SMALL IS MIGHTY • ART ON VIEW AT MFHA • DRESSAGE MOVES
THE MAGAZINE OF MOUNTED FOXHUNTING
SUMMER 2019 • $5.00
THOMAS & TALBOT REAL ESTATE Middleburg, Virginia 20118 (540) 687- 6500
CLEREMONT
Upperville ~ The impressive & historic 1511 acre Estate & Cattle Farm of Cleremont, offers a healthy environment for all of its inhabitants from the forest & land on the eastern slope of the Blue Ridge Mountains to the 33 verdant pastures & abundant natural water resources. Prime Piedmont Hunt territory with riding trails. $15,000,000
MUSTER LANE
The Plains ~ 108 acres, Minutes to Middleburg in prime Orange County Hunt Territory with exceptional ride-out to wooded trails and open pasture. Additional features include: 11-stall beautifully finished center aisle stable with apt., riding arena, two 3-BR cottages, bank barn and 4-bay machine shed. $8,250,000
TRAPPE HILL FARM
Upperville ~ 536 Acres protected by a conservation easement with the Virginia Outdoors Foundation; The land has recently been used for horses, hay, and cattle, but the gentle south facing slope would also be ideal for grapes. Find peace and serenity in this historic and sought $6,500,000 after corner of Loudoun County
LD
SO
HIDDEN TRAIL
The Plains ~ Magnificent horse property in the midst of the serene countryside. From 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. $5,000,000
HATHAWAY
The Plains ~ Sweeping panoramic views and grand trees surround this recently renovated, turnkey residence set on a private 90 acre estate. The home has been finished to the highest standards and features three meticulously finished levels with a modern floor plan, which includes a first-floor master bedroom suite. The location is in prime Orange County Hunt Territory. $4,475,000
RALLYWOOD
The Plains ~ World class equestrian facility on 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 over looking the outdoor ring. Additional structures include tenant houses and large heated equipment barn. $4,400,000
R CT DERA UNNT O C
WOODMONT
The Plains ~ Stunning and extensive renovation for today’s life style while incorporating salvaged antique features. Chef’s Kitchen opens to the Family Room and Dining Room. Wood flooring, new windows, high ceilings, new trim, new tile, large open rooms, built-in bookcases, French doors to back terrace and pool. 3-car attached garage with custom finished room above including built-in bunk beds. Generator. $2,600,000
MOUNTVILLE
Mountville Land ~ 145+ acres of land in sought after location on Mountville Road near Foxcroft School. Several home sites with wonderful views and vistas yet extremely private, half wooded and half pasture with over 2,000’ of Goose Creek frontage. Minutes from Middleburg, easy access to Dulles International Airport & Washington DC. Middleburg Hunt Territory. $2,465,250
STONE HAVEN
Woodville ~ 100+ acres in pristine Rappahannock County, Stonehaven offers a picturesque & tranquil retreat. Sited at the end of the private drive is the historic Stone residence, c.1745 with additional stone cottage for guests or office. Tucked into the woods, is a beautifully restored 2 bedroom log cabin. Gardens, lawn, barns, paddocks and tremendous ride out potential 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.
JOHN COLES 540-270- 0094 REBECCA POSTON 540-771-7520
“Specializing in large land holdings”
Please see our fine estates and exclusive properties in hunt country by visiting THOMAS-TALBOT.com
SUMMER 2019 • VOLUME 10, NUMBER 2
Features 14 CREATIVITY AND CONFORMATION BY ASHLEY M. BIGGERS
A sampling of the works of members of the American Academy of Equine Artists
20 LATERAL MOVES BY NATALIE DEFEE MENDIK
A couple of dressage moves can help you be a safer field member with a happier horse.
Page 14
25
Linda Volrath’s painting, “Hunting Whip and Scarlet”
AHEAD OF HER TIME BY NATIONAL SPORTING LIBRARY CURATORS
A 19th century female illustrator made waves with her humorous foxhunting cartoons.
IN EACH ISSUE: From the Executive Director p.2 From the Publisher p.4 MFHA News p.6 Last Run of the Day p.32
8
10
12
GIVE VOICE Reflections on why we hunt
28
THE FIELD HUNTER An Icelandic turns into a smooth field master’s horse.
YOUNG ENTRY Live Oak Challenge winner Blue Mountain Pony Club
HUNT REPORT An adventure in Ireland for Goshen members
ON OUR COVER: “Catch,” Deep Run Hunt Larry Dodd Wheeler, 16 x 20, oil on canvas.
30
FOXHUNTER’S LIBRARY The life of safari guide Tristan Voorspuy
31
HUNTSMAN PROFILE Ian Milne Award winner Geoffrey Hyde celebrates 30 years with Elkridge-Harford.
