MEET TONY LEAHY • JUNIOR FIELD HUNTER CHAMPS! • REAGAN AND THE PRINCE
THE MAGAZINE OF MOUNTED FOXHUNTING
WINTER 2016 • $5.00
s J o h n C o l e s 2 0 16 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. $10,450,000
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. $6,500,000
rALLYwooD
MeADowgroVe
World class equestrian facility comprised of 115 Acres in the OCH Territory. The U shaped complex encompasses an 80’ x 180’ lighted indoor riding arena connected by a breezeway to the 12 stall center-aisle barn and extraordinary living and entertaining quarters overlooking the outdoor ring. Additional structures include tenant $4,750,000 houses and large heated equipment barn.
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
wAVerLY FArM
MerrYcHASe
A graceful & charming 5 bedroom French Country home is set amongst nearly 40 serene acres enhanced by majestic trees, rolling lawns and fenced paddocks. This wonderful horse property also includes an 7 stall center-aisle barn with office, additional 4 stall barn with apartment, indoor arena, and tremendous ride out potential. Located in the OCH Territory. $3,500,000
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. $3,250,000
LAND
Deer creek
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. $5,500,000
greeN gArDeN
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. $3,700,000
THe grANge
This is a classic, elegant Virginia manor house with a custom designed kitchen open to the family room and attention to detail throughout. The 3 bedroom, 3 ½ Bath home also features a pool, guest house, 4 stall barn on 18 acres located in the Orange County Hunt Territory. Convenient access to I- 66, Rt. 50 and Dulles International Airport $2,999,000
SToNeHAVeN
HOPEWELL ROAD - 82.99 acres with access from either The Plains Road or Hopewell Road. Nice elevation and several options for house sites. 15 Acres cleared with amazing view potential. Includes a certification letter for a 5 Bedroom septic system. Property is in Easement and cannot be further subdivided. $1,150,000
Exquisite 4 Bedroom, 4 Bath Colonial on 25 acres offering privacy & seclusion. The 3 level main residence includes 4 fireplaces, pine floors, Living Room, Dining Room, Family Room, study & a fabulous gourmet kitchen, all in pristine condition.The manicured grounds incl. a charming 2 Bedroom Guest house, free form pool, 4 stall barn, 5 paddocks, lg equip.building, blue stone arena. $2,225,000
MAIDSTONE ROAD - 54.21 Acres with pond~Land, half pasture, half wooded with Goose Creek Frontage. Mountain and Pastural Views with pond and multiple house sites with elevation and perfect location with easy access to I-66. Piedmont Hunt Territory. $867,345 PAXSON ROAD - 65.03 acres just south of Purcellville. Ideal setting for a countryside estate, equestrian farm or working farm. Quiet & peaceful with rock walls, running stream, electric, well, 5 BD septic permit, Open Space Conservation Easement. $684,999
A picturesque and tranquil retreat nestled on 158+ acres in pristine Rappahannock County. At the end of the private drive is the historic Stone residence. Property also features and additional stone guest cottage/office and a charming and beautifully restored 2 bedroom log cabin. Gardens, lawn, barns, paddocks and ride out provide an outdoor haven. $1,845,000
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 12
A great day of competition in the Junior North American Field Hunter Championships.
WINTER 2016 • VOLUME 7, NUMBER 4
Features 12
SMILES ALL AROUND BY EMILY ESTERSON
A recap of the Junior North American Field Hunter Championships.
16
THOUGHTS ON JUDGING BY C. MARTIN WOOD III
First of a four-part series about the essentials of judging foxhounds.
24
A STEADY HAND AT THE HELM BY MARTHA DRUM
The MFHA looks forward to Huntsman Tony Leahy’s leadership.
28
FOXHUNTING: THE TIE THAT BINDS BY SCOTT J. TEPPER
Two future world leaders foxhunt in Los Angeles.
IN EACH ISSUE:
From the President p.2
From the Publisher p.4
MFHA News p.6
10
THE CLUB Honoring two greats: Lawrence Phipps and Potomac Jefferson.
39
ASK THE HUNTSMAN Huntsman Tyce Mothershead began foxhunting by chance.
32
YOUNG ENTRY North Hills Hunt brings along the next generation of foxhunters.
40
BETTER HUNTING Research your favorite hound’s pedigree.
34
GIFT GUIDE Fun and fabulous holiday gifts.
44
FARE & FLASK What makes a good hunt breakfast?
46
Last Run of the Day p.48
LIBRARY Holiday gift ideas for the reader in your foxhunting family.
ON OUR COVER: Lydia Eifler and Bugsy (Long Run Hounds) gallop up the final hill of the Junior North American Field Hunter Championships in Lexington, Kentucky. Lydia ended the day in 5th place in the First Field, 12 and Under division. Photo by David Traxler.
WINTER 2016 | 1
FROM THE PRESIDENT
A Bright Future
A
2 | COVERTSIDE
MASTERS OF FOXHOUNDS ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA 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 • President PO Box 363, Millwood, VA 22646 (540) 955-5680 DAVE TRAXLER
s I complete my term as president of the MFHA, there is much for which to be thankful. We have purchased a site in Middleburg for our new national headquarters, and renovation of this historic property is now underway. When completed, the headquarters will be a center for the education of our membership and for communication to the public about all aspects of foxhunting. After an extensive search and interview process, we have appointed David Twiggs to succeed Dennis Foster as the next executive director. He will assume complete responsibility for this position in April 2017, after a three-month transition period working with Dennis. David is devoted to hunting and conservation, and brings great enthusiasm and organization-building skills to this job. He will be attending the MFHA Annual Meeting in New York in January and is looking forward to meeting each of you. I hope you will welcome him, and give him your full support. More than ever, the MFHA is committed to the welfare of hounds, horses, and quarry, with high standards in place for member hunts. The Stud Book has been upgraded, and is now more user-friendly and inclusive. We continue to encourage young riders to participate in mounted hunting through programs such as the US Pony Club Live Oak Challenge and Fairly Hunted awards, and we are working with the Pony Club and the Junior North American Field Hunter Championship programs to promote education about our sport. The MFHA remains dedicated to land and habitat conservation, and is proud to recognize those hunts and individuals who have demonstrated excellence in this area. Having placed over one million acres in conservation easements, our members are a major force in preserving open spaces, thereby improving the quality of community life for everyone. Much of the success that the MFHA has experienced over the past two decades is directly attributable to the leadership and hard work of Executive Director Dennis Foster. Dennis has helped our member
hunts in so many ways, from writing and revising all MFHA publications, as a means to ensure the highest standards of sportsmanship, to personally hunting with nearly every North American hunt, to solving problems when needed. His idea of establishing the MFHA Subscribing Membership has resulted in many people supporting foxhunting who otherwise might never have become involved. As you know, Dennis is a respected authority on the animal rights movement, here at home and internationally, and has effectively defended hunting from an endless barrage of unwarranted attacks. Most of all, he is a trusted friend who has dedicated his personal and professional life to hunting, and we all are extremely grateful. Finally, I would like to thank each of you for your friendship and support during the past three years. It has been an honor to serve and to participate with you in the sport we love. The MFHA is in great hands under the leadership of Tony Leahy and Leslie Crosby, and the future of our sport is truly bright. All the best,
Dr. Jack van Nagell, MFH President, MFHA
HUNT STAFF BENEFIT FOUNDATION Nancy Stahl, MFH • President PO Box 363, Millwood, VA 22646 (540) 955-5680
COVERTSIDE EDITORIAL BOARD 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 • Sean Cully, 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
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FROM THE PUBLISHER
WINTER 2016
Our Future is Strong!
W ROBERT KORNACKI
hen the alarm goes off at 4:00 a.m., it’s hard to feel excited about going to the airport, stuffing myself into an uncomfortable airplane seat, rushing to make my connection, dragging my tooheavy luggage to my rental car. But when I get there, I’m always happy I made the trip to that foxhunting event or gathering. That was particularly true the weekend of October 21 to 23, when I had the opportunity to fly to the beautiful city of
Lexington, Kentucky, to attend the Junior North American Field Hunter Championships (see my report, page 12). Hosted by MFHA President Jack van Nagell, MFH Iroquois Hunt, it was a joyous weekend focused on kids, ponies, horses, and the traditions and skills needed for hunting. Possibly my favorite moment, beyond the
4 | COVERTSIDE
grandmother crying tears of joy as her granddaughter won her division, the kids hanging out on patient equines waiting to compete, the impromptu line dancing that broke out during the Saturday night party, was the huge group of kids practicing for the whip cracking contest! It was a sight to behold — all those kids cracking their whips. And nobody lost an eye. One of the missions of Covertside is education, and we try to provide an informative article or two in each issue. For the next four issues, C. Martin Wood III, MFH, will be recapping last summer’s hound judging seminar, imparting some secrets for those of us both inside and outside the hound show ring. As Wood notes in his first article (page 16), form and function are closely tied, and hound shows aren’t just beauty contests. And of course, we love our history! Scott Tepper’s entertaining piece about President Ronald Reagan and a Japanese prince show how a bond over horses and foxhunting led to a successful diplomatic relationship. As always, send us your photos, your stories, your ideas. We need your input to continue to grow the magazine. Happy Hunting and Holidays from Covertside! Enjoy!
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF/PUBLISHER EMILY ESTERSON publisher@covertside.net 505-553-2671 ART DIRECTOR GLENNA STOCKS production@covertside.net
EDITORIAL ASSOCIATE EDITOR SANDRA MCGINNIS sandy@covertside.net
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS MARTHA DRUM AMY GESELL CHRISTOPHER OAKFORD MICHAEL STERN SCOTT J. TEPPER C. MARTIN WOOD III KATIE BO WILLIAMS
ADVERTISING AND MARKETING SALES MANAGER CHERYL MICROUTSICOS sales@covertside.net 434-664-7057 NORTHEAST Tom Kirlin tkirlin@covertside.net PENNSYLVANIA/MID-ATLANTIC KATHY DRESS kdress@ptd.net
Emily Esterson Editor-in-Chief/Publisher
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
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MFHA NEWS
MFHA’s new Executive Director, David Twiggs, whipped-in to Belle Meade, and his family (pictured are
ism promotion company and various other entrepreneurial efforts. He is the author of the
wife Ashley and daughters
book “Destination Communi-
Salem and CeCe) are active
ties” (2015), which promotes
equestrians and foxhunters.
the creation of sustainable outdoor-based leisure and
that has included developing,
COURTESY DAVID TWIGGS
managing and marketing those
relocation destinations. David, his wife Ashley and
communities, a deep knowl-
their two daughters, Salem and
edge of land conservation
CeCe, are all avid equestrians
issues, and incrementally grow-
and all foxhunt. They started
ing those communities while
foxhunting with Shakerag and
not losing touch with their
joined Belle Meade, where they
incumbent membership and its
were members for eight years.
