SADDLE FITTING WOES • JUDGING HOUNDS, PART 3 • ENGLAND’S SPORTING ART COLLECTIONS
THE MAGAZINE OF
SUMMER 2017 • $5.00
s J o h n C o l e s 2 0 17 s
“A Virginia Horseman Specializing in Virginia Horse Properties” oAkeNDALe
Hickory Tree
The epitome of an exquisite Virginia hunt country estate in prime Orange County Hunt territory. From the William Lawrence Bottomley designed Manor house to the meticulously manicured gardens, grounds, dependencies and the 837+ acres of surrounding pastures with protected view-sheds, Oakendale is in a class of its own. $17,990,000
The beautifully groomed 298 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. $9,950,000
wAVerLy FArM
MeADowgroVe
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
Breathtaking mountain views and glistening spring fed 10 acre lake, create a magical setting for this stunning historic estate. Encompassing over 180 gorgeous acres features include a stone and stucco 16 room residence with an ultra modern gourmet kitchen, new tiled baths and separate 2 bedroom guest wing. The 10 stall stable & new tennis court complete this fabulous estate. $3,295,000
wiNDcreST PoND
Deer creek
On over 46.5 acres in the heart of Orange County Hounds territory, this lovely home has 5 Bedrooms, 3 levels, 3 Fireplaces, hardwood floors throughout, exposed log and stone interior and large kitchen, walkout lower level, 2 ponds, barn, cabin, paddocks and more. $2,149,000
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. $1,875,000
LAND
riDgeView
rALLywooD
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 houses and large heated equipment barn. $4,750,000
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. $3,200,000
NorwooD
The 176 Acre Estate is approx. 1 mile east of Berryvile. An allee of mature Maple trees line the long driveway of the manor house, c. 1819, listed in the National Register as, “One of Clarke County’s most elegant, intact examples of the Federal style of architecture.” The brick home offers 11’ ceiling height, original flooring, moldings, gracious entertaining rooms, 3 bedrooms and 3+ baths. $1,700,000
wHiTeHALL
POTTS MILL ROAD - with frontage on Little River, Open Space Easement, rolling fields with mature hardwood forest, Orange County Hunt Territory, great ride out, very private, within 5 miles of the village of Middleburg, views in all directions. 316.85 acres $5,800,000 179.1 acres $3,222,000 137.74 acres $2,534,500 This lovely 22.8 Acre farm offers a private, 4 bedroom residence sited on a knoll, with spacious rooms and views into the trees that border Little River. Located in prime Orange County Hunt territory the horse facilities include a 6 stall barn with tack room and wash stall, machine shed, run in shed and 4 beautiful board fenced paddocks, fields and round pen. VOF Easement. $1,350,000
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
The stately mansion is sited on 8½ acres within the town limits of The Plains, VA. The size of the home and its room sizes lends itself beautifully for hosting large events. The foyer measures 48’ x 11’. The zoning allows for potential division rights or potential tax credits. Convenient to Exit 31 of I-66. $1,200,000
Offers subject to errors, omissions, change of price or withdrawal without notice. Information contained herein is deemed reliable, but is not so warranted nor is it otherwise guaranteed.
(540) 270-0094 THOMAS AND TALBOT REAL ESTATE (540) 687-6500
Middleburg, Virginia 20118
www.Thomas-Talbot.com
Page 18
Sir Alfred Munnings’ stunning portrait of Sir Raymond Greene (1919) is a must-see when traveling to the UK.
SUMMER 2017 • VOLUME 8, NUMBER 2
Features 18 THE MASTERPIECES ACROSS THE POND BY CHRISTOPHER OAKFORD
These not-to-be-missed sporting art collections are worth visiting on a trip to England.
22 BALANCE AND BEAUTY BY C. MARTIN WOOD III
Part III: Judging hounds requires evaluating key attributes.
28 SADDLE FITTING WOES BY JOANNE MESZOLY
The author discovers the mysteries of saddle fit for a hard-to-fit horse.
IN EACH ISSUE:
8
From the Executive Director p.2
THE CLUB News from clubs around the country
16
YOUNG ENTRY Diary of an Irish hunting adventure
32
ON OUR COVER Our cover artist talks technique.
34
38
Guest Column p.4
MFHA News p.6
LIBRARY Foxhunting books for the young and the young-at-heart
Last Run of the Day p.40
ON OUR COVER: Gail Guirreri-Maslyk, Sidesaddle 1, 2003. Original painting size: 48” x 60”. See page 32.
THE FIND Clever and creative must-haves for foxhunters
SUMMER 2017 | 1
FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Hark Forward
I
2 | COVERTSIDE
www.mfha.com
OFFICERS
Patrick A. Leahy, MFH • President Leslie Crosby, MFH •First Vice-President Penny Denegre, MFH •Second Vice-President Joseph Kent, ex-MFH • Secretary-Treasurer David Twiggs • Executive Director
MFHA FOUNDATION
Tony 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 EMILY ESTERSON
t has been great to hear from so many of you and to listen to the enthusiasm for our great sport echoed over and over again. We are very excited to announce our series of events for the 2017-2018 season. This has been dubbed Hark Forward: An International Celebration of Foxhunting. We are planning hound trials, hunter trials, and joint meets throughout all the MFHA districts. We want to bring foxhunters together to celebrate all the aspects of hunting: our hounds, our horses, and the fellowship of our fellow hunters. There will be other specialty events announced along the way so keep an eye on our web pages and eCovertside.net. You must be a member of the MFHA to participate in these events so please help get everyone signed up as subscribing members. We want everyone to participate and to grow our membership. Many thanks to all the hunts assisting in these efforts and the three Masters coordinating the different series of events. Epp Wilson, MFH Belle Meade, is coordinating hound field trials. Sheila Jackson Brown, MFH Green Spring Valley, is coordinating our hunter trials. Leslie Crosby, MFH Mooreland, is coordinating our joint meet schedule, and we anticipate lots of opportunities for joint meets in all districts. Many thanks for everyone’s hard work. We are moving forward with the planning for the new headquarters project in Middleburg. There have been so many great ideas on how to use this facility to bring foxhunters together to learn, support, and protect our sport. We have been diligently reviewing plans to make sure we have the best design to serve our membership. We look forward to hosting many educational events for foxhunters, the public, and the media.