SUMMER 2019 | 1
FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Share Our Sport
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2 | COVERTSIDE
www.mfha.com
OFFICERS
Patrick A. Leahy, MFH • President Leslie Crosby, MFH • First Vice-President Penny Denegre, MFH • Second Vice-President Bill Haggard, MFH • Secretary-Treasurer David Twiggs • Executive Director
MFHA FOUNDATION
Patrick A. Leahy, MFH • President PO Box 363, Millwood, VA 22646 (540) 955-5680
HUNT STAFF BENEFIT FOUNDATION Nancy Stahl, MFH • President PO Box 363, Millwood, VA 22646 (540) 955-5680
COVERTSIDE EDITORIAL BOARD
LIZ CALLAR
HIS SEASON WAS CHALLENGING FOR MANY, with heavy snow, rain, and flooding keeping us out of the fields. Even so, we managed to find ways to get together. It is interesting that once you are in a hunt, you are part of a wide-ranging family. I have been so impressed with the genuine welcome and hospitality shown at hunts, joint meets, field hunter trials, and performance trials. It is a fantastic multi-generational family. Although this season’s hunting could have been better at times, the camaraderie was not dampened by the weather. So many of the “how I started hunting” stories have a very common thread: Someone reached out and said, “please come hunting with me.” It was a personal invitation that was followed by mentoring. That was my experience, too. Once I accepted the invitation, my host put up with my horsemanship and taught me the ways of the hunt until the bug caught hold of me. Looking back, it was the relationships that held me, as much as the hunting. It is the place we share our lives with others. At the MFHA, we work on largescale public relations of hunting with hounds. When legislators consider laws that impact hunting, they look at the big picture perception of the sport. In partnership with the Sportsmen’s Alliance, we are responding to bills in five states which threaten hunting with hounds, field trials, and any organized hunting for recreation. While national public relations is important, it is not what brings new hunters to the sport and new members to our hunts. It is a personal invitation to
MASTERS OF FOXHOUNDS ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA
someone you can mentor that is key to our growth. Let’s each identify one person to introduce to hunting. Invite your trail riding, horse showing, or rodeoing friends until they accept. Then prepare them, introduce them, and hand-hold them through the hunt if necessary. Our tradition is one that many can enjoy but not an easy one for an outsider to stumble upon without guidance. Let’s make an effort this summer to find someone to bring along. Share our sport! Good hunting,
W. David Twiggs Executive Director and Keeper of the Stud Book, MFHA
Leslie Crosby, MFH Penny Denegre, MFH Emily Esterson, Editor-in-Chief Patrick A. Leahy, MFH David Twiggs, Executive Director
DIRECTORS
Canada • Dr. Charlotte McDonald, MFH Carolinas • Fred Berry, MFH Central • Arlene Taylor, MFH Great Plains • Dr. Luke Matranga, MFH Maryland-Delaware • John McFadden, MFH Midsouth • Eleanor Menefee Parkes, MFH Midwest • Keith Gray, MFH New England • Suzanne Levy, MFH New York-New Jersey • David Feureisen, MFH Northern Virginia-West Virginia • Anne McIntosh, MFH Pacific • Terry Paine, MFH Pennsylvania • Sean Cully, MFH Rocky Mountain • Mary Ewing, MFH Southern • Mercer Fearington, MFH Virginia • Ginny Perrin, MFH Western • Susan Denny Gentry, MFH At Large • Dr. G. Marvin Beeman, MFH At Large • Ed Kelly, MFH At Large • Mason H. Lampton, MFH At Large • Dr. Jack van Nagell, MFH At Large • Daphne Wood, MFH COVERTSIDE (ISSN 1547-4216) is published quarterly (February, May, August, and November) by the Masters of Foxhounds Association, 675 Lime Marl Lane, Berryville, VA 22611. Periodical Postage paid at Winchester, VA 22601 and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to MFHA, PO Box 363, Millwood, VA 22646. COVERTSIDE READERS: Direct all correspondence to the same address. Tel: (540) 955-5680. Website: www.mfha.com
FROM THE PUBLISHER
SUMMER 2019 EDITOR-IN-CHIEF/PUBLISHER EMILY ESTERSON publisher@covertside.net 505-553-2671
Our Lifestyle
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4 | COVERTSIDE
EDITORIAL STAFF WRITER/ ECOVERTSIDE.NET EDITOR MARTHA DRUM martha@mfha.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS MARTIN BARRETT ASHLEY M. BIGGERS KEITH GRAY, MFH ROBERT KORNACKI