4 MFHA HIRES NEW
troducing others to his passion
traditions. In his most recent
David served as an honorary
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
for the outdoors by redevelop-
position, David was chief op-
whipper-in while a Belle Meade
The Masters of Foxhounds As-
ing and positioning large-scale
erating officer of the 26,000-
member. Ashley exercised
sociation hired a new executive
rural resort communities into
acre Hot Springs Village, a
hounds and was founder and
director, effective January 1.
sporting destinations. As part
multi-use sporting community
chair of the hunt ball auction. She
David Twiggs will replace Den-
of this effort, David has been
in the mountains of Arkansas.
is a strong advocate for bringing
nis Foster when Foster retires
involved in management and
As part of that position he
juniors along in the hunt.
on April 1.
membership of sporting clubs
developed a rod and gun club,
“We are extremely excited
— a multifaceted profession
a magazine, an outdoors tour-
to have someone with David’s
David has made a career in-
6 | COVERTSIDE
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MFHA NEWS
skills and enthusiasm take
4 AT THE OCTOBER BOARD
4 SEVERAL NEW COMMIT-
collection. It will also serve as
a leadership position in our
TEES HAVE BEEN FORMED to shepherd the renovation
a meeting space for foxhunters
sport,” said MFHA President
MEETING held in Atlanta, the following candidates were
Jack van Nagell. “David brings
accepted into the member-
of the new MFHA and MFHA
MFHA Foundation encourages
a passion for sport, deep
ship: Mary Thekla Brosnan-Sell,
Foundation headquarters
all members to get involved in
knowledge of land and hunting
Loudoun Hunt (N.VA); Michael
building in Middleburg. The
the new headquarters by do-
issues, and a keen sense of
O. Brown, Rappahannock
historic property, which was
nating to the restoration fund.
marketing and development
Hunt (N.VA); James C. Elkins,
purchased in late summer,
Whether $5, $50 or $5000, all
to help the sport of mounted
Warrenton Hunt (VA); Carl
will need about $800,000 to
contributions are welcome. Visit
hunting grow.”
Feairs, Toronto and North York
complete the renovation and
MFHA.com or send a check to
Hunt (CA); Mervin Magner,
to develop the property into
MFHA Foundation.
January 1. He will serve during
Beaver Meadow Foxhounds
a usable space for the offices
a three-month transition period
(CA); Tamara Masters, Wood-
and the archives. The plans for
4 THE MFHA ADMINISTRATIVE
with Dennis Foster, before
brook Hunt Club (PC); Richard
the building include offices for
assuming the sole responsi-
Mitchell, Beaver Meadow
the executive and association
ASSISTANT Jenn Lambiase will be leaving her position at the
bility of the position on April
Foxhounds (CA); Jeffrey
staff, a boardroom, storage, and
end of this year after seven
1, 2017. David’s mission will
Peller, Wellington Waterloo
an exhibition space that will
years managing the details of
include growing the sport and
Hunt (CA); Brian Skowronek,
be open to the public at least
the association and its founda-
our subscribing membership,
Amwell Valley Hounds (NY/
several days a week. That space
tions. She will be replaced
supporting existing hunts, and
NJ); Beverly Stephenson, Bea-
will be an exciting way to en-
by Billie Jo Pearl, who held
increasing our financial base
ver Meadow Foxhounds (CA);
gage the public in the sport of
the position previously (from
and endowment.
Norman White, Beaufort Hunt
mounted foxhunting, and serve
2007-2009). Billie Jo knows
(PA); A. John Yavari, Massbach
as a home for the MFHA Foun-
the details of the organization
Hounds (MW).
dation’s art and memorabilia
from her prior position.
David will officially begin on
8 | COVERTSIDE
from around the country. The
We invite you
MASTER’S DINNER, ANNUAL MEETING AND MASTERS’ BALL IN
New York
to join us in New York for the
2017 MFHA Annual Meeting and
January 26 & 27, 2017
festivities, beginning on Thursday evening with the Masters’ Dinner. On Friday, attend the Annual Meeting and not-to-be-missed Masters’ Ball (everyone is invited). This year’s event promises to be very special: Our President, Dr. Jack van Nagell, is handing over the reins after his three-year term to Tony Leahy, and Dennis Foster is stepping down after 25 years as Executive Director. Be sure to register for this historic event today!
THE UNION CLUB will again host the Masters’ Dinner and Annual Meeting, while the elegant PIERRE
HOTEL once more hosts the New
Masters’ lunch and seminar, and Friday evening’s ball.
TO MAKE RESERVATIONS (through January 22nd), please call (540) 955-5680 or register online at www.mfha.com.
The Pierre ROOM BLOCKS ARE RESERVED AT THE PIERRE (800) 743-7734 $380/night standard, $440/night city view Reserve your room by December 24, 2016
JANUARY 26
JANUARY 27
12:00 P.M. NEW MASTERS’ LUNCH & SEMINAR (invitations will be sent to new Masters)
9:00 A.M. ANNUAL MEMBERS MEETING/SEMINAR
Details: A chance for new Masters to
Details: Must be a current
meet the MFHA Board of Directors.
subscribing member to attend
Seminar will begin immediately
(jacket and tie required)
following lunch and will be led by
Keynote Speaker:
past MFHA President Marty Wood,
Tim Easby
MFH Live Oak Hounds.
7:00 P.M. MASTERS’ DINNER
7:00 P.M. MASTERS’ BALL Cocktails at 7 p.m., Dinner at 8 p.m.
Cocktails at 7 p.m., Dinner at 8 p.m.
Cost: $275/pp
Cost: $275/pp
Details: Must be a current subscribing
Details: Masters and ex-Masters only
member to attend
For additional information visit WWW.MFHA.COM WINTER 2016 | 9
KAREN K. WENZEL
THE CLUB
ZINA BALASH PHOTOGRAPHY
REMEMBERING POTOMAC JEFFERSON
N
AMED CHAMPION AMERICAN HOUND of the MFHA’s centen-
nial celebration in 2007, Jefferson, age 12, passed away last
Dedicated and enthusiastic,
August at the home of former
Lawrence C. Phipps III rarely
Potomac Huntsman Larry Pitts.
missed a meet.
The elegant American hound
ARAPAHOE’S PHIPPS WELCOMED ALL Lawrence C. Phipps III, MFH, Arapahoe Hunt
was Grand Champion at both the 2007 Virginia Foxhound and Bryn Mawr shows. Jefferson was a superlative performance hound as well. “He loved to hunt,” Pitts says. “He was always steady and businesslike, never a problem even in his first season. He had plenty of drive without being flashy. He
THE FOXHUNTING COMMUNI-
new members exposed to the
Habitat Conservation Award in
hunted nine seasons and part of
TY in Colorado lost a tremen-
Arapahoe Hunt, and hunting
2000. Beeman notes that as a
a tenth.” Even in retirement, Jef-
dous figure in September with
in general, of anyone in our
leader, “Lawrence was a solid
ferson was a keen hunter. “One
the passing of Lawrence C.
organization,” says Joint Master,
person to talk to; he’d listen to
night Larry let him out to do his
Phipps III. Phipps had served as
Arapahoe huntsman and former
different ideas and problems,
business and he didn’t come
Master of the Arapahoe Hunt
MFHA President, Dr. Marvin Bee-
and propose solutions to those
back for over an hour,” says
since 1968, when he joined his
man. “He entertained in many
problems.” Beeman adds that
Peggy Pitts. “Finally we heard
father as Joint MFH.
walks of life and had a way of
Phipps’ father, Lawrence Phipps
him speak near the house. Larry
getting people interested, and
II, became Master at Arapahoe
went out with a flashlight and
up at his family’s renowned
then cultivated them to want to
while his own father, George
saw a red fox run through the
Highlands Ranch and later in
join us.”
Beeman, was huntsman, so the
yard, not far in front of Jeffer-
ties between their families and
son. Larry was able to intercept
Born in Denver, Phipps grew
Wyoming before traveling east
For Mike Wilfley, Joint MFH,
to school. After graduating from
one of Phipps’ greatest con-
the club run deep. “Lawrence
him and get him in the house. If
Princeton, he worked in military
tributions was his attitude of
and I were born the same year
a hound could smile, Jefferson
intelligence and served in the
inclusivity, generosity, and his
and played together as little
was definitely smiling!”
Army, eventually returning to
overriding tendency to take the
boys. His father taught us both
Colorado and settling into real
high road in any controversy.
to play polo around age 12.”
estate. A lifelong horseman,
Phipps was part of the hunt’s
Phipps cultivated wide-ranging
Phipps enjoyed sharing his pas-
leadership team which assisted
interests, including flamenco
Marie-Pascale Foucault, also an
sions for both foxhunting and
in the preservation of 22,000
music, raising cattle on his ranch,
active and supportive mem-
polo with others.
acres of the Lowry Bomb-
collecting guitars, and throwing
ber of the hunt, and his son,
ing Range; this effort earned
regular dinner parties.
Lawrence IV, from his previous
“Lawrence was probably the most significant person to get
10 | COVERTSIDE
Arapahoe the MFHA’s Hunting
Phipps is survived by his wife,
marriage to Suzanne Newton.