MASTERS OF FOXHOUNDS ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA
Our fundraising efforts for the headquarters will be continuing throughout the Hark Forward celebration and related events. Please help us support these efforts with your donations. Many hunts are organizing special events and meets to help us raise funds and your ideas are welcome. Contact us if you want to coordinate a fundraiser. If you prefer, you can contribute directly at MFHA.com. I love to hear the thoughts, ideas, and concerns of our membership so please don’t hesitate to get in touch. You are what make this association and this sport great. I thank you for your continued generosity and passion. It is an honor to serve you,
W. David Twiggs Executive Director and Keeper of the Studbook, MFHA
Leslie Crosby, MFH Penny Denegre, MFH Emily Esterson • Editor-in-Chief Patrick A. Leahy, MFH David Twiggs, Executive Director
DIRECTORS
Canada • Charlotte McDonald, MFH Carolinas • Fred Berry, MFH Central • Arlene Taylor, MFH Great Plains • Dr. Luke Matranga, MFH Maryland-Delaware • John McFadden, MFH Midsouth • Bill Haggard, MFH Midwest • Keith Gray, MFH New England • Dr. Terence Hook, MFH New York-New Jersey • Yolanda Knowlton, 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 • Dr. John R. van Nagell, 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
INTRODUCING THE
Fian
Preserving the tradition of a supremely elegant hat
BY APPOINTMENT TO HER MAJESTY THE QUEEN PROTECTIVE HEADWEAR MANUFACTURERS WREXHAM
Kitemarked to VG1 01.040 2014-12
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Certified by SEI to ASTM F1163-15
MADE IN BRITAIN
GUEST COLUMN
Asking Why
SUMMER 2017 EDITOR-IN-CHIEF/PUBLISHER EMILY ESTERSON publisher@covertside.net 505-553-2671
A Different Perspective on Our Sport
I
4 | COVERTSIDE
ART DIRECTOR GLENNA STOCKS production@covertside.net
EDITORIAL ASSOCIATE EDITOR SANDRA MCGINNIS sandy@covertside.net STAFF WRITER/ECOVERTSIDE.NET EDITOR MARTHA DRUM martha@covertside.net
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS RICK MYSLINSKI
hear the question, “Why do we do this?” from the next stall as we wrangle with frozen water, ripped horse blankets, and solidified manure — a perfectly reasonable question from my wife, who thankfully supports my foxhunting habit, and she’s not alone in wondering. Most of us have read the passage about an outsider’s description of “The Foxhunter” that includes riding at times and in conditions not fit for man or beast, exposing oneself to great bodily harm. Why do we do it? To participate in foxhunting at a moderate level, one must invest in clothing, tack, equipment, specialized livestock, potentially a truck and trailer, and then travel sometimes great distances to ride at times and in weather that make the casual observer question the sanity of the participants. Add in the time to become a proficient enough rider and the costs associated with all of the above, and participating in the sport of foxhunting can defy logic. There are many common answers to the question: watching hounds work, putting horsemanship skills to the test, social interaction, tradition, pageantry, etc. There are more, but I think there are much deeper reasons that are intuitive or instinctive and not so obvious to any of us. A little background on my experience: In addition to being a Master, I own a natural resource management company, which means we help clients like forest preserve districts, park districts, associations with common open space (lakes and wetlands), and not-for-profit preserves restore and manage these resources. I’m outside a lot, whether it be at home, at work, or to recreate. I’ve also spent time as a school board president of a very progressive district where the curriculum was linked to kids connecting with nature. Lastly, I’ve led several boards, notably our local land conservancy, where we worked
with health services organizations and healthcare professionals and researchers who have validated the positive effects of nature on human well-being. One of my favorite charities is the therapeutic riding center near my home. The benefits of being on or near a horse are voluminous. Foxhunting is one of many ways to connect with animals and nature, and to date I’ve found nothing that can deliver such a vast array of benefits wrapped up in such a stunning package as foxhunting. In coming issues, I will share thoughts and research into some interesting answers as to “why we do this” that may justify your behavior and when shared, may attract others! Closing here,
Keith Gray, MFH Mill Creek Hunt Club www.ilmenvironments.com
JOANNE MESZOLY CHRISTOPHER OAKFORD C. MARTIN WOOD III
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
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MFHA NEWS
4 HARK FORWARD! MFHA
SEEKS HUNTS TO HOST PERFORMANCE TRIALS, JOINT MEETS, FIELD HUNTER TRIALS Get ready for a season’s worth of friendly competitions and collegial events to connect
the championships. Carolyn
press time include qualifying
foxhunters across the conti-
Cadier of Green Creek Hounds,
the top two Handy Hunters
nent. To kick off the festivi-
and the event organizer, notes
(amateur foxhunters) and two
ties, MFHA has partnered with
that the tentative schedule
Working Hunters (foxhunt-
Tryon International Equestrian
includes rounds on Friday
ing pros riding for foxhunt-
Center to host the Field Hunter
to qualify for the finals on
ing owners) from each MFHA
Championships November 17
Saturday, a possible tailgate
district. The purse will be
and 18. Participants can qualify
contest, and open Appoint-
divided among the top three
4 HILLSBORO GODFREY ’16
for championships through the
ments, open Handy Hunter,
placings in both amateur and
REPEATS WIN AT SOUTHERN
hunter trials being organized
and Pairs classes (no qualifica-
pro jumping divisions, with
as part of the Hark Forward
tions necessary).
a sizable portion going to
HOUND SHOW The Grand Champion of the
their represented hunt, and
Southern Hound Show, Hillsboro
hunting for visitors will take
planning a Carolinas quali-
also a donation to the MFHA
Godfrey ’16, was Unentered
place on Wednesday, Novem-
fier hunter trial for July, to be
Foundation in support of the
Champion last year. He was
ber 15, with Tryon Hounds or
held at the new Green Creek
new building fund. If your hunt
bred and shown in 2016 by Tony
Thursday, November 16, with
Hounds stable. Other district
would like to participate by
Leahy, MFH, Fox River Valley
Green Creek Hounds. The caps
qualifiers are to be deter-
hosting a performance trial,
and MFHA president. Leahy
are part of the entry fee for
mined, but the plans as of
joint meet or field hunter trial,
graciously gave Godfrey to
send an email to office@mfha.
Hillsboro at the conclusion of
com stating your interest.
the 2016 Southern Hound Show.
events. In addition, a day’s
Cadier says they’re already
Read more at ecovertside.net
SUPPORT MFHA
SUPPORT OUR FINE SPONSORS
4 SUPPORT OUR FUTURE HEADQUARTERS Your board continues to work on plans for a welcoming
headquarters at our Middleburg property. If you have not
Would you like to become a corporate sponsor of MFHA? Contact publisher@covertside.net or 505-553-2671 for opportunies 6 | COVERTSIDE
given already, please consider making a contribution to these carefully planned renovations. Donations are taxdeductible. For more information on supporting this special project, visit our website.
UV PROTECTION
WATERPROOF
BREATHABLE
LINER SYSTEM
THE CLUB Gone Away
MIDDLEBURG PHOTO
Lasting Legacies
ROBARDS HANGS UP HIS HORN
Concludes Storied Career at Middleburg ceeded in developing cohesive
on both sides of the Atlantic,
packs to meet the challenges of
huntsman and former Rolling
varying country and climate.
Rock Hunt (Pa.) Master Hugh
Throughout his career,
Robards hung up his horn for
Robards enjoyed sharing his
the final time after Middleburg
wisdom with other foxhunters,
Hunt’s (Va.) closing meet on
whether staff or field mem-
March 11, 2017.
bers. His books, “Foxhunting
Fascinated with hound
in England, Ireland, and North
GARTH THOMPSON
AFTER 53 YEARS as hunt staff
TRISTAN VOORSPUY,
work since childhood, Robards
America: A Life in Hunt Service,”
whipped-in to several promi-
and “Foxhunting: How to Watch
nent huntsmen in Great Britain,
and Listen,” include practical
including Captain Ronnie Wallace,
information as well as familiar vi-
who later encouraged Ireland’s
gnettes and personal anecdotes
County Limerick Foxhounds to
from five decades of experience.
TRISTAN VOORSPUY,
flora and fauna, and
let Robards carry the horn for
He welcomed participants in the
the adventurous and
managed the ranch to
its pack. He remained Limerick’s
MFHA’s 2016 Biennial Staff Semi-
conservation-minded
protect these resources
huntsman for 27 years, forging a
nar into kennels to ask questions,
operator of Offbeat
and promote guests’
reputation as one of the best at
and invited students at Foxcroft
Safaris in Kenya, and
interest in conservation.
his craft. Robards went on to hunt
School to ride with him when the
host and friend to many
In addition to leading
the hounds at Rolling Rock Hunt
school hosted Middleburg Hunt.
adventurous foxhunt-
highly challenging rides
ers including former
close by elephants,
(1956-2017)
Offbeat Safaris
(Pa.) and at Saxonburg Hunt (Pa.)
Genial and eager to give ad-
before moving to Middleburg, first
vice, Robards maintains a healthy
executive director Den-
hippos, and other Mara
as whipper-in, then huntsman for
respect for the always-changing
nis Foster (see Spring
wildlife, Voorspuy could
the past three seasons.
nature of our sport, as he said to
2016 Covertside), was
point out a rare wild-
the reader in “Foxhunting: How
killed on March 4th in
flower, or recite every
man has to get tuned into his
to Watch and Listen,” “I hope that
a suspected ambush at
verse of the poem “The
hounds. He has to become part
you will continue to frame the
his 24,000-acre Sosian
Fox’s Prophecy,” all to
of the pack.” Not surprisingly,
questions and seek the answers
Ranch. A Kenyan citizen
entertain his guests.
many of the accolades for his
to all aspects of the chase. If you
at the time of his death,
In April, a local cattle
work celebrated his skill with his
do, foxhunting will remain forever
he was a passionate
herder was charged
canine changes. Robards suc-
fresh and challenging for you.”
protector of native
with his murder.