HETHER YOU’VE BEEN HUNTING A SINGLE SEASON, a decade, or many decades, it happens to all of us. I’m talking about the proliferation of hunting-related, well, stuff. Before I started foxhunting, I owned a few horse paintings and photographs, a potholder hook made of horseshoes, and a couple of horse-y necklaces. Now, however, the number of foxhuntingrelated items in my home has proliferated — from a significant library of books (full collection of Rita Mae Brown, Michael Sinclair, and Alistair Jackson, among others) to a stuffed fox named Reynard who is wearing his pinque and sits on my office windowsill overseeing the operations here at Covertside HQ. Reynard has a special place in my heart, as he was a gift from my colleagues. Our sport becomes all encompassing — a true lifestyle. It lends itself to artistic inspiration because of its breathtaking moments of natural beauty. I am often jealous of artists who can so ably capture the fog rising at dawn, and the horses and hounds against a backdrop of autumn color, and the adrenaline-fueled excitement. We want to relive every moment. We want to surround ourselves with our passion. Our summer issue is devoted to that inspiration. We feature some of the members the American Academy of Equine Art, many of whom paint and sculpt foxhunting scenes. A juried AAEA show will be featured in the MFHA’s new building in Middleburg this fall. We’ve got a fun piece from the National Sporting Library about a little known 19th century cartoonist —
ART DIRECTOR GLENNA STOCKS production@covertside.net
it’s a great story of a woman foxhunter ahead of her time. And our Huntsman Profile in this issue is special indeed: This year’s Ian Milne Award winner, Geoffrey Hyde, huntsman of Elkridge-Harford (MD) celebrates 30 years of hunting the hounds with bravery and tenacity. We are always seeking your ideas, photographs, submissions, and comments. Please, don’t be shy. Our best stuff comes from you. Happy Hunting,
Emily Esterson Editor-in-Chief/Publisher
NATALIE DEFEE MENDIK OCTAVIA POLLOCK
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 AND CLUB NEWS
4 LEGISLATIVE ACTIVITY
4 ON ECOVERTSIDE.NET:
Through the first few months
Hound breeding to the north:
of 2019, we have seen an uptick
Montreal Hunt (Quebec)
in the number of proposed
Huntsman Andrew Marren
bills at the state level which
adds Crossbreds to his English
could affect or even prohibit
pack to keep up with coyotes.
performance trials and hunting.
Search: Marren
The language in these bills
GONE AWAY
DR. EDMUNDE STEWART,
cut short to help fallen riders, so he adopted “Doc Stewart’s Medical Rules of the Hunt to Live By”:
MFH, SMITHTOWN HUNT, (1938–2018)
“If you pass a fallen rider who is
FORMER SMITHTOWN HUNT
a fallen rider who is motionless
(N.Y.) MASTER DR. EDMUNDE
on the ground, no need to stop,
sitting up and talking, no need to stop, all is okay; and if you pass
could have a direct impact on
Hound breeding to the south:
STEWART passed away on
he is probably dead!” Stewart
our hunts and kennel practices.
Sandy Dixon, Master and
December 6, 2018, at St. Charles
is survived by his loving wife
These items include bans on
huntsman at Brazos Valley
Hospital in Port Jefferson, New
Norma, his children Victoria,
coyote hunting, on any type
Hounds (Texas), discusses her
York. Affectionately known as
Gregory, and Gillian, and many
of hunting competition, and
selection of a stallion hound
“Doc,” he was a member of the
grandchildren.
related activities.
from Piedmont (Virginia) to
Smithtown Hunt for 45 years.
complement the American
He was also a member and
Sportsmen’s Alliance and other
The MFHA, together with the
hounds for which her pack is
former Master of the Long Island
affiliated organizations, is moni-
known. Search: Bullseye
Hounds and was involved in the merger of the two hunts. During
toring these bills. We encour-
GORDON BINGEMAN, HON. LIFE MASTER, WELLINGTON-WATERLOO HUNT, (1928–2019)
age all members to be alert to
Outreach: Learn about
his decades in the hunt field,
proposed laws in your state, to
the MFHA’s presence at
Stewart also served as huntsman,
contact your legislators, and to
the Southeastern Wildlife
whipper-in, and field master.
proactively educate your neigh-
Exposition in Charleston, South
He was a member of the hunt
bors and lawmakers about the
Carolina. Search: SEWE
committee and president of the
HONORARY LIFE MASTER
Smithtown Hunt Horse Show.
OF THE WELLINGTON-
Juniors: Young brothers Charlie,
With his wife, Norma, he chaired
WATERLOO HUNT (ONTARIO)
Aiden, and Taylor Smith talk
numerous hunt balls and holiday
GORDON BINGEMAN passed
4 DEEP RUN KENNEL FUND
about the thrills and challenges
parties and hosted many stirrup
away following a brief illness in
On April 8, 2019, the Deep Run
of hunting, riding along with
cups. In addition to foxhunting
Kitchener, Ontario, on Sunday,
Hunt kennels in Cumberland
staff, and their favorite ponies.
on Long Island, he also hunted
January 6, 2019.