ADRIAN JENNINGS
JACK SEWELL AGE: 78 HUNT: Mooreland
Hunt
GOLDEN AGE Hunting past the age of 75 BY KATIE BO WILLIAMS
Meet older foxhunters who still passionately follow hounds. JACK SEWELL has held almost every position it’s possible to
busy career as a physician. “It was a wonderful, pure,
hold in a given hunt: He has
totally delightful diversion,”
carried the horn, whipped-in
Sewell says. “You come away
and led the field at various
from it, even on days when
junctures in his 44 years hunt-
you’re worn out, refreshed and
ing with Mooreland Hunt.
ready to tackle whatever is in
Now, he mostly whips-in with his wife, Mitzi, in a very efficient
your day job.” When it comes to questions
tag-team approach that he says
about managing age, he just
allows them plenty of views.
shrugs — he’s never slowed
“She has very keen eyesight
Low Rider Duster in Black
Enjoy hunting in any weather
down enough to notice. “I’m
and between the two us, we
not much of a couch potato,”
frequently see the game,”
he says. “I don’t even know
Sewell says. “She says it’s
how to turn on the TV in this
because I know where to look
room.”
The Low Rider Duster is a waterproof fulllength slicker designed for horsemen with features including adjustable leg straps and a storm flap to keep you covered. Made from treated cotton, this oilskin will keep you in the hunt regardless of the weather!
and she can see.” Hunting has always been a
Katie Bo Williams is a freelance
passion for Sewell — the thing
journalist and editor based in
that kept him sane through a
Washington, D.C.
Brewster Green
www.outbacktrading.com WINTER 2016 | 11
Smiles All Around The Junior North American Field Hunter Championship celebrates youth foxhunters. BY EMILY ESTERSON PHOTOS DAVE TRAXLER
G
ATHER 65 KIDS and ponies/horses on a hillside in Kentucky. Add a group of dedicated adult volunteers from Pennsylvania to Florida, throw in 14 judges with an expertise in and dedication to children in the hunt field, and stir together with perfect weather, great parties and a stunning fixture: The result was an unmatched weekend of activities focused on celebrating — and educating — foxhunting youth. “What an amazing group of foxhunting juniors,” says lead organizer Marion Chungo. “Their parents have traveled from 13 states to get them together in Kentucky. That’s dedication.” This year’s Junior North American Field Hunter Championships were held in Lexington, Kentucky at the Boone Valley Farm fixture of the Iroquois Hunt, October 22 and 23. It was the first time the event was held outside of the Mid-Atlantic. Hosted by current Masters of Foxhounds Association President Jack van Nagell and the Iroquois Hunt, it signaled the association’s strong support for the event and marks a dedication from the MFHA to partner with hunts and US Pony Clubs to nurture youth excitement and participation in the sport of mounted hunting. “This event highlights the importance
of youth to the sustainability of our sport and our land preservation efforts,” says MFHA President Jack van Nagell, MFH, Iroquois. “We’re happy to have been able to bring together the field hunter championship, US Pony Clubs and the MFHA for a national focus on this wonderful and important event.” The JNAFHC was founded by Mrs. Iona Pillion and Mrs. Douglas Wise-Stuart 14 years ago as a way to educate kids about the traditions and skills of foxhunting and the importance of land conservation. They say the mission of the JNAFHC is about fun. “Our children will meet life-long friends of like-minded foxhunters. A bit of competition has been thrown in but it has always been stressed that the event must be fun for our juniors.” During the fall, over 100 children qualified for the finals during a series of regionally organized events. At Lexington, 65 of those competed in three divisions. Organizers worked together to ensure a safe, fair and fun event for the kids. “I was overwhelmed by joy at the sight of those kids, poised and gracious on their ponies, doing their best, and smiling the whole time,” says Carla Babcock, Camargo, who helped to organize the event and held a qualifying meet in the Midwest. A Friday party at Iroquois’ hunt club preceded a Saturday morning hunt, with an estimated 60 riders in the field, including guests, parents, judges and many of the competitors. Saturday evening, MFHA President and Iroquois MFH Jack van Nagell and his wife Betsy hosted the group on the lawn at their home, where kids showed off their skills with whip and horn, and their dance moves. And then the competition began: a hack class in a meadow where judges got their first look at the competitors. Then each division took off on a mock hunt through the fixture. Judges watched kids canter down hill, jump a coop, go through ditches and navigate the country as they would out on a real hunt. The top ten in each division came back for a handyhunter round, jumping coops, trotting down hill, opening a particularly stubborn gate, and ending with a hold-hard back at the trailers. “It’s wonderful to see the kids move from the hack to the foxhunting experience,” says Liz Howard, a judge from Palm Beach Hounds. “They have to balance their horses differently … to navigate up and down hills, over coops, over stonewalls. I was really impressed with
Above, Ainsley Colgan gallops up the final hill of the Handy Hunter course. Below: Huntsman Lilla Mason leads the First Flight 13 and Over division through a mock hunt. Here they are returning to the meet.
Left: A stone wall jump was part of the final Handy Hunter course. Above: Mrs. Douglas Wise-Stuart, Marion Chungo, Mary Katherine Leveridge (Hilltoppers), and Jack van Nagell. Right: Gavin Sacco gets in a little puppy cuddling during the Friday kennel tour.
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And the Winner is... It takes a village to run and compete in the JNAFHCs the kids we had out.” The event has evolved, say organizers, from one that was focused on Virginia, Maryland, and Pennsylvania hunts to a national event involving several entities, including United States Pony Clubs and its sponsors, such as Charles Owen, which provided a helmet certificate for the winner of the Best Turned Out award and Shapleys Grooming Products, which provided a bucket of grooming supplies and saddle pads to all the winners. Other sponsors included the Loudoun Fairfax Hound Retirement Program, which provided leather halters for winners, Andrea Herr, MFH, and Barb Strang (horn blowing and whip cracking trophies), and the Spirit Trophy donated by Mrs. Heather
Top left: Marion Wahlgren, of US Pony Clubs, awards the Best Turned Out prize to Ainsley Colgan. Top right: Announcer Jack Hutcheson and Marion Chungo. Right: Emalaine Cooper clears the last jump.
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Heider in memory of Mrs. Linda Johnston. “Thank you to the parents, the wonderful Iroquois Hunt, Betsy and Jack van Nagell for their unbelievable support and generosity and the MFHA for supporting the JNAFHC,” says Chungo, “and to the judges and announcer for travelling to support the kids, the many others that have helped in so many ways. We want to show these juniors how much they mean to us and help them know how to carry on in the future to support land preservation and foxhunting.” Co-organizer Michelle Arnold notes, “When the hunts make their juniors a priority, it has a ripple effect. Those juniors will then positively foster the generations that follow and will carry on the sport.”
Organizers Marion Chungo Michelle Arnold State Coordinators Carla Babcock, Ohio Mary Jo Moloney, Kentucky Liz Howard, Florida Abby Foster, Pennsylvania Virginia Voigt, Tennessee For Iroquois Jack and Betsy van Nagell Mary Jo Moloney
Lisa Heider Eifler, Long Run
New Market-Middletown Valley, Maryland
Heather Heider, Loudoun Fairfax
Loudoun Fairfax, Virginia
Liz Howard, Palm Beach
Carrollton Hounds, Maryland
Abby Jones, Sedgefield
Mill Creek Hunt, Illinois
Trena Kerr, Camargo
Aiken Hounds, South Carolina
Jennifer Queen, Potomac
Lowcountry Hunt, South Carolina
Shannon Sharpe, Camargo
Andrews Bridge Foxhounds, Pennsylvania
Susan Sylvester, Long Run
Iroquois, Kentucky
Rachel Wilkoski, Mr. Stewart’s Cheshire Foxhounds Epp Wilson, MFH, Belle Meade
Martha Johnson Ann Husted Nancy Clinkenbeard Marian Wahlgren (also US Pony Clubs)
The following hunts had juniors in the finals: Belle Meade, Georgia
Maggie Wright
Old Dominion, Virginia
Lilla Mason, MFH, Huntsman
Live Oak, Florida
Judges
Farmington, Virginia
Katherine Byron, MFH, New MarketMiddletown Valley
Red Mountain, North Carolina
Nina Bonnie, Long Run Judith Craw, Tennessee Valley Susan Deal, Rappahannock
Fox River Valley, Illinois
Moore County, North Carolina Rolling Rock, Pennsylvania Midland Fox Hounds, Georgia
SATURDAY RESULTS: Whip Cracking: Lee Dozier, Belle Meade Horn Blowing: Liza Sautter, Woodford SUNDAY RESULTS: 13 and Over First Field Champion: Claire Goff, Iroquois Hunt, Miss Congeniality Reserve Champion: Ashley Johnson, Iroquois Hunt, AJ 3rd Allison Nicely, Loudoun Fairfax Hunt, Meadow Fox Jubilation 4th Emma Bittle, Farmington Hunt, Finny 5th Josa Comstock, Fox River Valley Hounds, El Dorado
JNAFHC Qualifying Meets: How they got here, from the judge’s perspective.
