hunt, recipients of the 2018 Hunting Habitat Conservation Award in recognition of their enduring contributions to the preservation of the rural countryside. The award is given annually by the MFHA to a hunt that has made an enduring impact on the preservation of rural countryside. It includes a $5,000 award and recognition at the annual meeting in New York in January.

Red Dog is a Virginia foxhunting legend. Twice Master of Deep Run Hunt, 1980 to 1985 and 2001 to his death in 2016, he worked tirelessly for his beloved sport. In 2005, Red Dog purchased land in Fluvanna County, Virginia, ahead of the bulldozers. Between Richmond and Charlottesville, urban development, had it been initiated, would have taken out

Deep Run Hunt has worked hard to preserve its fixtures.

BILL SIGAFOOS

members have collectively opened up more than 6,000 acres to foxhunting. Some 3,660 acres stand protected under conservation easements with another 1,000 acres pending protection.

In 1998, Red Dog purchased Sunnyside Farm – 400 acres of country land and wildlife paradise on the Rivanna River in Fluvanna County.

The property dates back more than 200 years as an operational farm with woodland and rolling pastures. Uninhabited for decades prior to Red Dog’s purchase, it was his pride and joy. He restored the land, created desirable wildlife habitats, added contiguous plots, and rebuilt historic barns and cottages. The farm, now in conservation easement, reflects his commitment to supporting organizations or foundations that safeguard large tracts of land and indigenous wildlife.

“Red Dog believed that conservation easement could actually preserve and hope-

SPRING 2019 | 23

BILL SIGAFOOS

The historic barn at Sunnyside.

fully increase the value of property if an area could be developed with multiple, contiguous easements,” says MFH Virginia (Ginny) S. Perrin. “He believed that there was a market for people who wanted to live in the country, who would be attracted to areas where they knew that development would be limited.”

Deep Run members have worked as a group to protect open spaces. A land conservation fund, developed through contributions from members, is matched from the club’s investment fund. Initially, efforts focused on land near and around the kennels. Later, the focus shifted to connecting small strategic parcels between fixtures critical to access and to the purchase of larger parcels in the Cumberland territory.

24 | COVERTSIDE

Red Dog and Deep Run supporters continue to act as ‘strike hound’ in the larger hunting community. They work closely with the DRH Pony Club, Virginia Outdoors Foundation, Chesapeake Wildlife Heritage, Virginia Extension Office, Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries, and Capitol Region Land Conservancy to protect soil and transition habitat for pollinators, prey, and predators.

With Red Dog’s passing, the Deep Run Hunt Conservation Committee continues their proactive, full cry efforts. Trail preservation and pony club education programs, land easement programs with local partners, naturalist birder outings, the annual James River Bird Migration Count, wildflower identification walks,

and native grass restoration efforts are examples of their ongoing endeavors.

In the 125-plus-years of Deep Run Hunt, the clubhouse and kennels have moved many times due to land pressures and urbanization. In 1932, the club purchased land in eastern Goochland County where the clubhouse remains; the kennels, stables, hunt staff, and much of the hunting moved west into Cumberland County in 1996, onto land purchased by the hunt. Today, in part thanks to conservation efforts, Deep Run has hunt country in Goochland, Fluvanna, and Cumberland counties.

Nancy Hartney is a freelance writer and short story author. She rode with Misty River Hounds, 1989-2016, and calls the Ozark Hills around Fayetteville, Arkansas, home.

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ASK THE LANDOWNER

A Special Relationship

Hitchcock Woods Foundation and Aiken Hounds enjoy history and conservation.

R

Covertside: Describe the history of the Hitchcock Woods and Aiken Hounds.

McLean: Louise “Lulie” Hitchcock was an avid sportswoman and equestrian who transitioned the original Aiken Hunt, a beagle pack, to drag hounds about a hundred years ago. She and her husband also used the Woods to school and condition their steeplechasers, and after her death, the family established the foundation to preserve the Woods for the benefit of the community.

Today, approximately a third of the foundation’s board members have riding and/or hunting backgrounds.

26 | COVERTSIDE

NICK BRIDGES

ESPONSIBLE FOR THE STEWARDSHIP OF 2100 ACRES and 70 miles of trails open to the public year-round, the Hitchcock Woods Foundation of Aiken, SC, has close and continuing ties to the Aiken Hounds.

The foundation is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization whose unique urban forest of native habitat and wildlife is protected in perpetuity via a conservation easement held by the state Department of Natural Resources and the Heritage Trust. Covertside spoke with board member and Aiken Hounds Joint Master, Linda Knox McLean, about the two groups’ mutually beneficial relationship.

Aiken Hounds at Hitchcock Woods.

Covertside: How does the foundation benefit from hosting the hunt?