Robards once said, “The hunts-
8 | COVERTSIDE
CARLA BABCOCK
RICHARD L. AMMON, MFH, CAMARGO HUNT (1929-2017)
Helped Establish New Kennels and Staff DICK AMMON passed away
Joint Master and Secretary
January 1, 2017, in Edgewood,
Natalie Nesbitt says, “Dick was
Kentucky. Survived by Shirley,
a first field master as well as
his wife of 65 years, along
MFH. He always followed the
with two children, and many
hounds and huntsman, even
grand- and great-grand-
if it meant going off the trails.
children, he owned Ammon
There were many stories from
Landscape in Burlington. He
field members about bush-
served as Master at Camargo
whacking behind Dick; he had
from 1988 to 2002, helping to
no fear! He and Shirley were
relocate the kennels to Burl-
always impeccably turned
ington when a move became
out and they never missed a
necessary, and hiring hunts-
hunt if it was at all possible.
man Danny Kerr and kennel
Camargo Hunt was blessed
person Janice Snelling in 1989.
to have Dick as a Master and
Both Kerr and Snelling remain
Shirley his wife as a friend of
in those roles with the hunt.
the hunt.�
SUMMER 2017 | 9
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 R E PRE S E NT 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.
COURTESY THE TENNESSEAN
THE CLUB
HENRY WILLIAMSON HOOKER, HILLSBORO HOUNDS (1933-2017)
Fostered Foxhunting and Steeplechasing in Tennessee AS AN ENTREPRENEUR,
at the Iroquois. He served as
sportsman, family man and
chairman of the National Stee-
friend, Henry Hooker left a
plechase Association. In 2015,
legacy of vision, enthusiasm
he and his wife were inducted
and warmth. He passed away
into the Tennessee Sports Hall
on Monday, April 24, 2017.
of Fame for helping elevate
Hooker relished the ro-
the Iroquois Steeplechase
mance and thrills of foxhunt-
from a unique sporting event
ing. He was given his first
into a spectacular citywide
hounds in 1963. By 1975, he
fundraiser for what is now the
had begun a long career as
Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s
Master of Foxhounds for the
Hospital at Vanderbilt. The
Hillsboro Hounds. He eventu-
couple initiated the fund-
ally became a district director
raising union between the
of MFHA.
Volunteer State Horsemen’s
He was a formidable writer
Steeplechase and the hospital.
sporting memoir, “Fox, Fin
The 27-year alliance that the
& Feather” was published in
Hookers oversaw raised more
2002 by Derrydale Press and
than $8 million for the medical
his essays appeared in The
institution.
A steeplechase enthusiast,
Enjoy the Pacific Northwest! Ride in the mountains, on the beach and through scenic vineyard land on well-trained, sturdy and talented mounts; inclusive of wonderful accommodations, meals, wine tastings and transfers throughout the ride.
Booking 2017 now!
Association and its Iroquois
on the subject as well. His
Chronicle of the Horse.
Wine & Coast Riding Adventure
He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Alice Ingram Hooker;
Hooker owned numerous
sons Bradford Williamson
award-winning horses, includ-
Hooker of Gloucestershire,
ing Terossain, who competed
England, and Timothy Ingram
in The Grand National Steeple-
Hooker of Wellington, Florida;
chase in Liverpool, England,
daughter Lisa Hooker Camp-
and Spin the Top, who won
bell of Nashville, and many
many steeplechase races,
beloved grandchildren, nieces
including the Frost Brush Race
and nephews.
Also ask us about horses for sale!
Call 971-241-2684 • WillametteCoastRide.com SUMMER 2017 | 11
THE CLUB “Leap of Faith”
IN THE GARDEN
by Peter Lundberg
BY CHRIS DAYTON FOXHUNTING HAS A RICH
Frank, a retired surgeon, and Elaine, a nurse, have always
decorative arts, and the Green
loved art; Elaine is a painter
Mountain Hounds of central
and potter and Frank one of
Vermont is carrying on that
those enviably gifted physi-
tradition in a rather unique
cian-poet types who seems
way. On their 500-acre prop-
as comfortable with a pen as
erty in Shoreham, Vermont,
he is with a scalpel. The two
Master Emerita Elaine Ittleman
added outdoor sculpture to
and her husband Frank have
their existing art collection five
created a hunt fixture like
years ago when Elaine com-
no other, one where hounds,
missioned a special 65th birth-
horses, and riders mingle with
day gift for Frank: “Lime Ton-
a spectacular collection of out-
ic,” a fanciful whorl of green,
door sculptures.
shoulder height to Frank, by
BECKY DAYTON
HISTORY in painting and
We’re worth the trip! This is the Tourbillon Advantage.
And SO MUCH MORE! 888-934-2221 • 401 Snake Hill Rd North Scituate, RI • www.tourbillontrailers.com 12 | COVERTSIDE
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THE CLUB
“The Tiller” by John Clement, with Huntsman Kate Selby and Joint Master Terrance Hook.
artist Charles Orme. This piece
ing the New England Hunts
now graces the dooryard of a
Hunter Trials in 2012. Each
sweet, cedar-shingled cottage
year brings enhancements to
at the property’s eastern edge.
this unique fixture, and in 2016
“Lime Tonic” was just the
a monumental piece in con-
beginning, though, and now
crete by renowned artist Peter
the Ittleman’s country spread
Lundberg, as well as a large
is officially known as Lemon
stainless steel piece by Bruce
Fair Sculpture Park; open
White entitled “Light Ring,”
to the public seasonally, it
were installed. They create an
consists of nearly two dozen
otherworldliness to a hunt as
large pieces arrayed along
horses and riders move across
a mile-long path that wends
the landscape, framed by the
through fields and forest.
sculptures and the sculptures,
In and around it lies a hunt
in turn, framing the vistas.
course replete with small,
Not all of the work is ab-
medium, and large natural
stract; two horse sculptures
jumps that the Ittlemans built
often surprise staff and field
with help from hunt staff. GMH
horses, and drag-laying “foxes”
christened the course by host-
avoid them when possible.
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An International Celebration of Foxhunting
YOUNG ENTRY
EDITOR’S NOTE: Heather Feconda, a junior at Loudoun Fairfax Hunt (Va.), took part in the United States Pony Clubs’ International Foxhunting Exchange, an invitational cultural exchange between pony club members from Ireland, the United States and Great Britain. She shares her journal entries from a few days of exhilarating hunting with three different packs in Ireland.
An International Celebration of Foxhunting Drains and Walls and Bogs, Oh My! Inside a Pony Club International Exchange Student’s diary. BY HEATHER FECONDA
F
OR OUR FIRST DAY of hunting we joined Louth Hunt. We had a fantastic day that was not too fast, but just fast enough to be a perfect introduction to Irish hunting. The team all got to ride lovely hunt horses that took care of us jumping our first drains of the trip. The second day of hunting was with the Carlow Farmers. The views here are incredible. The rolling, green hills are like a picture out of a magazine, along with the beautiful stone walls around every field. Today was definitely a thrill and a new experience. Along with the drains, we jumped the huge stone walls that the country has everywhere. Many of the horses, including my own, bank the stone walls because of the size.
The views here are incredible. The rolling, green hills are like a picture out of a magazine, along wtih the beautiful stone walls around every field. The drains here were similar to those at Louth and the team agreed it was now the huge 16 | COVERTSIDE
stone walls for which we had to gather up our nerve. Our third day hunting can be described only as quite the experience. We went out with the Island Hunt. We were told that with this hunt, we would most definitely want our grab strap. Conditions were incredibly mucky, even for Ireland, and in addition there were gale force winds. Despite the weather, we had a thrilling, fun, first half, and jumped many drains including one that was ten feet deep. After that, we rode into a pine forest that had no path. The only way to get through the branches was to put your head down on your horse’s neck and hope for the best, and even if you did lift your head the pine was so thick that it was dark. This forest ended up leading to a bog with no way around. Many horses were sinking to their chests and getting completely stuck, so the riders had to dismount and allow the horses to somehow scramble up and out of the muck. Many people, including myself, got off our horses and sent them through the bog riderless and then followed on foot until we got past the area that was swallowing the horses. After that, our group of about 15 was completely sepa-
An International Celebration of Foxhuntin
Hark Forward Katherine Doherty snapped this picturesque photo the day we hunted with the Carlow Farmers.
An International rated from the rest of the hunt, due to stuck horses delaying the field. We used Google Maps to find a main road and got back to the car park, without any serious incident. I’d say there were about 15 riders that fell off that day. I can’t say I’d ever put my mount through a situation like that again, but jumping lots of drains and walls was a great experience.
Celebration of
Heather’s group included fellow pony club members Katherine Doherty, Sharlee Lowe, and Connor Poe (and chaperone Karen Nutt). To read more about their experience and the USPC Exchange Programs, visit ponyclub.org/members/ InternationalExchanges.