County, Virginia, were struck
Search: Amazing
in Virginia with Middleburg,
He enjoyed nearly five
Piedmont, Orange County,
decades of foxhunting with
benefits of a vibrant foxhunting community.
by lightning and destroyed. Huntsman John Harrison
Community: Elkridge-Harford
Fairfax, and Loudon West, as
Wellington-Waterloo. His partner,
swiftly reacted by using a
Hounds (Maryland) members
well as eight different packs
Ms. Kris Baker, says, “At 90 years
tractor to knock down one
— in true sporting style — make
spanning Scotland, England, and
of age, Gordon had a great
wall of the burning building,
their annual blood drive a social
Ireland.
ride, and those who were lucky
saving most of the hounds.
event with a competitive and
Although a foxhound puppy
charitable edge. Search: Red
Stewart was known as the “Hunt
attest to the fun that Gord had
and two lurcher puppies did not
Cross
Doctor”; however, he got tired of
along the way. Gordon was the
his hunting day repeatedly being
essence of what the Wellington-
survive, the rest of the pack was
There was a time when
enough to share his journey will
unharmed. No humans or horses were harmed. To support reconstruction efforts, please consider mailing a check to Deep Run Hunt Club, noting “Kennel Rebuilding Fund” in the memo line, to P.O.
4 SOUTHERN
Box 314, Manakin-Sabot, VA 23103. Also, the Southern States
HOUND SHOW Live Oak Able ’16,
retail store in Farmville, Virginia,
Grand Champion of Show.
is maintaining a wish list and
Trophy presented by Mr.
donation fund for specific
and Mrs. Michael Ledyard
supplies needed for the new kennels — visit or call the store at 434-392-4192.
6 | COVERTSIDE
PHOTO COURTESY LIVE OAK HOUNDS
Waterloo stood for. Always the
zer,” Louise served as Master of
first one to lend a hand or mentor
the Tryon Hounds (N.C.) for nearly
a new rider, Gord could always be
45 years. Tryon Hunt President
counted on to help. Riding into
Rebecca Barnes says, “She truly
his late 70s, Gordon had a wealth
was the heart and soul of the
of common sense — horse sense.
Tryon Hounds. There will never be
He loved Lexington Farm. Long
another one like her.”
after he abandoned driving his
The widow of Dr. George
tractor, he was able to look out
Franklin Hughston Jr., she was
over the land every day, marvel-
a retired registered nurse.
ing at its beauty.”
Hughston is survived by her
BEAUTY OF THE HUNT
brothers, William J. Lindberg
LOUISE HUGHSTON,
and Stephen Thomas Lindberg;
MFH, TRYON HOUNDS, (1931–2018)
children, nieces and a nephew.
her daughter, Elizabeth Paley Hughston Santiago; four grandchildren; and many great-grandGifts may be made to St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church, 101
LOUISE HUGHSTON, OF SPAR-
Saint Matthews Lane, Spartan-
TANBURG, SOUTH CAROLINA,
burg, SC 29301, or to the Tryon
died Wednesday, February 20,
Hounds Kennel Restoration
2019, at Spartanburg Medical
Project, in memory of Louise, c/o
Center. Affectionately known by
the Tryon Hounds, P.O. Box 112,
her hunting friends as “Big Wee-
Tryon, NC 29782.
Fine Custom Sculptures www.davidclason.com 970.390.3883 SUMMER 2019 | 7
GIVE VOICE
COURTESY KEITH GRAY
Puppy Wisdom Reflections on the pack mentality BY KEITH GRAY, MFH, MILL CREEK HUNT
I
CAME TO RIDING LATE IN LIFE, AND TO FOXHUNTING VERY
dog breeders find homes for puppies by two months of age.
SHORTLY AFTER THAT. It’s hard to know whether it was mid-
The analogy that struck me is that puppy litter dynamics mimicked
life crisis, ignorance, or lack of intelligence, but those hearing my
foxhunting for me. On a hunt, I’m part of a pack, and in a pack you
story usually commented on what must be either my athleticism
feel safer and instinctively more confident. There are elders to put
or natural riding ability. For a while, it felt good to go along with
you right and prevent you from making horrible mistakes. Horses feel
that, but recently I’ve learned from a litter of newborn puppies that
a rider’s tension; for me, hunting made my connection to my horse
my advancement as a foxhunter is far less grandiose
much different from my relationship with him in an
WHY WE HUNT
than it might seem. Latuda, our little cross-bred terrier, has been remarkably easy. She is super smart, always happy to see all humans, and somehow able to immediately discern the difference between wild (chase in full cry) and domestic animals (approach with caution, sniff, play, in that order). I’m aware that I may possess fewer brain cells as a result of a plethora of stirrup cups and hunt breakfasts, but I honestly don’t remember ever having to train her. Although we already had three dogs, it made
A continuing series on the spiritual, emotional and practical reasons behind our captivating sport
perfect sense to share with the world more Latudas by
arena. Alone in an oval circle of sand, I felt like that lone puppy waiting for bad things to happen, while in the hunt field I somehow wasn’t bothered by those same things. I’m by no means advocating that people learn to ride by hunting. Basic knowledge, technique, and fitness are required to ride (and hunt) safely, and trained instructors can and should provide this. However, I am also a proponent of not getting caught up in minutia. There is value in being part of the pack (i.e. hunt field) where you learn from others consciously and subconsciously about riding-while-doing.