BY KATY CARTER, JUDGE FOR THE VIRGINIA REGION QUALIFYING MEET
I
f you’ve been out hunting on the day of a JNAFHC Qualifying Meet, you might have noticed the smiling individuals armed with a small pad of paper and a golf pencil, ferociously jotting down notes the moment the field checks or maybe even on the fly. We judges were thrilled to have been invited to watch junior foxhunters in action. What exactly are the judges looking for? First, juniors must be mounted on appropriate ponies or horses that participate as fully
as possible in the day’s hunting. Appropriate mounts do not have to be the winner at Pony Finals, but they must be of sound mind and body and clearly up for the task of navigating the country safely. This includes keeping up with the pace of the field, easily traversing changes in footing, creek crossings, meetings with livestock, safely jumping necessary fences, navigating hound traffic, and standing at checks. First impressions mean a lot, and proper turn out for both equine and rider are of utmost importance. This extends beyond gleaming equine coats, tidy manes, and clean and well-fitting tack and clothing. Part of being
6th Carissa Duncan, Live Oak Hounds, Hootie
6th Sarah Leannarda, Carrollton Hounds, PL Zadie
7th Alden Yorb, Woodford Hounds, Prince Leonardo
7th Isabelle Powers, Midland Fox Hounds, Bandit
7th Tate Northrop, Long Run Hounds, Rudy
8th Lee Dozier, Belle Meade Hunt, Sweet Pea
8th Abigail Murphy, Midland Fox Hounds, Brave Prospect
8th Gavin Sacco, Live Oak Hounds, Toffee
9th Liza Sautter, Woodford Hounds, Maisie
9th Ashleigh Currier, Belle Meade Hunt, Luna 10th Kathleen Moloney, Iroquois Hunt, Millstone 12 and Under First Field Champion: Kenley Batts, Red Mountain Foxhounds, Brooks Reserve Champion: Ainsley Colgan, Old Dominion Hounds, Empress Hermione 3rd Sophie Bell, Old Dominion Hounds, Magical Trail 4th Gabby Sacco, Live Oak Hounds, Frosted Rose 5th Lydia Eifler, Long Run Hounds, Bugsy
9th Neilly Dozier, Belle Meade Hunt, Kachina 10th Emalaine Cooper, Belle Meade Hunt, Chance Hilltoppers Champion: Mary Katherine Leveridge, Iroquois Hunt, Rio Reserve Champion: Cian Yorba, Woodford Hounds, Clines Holly Freckle 3rd Trey Batts, Red Mountain Foxhounds, April Blessing 4th Grayson Yorba, Woodford Hounds, Gunsmoke 5th Madison Elliot, Moore County Hounds, Sydney 6th Bella Hodge, Woodford Hounds, Alexie
turned out well is saying good morning to everyone and introducing your self to the new faces in the field. It also includes offering to open and close gates, and/or waiting with the person who does the gate, and thanking the Masters and staff at the end of the day. All of this may sound frightfully serious. However, the juniors with these skills are usually the ones having the most fun, often setting an excellent example for the rest of us! The good news is that there are many oft-hunting juniors who hold themselves
to high standards every meet. They have been taught well and it reflects well not only upon themselves, but also upon their parents, instructors and coaches, and home hunts.
10th Samantha Homeyer, Old Dominion Hounds, Point Blanc Best Turned Out: Ainsley Colgan, Old Dominion Spirit Award: Cooper Batts, Red Mountain Highest Placed United States Pony Club Members: First Flight, 13 and over: Josa Comstock, Fox River Valley Pony Club First Flight, 12 and under: Ainsley Colgan, Old Dominion Hounds Pony Club Hilltoppers: Mary Katherine Leveridge, Iroquois, Half Halt Pony Club
WINTER 2016 | 15
The following is the first of a fourpart series on judging and showing foxhounds. The article series was developed based on C. Martin Wood III’s presentation at the 2016 Virginia Hound Show Judging Seminar. Most of what was presented at the seminar is repeated here, as it is of interest to all foxhunters — from hound breeders, Masters and hunt staff to those watching outside of the ring.
MIDDLEBURG PHOTO
EDITOR’S NOTE:
BY C. MARTIN WOOD III, MFH
THOUGHTS ON JUDGING C. Martin Wood III shares his wisdom on judging hounds.
Marty and Daphne Wood have decades of experience both showing and judging hounds. The Woods have judged all of the major hound shows on both sides of the Atlantic. This photo of Green Spring Valley Huntsman Sam Clifton and hound, was taken at the Bryn Mawr Hound Show in 2014, where the Woods judged the Crossbred ring.
Foxhunting’s power couple, Marty and Daphne Wood, consider breeding, hunting, and showing foxhounds a way
Foxhounds, and the breeding and hunting of a pack of foxhounds, have been a way of life for my wife, Daphne, and for myself. As Joint Masters of the Live Oak Hounds, we have had the opportunity to breed our own hounds for 43 years. We have had the privilege of judging every major hound show on both sides of the Atlantic on numerous occasions and countless puppy shows as well. In 2001, I was honored to judge the dog hounds at the Royal Peterborough Foxhound Show — the only American to judge the foxhounds in the 128-year history of that premier show. Judging Peterborough was a daunting experience. I will never forget walking into the ring as Mr. 18 | COVERTSIDE
COURTESY MARTY WOOD
of life.
David Palmer, MFH, and I were introduced. There were definitely butterflies in my stomach as I glanced around the front row — a full panoply of who’s who in our sport seated looking at me. I could just imagine those dignitaries’ thoughts: “Well he is properly dressed in his dark suit, tie and bowler hat. His shoes are proper and polished. His tie looks appropriate. But, my God, just wait ’til he opens his mouth and speaks!” My reaction to being under a set of glaring lights faded as soon as the first hounds entered the ring — the audience evaporated and I was in the world that I knew and loved, looking at beautiful hounds. I will long remember that day at Peterborough as one of the high points in my life.
PLAY THE PART
Being asked to judge foxhounds should be considered a great honor by the incipient judge. A judging assignment means that your fellow Masters respect your opinion; you should be willing to give it freely and without reservation or bias. The show day should be great fun for the judges, as they get to study the very best hounds in the competitors’ kennels. It is a wonderful day among likeminded friends. Judges should dress appropriately for the occasion in order to honor the foxhounds before them, their fellow Masters, the sport of foxhunting, and the hound show. Gentlemen should wear suits, either dark or pin-striped in the English ring with a nice tie to accompany a tan or other light color in worsted wool in the American, Crossbred and PennMarydel rings. Bowlers or Panama hats are in keeping with tradition, not caps or cowboy hats. Ladies should wear appropriately formal outfits and fancy hats. Such attire honors the participants and adds to the fun and pageantry of the day.
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Live Oak Maximus ’10 was Grand Champion of the Virginia Hound Show. A great foxhound should cover the ground with a breathtaking fluidity and grace.
What are judges looking to assess in foxhounds? That is the ultimate question. The answer spans all of the different breeds of foxhounds because the foxhound, to my eyes, epitomizes the phrase, “poetry in motion.” The fluidity and grace with which a foxhound covers ground is matched by very few other animals and is the reason that well-bred hounds in a level pack can run up together and put the requisite pressure on their quarry. Foxhounds must travel farther, faster and longer than any other domesticated animal while following their nose across country and whatever obstacles nature throws in their way. The ability to accomplish this feat requires a conformation that
COURTESY MARTY WOOD
IN THE RING
allows them to run and drive forward with great speed, balance on turns, jump or crawl under and through obstacles and do all of this for many miles without tiring. Predators, the traditional quarry for foxhounds, also are built for speed in order to catch their prey. A foxhound has to match that ability and then exceed it in order to account for its game. Please note that I have made no distinc-
tion between the various types of foxhound that a judge will see in each different ring. All foxhounds should have essentially the same conformation points for pace and stamina necessary to get their job done with style and grace. Good conformation bred consistently into a pack of foxhounds allows them to run up together on the line. In so doing, the pack then puts pressure on its quarry, forcWINTER 2016 | 21
ing it to make a mistake or to take evasive action. Without that pressure, spelled with a capital “P,” the chase would be merely a walk through the woods on a pretty day.
THE ESSENTIAL INGREDIENTS
Breaking all of that down to its lowest common denominator, a judge looks for three criteria in assessing foxhounds. Those essential ingredients are: • QUALITY • BALANCE • ACTIVITY
These are the three major points that a judge should look for in order to come out at the end of a class with what may well be a champion hound. They are also the critical elements that allow a foxhound to perform the role for which he has been bred. Future installments will cover using each one of these analytical points separately for judging foxhounds and arriving at a decision in placing a class being judged.
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Every judge needs to remember one major caveat when he or she evaluates a hound: Even though foxhounds are perhaps the most carefully bred of all domesticated animals since it has been going on formally for almost 400 years and informally for perhaps 3500 years as evidenced by paintings in Egyptian tombs, the perfect hound has not yet been bred. We strive to accomplish this goal every year with our stallion hounds and great brood bitches. I submit to you that this striving for perfection is part of the joy that comes with breeding, training, and hunting a pack of foxhounds. We also need to remember that we must breed our hounds to suit our country, our quarry and the personality of the person who hunts them. There are many breeds of foxhound and they all have the same purpose — providing the very best sport for an individual hunt’s country. Hound shows are a time for Masters, staff and others interested in foxhounds to gather, trade stories and look at what others are doing with their breeding programs. The judge’s job is to sort through some very large
classes and proclaim a winner. The judge cannot see the hound’s hunting abilities. All the judge can do is pick the hound with the best conformation among what is in the ring before him. It is imperative to consider that we all hunt many times a year but the tin pots are awarded only once. Don’t breed to win the silver cups; breed for performance in the field as a member of the pack of foxhounds. It is the sacred duty of an MFH to never show a hound that is not a good hunting hound. The reason for this is really quite simple: Other hunts will use hound show champions in their kennels’ breeding programs. As Masters of Foxhounds, we cannot be responsible for diluting the hunting ability of hounds just to win a first prize cup at a summer show. The next installment on judging foxhounds will delve into the realm of quality. What is it, how does a judge recognize it, and what bearing does quality have on a hunting hound? C. Martin Wood III, MFH, is Master of the Live Oak Hounds, and an accomplished judge.