Foxhunting
An International Celebration of Foxhunting
Plan now to participate in
Hark Forward
An International Celebration of Foxhunting
nting
ALLISON HOWELL IMAGES
ting
In the 2017-2018 season, MFHA hunts will be hosting
regional performance trials, field hunter championships and joint meets.
Hark Forward An International
Celebration of
Foxhunting
Hark Forward
An International Celebration of Foxhunting
An International Celebration of Watch MFHA.com and eCovertside.net for more information as it becomes available. Foxhunting
Hark Forward
The Masterpieces Across the Pond Sporting art from the origins of the sport are on view throughout the United Kingdom. BY CHRISTOPHER OAKFORD
FOXHUNTERS LOVE THE ART that depicts their sporting lifestyle and history. While the U.S.-based collections at the Virginia Museum of Fine Art, the National Sporting Library and Museum, and galleries such as Cross Gate and William Secord are well known, Covertside explores the great museum collections in the United Kingdom. So next time you’re planning a hunting trip across the pond, consider a visit to view these sporting art masterpieces.
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THE NATIONAL GALLERY, LONDON
N
o visit to the U.K. is really complete without staying a day or two in London. Countrymen and women might balk at being in the middle of a city, but the place has a vast amount to interest lovers of sporting art, as well as those interested in sporting literature and history. At the Royal Mews and Horse Guards, visitors can see where the horses that form part of the British state’s royal and military pageants spend their days. While at The Kennel Club’s Dog Art Gallery in Clarges Street, viewers can see the largest collection of dog paintings in Europe. Foxhunters can also saunter into Lock’s hatters, creators of the hunting bowler, Foster’s the bootmaker, purveyor of some of the finest (and most expensive) hunting boots in the world, and the tailors of Savile Row, who collectively helped produce the distinctive red coat. But in particular, the National Gallery, a vast neoclassical edifice located off Trafalgar Square, is the place to go for lovers of art. The gallery houses some of the world’s most beautiful images, from Pisanello’s “Vision of St. Eustace,” which records the conversion of St. Eustace (also known as St. Hubert, and the patron saint of hunters), to George Stubbs’ depiction of the famous racehorse and stallion Whistlejacket with its eerily modernist blank background. Here, art hounds can trace the evolution of sport from the early Renaissance on, and learn about the central role hunting has played in the history of civilization and its iconography. For me, though, one work stands out, in part because of its location at the top of the main staircase as you enter the gallery. John Singer Sargent’s portrait of Thomas Lister, 4th Baron Ribblesdale, is surely how every dandified foxhunter wishes to be portrayed. Lister was well The National Gallery aware of his own style. Known Trafalgar Square somewhat ironically by his felLondon WC2N 5DN low aristocrats as The Ancestor Opening hours: — a name given him by King Edward VII because he looked 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily so much the part — RibblesTel: 01144 20 7747 2885 dale was for many years Master of the Buckhounds, a royal appointment often awarded on the advice of the Prime Minister, that involved taking charge of the monarch’s buckhounds. The etiolated figure, clad in shiny topper and top boots and otherwise encased in comparatively muted black and buff, is the crowning achievement of one of America’s finest painters.
TOP RIGHT: George Stubbs, Whistlejacket, about 1762 (c), The National Gallery, London. BOTTOM RIGHT: John Singer Sargent, Lord Ribblesdale, 1902 (c), The National Gallery, London.
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National Heritage Centre for Horseracing and Sporting Art Palace House Palace Street, Newmarket CB8 8EP Opening hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily Tel: 01144 1638 667314
S
FRED PACKARD MUSEUM AND GALLERIES, NEWMARKET
ixty miles north of London is the small Suffolk town of Newmarket, home of the Thoroughbred racehorse. It was here that the breed was first developed from native English stock crossed with three imported Arabian stallions. Every Thoroughbred in the world traces his or her origins to those three progenitors. The area was first popularized during the days of King Charles II (1660-1685), as it provided the perfect turf on which gentlemen could test the speed of their new horses. Today, the town still thrums with the activity of horses and training stables. Located in a 4.5-acre complex in the middle of the town, the National Heritage Centre for Horseracing and Sporting Art, which was officially opened by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in November 2016, houses a wide variety of activities. In one part, formerly the stables of Irish Derbywinning trainer Bruce Hobbs, is a retraining center for retired racehorses. Visitors can watch as off-the-track Thoroughbreds are taught the rudiments of dressage, show jumping, and polo, and possibly look for a new hunter among the throng. Elsewhere, guests can examine the evolution of horse racing from Tudor times to the present day at the National Horseracing Museum. The most ancient part of the site, however — none other than King Charles II’s old palace itself, or what remains of it — is reserved for the Fred Packard Museum and Galleries, which contains a stunning collection. The paintings are hung chronologically, and the viewer is invited
to walk past an unfolding history of the genre, from the early 17th century Dutch and Flemish masters, who were the main influence on the father of English sporting art, John Wooton, to contemporary exponents, such as Mark Wallinger. As Timothy Cox, chairman of the executive committee of the British Sporting Art Trust, explains, “For a long time the focus was on what you would call traditional sports, like hunting and racing and fishing. But recently we’ve aimed to widen it out and include things like football and rugby.” Cox acknowledges, perhaps a little ruefully, that some of the older generation have been left a bit nonplussed by the inclusion of portraits of figures such as the great Olympic oarsman Sir Steve Redgrave, but the collection attracts many younger people who are learning about the rich history of British sporting art and its impact on the development of painting. One new addition of special interest to American foxhunters is the photo archive of Jim Meads. “Michael Clayton [former foxhunting editor of Horse and Hound] suggested the idea that something needed to be done about preserving Jim’s photos. And the American and British Masters of Foxhounds Associations got together and arranged it. The collection will be held at the Fred Packard Museum, and we’ll digitize it so people can see the images online,” says Cox. In the future, American foxhunters captured by Meads’ camera will be able to see their younger selves held for all time in the headquarters of British racing.
ABOVE: At the Fred Packard Museum and Galleries, visitors experience a chronological history of sporting art. Photo courtesy of Palace House, Newmarket.
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P
THE MUNNINGS ART MUSEUM, DEDHAM
erhaps no other artist has quite the appeal to those in the sporting world as Sir Alfred Munnings. In part, this popularity was fueled by the early 20th century generation of wealthy foxhunting and poloplaying Americans, most of whom were eager to be immortalized in oils. In part, as the Munnings Art Museum’s director Jenny Hand points out, it is because Munnings was painting at a time when it became possible to reproduce works on a large scale and a market emerged eager to purchase it. He was also incredibly prolific. Ultimately, however, Munnings’ popularity rests on his God-given ability to capture light and movement in ways only the greatest artists are able to do. Ultimately, as Hand says, “It’s because he was a genius.” Munnings grew up in rural Suffolk. As a young boy he was apprenticed to a Norwich printer, where he was involved in designing posters, an experience Hand credits with his later ability to create images of extraordinary potency. Determined to concentrate on scenes of his native county, Munnings studied at the Norwich School of Art in his spare time. The loss of his right eye when a bramble hit him in the The Munnings Art Museum face as he lifted his dog Castle House, Castle Hill, over a hedge did nothing Dedham, to deter his ambition. Colchester, Essex CO7 6AZ In 1919, he moved Opening hours: Wednesday to Castle House in Dedto Sunday, 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. ham, near Colchester, Tel: 01144 1206 322127 about 50 miles northwest of London. And it is here that the Munnings Art Museum is located. As Hand explains, “Sir Alfred died here in 1959, and it was his wish that the house be opened to the public to allow the public to view his art. It was actually Lady Munnings who opened the house in 1961.” Although many museums and galleries have fine examples of his art, the Munnings Art Museum is unique both
in the quantity on display, and more importantly in the insight the works it possesses give into the artist’s method. “We have about 650 oil paintings and over 2,000 drawings by Munnings, and the unique thing is that many of them are preparatory works, which you wouldn’t normally see in a museum but which allow people to see the evolution of particular works and of Munnings’ art,” says Hand.
The collection spans the length of the artist’s career from an aspiring teenager to the final years of his life, when he was very much the grand old man of British painting. 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.