breeding her to Mason Lampton Jr.’s cross-bred terrier Pepper (again,
Sadly, it’s not my athleticism or natural ability that has allowed me
admission here regarding my brain cell deficiency). Eight weeks
to progress as a foxhunter. It’s the opportunity I’ve had to be with
after the encounter, six little creatures that resembled hamsters more
a horse as nature intended — to be part of something greater. It’s
than dogs were born in our laundry room. If you’ve not had a litter of
taught me to be part of a pack and to learn from that experience.
puppies in your life, I highly recommend that you volunteer to help
Many hobbies provide this for people, but foxhunting allows me to
at your hunt kennel so you can experience it without the constant
breed terriers and kill brain cells, too. What could be more fun?
picking up and laying down of newspapers and the worry about preserving the legs of any wooden furniture you may care about. It’s an enlightening, fun, and fulfilling experience.
Keith Gray is Master of the Mill Creek Hunt in Illinois. He is a regular contributor to Covertside.
Once born, these little cuties go from sightless and helpless to confident terrors in five short weeks! It has been amazing to watch them grow and learn at an alarming rate, not by any intention or effort on my part, but rather by being part of a litter and a pack. You see, individually and separate from their litter mates, any of these puppies were timid, keenly aware of their surroundings, easily spooked by a fast move or loud noise. But when in the group, there was a mob mentality that emboldened all of them, making them much more apt to push boundaries, disregard dangers, and explore. Out the door and driveway the next, and chasing Mom Latuda (who’s chasing the tennis ball) within a week! This accelerated progression is why
8 | COVERTSIDE
The support of fellow field members helps you become a better rider.
NINA BERKE
immediately back one day, past the grill the next day, out to the
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!
SUMMER 2015 • $5.00
Your valuable support of the MFHA and its foundations helps to promote and preserve foxhunting and countryside values.
THE FIELD HUNTER R.J. West and The Hobbit lead the field
ANDREW TOWELL
with bravery and calm.
Flying Carpet
Small in stature but big in heart, an Icelandic excels in the hunt field. BY MARTHA DRUM
10 | COVERTSIDE
and her field hunter after two decades with Woodbrook, but was unexpectedly invited to become a Master — and the search was on for an appropriate steed. “Finding a new horse is like finding a new man, maybe harder,” West observes. She tried a few made field hunters, but none proved suitable. In the process of cleaning out her tack room, she sold a sidesaddle to a chatty and persuasive Icelandic enthusiast. After a few rides, West herself became a fan of the small, fuzzy, gaited breed. Surefooted and tough thanks to the harsh climate of Iceland, the breed is also known for its unique four-beat gait, the tölt. “If you’ve never ridden a tölt — treat yourself!” West says. “I hadn’t had that much fun on a
horse in years! Riding the tölt is like sliding across a polished floor — it’s that smooth and that easy.” The footfalls of the tölt are the same as the regular walk, but the horse moves at a much greater speed (Icelandics also walk, trot, and canter).
ANDREW TOWELL
C
ENTURIES OF HUNTING LITERATURE don’t likely include many references to “tölting across the English countryside,” but Woodbrook Hunt Club (Wash.) Joint Master R.J. West finds her Icelandic horse is the right mount in the right-size package. The purebred Icelandic “Gloinn from Rivendell” (Tolkien fans will get the reference), nicknamed The Hobbit, came to West in a roundabout way, but soon established himself as a trustworthy leader of the hilltopping field. West was fortunate to enjoy lengthy partnerships with her hunt horses as she moved from Virginia to South Carolina and then to Washington state. She planned to retire both herself
Although she was still looking for a traditional hunt horse, West acquired The Hobbit as a 13.3h six-year-old. She hadn’t planned to take him out with hounds, but without another option, she decided to give it a try. Toward the end of the winter, in the middle of ski season (meaning a small field), “I decided to take him. I was thinking we could always drop out and hack back if it was too much for him.” West was surprised with The Hobbit’s calmness and stamina. “We had to make up a little time to get to the first view, and when The Hobbit started tölting, I felt like I was on a flying carpet!” The hounds and hubbub of the hunt field never fazed the petite gelding, and soon he and West were leading the hilltopping field. “A lot of new and green hunters ride with us — he’s great Steady Eddy company for a nervous horse,” West says. The Hobbit’s gentle disposition helps him win over young equine fans, as well. “He’s spent the past few weeks letting three boys, ages nine to fifteen and rank beginners, learn about handling horses. He stands very patiently while they figure out how to put the halter on, hook the crossties to unusual places, get him used to a ball dashing around his paddock and a scooter zipping by,” West reports. “He enjoys interacting with the boys and has been very kind to them.”