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AS THE MFHA MOVES INTO A YEAR OF CHANGES AND OPPORTUNITIES, INCOMING PRESIDENT TONY LEAHY IS THE RIGHT MAN FOR THE JOB. BY MARTHA DRUM
A STEADY HAND AT THE HELM
24 | COVERTSIDE
A
ABOVE LEFT: KRISTI SHORT. THIS PAGE AND ABOVE RIGHT: COURTESY OF MFHA.
lifetime of experience riding to hounds; keen knowledge gained from decades as a professional huntsman; service as a mentor, Master, MFHA board member and officer: If one individual possesses all the attributes needed to navigate the challenges of supporting the next executive director and developing our new headquarters, it is Tony Leahy. He has participated in every facet of our sport, from judging hounds in the ring and in performance trials, to producing quality sport horses, to helping establish and manage the successful Professional Development Program. While this background prepares him well to assume the MFHA presidency in January 2017, Leahy is energetically focused on the future of foxhunting — and giving back to the sport he loves. MFHA Executive Director Dennis Foster, who has hunted around the world with Leahy, says: “Tony is arguably one of the most qualified people to be president of the MFHA.” Former Green Spring Valley Hounds huntsman and fellow Professional Development Program Coordinator Andrew Barclay concurs: “He is one of the best huntsmen, and best riders, you’ll ever see.” Barclay adds, “Tony will be very, very good for the organization as our president.” DEEP BACKGROUND
Leahy acquired the skills in the saddle while hunting from an early age in his native Ireland, skills that would support his competitive success as a Grand Prix jumper rider and his continuing career training show and field prospects. Foster observes that Leahy’s stellar horsemanship serves him well as a sought-after performance trials judge: “When we have judged performance trials together, we were often on strange
“
horses, and when I get on one I know is going to be a handful, I just give it to Tony. He never complains and has saved my bacon more than once!” After relocating to the United States, Leahy rode for different trainers and eventually established his own business. He added professional hunt service to his résumé in 1990, when he became huntsman at Fox River Valley Hunt in Illinois. Foster describes Leahy’s skills: “His love of hounds and abilities with them are phenomenal. He can analyze the quality and shortcomings of a hound to a degree few hound people even approach.” Asked in 1995 to become Joint Master at Fox River Valley, Leahy continued to carry the horn there and later assumed both roles at Massbach Hounds. Fox River Valley expanded its country in 1997 to include property in Georgia, and a unique, cooperative arrangement lets Leahy hunt hounds in both states through the season. As Master at Fox River Valley, Tony began his service with the MFHA at the district director level. He emphasizes the importance of giving back, noting, “The MFHA handles so many really important priorities for hunting. It resolves country disputes, it maintains one of the most honest stud books around for us to rely on in making breeding decisions, it performs all these essential services for the members.” Over the years, his involvement expanded to include various committee memberships, Biennial Staff Seminar presentations and judging hound shows and trials. GROWING PROFESSIONAL STAFF
Another of Leahy’s contributions was helping to create the Professional Development Program (PDP). The educational program accepts several huntsmen and whippers-in each year. Responding to the need for more uniform standards and better sharing of
His love of hounds and abilities with them are phenomenal. He can analyze the quality and shortcomings of a hound to a degree few hound people even approach.” MFHA EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR DENNIS FOSTER
Opposite page: Tony Leahy visited the Iroquois in Lexington, Kentucky, during an October MFHA meeting. Left: Leahy carried the horn at the 2016 Carolinas Cup Performance Trials. Right: Leahy hunted in New Zealand during a gathering of the International Union of Hunting with Hounds. Leahy had a fall earlier in the day and cut his nose.
WINTER 2016 | 25
Tony Leahy, Sam Clifton and Mark Powell working hounds in Canada during the 2007 Centennial Celebration Performance Trials.
GREGORY PARKER
knowledge among staff, as well as a desire to “grow our own” thanks to the difficulty of importing experienced professionals from England and Ireland, Leahy and Barclay implemented a custom curriculum. “We wanted newer staff to have access to other huntsmen, to talk to more experienced folks and benefit from their wisdom,” Leahy explains. The ten-year-old PDP provides each participant with a library of hunting books, CDs, and other materials, and they complete monthly assignments. On the practical side, Barclay notes: “This year, the participants were invited into the rings at the Virginia Foxhound Show, learning from some of the best foxhunters in the world.” Each PDP class also gathers together during the season to tour four to six different kennels, representing various types of hunt clubs and hounds. Participants learn by traveling to hunt with at least one other pack, often growing close to the host huntsman, and benefit from mentoring offered by Barclay, Foster and Leahy, among others. Graduates are extremely positive about the program: “The PDP instilled in me an appreciation for how every hunt and every day is the same and quite unique, and a sense of camaraderie — and with that a source for help — with other hunts through their huntsmen, Masters, and staff,” says Kate Selby, class of 2013 and now huntsman at Green Mountain Hounds (Vermont). More recently, Barclay says he sees the PDP expanding its role to offer assistance to individual hunt clubs. Hunts facing internal challenges have received advice in areas ranging from kennel maintenance and hound breeding to bylaws and financial matters. Leahy notes that the MFHA leadership plays a vital role in supporting and helping hunts 26 | COVERTSIDE
“
that are struggling. “The organization really supports its constituency; it’s a great group of people with the best intentions to find solutions,” he says. LOOKING FORWARD: PROMOTE, PRESERVE AND PROTECT
Despite many pressures on foxhunting, Leahy remains optimistic about the future of the sport and the MFHA’s role in ensuring that future. Asked about his goals for the year ahead, he replies, “I think it’s a really exciting time for us. We have this beautiful building in Middleburg that will give us a physical presence. We have an opportunity to educate the public about what we do, to broaden our base of support, to increase the youth participation, to really own our expertise.” Along with developing the new headquarters, Leahy will work with the next executive director when Foster steps down after 25 years in that position. It is a full slate for an individual who is still an active trainer, devoted father, Master and huntsman, and also a board member at the Equine Land Conservation Resource and the International Union of Hunting with Hounds. Barclay is confident Leahy can meet the challenge, noting, “He’s an extremely capable man. Having been a professional huntsman, he brings a slightly different dimension to the presidency, and he knows foxhunting as well as anyone.” Foster’s endorsement is equally strong: “Mark my words, Tony will be a great MFHA president, probably one of the greatest!” Martha Drum is the editor of ecovertside.net and manages Covertside’s Facebook page. She gives lessons at her Easy Keeper Farm in Louisa County, Virginia, and hunts with Farmington and Keswick.
He’s an extremely capable man. Having been a professional huntsman, he brings a slightly different dimension to the presidency, and he knows foxhunting as well as anyone.” PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM COORDINATOR ANDREW BARCLAY
INTRODUCING THE
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MADE IN BRITAIN
reunited after sharing a foxhunt 34 years earlier. Opposite page: the Crown Prince Akihito and Prince Masahito in 1952. In 1953, the prince rode with Reagan and the West Hills Hunt. He came to the U.S. to compete in the National Horse Show.
COURTESY RONALD REAGAN LIBRARY
In 1987, Prince Akihito and President Reagan
COURTESY WIKIMEDIA COMMONS
THE TIE THAT BINDS
Foxhunting TWO FUTURE WORLD LEADERS RIDE TO HOUNDS, THEN COLLABORATE ON WORLD MATTERS
COURTESY RONALD REAGAN LIBRARY
MORE THAN 30 YEARS LATER.
BY SCOTT J. TEPPER, MFH RED ROCK HOUNDS
WINTER 2016 | 29
PHOTOS COURTESY RONALD REAGAN LIBRARY
N
O ONE KNEW IT THEN, but in late October 1953, the seven-year-old West Hills Hunt, whose kennels at the time were in the city of Los Angeles, hosted two future world leaders on a drag hunt at Adohr Farms and the El Caballero Country Club in the then-sparsely-populated Tarzana neighborhood of the City of the Angels.
The West Hills of Los Angeles was started after World War II by a group of mustered-out actors who had made propaganda films at Fort Riley, Kansas. Among them was a young matinee idol who rode horses and had a horse ranch about 25 miles from his Pacific Palisades home. That actor was, of course, Ronald Reagan. Mr. Reagan’s ranch was next to Malibou Lake, about a mile from the Paramount Ranch in Agoura. Paramount Ranch is today a state park but it still hosts TV and movie shoots all year round. Mr. Reagan’s ranch was a place where he could hang his boots after a long day of shooting westerns. As it so happened, in the late summer of 1953 Ronnie (he had asked that everybody call him Ronnie) was one of the hunt’s biggest and most enthusiastic supporters, and somebody in the hunt — maybe it was him — got wind that the crown prince of Japan, Tsugu Akihito, was making an American goodwill tour and was going to compete in the National Horse Show at Madison Square Garden. But first he was coming to Los Angeles, which had a large Japanese population. My future brother-in-law, Normie Weiner, was the fox boy for West Hills back then, charged with laying down scented lines for the hounds to follow, being careful to keep off the manicured greens at the country club, and away from the milkers in the pastures near the barns at the Adohr’s dairy. He learned that the crown prince was coming and was instructed to lay down several long and stiff lines, over as many obstacles as West Hills had, as well as fallen oak trees and through ditches, because, he was told by the field master, John Bowles, the prince wanted a challenge. And so it was that on that crisp October morning Normie laid down the scent, and kept the hounds running for over two hours. He told me he had never worked so hard or run so far. Years later I asked Bowles, who had become a Master of West Hills and then retired, what he thought
30 | COVERTSIDE
of the hunt that day. He said that the crown prince looked quite dignified in his swallowtail coat and top hat, and was very friendly with all of the commoners. “I asked him to ride with me, of course. And he was also one hell of a rider. I put him on one of my Thoroughbreds and the prince rode him as if he was in the ring. And this was at speed and over some of our most difficult country.” Well, the crown prince became emperor of Japan, so that was one world leader. I also wanted to know about Ronald Reagan. “Ronnie was a great rider, too,” Bowles told me. “Even though he rode in those western saddles when shooting westerns, he rode in a proper English saddle and he could keep up with the best of us.” So, I asked, “did you have Ronnie ride up with you and the crown prince?” I had visions of these two future leaders being invited to ride up with Bowles, himself a legendary rider and field master for West Hills. I could envision them together taking the stiff oxers and chicken coops in the barbed wire fence lines and fallen oak tree trunks, riding stride for stride. But just then my bubble was broken. Bowles chuckled. “No, I made Ronnie ride in the back,” he said. “The thing was, he always came out in ratcatcher. And while everyone else was properly attired for this big event, Ronnie was there in a tweed coat — perfectly tailored mind you — with a big, colorful pocket square silk instead of a tie. So I made him ride at the back.” In the end that made sense, too. I’m sure future world leaders have ridden in hunts together throughout history. But in laid-back Los Angeles, the only time that happened, one future world leader was formal and dignified, befitting his future titular position. The other future world leader, whose position was much more than titular, was relaxed and just having fun. Scott J. Tepper, MFH, was Ronald Reagan’s neighbor from 1953 to 1969. He has been MFH of Red Rock Hounds in Reno, Nevada, since 1986.