ABOVE: Sir Raymond Greene, DSO, MP, on Horseback, (1919) (c) the estate of Sir Alfred Munnings, Dedham, UK
Beyond the Museums Of course, there are many other locations around the U.K. to interest the voyaging foxhunter. The ancient and imposing kennels at both the Duke of Beaufort’s Hunt and the Belvoir Hunt can be viewed by appointment, for example. Those looking to purchase sporting art rather than to view it can call in at several galleries in London dedicated solely to selling works by past and current masters of the sporting art genre. Committed bibliophiles should not leave Newmarket without a trip to R.E. and G.B. Way, the world’s greatest sporting bookshop, located at Burrough Green, Suffolk. And Melton Mowbray, headquarters of the foxhunting world, has the Hunting Museum.
SUMMER 2017 | 21
EDITOR’S NOTE: This is the third article
in a four-part series about judging hounds and what a judge should look for when assessing a hound in the show ring.
THOUGHTS ON JUDGING
PART THREE
Balance and Beauty 2
BY C. MARTIN WOOD III, MFH | PHOTOS COURTESY THE AUTHOR
W
e’ve broken down the subject of judging into separate articles for this series. In the ring, however, judges look at all elements of hounds presented — quality, balance and activity. In this article, we describe and follow the generally accepted practice for the judge who asks the competitor to move his hound after the balance assessment is completed, when each individual hound is up on the boards.
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1
3
5
4
We have looked at the overall quality of the hounds under judgment as they are initially brought into the ring. As the judge, you now ask to have individual hounds moved up onto the boards in order to be able to look at each hound carefully. This is the time when you look for the key pace and stamina points, the overall structure of the hound, and attempt to note any faults that should have an impact on the final placement of the hound in the class. Does the hound stand naturally balanced on all four of its feet and legs equally? Often a knowledgeable handler will attempt to cover up a perceived flaw by the way the hound is posed. Frequently I ask the handler to let the hound stand naturally to make my assessment. A well-balanced hound will stand squarely on the boards with its weight evenly distributed (photo 1). Does the hound have the proper pace points in its conformation? When we discuss pace points, we are talking about the hound’s loin and hindquarters and the reach of its forequarters when it gallops. A foxhound should have a powerful loin and sufficiently wide hips to propel it forward with well let-down hocks that provide the leverage and thrust (photo 2). Its hindquarters should be powerful; when viewed from behind, one should be able to draw a plumb line from the point of each hip through the hock to the middle of its hind foot on both legs and have the lines be almost parallel (photo 3). Cow hocks that are overly angular and that point together when the hound is viewed from behind are a flaw (photo 4). Moving forward on the hound, you want to see a lovely, long neck that continues into a natural curve at the withers. When viewed from the side, an imaginary line drawn along the slope of the shoulder from the point of the chest through the top of its withers and extended above the hound’s back should intersect with another line extending from the point of the hock through the point of the hip. Those lines should meet almost directly above the middle of the hound’s back and form an imaginary triangle (photo 5). Such balance SUMMER 2017 | 23
provides economy of motion when the hound moves at speed. The long, swan-like neck, when combined with the stern, helps to balance the hound on turns at speed. We will deal with this point in more depth in the next installment.
6
PLENTY OF HEART AND LUNG ROOM
Stamina comes from the forequarters, as that is the engine room where the heart and lungs of the hound are housed. You want to see a deep chest that extends downward to the point of the elbow with well-sprung ribs that allow for plenty of lung room (photo 6). Many hounds lack adequate depth of chest. A barrel chest or an overly round ribcage is a serious flaw as it interferes with movement of the foreleg and results in a thickening chest and shoulders as the hound ages. One tends to see barrel chests in hounds with “mutton withers,” a fault where the shoulders are broader than they should be to be in balance with the rest of the hound (photo 7). This fault produces a blocky, “cobby” look to the forequarters. A slab-sided rib cage, where the chest is overly narrow, is also a fault and can be hereditary. The chest, when viewed from the front, should be neither too broad nor too narrow. A rule of thumb here is that your flat hand should fit comfortably between the forelegs at the chest. Again, as with the hindquarters, the hound should stand squarely on both front feet with legs that are strong and well muscled (photo 8). The feet should be appropriate for the type of foxhound and neither turned in nor turned out. Nor should they show splayed or down toes (photos 9, 10). Well-worn and rounded toenails are an indication of proper balance on both front and rear feet that show a full set of toes that are all weight bearing (photo 24 | COVERTSIDE
11). Freshly clipped toenails can be a sign that the handler is covering up unbalanced weight distribution caused by feet that roll in, roll out, have a dropped toe, or are splayed. Are the hound’s topline and bottom line appropriate for its size? View the hound from the side and look at its overall balance and structure (photo 12). If the topline is too long, the loin will be flat and unpronounced. If the loin is too short, the hound will lack scope and will not have a long, ground-covering stride at the gallop. Another fault is what is known as a roach back or overly pronounced wheel appearance of the loin. This fault is unsightly and can interfere with the hound’s ability to propel itself forward with its hindquarters. When it comes to the bottom line, a hound that is wasp-waisted or overly heavy is not ideal. The former makes the front end appear heavier than the back half, resulting in a lack of balance. An overly fat or heavy gut, usually caused by over-feeding or lack of proper conditioning, is also an avoidable fault with obvious implications concerning the hound’s movement and stamina during a long run. When all is done and dusted, we do not want hounds that look like heavy sausages on four legs, nor do we want hounds that look as though they could be drawn through the eye of a fine needle.
7
8
FLUID AND GRACEFUL
9
10
11
When assessing balance, we are separating the entrants beyond when we looked at the hounds for overall quality in their initial entry into the ring. Rarely, a judge will have the privilege of evaluating a group of such outstanding hounds that it almost judges itself. More frequently, a judge finds that there are one or two very nice hounds that obviously deserve first and second place ribbons, with the lower ribbons becoming a contest of the lesser of faults. Assessing the balance, movement and faults of all of the competitors equally will allow for an honest, well-considered and respected opinion when it comes to placing the hounds at the end of the class. There is one final element of the judging that has yet to be discussed: activity. The fluidity and grace with which a hound moves sets it apart from all other canine breeds. That fact alone causes me to look at movement as the most important part of the judging exercise when it comes down to separating two or three really fine individual hounds. A top quality hound that moves particularly well cannot have much wrong with it when it comes to conformation and balance (photo 13, next page). We will discuss how to assess movement in the final article in this series, in the fall edition. It is important to recall what was noted in the beginning of this series: It is easy to pick any hound apart piece by piece, as no one has yet bred the perfect foxhound. Use your eyes, your brain and your experience when making your selection. Once you are finished with assessing the class, you will have looked at the individuals for quality, balance and activity.
ONE FINAL LOOK
12
It is customary at this point to have a final look at all of the hounds in the class by having all competitors line up around the outside edge of the show ring. You walk around the ring with your co-judge discussing each individual as you come to SUMMER 2017 | 25
13 it. You should have notes on each entry so that you do not get into a muddle at the end of the class, or worse, later in the championship classes. So armed, you are ready to select the hounds to go back on the boards for final consideration. The
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number will depend upon how many ribbons are to be awarded. I always like to have two extra hounds up. It is courteous to ask the ring steward to excuse those exhibitors not in the mix for final placement. Once the final consider-
ation is complete, it is customary to place the competitors in the order of their final ranking, preferably with all of them facing the same direction. Lining them up in this way allows interested spectators at ringside to follow your decision-making. The next installment in this series on judging hounds will delve into movement, how to judge it, and what competitors can do to show their entries in a way that best highlights the hound’s natural grace of movement. We will also look at judging couples, two couples and pack classes. In closing, we will have a look at judging the championship and some things to look for in that final class. C. Martin Wood III is Master of the Live Oak Hounds and is an accomplished judge, having evaluated foxhounds in all the major hound shows in North America and England.