McLean: It’s a wonderful relationship with benefits flowing both ways. For example, hunt members help build up all 80 fences [pine bough-filled timber jumps known as “Aikens”] in the Woods every year for all riders to enjoy. The hunt conducts many events that raise awareness of the foundation, such as the popular Blessing of the Hounds, and the spring hunter pace, which attracts hundreds of spectators. The hunt also supports the annual horse show in the Woods to benefit the foundation. Hitchcock Woods is maintained

entirely by private donations, and 80% of our funding comes from foxhunters.

In return, the hunt enjoys this one-of-a-kind property, literally in the middle of town, that is perfectly suited for its purpose. Aiken Hounds meet here twice a week from October into March. The Woods has always been designated for equestrian and pedestrian use only, which lets the hunt feel very welcome. The foundation and the hunt, together, received the MFHA’s Hunting Habitat Conservation Award in 2012.

Covertside: What precautions does Hitchcock Woods take with regard to hunt activities on the property?

McLean: The foundation and the hunt renew their contract annually. The hunt specifies when and where it will go, and what parts of the Woods it will avoid. During scheduled hunt meets (the route and duration being fairly predictable with the drag line), dogs are not allowed in the Woods, and other riders are discouraged. Also, Hitchcock Woods Foundation is named as an additional insured on the hunt’s insurance policy, and the hunt’s release form indemnifies the Foundation, its trustees, and so on. ­ To learn more about the Hitchcock Woods Foundation, visit hitchcockwoods.org.

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FARE & FLASK

Ringside at the Aiken Horse Show is all about the food and the view under the pines.

Tailgates flourish around the edges of the horse show. Opposite: Nan Campbell’s marinated pork, a huge hit.

SUMMER SNACKING EXTRAORDINAIRE Eating well at the Aiken Horse Show STORY AND PHOTOS BY MICHAEL STERN

A

s South Carolina’s blooming azaleas, dogwoods, and peach blossoms signal the fairest of fair weather, equestrians gather at the treeshaded show grounds in the heart of Hitchcock Woods for the fabled Aiken Horse Show— the annual climax to hunt season since 1916. Do-yourdamnedest tailgates flourish at the pine-rail fence that surrounds the ring, while lunches are served in a grand tent at one end. Everyone has a ringside seat; classes range from children’s Lead Line and Costume Class to Sidesaddle Over Fences and Handy Working Foxhunter.

28 | COVERTSIDE

Grazing along the tailgates, I was stopped in my tracks at a veritable cornucopia set out by Cissy Sullivan, Betty Alexander, and Nan Campbell. It was Betty’s infamously addictive chocolate chip cookies that first beckoned, but then I backed up and piled a plate with Nan’s bourbon-marinated pork tenderloin, sun-dried cheese dip, and a dazzling concoction of hummus topped with olives and feta cheese—not to mention tea sandwiches, pumpkin roll, fruit salad, and spears of just-picked local asparagus that tasted so deliciously of spring that they disallowed dip, sauce, or any extra seasoning whatsoever.

Inside the tent, meals ranged from a casual picnic of pappadew pepper-dotted chicken salad and little cucumber sandwiches on Friday, to a hearty lunch on Saturday that included a full-bore baked potato bar, to a grand buffet on Sunday, when foxhunter classes rivet everyone’s attention. Midday, as Molly Springer won Hilltopper Judges Choice and Aiken Hounds whip Palmer Rowan was declared Junior Foxhunter Champion, guests in the tent were lining up for a colorful brunch that ranged from design-your-own omelets to smoked salmon and Easter ham, and featured a dessert of chocolate tuxedo bricks

and whipped cream-crowned plates of strawberry la bomba.

The enchantment of the show’s olden-days spirit was especially poignant around the rail as competitors, staff, friends, and family enjoyed their picnics right alongside their horses, who, between classes, were tethered to trees munching hay and carrots (and an occasional chocolate chip cookie).

Michael Stern has co-authored over forty books about American food and popular culture.

He created roadfood.com, the online guide to regional-food restaurants, and continues to travel around the U.S. looking for things to eat.

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NAN CAMPBELL’S BOURBON MARINATED PORK TENDERLOIN INGREDIENTS: • 1/2 cup bourbon • 1/4 cup, plus 2 tablespoons of reduced-sodium soy sauce • 1/4 cup olive oil SAUCE: • 2/3 cup plain Greek yogurt or sour cream • 2/3 cup mayonnaise

• 2 tablespoons sherry vinegar • 4 tablespoons wildflower honey • 3 garlic cloves, grated on a zester

• 3–4 tablespoons grated on a zester • 2 pork tenderloins, about 1-1/2 pounds each

• 2 scallions, finely chopped

• 2 tablespoons dry mustard

• 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

• salt to taste

DIRECTIONS:

COMBINE sauce ingredients.

REMOVE skin and excess fat from the tenderloins and pierce them with a fork.

COVER & CHILL.