American Academy of Equine Art Fall Workshops Carriage Association Bldg., Kentucky Horse Park, Lexington, KY
Jill Soukup
Painting - Oct 7-11, 2019
Alexa King
Sculpture - Oct 21-25, 2019
Larry Dodd Wheeler, AAEA Painting - TBD
www.aaea.net for signup and further details Look for the American Academy of Equine Art fall exhibit Sept. 20 - Oct. 26, 2019 at the new headquarters of the Masters of Foxhounds Association Burrland Road by Booth Malone SUMMER 2019 | 11
YOUNG ENTRY
ED HYDE
Blue Mountain Pony Club members out with Rose-Tree Blue Mountain hunt.
The Ripple Effect
Blue Mountain takes a new tact on Live Oak Challenge.
W
HEN DAPHNE AND MARTY WOOD, Joint Masters at Live Oak Hounds (Fla.), created the United States Pony Clubs (USPC) Live Oak Hounds Foxhunting Challenge, they hoped the annual cash awards would be an incentive for young riders to try foxhunting. More than a decade later, their gift has touched hundreds of pony club members — and at Blue Mountain Pony Club, it’s enabled the group to share its programs with children whose equestrian activities need to fit the family budget. Each year, the Live Oak Challenge recognizes the six pony clubs who bring the greatest percentage of their junior members out foxhunting.
12 | COVERTSIDE
BY MARTHA DRUM
Because it is based on the percentage of members, not total numbers, the awards are equally available to large and small clubs. Blue Mountain, which is affiliated with Rose Tree-Blue Mountain Hunt in Pennsylvania, has 12 regular members. Under the guidance of District Commissioner Emily Dietrich and Pony Club Secretary Maryann Cully, MFH, Blue Mountain has placed in the Live Oak Challenge six out of the last seven years, winning twice. Rather than splurge on team gear or special field trips, the club reinvests the winnings into keeping costs as low as possible for all members. “This has been a huge boost for our club,” explains Cully. “If it weren’t for the Challenge, and the award, we couldn’t do what we do in terms
of getting kids ready and getting them out hunting.” Previously, parents were required to pay for all mounted instruction and mounted meetings. This added cost put pressure on Blue Mountain families, many of whom do not have equestrian backgrounds and must balance competing financial priorities. Blue Mountain decided to apply all the Challenge award monies toward covering these expenses for every child. Each member pays a $50 annual flat fee; after that, the club — using Challenge proceeds — covers mounted lessons, quiz rally attendance, and other instruction. Rose Tree-Blue Mountain Hunt waives capping fees for the pony club riders. “Outsiders looking in think of foxhunting as a sport for the
elite, and this shows the kids that it’s not — it’s something they can be a part of.” Cully says. “Hopefully it’s something that will stick with them and they’ll return to foxhunting as adults.” Since the inception of the Live Oak Challenge, USPC members have submitted more than 1,200 certificates for completed hunts. This represents more than 56 pony clubs that have participated, and over 70 hunts across the country who have graciously hosted pony club members in the hunt field, “Marty and I receive the most wonderful thank-you letters from children who had never gone hunting before, saying they had no idea they and their ponies would have so much fun,” Live Oak Challenge founder Daphne Wood, MFH, says. “I just think it’s nice for children to do something with horses that is not a competition,” Wood says. “Everyone in the hunt field, from age eight to 80, is pulling for the same team. We want everyone to be safe and to have a good time.” In addition to financial support, the Challenge ignites enthusiasm, as children vie to attend the minimum number of hunts needed. “We see children who were terrified at first, now chomping at the bit,” says Cully, “They say, ‘When can we go, when can we go?’ because they know they have one more meet to qualify! That’s what it’s all about.” To learn more, visit ponyclub.org and enter “Live Oak Challenge” in the Search bar.
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The members of the American Academy of Equine Art capture the majesty and pageantry of foxhunting in paintings and sculpture. This year, their works will help launch the new MFHA headquarters in Middleburg, Virginia.
ALLISON HOWELL
BY ASHLEY M. BIGGERS
CREAT IV ITY AND T H E AA E A L ANDS I TS FALL 14 | COVERTSIDE
“Frosty Morning,” by Larry Dodd Wheeler.