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SUMMER 2017 | 27
Saddle
Fitting Woes
THE SEARCH FOR A SUITABLE SADDLE FOR HORSE AND RIDER? EASIER SAID THAN DONE. BY JOANNE MESZOLY
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A
SHUTTERSTOCK
T FIRST GLANCE, my Thoroughbred doesn’t possess a peculiar build. Jazz is a plain-Jane chestnut — one of many slowpokes, who shunned his bloodlines and pedigree. He actually seems better suited to penning cows than jumping coops. Still, he’s a solid field hunter, with a kind eye and a can-do attitude. But from a saddle fitting perspective, he’s an oddball. Until recently, I’d never experienced saddle-fitting difficulties. Friends bellyached like Goldilocks on the hunt for the perfect ride — too small, too large, never just right. I assumed that they exaggerated. Until I, too, had saddle fit problems. Until I started phoning my saddle fitter every few days. Until I spent six weeks scanning tack catalogues, scrutinizing details, and trolling used saddle websites, sometimes for several hours, obsessively reloading listings, in the hopes that a new saddle — my saddle — would materialize. I spent weekends road-tripping to tack stores, at first testing one saddle at a time. Eventually, I’d waste hours collecting numerous saddles from various locations to evaluate at once. When none panned out, I’d blow Sunday, shuttling them back to their points of origin.
SAME HORSE, DIFFERENT PHYSIQUE
Here, I should mention that credit card companies — and husbands — don’t care that trial saddles must be purchased to test-drive, even if these charges are temporary. Trust me: spend $12,000 on several saddles in two hours, and your husband will mention it when his credit card is declined. Justifying those actions by saying, “It’s a weekend trial, I promise!” only makes you sound a like shopaholic in denial. Admittedly, I pondered my own sanity when our house started to resemble a tack store. Saddles rested against my desk, and a stack of them took over the back of the living room couch. And none of my inventory fit.
When I acquired Jazz three and a half years ago, he was off the track, and recently treated for Lyme’s Disease and EPM. Appearance-wise, he was thin and lacking muscle — vastly different than he looks today. I legged him up in early 2014 and he improved, but only gradually. I rode him in my ancient Pessoa A/O saddle, which fit him as well as the next horse. But as Jazz matured, he developed into a fitter, fleshier, hunt horse. In hindsight, I imagine that my saddle went from ill-fitting to downright uncomfortable — unbeknownst to me. This winter, as Coffey rattled off Jazz’s physical anomalies, I told her that she made him sound like a freak of nature. A misshapen horse made of odd equine parts. “He’s not a freak,” Coffey countered. “But he’s not a Thoroughbred. I don’t care if he is tattooed. His withers are low and flat. Was he in an accident, that made his withers that way?” I answered with a noncommittal shrug.
FROM OBLIVIOUS TO OBSESSED
A few months ago, I was blissfully ignorant about hoop trees and other tack vernacular. But one day while hunting, we stood at a check and my horse’s back buckled. For just a moment … it felt like a muscle spasm beneath my seat bones. But it sparked a thought: “I wonder if my saddle is making Jazz’s back sore?” I scheduled an appointment with an equine chiropractic veterinarian, under the guise of a “seasonal checkup.” She quickly confirmed my suspicions. “Jazz looks pretty good, but his back is sore,” she said. “Right here, where your saddle sits. You should have that checked out.” So, I lined up a session with Susanna Coffey, a Maryland-based saddle fitter. I’d consulted with Susie several years ago, and I knew that she was well-respected as a good evaluator and non-denominational: she didn’t sell or rep for a specific brand. Within a few moments, Coffey delivered her findings. “This saddle doesn’t fit your horse,” she said, in her British lilt. “Your saddle is too narrow.”
JO MESZOLY
Close-contact saddle, e new or used, with wid op ho tree. Must have frame for horse with no rs, withers, wide shoulde ne. bo ck ba short back, fat ’s ild ch Would consider saddle — for a big child (45 yrs old). Saddle preferably under $2,000.
Early in Jazz’s hunting career (circa 2014), he was thin and lacked muscle.
SUMMER 2017 | 29
RIGHT: KAREN KANDRA WENZEL. LEFT AND BELOW: COURTESY THE SOCIETY OF MASTER SADDLERS
“Well, he’s got low withers and then look at his shoulders. They’re massive! It’s like he’s got two cup holders up there,” she said, noting the hollow depressions between his withers and shoulder bones. “Not to mention his low neck, his wide back and high hind end. He’s basically a Quarter Horse.” ON THE HUNT
Some saddle-fitting wrongs can be righted with alterations — a wool-flocked saddle can be re-flocked to fit — and other problems are fixed with correctional pads and strategically-situated shims. But if the tree is too narrow, it’s shopping time. And my wither-less wonder needed a hoop tree, not a traditional A-frame. “Here’s your typical A-frame,” Coffey explained, holding her hands, fingertips together, at an angle. “Imagine a capital A or a painter’s easel. Then picture a balloonbeneath it. There’s pressure on the balloon, but if you widen the easel, it’s still resting on the balloon. You’ve only changed the pressure point.” A hoop-tree frame is shaped as it sounds — rounded — and it follows the contours of a broad, round back, alleviating the pressure that would otherwise rest on the stirrup bars. Coffey also recommended a saddle with pliable, less rigid panels to free Jazz’s shoulders. She jotted down several brands, new and used, within various price ranges, 30 | COVERTSIDE
including some saddles with adjustable trees. (Note: there’s a difference between interchangeable gullets, which allow adjustments near the pommel area, and adjustable trees, which permit fractional changes to the tree width.) With an unlimited budget, Jazz’s saddle needs would be of little consequence. There are plenty of high-end, suitable saddles, not to mention custom designs galore. But the adjustable trees options, or those with hoop frames (new or used) are limited. Narrow the search to close-contact, in the $2,000 range, and it’s slim pickings. That’s when I started spending hours on my laptop, scouring forums, saddle reviews, and countless classified ads. “How many tabs do you have open?” My husband asked with amazement, peering over my shoulder. I answered, “Twenty,” but that was just one window. All told, I had 50 webpages open at once. It was easy to find fault with certain contenders: Some saddles received scathing customer reviews, while others were flat-out ugly, by my standards. A few fit the bill, except that the leather was “prone to scratches.” I pictured hunting fixtures with briars and brambles. After a season, my saddle would look like Edward Scissorhands owned it. Soft leather was a deal breaker. But I did identify some worthy candidates. One saddle arrived via UPS (with free return postage), while others I collected at
tack stores or through private sellers. None of them panned out. The panels were too rigid (even the used models), while others didn’t fit, and a few looked suitable, but sank precipitously close to Jazz’s withers when I swung aboard. The good news, Coffey pointed out, was that my low-withered, broad-shouldered, flat, wide-backed, big-butted horse was even and built squarely. “These saddles don’t fit, but they don’t shift when you ride,” she said. “They don’t move in either direction. Your horse is symmetrical.” THE SOLUTION
So Jazz wasn’t complicated but our situation certainly was: Up to this point, we’d addressed his needs, not mine. I’m not a twigthin, willowy equitation rider, but I’m not big-boned either. I ride in a 16½-inch saddle; yet some models — like those with adjustable trees — aren’t manufactured in my size. And a few distributors stocked only larger models. “I don’t carry anything that small!” one guy hollered over the phone. “I’ve got a 17½ you can sit in, but that’s it. Call someone who sells children’s saddles!” (Note: lots
SADDLE PLACEMENT
of lovely, but expensive, Italian and French saddles come in 16½ and far smaller.) So, I tried saddles that I hated, and saddles that I loved but couldn’t afford. I stumbled on tack that fit Jazz, but didn’t fit me. By the time I identified some realistic options, I was so nit-picky, nothing seemed right. How did it end? I am currently the owner of two saddles. Both fit my horse; one is a used, expensive model with a deep seat, which I prefer when hunting. The other is brand new — and needs time to break in — but I like it better in the ring. I figure that ultimately, the cream will rise to the top, and I’ll sell the runner-up. Yes, I completely obliterated my budget. But it’s temporary, right? My husband hasn’t noticed the financial dent. And how would he, with all those saddles that I bought and returned? It’s impossible to track which expenses stuck. Now it’s time to buy new stirrup leathers and irons for my spare heir. To be safe, I think that I might use cash to buy those.
The author and her daughter Brynn at Potomac’s opening hunt, 2016. Jazz is the picture of a fit, healthy, seasoned hunt horse though at this point he was still tolerating ill-fitting tack. Left, a saddle fitter palpates this horse’s back to locate saddle-related soreness.