WHISK together bourbon, soy sauce, olive oil, vinegar, honey, garlic, and ginger.

PLACE tenderloins and marinade in a one gallon plastic bag, letting all the air out before sealing. Marinate in refrigerator 12–24 hours.

PREHEAT covered grill to 500 degrees. Reduce to medium heat and place both tenderloins on the grill directly over heat. Cover and cook eight minutes on each side. Remove and allow to rest away from heat for ten minutes.

SLICE tenderloin and serve pieces dolloped with sauce.

Serves 12–15.

1.

Publication Title: Covertside

2.

Publication Number: 021-771

3.

Filing Date: 12/10/2018

4.

Issue Frequency: Quarterly

5.

Number of Issues Published Annually: 4

6.

Annual Subscription Price: $20.00

7.

Mailing Address of Publication: Masters of Foxhounds Association, P.O. Box 363, Millwood, VA 22646

8.

Mailing Address of Head quarters: E-squared Editorial Services, 2329 Lakeview Road SW, Albuquerque, NM 87105

9.

Publisher, Editor, and Managing Editor: Emily Esterson, 2329 Lakeview Road SW, Albuquerque, NM 87105

10. Owner: Masters of Foxhounds Association, P.O. Box 363, Millwood, VA 22646 11. Known Bondholders, Mortgagees, and Other Securities Holders Owning or Holding 1 Percent or More of Total Amount of Bonds, Mortgages, or Other Securities: None 12. Tax Status: Has Not Changed During Preceding 12 Months 13. Publication Title: Covertside 14. Issue Date for Circulation Data Below: Fall 2018/ December 10, 2018

15. Extent and Nature of Circulation: 6100 members, association; comp copies to supporters, advertisers & friends

Average No. Copies Each Issue Preceding 12 Months

No. Copies of Single Issue Published Nearest to Filing Date

a. b.

c. d.

e. f. g. h. i.

6579

6739

6331 6331

6561 6561

117 0 0 0 117 6448 131 6579 98.1%

117 0 0 0 117 6678 50 6728 98.2%

Total Number of Copies Paid Circulation(1) Mailed Outside

by Other Classes of Mail Total Paid Distribution Free or Nominal Rate Distribution (1) Outside County (2) In-County (3) Mailed at Other Classes via USPS (4) Outside the Mail Free or Nominal Rate Distribution Total Distribution Copies not Distributed Total Percent Paid

16. This Statement of Ownership will be printed in the Spring 2018 issue of this publication.

17. Signature and Title of Editor: W. DAVID TWIGGS, December 10, 2018

SPRING 2019 | 29

FOXHUNTER’S LIBRARY

ORIGINAL ILLUSTRATION BY JEREMY HOUGHTON

The book is illustrated with British painter Jeremy Houghton’s watercolors.

Poetic Sport TO THE PANOPLY OF PAINTINGS, NOVELS, SONGS, AND SONNETS that celebrate our love of hunting, David Trachtenberg has added something new: haiku. A traditional Japanese poem with strict structure — three lines that are five, seven, then five syllables — haiku’s unwavering framework demands a poet shape words like cutting facets on a diamond. With just such precision, Trachtenberg plays the form to exalt sublime moments hunters live for. Some are as quiet as the “loose reins and lowered voices” he cherishes in a haiku called “Blowing for Home.” One titled “A Run” evinces the sport’s adrenaline rush: Flying with the field Speeding so fast, time stands still.

I forget to breathe.

30 | COVERTSIDE

Each of the author’s 17-syllable gems is accompanied by an extraordinarily expressive watercolor created by British painter Jeremy Houghton. (The book’s end-papers alone will make hunters smile ear to ear.)

Proceeds from book sales go to the Hitchcock Woods Foundation, which maintains historic Hitchcock Woods — the urban forest where the author hunts with Aiken Hounds (see related story, page 26).—Michael Stern To order the book, contact Folly at follyaiken@gmail.com. $50

AN ILLUSTRATED COLLECTION OF HUNTING HAIKU

By David Trachtenberg, with illustrations by Jeremy Houghton

covertside_autumn_17_Layout 1 27/07/2017 10:25 Page 1

HOOD ORNAMENTS

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info@louislejeune.com

Boarding

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Plenty of riding Owners on Premises

667 Zachary Taylor Hwy (Rt.522) Flint Hill, VA 22627 • 540-675-1650 Store Hours: Monday thru Saturday 10am - 5pm

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For your online needs visit: www.horsenhound.com

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vkerstetter@hotmail.com

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(804) 908-1625

estdn8@aol.com SPRING 2019 | 31

LAST RUN OF THE DAY Chelsea Kellerhouse

Frosty Morning

Chelsea Kellerhouse,

professional whipper-in for Deep Run Hunt (VA), captured this shot of Huntsman John Harrison and the Deep Run pack (plus one).

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.

32 | COVERTSIDE