C O N F O R M AT I O N S HOW AT M F HA’ S N E W H E ADQ UA RT E R S . SUMMER 2019 | 15
T
HE MEMBERS OF THE AMERICAN ACADEMY OF EQUINE ART capture the majesty and pageantry of foxhunting in paintings and sculpture. This fall, some of their works will help launch the new Masters of Foxhounds Association headquarters in Middleburg, Virginia, in remarkable style. Booth Malone, AAEA president, proposed partnering on an exhibition at the 2018 Virginia Hound Show, where he and David Twiggs, MFHA executive director, sealed the deal with a handshake on the spot. Twiggs says of the partnership, “We are excited to become an active part of the Middleburg area and starting with the AAEA show allows us to showcase artists from throughout the country for our members and the community.” The annual exhibition customarily features 60 paintings and sculptures exemplifying the best of equestrian and foxhunting art, though Malone says this year’s show may feature a few additional works thanks to the headquarters’ extensive new gallery space. The AAEA will also inaugurate a new annual award for foxhunting art at this show; the name of the award will honor a past president of the MFHA. The work will be on the walls from September 20 to October 26. The academy was founded in 1980 thanks to the suggestion of prominent horseman, author, and founder of the National Sporting Library, Alexander Mackay-Smith, and Dr. Joseph Rogers, board members of the Westmoreland Davis Foundation, at Morven Park in Leesburg, Virginia. They consulted world-renowned equine artists Jean Bowman and Else Tuckerman, who recommended 10
16 | COVERTSIDE
distinguished painters. They held the AAEA’s first exhibition at the Museum of Hounds and Hunting in the fall of that year. The academy has since grown to include around 150 of the finest equine artists in the country who exhibit together and teach future masters of equine painting. Although the final show selections were still being juried as this article went to press, standout foxhunting artists Booth Malone, Linda Volrath, Kathleen Friedenberg, and Larry Dodd Wheeler are likely to be included. Malone fell into equine art and painting foxhunting by happenstance. He’d “gone off on the wrong track and was gainfully employed in Atlanta,” when a friend invited him to a weekend of eventing — that happened to be at the farm of the late Benjamin H. Hardaway, III, MFH, and past president of the MFHA. “I couldn’t have had more luck to fall in with a better group of horsemen than the group around Ben Hardaway,” he says. They exposed him to Olympic-level eventing, steeplechasing, polo, and, of course, foxhunting. Although Malone doesn’t fancy himself a horseman — “Ben Hardaway would be twirling in his grave if I were to claim otherwise!” — he soon made equine art, and, in particular, foxhunting, his life’s work. “I thought it was wonderful to see the pageantry of the hunt attire and the ceremonies, and the pure enjoyment of rider and horse together.” He says equine painters must have the skills of a landscape artist, an animal artist, and a portrait artist rolled into one, along with a keen sense of horse anatomy. “I came to understand that if you paint a horse, the horse has to have conformation to the point that a horse person would want to buy it at auction,” he says.
“Tomorrow is Another Day,” Booth Malone
“The Way a Lady Rides,” Kathleen Friedenberg
B
RITISH ARTIST KATHLEEN FRIEDENBERG KNOWS EQUINE ANATOMY INTIMATELY. A former veterinary surgeon, she first came to the United States to study equine orthopedics at the University of Pennsylvania. She spent several years doing veterinary illustration and began sculpting in night school, which soon turned into a full-time occupation. A longtime rider, she joined the Radnor Hunt, of Malvern, Pennsylvania, for social reasons; it now inspires her work
as well. She says the interactions of humans, horses, hounds — and of course, the fox — have given her countless possibilities for scenes. “For accuracy, one must know and understand the anatomy of the subjects, along with correct dress and tack,” she says. “The most beautifully sculpted piece is boring if it’s not alive, so I stress vitality. This involves studying the movement, to capture the gait of the various animals, and being aware of their body language.” SUMMER 2019 | 17
A
LTHOUGH LINDA VOLRATH WAS A HORSEWOMAN IN THE PAST — and still is in spirit — she says these days she keeps her feet on the ground and squarely behind an easel. “The conservation of open spaces rich with tradition, history, and wildlife, plus all things canine and equine weave the fabric of sporting life and really connect with me,” she says. “Being a sporting artist is the natural result of combining my talents and strongest interests.” The classically trained artist and former art director and illustrator primarily uses a representational style in her oil paintings. She works from plein air studies that capture the light and atmosphere of her days in the field.
Volrath lives in northern Virginia, so numerous hunts are within close range,with her primary sources of inspiration the Blue Ridge Hunt and Piedmont Fox Hounds. Following a hunt fuels her inspiration. “The biggest challenge I find in painting foxhunting scenes is narrowing down which of my myriad concepts to put to canvas,” she says. The fall AAEA show promises to show off the classical representation of the horse and the vibrancy of the hunt as seen by artists at the top of their games. “If you can paint a horse and rider in motion,” Malone says, “you can paint just about anything.”
Left: “Hunting Whip and Scarlet.” Above: “Pounce,” Linda Volrath.
Ashley M. Biggers is a freelance travel and art writer.
SUMMER 2019 | 19
L ATER A L M OVES BY NATALIE DEFEE MENDIK | PHOTOS BY CAITLYN MENDIK
20 | COVERTSIDE
FIELD HUNTERS NEED DRESSAGE SKILLS.