Real estate agents have a saying: “It’s all about location, location, location.” The same is true when saddling your horse. I’ve tacked horses for too many years to count, but until recently, I’d been doing it wrong. In the midst of my saddle search, a tack-savvy friend visited to check my progress. As I hoisted a trial saddle on my horse, she asked, “Why do you place the saddle so far forward? It’s on top of his shoulder.” She slid the saddle back three inches while I looked on in horror. But she was right. I’ve been placing saddles too far forward for decades. I’m not alone. Lots of riders were taught that if you place the saddle forward, then push it back a smidge, the saddle will migrate to its natural resting place. Not so. Once you tighten the girth, the saddle will hold fast where it is. And the saddle shouldn’t nest atop the shoulders. “I like to see the tree points behind the shoulder,” says Susie Coffey. Not sure where that is? Lift the flap of your saddle and look for the little leather pocket in front of your billet straps. (Jumping saddles with forward flaps may appear to cover the shoulder, but the tree itself should not.) Your horse’s conformation is a factor, so practice sliding the saddle back several times to find where it is settled and level. In addition, check girth location. Ideally, it will rest a few inches behind the elbow, not abutting it. Some horses have a forward girth groove, and an anatomical, curved girth is useful for these types. Alternatively, you can use a fleece girth which will conform over time; just be sure to face the fleece girth the same direction every time.
Placement of the saddle in relation to the shoulder is important for the right fit.
Joanne Meszoly is a Maryland-based freelance writer and a member of the Potomac Hunt. She is a frequent Covertside contributor.
SUMMER 2017 | 31
ON OUR COVER
Control, and Letting Go
Gail Guirreri-Maslyk uses flowing brush strokes to create animals in motion.
I
n the summer issue of Covertside, we enjoy introducing readers to new sporting artists we haven’t featured in the past. Covertside is privileged to highlight the work of Gail Guirreri-Maslyk on the cover and on this page. Gail Guirreri-Maslyk is an equestrian, sporting, landscape and portrait fine artist working in oil on canvas. She lives in Virginia horse country, where inspiration — foxhunting, polo, grand prix jumping, show hunters, carriage driving and dressage — is abundant. The view from her studio balcony is of the stunning, unspoiled countryside, which she has painted many times in her “Rectortown Landscape” studies. Gardens, farm animals and wildlife are captured in a moment with quick, free-flowing and strong brush strokes, easily recognized as iconic “Gail” paintings. Guirreri-Maslyk’s creative motivation comes from capturing the power of athletic motion in a pleasing composition. It is important that she find just the right angle to capture true curvature of muscles and angle to bone. Guirreri-Maslyk’s process is to begin with a wash drawing, loosely working in accuracy, and finding a balance between control and letting go when drawing. Her drawings are only in paint, never pencil, and she chooses her wash color carefully. The palette is minimal, with as few as three 32 | COVERTSIDE
transparent colors then white, which is used only during the final stage. She has learned that with transparent oils, she gets the best of watercolor with an extra punch of brightness and texture. After a day, the wash drawing is either dry enough to paint over and pull through some color and create texture, or wet enough to touch up a drawing if she sees it differently. They may look slightly careless, but Guirreri-Maslyk’s canvases are well planned in color-combination layers from base to final highlights, and there is little room for error, as all colors must combine with purity. Fluid “wet-on-wet paint” is an important aspect to the final effect, and she considers her best work to be accomplished in just a few hours. Learn more about the artist’s work at equine-impressions.com.
Top: “Spring Races Outrider,” original painting size: 24”w x 48”h. Below, “Fox in the Spring Grass,” original painting size: 24”w x 12”h
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LIBRARY
In this expanded edition of The Library, we present a bookcase’s worth of new reads for adults and kids alike. Happy reading!
Telling Stories
An oral history of foxhunting from the sport’s great minds, both young and old
“W
HO GOT YOU INTERESTED IN FOXHUNTING, and what did you learn from them?” With this simple question, Mary Motley Kalergis provokes an array of reactions and reflections from 40 different foxhunters in her new book, “Foxhunters Speak: An Oral History of American Foxhunting,” from Derrydale Press. An active first flight rider with Virginia’s Farmington and Keswick Hunt Clubs, Kalergis turned her professional background as a photojournalist to her beloved sport in order to capture the myriad reasons that motivate us to follow hounds. Spanning three years that included cross-country travel and recorded interviews, the book is a compilation of the voices of foxhunting’s senior legends and the rising generation. Kalergis was heartened by the forward-looking efforts of many hunts to conserve land and to encourage juniors. “These are widely shared goals,” she says, “that leave me optimistic for the future of foxhunting.” Following is an excerpt from her conversation with Bart Poole of Essex Fox Hounds (N.J.), one of the younger huntsmen she interviewed.
34 | COVERTSIDE
MY GRANDFATHER ALWAYS HUNTED HOUNDS. His beagle pack was our gun dogs. We’d shoot the rabbits for food. My father and grandfather both hunted with a farm pack of foxhounds, and I started whipping-in for them when I was a boy. Because my grandfather was a feed salesman, he knew all the landowners, and that’s how we got the foxhunting connection. At Mayberry Hunt Club, I just kinda got thrown in the deep end. I had an unbroken pony and had never had a riding lesson, but that didn’t bother me. I just followed my old man around and did what he did. By the time I was about thirteen, that little mare was one of the best field hunters out there. To me, the hounds are my family. They come first for me, and they know it. I love them, and they love me back. Now my relationships with other people might suffer as a result, but that’s just the way it is. If it’s hot and my young hounds are wearing down, I’ll take ’em in, even if the field wants to
stay out longer. The pack is my number one concern. If they’re pretty, that’s great— you can take ’em to a hound show and get a ribbon. But my number one priority is I want ’em to want to hunt. Nose and drive are my biggest concerns when it comes to breeding. The brain and the heart are what give a hound the drive I’m looking for. The Essex bitches are second to none, and I bred them to some great dogs this spring. Our brood bitches are something else. These three this season had between eight and eleven puppies and raised them all. They are tough. They are twice as roughed
up as the dogs after a day of hunting because they are relentless. I laugh and say to the dogs, “It’s pretty obvious who is doing all the real work around here!” Now the boys are better at finding, but when it comes to actually driving a fox to the earth, that’s where the bitches come through. I always have a five-year plan for everything. Right now, I’m breeding for nose and drive more than hound show conformation, and I’m also working on getting our hunt country expanded. North and west of our territory is still pretty undeveloped. After learning about Essex in its glory days, that’s my goal — to
bring it back to what it was in the days of Buster Chadwell. I love hearing the stories of the old-timers, and I’d like to make some new ones. These older foxhunters are my go-to guys about trails and landowners. I learn a lot listening to how both Buster and his son Roddy Chadwell hunted the hounds in this territory. I consider these older men my best friends. It’s a great well of information that I can go to anytime. Apparently, I remind them of Roddy, and they have shown me nothing but support since I got here. You can sit around and listen to stories about the good old days, and you can either feel sorry for yourself that those days are gone, or you can let the
nostalgia inspire you to make things as good, if not better, than they were before. Don’t get me wrong, we’re in New Jersey — of course, development has screwed up a lot of our old hunt country, but there’s always other places to open up and even preserve. There’s still plenty of land north and west of here that is full of game and would be great hunt territory. Essex is also lucky to have patrons like the Murphys and the Johnsons that are buying land and protecting it from development. I’m not a big one for stopping hounds once they are locked on and rolling with their quarry. Sometimes we end up running through land that we weren’t plan-
ning on going to, but instead of the landowners getting angry, for the most part, they are glad to see us. They’ll say, “Oh my gosh. You guys used to come through here all the time. It’s so great to see you again.” Of course, sometimes landowners aren’t so welcoming. But I find most things can be sorted out with a bottle of whiskey or champagne. I find
that if you approach things with a positive attitude, it helps to get things done. I’m not overly intelligent or overly ambitious — I’m just happy that I get to live a life doing what I love to do.
Foxhunters Speak is available for $30.00 at foxhuntersspeak.com.