“Ronnie,” as he liked to be called, was a bold rider on his hunt horse Tar Baby (left). Nancy and Ronald Reagan pose for the camera on their ranch. Photos courtesy Ronald Reagan Library.
Aiken, South Carolina Dasher Circle Farm
Basset Hill Farm
Call COURTNEY CONGER . $995,000
Marvelous 42 acre farm provides total privacy with coastal Bermuda fields and miles of riding trails. Delightful stone cottage has 3 bedrooms and 2 baths. Includes 4-stall center aisle barn, 14 acres of board fenced pastures, 5 run-in sheds, schooling ring with dressage arena, jump field, cross country course and large equipment barn. Ride on miles of trails.
Boatwright Plantation Call COURTNEY CONGER . $1,950,000
in Three Runs Plantation FRANK STARCHER or JACK ROTH . $896,000
First class equestrian property encompassing almost 11 acres in Three Runs Plantation equestrian community. Includes fenced pastures, 3-stall barn with tack room, and elegant custom 3,240 square foot home with 4 bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms, and 3-bay garage.
Exceptional equestrian estate in historic Ridge Spring, SC features grand main residence with 6 bedrooms and 4.5 baths, 22-stall barn, sparkling pool and outdoor kitchen on 31.64 acres. Outdoor arena/track, 4-stall brood mare barn, dressage arena, fenced pastures, round pen.
Hickory Hill Farm THOMAS BOSSARD . $759,000
Beautiful 21 acre horse farm with 3 bedroom, 3 bath farm house in Chime Bell Chase equestrian community. 5-stall center aisle barn with tack room, 3 fenced paddocks with run in sheds. Community amenities include trails, riding rings and professional cross country course.
Steeplechase Cottage Call THOMAS BOSSARD . $1,599,000
Beautiful 3-acre parcel in Aiken's Horse District has magnificent views of the steeplechase track and horse show grounds. The 3458 square foot main residence has open floor plan that includes 4 bedrooms and 3 full baths. Kitchen boasts top of the line appliances, and gracious screened porch overlooks salt water pool. Charming guest house has 2 bedrooms and 2 baths, and both properties are fenced for pets.
Warm Sky Farm Call MIKE HOSANG . $999,999
The Gamekeepers Lodge COURTNEY CONGER or RANDY WOLCOTT . $1,495,000
Exquisite 5-bedroom brick Georgian residence, 3-bay garage with apartment above, sparkling pool, gazebo with pool bath, 7-stall brick stable on 4 board fenced acres bordering the Hitchcock Woods, Aiken’s 2100-acre riding reserve with over 65 miles of sandy trails.
120 acres on the Edisto River near North, SC! Beautifully maintained traditional home offers 3 fully finished floors with oak flooring, custom kitchen, 7 bedrooms including spacious main level master suite. Farm includes stocked pond, fenced pastures, lighted riding ring, 8-stall center aisle stable, several barns and groom’s cottage.
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. There is also an 1800 square foot, insulated equipment shed and 13 four-board fenced paddocks and pastures. Amenities include riding trails, clubhouse and pool. May be purchased in conjunction with charming 4bedroom bungalow located across the polo field and offered at $575,000.
Located at New Bridge Polo Club, Warm Sky Farm is on 9.73 acres. This exquisite, private estate has a 3,255 square foot house with 3 bedrooms, 3 full baths, gourmet kitchen, expansive master suite with luxury bath. Wide plank smoked oak hardwood floors, granite counters, and top of the line details throughout. Balcony offers sweeping views of 4 stall barn, paddocks, and training track. No convenience has been overlooked!
Fox Trotter Farm RANDY WOLCOTT . $449,000
River Oaks Farm in North, SC COURTNEY CONGER or RANDY WOLCOTT . $795,000
New Bridge Polo Stables Call COURTNEY CONGER . $1,300,000
Aiken's Equestrian Corridor offers this picturesque 53.99 acre farm with 9 stall barn. Built on existing hay fields, there are 6 large pastures, 6 small paddocks, water to all fields, outdoor wash rack. Center aisle barn has 9 stalls, overhangs on both sides, tack room with water heater. Out-buildings include shop with electricity, storage shed, 2 small covered sheds. Very clean 3 bedroom, 2 bath mobile home.
Three Elm Farm Call MIKE HOSANG . $699,000
Find privacy and quality craftsmanship on 12.7 acres, where board fenced pastures and paddocks surround this elegant 3 bedroom, 3 bath brick residence with hardwood floors, architectural details and high ceilings. Park-like landscaped yard, in ground pool, 6-stall shed row barn and riding arena.
Mount Vintage Plantation Call COURTNEY CONGER . $1,100,000
Incredible lakefront estate features superbly crafted Sand Hills cottage with more than 4,300 square feet, on over 10 acres of lovely gardens and boardfenced pastures. For horses, there is a charming 6-stall stable with tack room and full bath, feed room, wash rack, dog kennel and hay and tractor storage.
www.CarolinaHorseProperties.com . 803.648.8660
YOUNG ENTRY
Kids’ Day Out with North Hills Hunt BY CARINE STAVA | PHOTOGRAPHS JENNY NGUYEN, HUNT PHOTOGRAPHY
I
n the never-ending quest to keep the sport of foxhunting alive and well, we have the responsibility to bring along the next generation of riders. North Hills Hunt in Nebraska hosted its inaugural junior beagle hunt for riders 12 years old and younger on June 4, 2016. Beautiful weather, great country, fabulous horses, and plenty of volunteers guaranteed a successful day. Tally ho to the next generation of hunters!
Riding through the field, listening to the beagles giving voice. Libby Christi, North Hills Hunt riding member with colors, is the adult walking alongside.
32 | COVERTSIDE
Layla Stava (six years old) rode by herself through the woods and across the fields.
Professional Huntsman David Kruger and Honorary Whipper-in Breanna Orsborn gather the beagles to start off hunting through the woods — there are
CLOCKWISE FROM BELOW: Faith Winklebauer (five
years old), with Carine Stava trailing behind on the Appaloosa. Below right: Ex-MFH Steve Evans, Professional Huntsman David Kruger, and Honorary Whipper-in Breanna Orsborn carry the beagles to the next cover. Below left: Faith and her mom, Claire, with pony Harry Potter.
plenty of rabbits!
Listening to the huntsman giving the directions for the day: (L-R) Makayla Stava, Ella Galligan, Cole Jizba, and Layla Stava. “We tacked up all the kids’ horses, and put the halter over Sierra’s bridle and I didn’t catch it. Thank goodness she’s a great horse,” says Carine Stava.
WINTER 2016 | 33
holiday picks EDITORS’
E
very winter and summer, Covertside editors make a pilgrimage to equestrian trade shows. We see the latest holiday goodies before they show up in the stores and pick our favorites. Our eclectic picks range from fancy to functional. We’d love to find some of these items under our own trees this holiday season.
DECORATIVE FOXHUNTING PILLOWS French Laundry Home frenchlaundryhome.com
FOX PILLOW
Horse and Hound horseandhound.com
BREAD PLATTER
Frederique’s Studio frederiquestudio.com
HUNTING HORN CANDLESTICK
Horse and Hound horseandhound.com
SNOOTY FOX CLEVER FELLOW INVITATIONS Horse and Hound horseandhound.com
GREY HORSE SADDLERY Hunt Button Jewelry Bracelets • Necklaces Stock Pins and Buttons
TO ORDER:
EMAIL GREYHORSESADDLERY@GMAIL.COM OR CALL 301-305-2832 FIND US ON FACEBOOK AT GREY HORSE SADDLERY WINTER 2016 | 35
holiday picks EDITORS’
BOOTKEEPERS
BootKeepers/ Partners & Young, LLC mybootkeepers.com
PACKING CASE
Oughton Limited oughtonlimited.com
WINE TOTE
Paul & Lydia, LLC paulandlydia.com
FIAN HELMET
Charles Owen charlesowen.com
NO KNOT EQUESTRIAN HAIR NETS Real Women Ride realwomenride.net
THE BARREL MEN’S WATCH
Original Grain originalgrain.com
STOCK TIE
Style Stock stylestock.co
CRYSTAL DOG PIN
The Vintage Fox thevintagefoxonline.com
LEASH
Southport Hound southporthound.com
HUNT BAGS
Tori Anna Designs toriannadesigns.com
WINTER 2016 | 37
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covertside_autumn_15_Layout 1 30/09/2015 16:50 Page 1
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38 | COVERTSIDE
ASK THE HUNTSMAN
Wide Open Spaces
Tyce Mothershead hunts the 270,000 acres of Tejon Ranch in California.
Tejon Hounds’ Huntsman Tyce Mothershead talks about stretching his legs in California hunt country. BY AMY FAGAN GESELL
I
Covertside: Your former territories were not small by any measure, but Tejon’s hunt country is vast. Has this caused you to make changes in your technique? Mothershead: I’ve had to change my style a little, and I’ve got a great mentor in Peter Wilson of Grand Canyon Hounds, Flagstaff, Arizona. He hunts similar territory and has helped me adjust to a major change: the lack of boundaries. He has reminded me that, due to the lack of roads or close property lines, I’m free to “let the hounds be hounds.” Because of this, they need very little direction or correction from my wife (Whipper-in Hilary Mothershead) or me. In Nebraska, there were lots of
crops, hedgerows and river bottoms that required me to rely a great deal on scenting conditions. Here, it’s open, hot and dry, so we rely more on cold tracking and running on sight. Running on sight in such open spaces requires speed and endurance. Because of this, we need slighter, taller hounds, such as the Crossbreds we have, and we have to have the right horses. They need to be fast, sure-footed and have good bone. You can ride any horse out here, from Quarter Horse to Mustang, but if you want to be up front with the hounds, you really need to be on a Thoroughbred!
Covertside: How does technology play into your hunt?