SUMMER 2017 | 35
LIBRARY
BOOKCASE Foxhunting and Country Life Titles for Children and Young Adults
Great Reads for Young Entry
A Horse for Christmas Morning and Other Stories, by Gordon Grand
T
Don’t Trample the Dogs and The Rider with the Little Bugle, by Michael J. Sinclar-Smith
A Horse of Her Own and Irish Hurdles, by Selma Hudnut
Foxhunting stories for the young and the young at heart his exciting tale of perseverance and cooperation follows the reallife story of Live Oak Pageant, who slipped away from his handler during a brief stay at a local veterinary hospital. After three days of wonder and worry for his huntsman and Masters, Pageant finally followed his nose home on Easter morning. Ledyard imagines the various obstacles, both man-made and natural, that Pageant must have encountered as he roamed from the hospital’s suburban setting into the dense Florida wilderness. With a genuine knowledge of native wildlife and a playful take on animal behavior, the
author gives Pageant a series of guides to get him home. The wise and pragmatic crow lets the hound know which native critters are more likely to help than others, as Mr. Gopher Tortoise, an alligator, a rescued sheepdog, and even a rabbit (“‘And you say you hunt foxes? And coyotes?’ asked the rabbit with a keen look in his eye,”) offer assistance along the way. Secor’s illustrations vibrantly capture the foxhound leaping, tracking, swimming, climbing fences, wrestling with vines, and always proudly introducing himself to each new friend, “Hello, I am Pageant from Live Oak!” The images darken to capture the dangers of his nocturnal
PAGEA NT’S Mira culous
encounters with snakes and rivers, heightening the drama as the hound nearly becomes exhausted on his journey home. While the very youngest readers might feel anxiety at Pageant’s plight, the final image finds him curled up at the gates of his familiar kennel, with the pack singing “a welcoming chorus” as the huntsman hustles from his bed to bring him home. The end pages of the book include an update on Pageant’s current status as a regular member of the Live Oak pack, photographs, a simple map of his travels and history of Live Oak Hounds and Masters Daphne and Marty Wood (along with a friendly reminder that in real life, snakes and alligators are not as helpful as in the author’s imagination).
PAGEANT’S MIRACULOUS JOURNEY
36 | COVERTSIDE
The Fox’s Frolic, by Sir Francis Burnand, illustrated by Harry B. Neilson The Fox Went Out on a Chilly Night, folk tale, Caldecott Honor version illustrated by Peter Spier Heroes and Hounds, by Bill Miller, illustrated by Mary Burkhardt We Hunted Hounds, I Carried the Horn, and Goodbye to Hounds, a trilogy by Christine Pullein-Thompson My Way Sally, by Mindy Bingham and Penelope Paine, illustrated by Itoko Maeno Silver Snaffles, by Primrose Cumming Slipper’s ABC of Fox Hunting, by E. Somerville Ten Little Foxhounds, by C. Gifford Ambler
Journey
story by CATHERINE LEDYARD illustrated by BETH SECOR
Cinnabar, the One O’Clock Fox, by Marguerite Henry, illustrated by Wesley Dennis
By Catherine Ledyard Illustrated by Beth Secor 44 pages 2017 Masters of Foxhounds Association Foundation Available online; all proceeds donated to the MFHA Foundation
The Three Jovial Huntsmen, by Randolph Caldecott Voice of Bugle Ann and Daughter of Bugle Ann, by MacKinlay Kantor (All are available through online booksellers such as Amazon.com, although some are rare collector’s editions.)
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H
ershey, a big horse with a knack for goodnatured mischief, arrives on Mrs. Jill’s farm and immediately begins causing comical problems for her and her husband, Mr. Brian. This simple story, whimsically illustrated by the author’s son, appeals to children’s delight at misbehavior as the plot follows one act of equine naughtiness after another. Turning the pages, horse owners will recognize many of Hershey’s antics: escaping his stall to trash the stable aisle, breaking fence rails to wander the garden, relieving himself in his freshly-cleaned water bucket. For young readers, the book provides a sense of anticipation with each successive misdeed and Mr. Brian’s growing frustration. However,
HERSHEY FINDS A HOME
By Jill Gellatly Illustrated by Martin Gellatly 16 pages 2016 USA Available online $2.99/ebook - $11.99 paperback
Mrs. Jill’s positive response to every challenge keeps the mood upbeat and humorous. Its short length and happy conclusion make it a good bedtime selection for reading with or to children age eight and under. Author Jill Gellatly is an active foxhunter and member of Eglinton and Caledon Hunt (Ont.). She holds her BHSAI and starts young horses in Grand Valley, Ontario.
PAGEA NT’S Mira culous Journey
BOOK SIGNING: This is the true story of PAGEANT, a real life foxhound who is famous for his miraculous journey of more than 30 miles from a veterinary hospital in Thomasville, Georgia to his home at the Live Oak Kennels in Monticello, Florida.
Author Catherine Ledyard will be signing copies on Saturday, May 27 at the National Horn Blowing Championship; Also available for purchase at the Virginia Hound Show, May 28.
Visit shop.mfha.com, to purchase your copy. SUMMER 2017 | 37
THE FIND
Rambo Fly Buster by Horseware Ireland Whiskey Barrels by Deep South Barrels Age whiskey and other spirits in as little as three weeks in these whiskey barrels. Flavor neutral spirits to create your own liquor from scratch. Personalize the barrels with your hunt logo to give as gifts or use as a fundraiser. www. deepsouthbarrels.com
Built to last many seasons, the Rambo Fly Buster has dual effectiveness with the most powerful and long-lasting defense against flies. It offers UV protection and features a super-sized tail flap, leg arches, belly protection, V-front closure, shoulder and mane lining, three straight surcingles, and a removable neck cover. www.horseware.com
Hunt Scene at Sporting Antiques Miniature cast metal hunt riders, horses and hound figures, gathering the hounds, all on a wood base with glass cover; 9.5” x .75” x 3”. (860) 354-4090
covertside_autumn_15_Layout 1 30/09/2015 16:50 Page 1
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LAST RUN OF THE DAY Painting by Lisa Curry Mair
NCH Coming Home This is an original acrylic on canvas on board painting (19” X 26”) by artist Lisa Curry Mair. It was commissioned by a member of North Country Hounds (NE) and was auctioned off at the NCH Hunt Ball in December 2016, raising $1300 for the hunt. It features NCH members and hounds finishing up the day in Hartland, Vermont.
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 40 | COVERTSIDE
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Wonderful opportunity for complete country living. Charming stone & stucco 3BR, 2BA farmhouse w/ 5 stall banked barn, 1 bedroom 1 bath guest house. Wide plank HW floors, fireplaces, large porches for entertaining. Plenty of room for horses, multiple paddocks w/water. A must see! Close to I66 at exit 31, 45 minutes to Dulles Airport. Orange County Hunt Territory $1,995,000 Peter Pejacsevich 540-270-3835 Scott Buzzelli 540-454-1399
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Stunning 104 acres with mountain views and a stream. Not in easement. Potential for 20 lots using AR1 cluster zoning. Serene country living where you can hear the whip-poor-wills sing and the babbling of Brens Run creek. Gently rolling topography. Listing includes three parcels totaling 104 acres. Tax IDs are:44748774, 447392786, 447401217. $2,080,000 WWW.PURCELLVILLELAND.COM Suzanne Ager 540-454-0107
165 +/- acres on Little Cobbler with amazing views! Pond, Open Land, Pool, Hot Tub, 4 Lvls, 4 BR, 4 BA Brick Home w/2 Bay Garage/Guest quarters to the left of main residence, Machine Shed, Screened Porch, Wet Bar, Large Stone Courtyard and Terrace, Full House Generator, 3 Fireplaces, Approx.6,500 sq.ft. Property is in Land Use and includes 2 parcels. $1,950,000 Peter Pejacsevich 540-270-3835 Scott Buzzelli 540-454-1399
Horse Farm, storybook setting in wine region. Beautiful 25 acres with panoramic mountain views. All brick 5 BR, 5BA , 4 FP, 6 stall barn, fencing, decks, balconies, patios, porches, sheds, whole house generator, butlers pantry, gourmet kitchen with 2 dishwashers, main level full bath, office/bedroom. Finished walk-out basement, full steam bath, rec room, bedroom! $1,095,000 Rocky Westfall 540-219-2633
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Antique brick and stone set the stage for this country property on 6.5 beautiful acres with mountain views. 7 fireplaces and solid cherry floors are part of the reason this home is so special. Main house features 5 BR with 3 1/2 BA, large great room with views, separate dining, lovely sunroom. Carriage house wing has 2BR/ large living area/kitchen area. Appt only. $1,249,000 Scott Buzzelli 540-454-1399 Peter Pejacsevich 540-270-3835
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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. $1,120,000 Carole Taylor 703-577-4680 George Roll 703-606-6358
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10 E WASHINGTON STREET MIDDLEBURG, VA | 115 NORTH 21ST STREET PURCELLVILLE, VA 21020 SYCOLIN ROAD, SUITE 100, ASHBURN, VA | 1 S KING ST LEESBURG, VA