TIFFANY EVITTS
N 2006, TYCE MOTHERSHEAD WAS WALKING ABOUT in some woods near his Iowa home, checking traps, when he happened upon then-Moingona Huntsman Ken George (now with Midland Hounds, Georgia). George was looking for some hounds and Mothershead offered to assist. Though Mothershead grew up an avid hunter and his father was a houndsman, he had never participated in mounted foxhunting. Meeting George changed that ... and Mothershead’s career path. That day he was invited to ride along with the hunt and he hasn’t stopped hunting since. His career trajectory has lead him from whipping-in for Moingona in Iowa, to hunting for the North Hills Hunt in Elkhorn, Nebraska, and now to California and the territory of Tejon Ranch’s 270,000 acres.
Mothershead: Like most huntsmen, I’ll say that I prefer not to have the chatter of radios, but in our country, they are necessary. We can get separated by miles, so we need a way to stay in touch. As far as GPS tracking collars are concerned, I believe they are an absolute necessity for the safety of the hounds. I don’t want to rely on them or really even use them during the hunt. However, if the hunt is over and we have a wayward hound, the GPS will facilitate finding that hound quickly … which can be important in the hot, dry areas in which we hunt. Covertside: Speaking of hot and dry, does the “sunny California weather” mean you can hunt year-round?
Mothershead: Weather certainly dictated our hunt seasons in Nebraska. Out here, though, our season begins with autumn hunting in September and comes to an abrupt end when the seeds of the foxtail grass begin to disengage from the grass. Foxtails have barbs that are shaped in such a way that they can enter a hound’s nose or ear or other soft tissue areas, but they can’t back out. They aren’t unlike porcupine quills. These barbs can cause infections and work their way into the respiratory system of the hounds. They are actually more of a hazard out here than the rattlesnakes. Amy Gesell, a frequent Covertside contributor, resides in South Carolina with horses, hounds and the huntsman of Wiggins Hounds.
WINTER 2016 | 39
BETTER HUNTING Using MFHA’s comprehensive online pedigree search, the author was able to research ’12 Brighton (pictured). The tool is a great way for foxhunters to learn about the breeding and attributes of their favorite hounds.
Hound Pedigrees 101
Learn the simple steps to finding and following your favorite hound’s pedigree. BY MARTHA DRUM
T
o a newcomer, listening to huntsmen discuss hound bloodlines can almost sound like they are speaking a foreign language. The names, packs, and other details might seem overwhelming, but there are user-friendly pedigree tools available at the MFHA website. With effort, you can understand how your pack has developed and enhance your enjoyment of watching hounds work. Ask your huntsman to identify one hound that you can recognize, and get its full name. The full name will include the hunt with which the hound was “entered,” or first hunted with the pack, the hound’s given name, and the year in which the hound was entered (not the year of birth). For this article, we’ll use Hillsboro Brighton ’12
40 | COVERTSIDE
as our example. He won the Ben Hardaway III Perpetual Cup as the Best Sanctioned Performance Trial Hound at last spring’s Virginia Foxhound Show with Huntsman John Gray. The hound’s name tells us that he was entered at Hillsboro
(although he might have been whelped elsewhere) in 2012. You might find it helpful to bring this article to your computer and follow along. From www. mfha.com, use the menu to scroll down under Hounds > Hound Registration > Online Pedigree
Search (Figure A). There’s also an option called “Using Online Pedigree Search” which explains these steps. The straightforward instructions on the screen prompt you to enter the number of generations you want displayed and the name of the specific hound you’re researching. Select the Slow Search option if you enter the full name of the hound. Then click “Search Now.” The results will come up as a new page. You can choose from the five bracketed options displayed in blue capital letters underneath the hound’s name: The hound’s pedigree with links to the pedigrees of all his ancestors; pedigree without links; breeding info (if your hound has puppies that were later entered with a registered pack); trial pedigree (for hypothetical future breedings); or reverse pedigree, which lists your hound’s offspring (Figure B).
Figure A: From www.mfha.com, use the menu to scroll down under
Figure B: Searching for “Brighton” brings up all
Hounds > Hound Registration > Online Pedigree Search.
MFHA entered hounds with the same name.
For Brighton, click on “Pedigree with Links” (Figure C), and the familiar chart appears, just like an equine pedigree. The male line runs toward the top of the page; the female line, toward the bottom. We can see that Brighton immediately descends from English hounds from the North Cotswold, with other English packs appearing further back in his family tree. RESEARCHING TRAITS
After looking at his ancestors, go back a page and select, from those blue capitalized options under his name, “Breeding Info.” The page that displays shows Brighton’s sire and dam at the top, any entered siblings (though Brighton has none), and then lists each breeding and any offspring that have been entered. This image doesn’t show the complete list of breedings. You’ll find the same five options in blue beneath every hound’s name, letting you continue your research into the mates selected for your hound and their get. While the registry provides names, dates, and data, you’ll need to consult your huntsman or Masters to understand the nuances of breeding choices. Gray describes his evaluation
of Brighton as a potential sire: “We know he has a very good pedigree, which we always look at when breeding. Other factors also weigh in, like hunting ability (he was third at the 2016 Belle Meade Performance Trial), conformation and biddability.” One hound’s potential to complement the traits of another refines the choice of a mate. Gray continues, “We chose to use Brighton on Brawny because she was a brilliant hunter with good conformation, but was timid.” Their get, Bramble, “is much more bold than her mother, with an enormous drive to hunt,” Gray says. After just a few minutes clicking through the information online, you may see certain hounds showing up repeatedly in your pack’s breeding. Ask your huntsman why one particular cross was chosen, or which hounds he’s considering breeding next year. Out hunting, watch for hounds you’ve researched, and see if you can observe the different qualities — drive, speed, voice, biddability — that have been many generations in the making.
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Figure C: Once you click on your hound’s name, the number of specified generations will appear and you can see his or her history.
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WINTER 2016 | 41
SUPPORT FOXHUNTING Become an MFHA Subscribing Member!
Join today for just $35 and receive all the benefits of an MFHA membership. Junior memberships are only $10 for those under the age of 18!
PENN-MARYDELS EXPLAINED • MOUNTAIN AND MUSE • SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT: THE KIT
MFHA Subscribing Member Benefits Include: • Covertside magazine - 4 issues per year • Monthly eCovertside subscription • Members only events, contests, seminars, and Ball • Bumper Sticker • Eligible to receive a variety of discounts from MFHA sponsors
THE MAGAZINE OF MOUNTED FOXHUNTING
To join, make check payable to the MFHA and mail to: Masters of Foxhounds Association of America, PO Box 363, Millwood, VA 22646. To pay by credit card, call 540-955-5680. Call (540) 955-5680 or visit www.mfha.com to join today!
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42 | COVERTSIDE
Your valuable support of the MFHA and its foundations helps to promote and preserve foxhunting and countryside values.
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Whiskey Road Foxhounds
HUNT WEEK 2017 February 1st - February 5th Aiken, South Carolina
* SAVE THE DATE * Tejon Hunt Week February 4 – 12, 2017
Join us for some of the nest hunting in the South! Stirrup Cups, Hunt Breakfasts, and Evening Soirees at the nest homes in historic Aiken.
“Destination Foxhunting” on the historic 270,000 acre Tejon Ranch. Housing accommodations, stabling, and livery available. Only one hour north of L.A. 661-599-0710 | hmothershead@tejonranch.com equestrian.tejonranch.com
Please send inquiries to: Barbara Nelson, MFH wrhuntweek@gmail.com
WINTER 2016 | 43
FARE & FLASK
Recipe from FAIRFIELD COUNTY HOUNDS, Fairfield, CT.
Teddy Milner, caterer, is queen of the hunt breakfasts in Aiken, S.C.
WHAT’S SO SPECIAL ABOUT HUNT BREAKFAST? STORY AND PHOTOS BY MICHAEL STERN
A
t the most refined hunt breakfast, you’ll meet dirty guests who smell like horse sweat. Oh, sure, some folks do change into garments that are not splattered with mud, and it’s polite to wash blood and grime off hands and face. But the point of the meal is to bask in the afterglow of a sport where a fair amount of sweat and mud means it’s been a good day. I came to hunting late in life and was dazzled by the first hunt breakfasts I ate — not only by the vittles, but by the ebullience of the room. Never had I been around such unbridled gaiety and such thorough44 | COVERTSIDE
ly appreciated food and drink. I don’t say this nonchalantly; I speak as a professional eater whose business is writing about regional fare and the unique customs by which people enjoy it. After 40 years of dining coast to coast, I thought I had seen it all and eaten it all; but the spirit of a good post-hunt meal — called “breakfast” no matter what time it’s served — is in a class by itself. Fact: The deliciousness of any food is due in large part to the circumstances in which it is eaten. For those of us who follow the hounds, there are few circumstances as delectable as the afterglow of a morn-
ing’s hunt. Here we have the opportunity to relish the joys, adventures, and misadventures of the day with fellow survivors who may be friends, but also with people who may have nothing else in common with us. What we all do share — the incomparable ecstasy of being herd mates with galloping horses in the wake of a pack of fine-tuned hounds — creates intense camaraderie. In this set of circumstances, a slab of Spam might taste great. Indeed, some of the best hunt breakfasts are not sumptuous banquets, but are casual tailgates at which the menu is no more complicated than
chips and dips and sandwiches from the local deli. When I first rode with Bull Run, it was a ratcatcher day, at which the post-hunt eats were salami and cheese, sliced extempore by whoever was available and eaten standing up. Salami and cheese never tasted so fine as they did after that morning’s exhilarating ride. Around my place in South Carolina, eyes light up at hunt breakfast tailgates when it becomes known that Aiken Hounds Master Joey Peace will be bringing her quiche or that Betty Alexander has made her chocolate chip pie. For big-deal breakfasts, most clubs have their own dining rituals, often featuring a signature dish such as Todd Cummings’s perlou at the Lowcountry Hunt and Katy Wentz’s trifle at South Creek Foxhounds (both of which I’ve described in previous editions of this column). Clubs also become known for meals prepared by their favorite professional chefs. One such wizard is Mamie Keys of Roxbury, Connecticut, who frequently does the catering for Fairfield County Hounds. Mamie’s little eatery in the foothills of the Berkshires attracts FCH members after trail rides and informal hunts; and when club members enlist her to make breakfast, you can bet she’ll serve the crème brûlée French toast that is her specialty. It is a sunny and insanely luxurious casserole, food of the gods! Michael Stern is the creator of roadfood.com and is heard weekly on Public Radio’s “The Splendid Table.”
the recipe
CRÈME BRÛLÉE FRENCH TOAST What’s not to like about croissants drenched with butter, sugar, maple syrup, and eggs and baked to become a custardy casserole? Crème brûlée French toast has a sophisticated mien, but it is easy to make and to serve in whatever quantities are desired. INGREDIENTS: • 1.5 cups brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons vanilla
• 6 croissants
• 3 tablespoons maple syrup
• 1.5 sticks (3/4 cup) melted butter
• 1.5 cups half-and-half
PREHEAT oven to 350 degrees.
smooth and well blended.
BEAT together the eggs and half-and-
MIX the brown sugar, syrup and vanilla and stir them into the melted butter until the mixture is
SPREAD this mixture evenly in a 9x13x2inch baking dish.
• 5 eggs
DIRECTIONS:
LAY the croissants, bottom side up, over the butter mixture.
half and pour this over the croissants. BAKE 30-35 minutes or until custard is firm. Serves 6
When Dr. Judith Hoover of Aiken Hounds hosts hunt breakfast at her house, she sets out amuse-bouches for the horses of riders who trailer over.
WINTER 2016 | 45
FOXHUNTER’S LIBRARY
The Book Lover’s Holiday List
THE PURSUIT OF LOVE By Nancy Mitford 214 pages New York, New York Vintage Books, 2010
BY CHRISTOPHER OAKFORD
W
“The Pursuit of Love” by Nancy Mitford, is one of the funniest and best-loved works in English literature. Although not explicitly concerned with foxhunting, Mitford’s thinly veiled depiction of her early life in the Cotswolds
ith the holiday season upon us, foxhunters across the country are no doubt busily drawing up their holiday gift wish lists, ready to pass on to family. One essential that should be on every list is a good book for the days when the weather gods conspire to make actually going out impossible. Here is Covertside’s great book list for holiday giving (and receiving).
IN THE WINTER OF 1988, the philosopher and academic Roger Scruton decided to take up hunting. It was a surprising choice. Scruton, who grew up in suburban England with little connection to the land, had previously taken great pains to avoid any form of athletic endeavor, and had only recently started riding — hack-
ing out somewhat tentatively on a small, elderly pony named Dumbo. But in fact, the professor had little choice in the matter. Peacefully ambling along a bridle path one day, Scruton was engulfed by a foxhunt in full cry and promptly propelled to the front of the delighted field by a reinvigorated Dumbo. The event caused Scruton to reflect that here at last was a culture that remained true to its past and that had not been pasteurized by modernity. Or to put it another way, he fell in love. This book, written 10 years after his initiation, charts Scruton’s progress. It includes
American foxhunting is a long overdue omission rectified. The match took place in Loudoun County, Virginia, in November 1905, and pitted the Americanbred hounds of Harry Worcester Smith against the English-bred pack of Alexander Henry Higginson. Its aim was to determine, once and for all, which type of hound was best suited to chasing the red fox in North
America. The two protagonists were both northerners, who, like so many, had come south in search of the kind of rural sporting idyll that was fast disappearing in their home states. Wolfe’s book skillfully describes the origins of the dispute, provides a detailed blow-by-blow account of the contest, and concludes with a sure-footed analysis of what the match actually
ON HUNTING
By Roger Scruton 161 pages London, England Yellow Jersey Press, 1998.
THE GREAT HOUND MATCH OF 1905 By Martha Wolfe 198 pages Guilford, Connecticut Lyon Press, 1996.
FOR LOVERS OF HISTORY, this imaginatively written account of the seminal event in 46 | COVERTSIDE
hilarious accounts of the falls and solecisms through which everyone who isn’t born into the hunting field goes. And it distills the thoughts of an important and controversial thinker on what hunting means and why it continues to matter so much.
achieved as well as what it clearly failed to resolve. A thoroughly engrossing read, this account is a must for anyone who wants to understand how and why American foxhunting evolved into the sport it is today.
Fox Mat $24.99
in the period between the wars is nonetheless littered with hunting references and scenes. From the terrifying and endearing Uncle Matthew pursuing his children with bloodhounds to relieve both his tedium and theirs in the off season to the story’s heroine, Linda Radlett, falling for her disastrous first husband, the irredeemably material and boorish Tony Kroesig, when he rescues a drowning hare as they follow the hounds together, a knowledge and love of the sport pervades every chapter. And despite admitting that “secretly we knew it [hunting] for a kind of original sin,” even the blackest of characters is rescued from obloquy by his
skill in the saddle. In her later years Mitford would appear to be an exclusively urban figure. But on at least one occasion her London friends were astonished by the expertise she displayed in catching a loose horse on a visit to a country house. And few could match her descriptions of what it feels like to go hunting and how beautiful and bleak the English countryside can be when you do. Christopher Oakford lives in Lexington, Kentucky, and is the author of the book “The Iroquois Hunt: A Bluegrass Foxhunting Tradition.” He and his wife, Glenye, are currently writing a biography of Joseph B. Thomas.
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U.S. Postal Service Statement of Ownership, Management, and Circulation (Published in accordance with 707.8.3, Domestic Mail Manual) 1. Publication Title: Covertside 2. Publication Number: 021-771 3. Filing Date: 10/1/2016 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 2016/ September 30, 2016
15. Extent and Nature of Circulation: 6100 members, association; comp copies to supporters, advertisers & friends
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131 0 0 514 645 6816 164 6980 90.54%
127 0 0 521 648 6799 215 7014 90.47%
16. This Statement of Ownership will be printed in the Winter 2016 issue of this publication. 17. Signature and Title of Editor: Emily Esterson, Editor, October 1, 2016
Fox Hunters for Sale Cathy Carr Taber
(229) 403-4554
Carrdian.com WINTER 2016 | 47
LAST RUN OF THE DAY Photograph by Claire Taylor
Montana Majesty Lynn Lloyd, MFH of Red Rock Hounds, and Susan Denny Gentry, MFH of Cloudline Hounds, cast hounds during an incredible three days of hunting with Big Sky Hounds in Montana. Riders from 12 hunt clubs all over the United States, Japan and the UK were in attendance.
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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Overlooking 149 acres in Orange County Hunt, truly a masterpiece of fine country living. Exquisite home constructed of the highest quality, designed by architect William Lawrence Bottomley in 1932 & built by William Hanback. Grand foyer, Stately Rooms, Gourmet Kitchen, Conservatory, Indoor Pool, Tennis Court. $6,500,000 Peter Pejacsevich 540-270-3835 Scott Buzzelli 540-454-1399
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RUNNYMEDE FARM | ROUND HILL
MILLVILLE RD | MIDDLEBURG
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C. 1777. Totally updated for today's lifestyle. Spacious stone manor house sits on 20 beautiful acres. 4 BR, 2 FB, 3 HB. Interior stone walls, terrace. Gourmet kitchen, separate dining room with FP, tavern room with built-in wetbar, walk out to huge terrace with spa overlooking fields. Old springhouse, small barn. Entire property fenced. Very commutable, yet feels a world away. $1,170,000
NEW PRICE! Location! Lovely 4BR/3.5BA home with spacious rooms on 18+ acres just minutes from Middleburg. Two-stall barn/tack with four stone/board-fenced paddocks, terrific rideout. Middleburg Hunt. Enhanced by high-speed Internet, whole house generator, extensive invisible fencing. Mountain views, soaring $945,000 magnolias, wonderful gardens. Walter Woodson 703-499-4961 Alex Woodson 703-608-1776
Peter Pejacsevich Scott Buzzelli
Carole Taylor
540-270-3835 540-454-1399
703-577-4680
Peter Pejacsevich Scott Buzzelli
Carole Taylor
540-270-3835 540-454-1399
703-577-4680
Outstanding property for the horse enthusiasts! Wide open spaces, ride out, acreage, views, privacy, Piedmont Hunt Territory: this is IDEAL! Well designed facility with arena, 2 barns (12 Stalls), 11 paddocks, round pen; comfortable updated 4BR main house & pool; guest house & 2 car garage; 2 BR Cabin; 135 acres in 2 parcels (94 acres in easement; 42 acres no easement). Call for appointment. $2,800,000 Mary Owen Chatfield-Taylor 540-454-6500
HEREFORD CT | HUME
LOCKES MILL FARM | BERRYVILLE
RAMEY HOUSE FARM | HUME
Stunning custom colonial on 10 rolling acres with lush paddocks & manicured lawns in an idyllic setting. Gracious 4BR/4BA home with high ceilings, wood floors, 2 FP, gourmet country kitchen & 6000 sq ft of living space on 3 levels. Six stall stable & board fenced paddocks included & easy commuter access to I-66. $899,000
Lovely location in Clarke Co. Renovated farmhouse with charming 6 stall barn. Tons of character & charm. Fenced paddocks. Great rideout. Heart of Blue Ridge hunt country. Surrounded by land in scenic easement. Serious horse property. Five bedrooms, four working fireplaces, patio, great views of Blue Ridge Mountains. 23 acres all board fence. In Clarke Co easement. Low taxes. $890,000
Ramey House Farm, c.1858. Authentic country property exudes charm & historic character. Gracious center hall foyer with gorgeous staircase. Serious cooks Aga gas range. 2-Stall barn, fenced. In ground pool. Great ride out. Old Dominion Hunt territory. 17 acres. Perfect weekend getaway or full time residence. Beautiful lightly traveled country road. 1 hr to DC. $630,000
Peter Pejacsevich Scott Buzzelli
540-270-3835 540-454-1399
Anne McIntosh Peter Pejacsevich
703-509-4499 540-270-3835
Carole Taylor George Roll
110 E WASHINGTON STREET MIDDLEBURG, VA | 15 NORTH 21ST STREET PURCELLVILLE, VA 21020 SYCOLIN ROAD, SUITE 100, ASHBURN, VA | 1 S KING ST LEESBURG, VA
703-577-4680 703-606-6358