You hear the call, “Reverse field!” or “’Ware staff!” and you’re in a tight spot on a trail. What to do? Some simple lateral steps are all you need to react quickly to these situations in the field.
T
OO OFTEN, FOXHUNTERS NEGLECT BASIC ARENA WORK IN FAVOR OF ON-THE-JOB TRAINING. However, a little practice at home can help create a more ridable, safe, and polite horse in the hunt field. Two lateral moves are essential to creating a good equine citizen: Leg yield and turn on haunches are both basic movements introduced to horses early in their training that also prove invaluable in various scenarios in hunting. Leg yield teaches the horse to yield away from leg pressure, causing him to move sideways and forward. Turn on the haunches strengthens the horse’s hind end while mobilizing the shoulder. A horse that is using his hind end correctly and lightly is more pleasurable to ride in the field. Like all lateral movements, these also help the horse to become stronger, more supple, and better connected. Turn on the haunches is also handy for quickly turning to face hounds and staff as they pass by. “Flatwork helps the horse’s mind be present with me if I’m asking him to cross a creek or jump a coop with a snow drift,” says Glee White. “Discipline, accuracy, and suppleness get the horse mentally in front of the leg without running through the hand.” White, pictured with Kathy Coors’ Q Star, has been a member of the Arapahoe Hunt in Colorado since 1974. Based at the Coors family’s Roxbury Farm, White trains hunter/jumpers and foxhunters; she actively competes in show jumping through Grand Prix. LEG YIELD
To start teaching your horse leg yield, it’s easiest to use the horse’s natural inclination to gravitate toward the arena wall or fence. Keep in mind your horse should move both forward and sideways. His inside legs will cross over in front of his outside legs while his body remains straight. You’ll have a slight flexion away from the direction you are going. Start a few feet away from the wall or fence. Drop a little more weight in your inside seat bone and with
If a horse is looking at something, White will overcome the horse’s urge to spook or spin by redirecting him using a slight leg yield toward the frightening object, tuning the horse into the leg instead of what he’s worried about.
Opening and closing a gate while mounted becomes easier when your horse will stand parallel to the gate and move sideways as you manipulate it.
your inside leg, ask the horse to move toward the wall while still moving forward. Your outside aids half-halt — provide a quick hold and release — to keep the horse’s body straight and maintain balance. Your inside rein asks for a little flexion. For example, if you are leg-yielding right, flex the horse at the poll slightly to the left. Keep his body straight with the forehand ever so slightly ahead of haunches. You can also practice on a circle by spiraling out — simply making a small circle larger. Teaching your horse this technique isn’t just arena fluff. Some practical applications in the field include yielding to the hounds and hunt staff, having the skills to open and close gates efficiently, and redirecting your horse’s attention when shying. SUMMER 2019 | 21
TURN ON HAUNCHES
In turn on the haunches, the horse’s shoulders move in an arc around the hind legs at the walk. To ride the turn on the haunches, start from a shortened walk, then put weight into your inside seat bone and bring your outside leg on behind the girth. Your outside rein half-halts while bringing the shoulders around. The inside rein keeps the bend, while your inside leg keeps the activity. A half turn will bring your horse around in a controlled about-face. 22 | COVERTSIDE
By learning to control the shoulders while engaging the hind legs, you have greater ridability in the field, explains White. “When the horse’s adrenaline is pumping, you want the horse to step up — you don’t want the rear end to start swinging.” “I think what gets so many people out foxhunting in trouble is they haven’t taught their horses to give and soften off the inside leg,” remarks White. “I recommend getting on a large circle and really
LATERAL IN ACTION Although it varies from hunt to hunt, and territory to territory, in general, “STAFF PLEASE” or “’WARE STAFF” is called out by a staff member or a member of the field to warn field members to immediately yield the right-of-way to a staff member, most often a whipper-in. Move your horse off of the trail with its head toward the staff member and remain in position until the staff member has passed. You may also move your horse to one side of the trail if the field is moving. “’WARE” stands for “BEWARE”. “REVERSE THE FIELD PLEASE” requires the field reverse itself and backtrack. The command FORWARD REVERSE is the signal for all riders to continue moving forward and then reverse direction at the spot where the horse immediately in front (of you) has reversed. —Source: Hillsboro Hounds Hand Book
Natalie DeFee Mendik is an award-winning writer specializing in equine journalism. Visit her online at MendikMedia.com.
ALICE PORTER
teaching the horse to move away from the inside leg up to the outside rein. It’s just classic.” When teaching students who foxhunt, White incorporates dressage letters to ensure accurate riding, including exacting circles and diagonal tracks.
SUMMER 2019 | 23
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AHEAD OF HER TIME A FEMALE PIONEER IN THE COMIC ARTS CHOSE FOXHUNTING AS HER SUBJECT. IMAGES PROVIDED BY NATIONAL SPORTING LIBRARY
The illustrations here come from “Leaves From A Hunting Journal” by Georgina Bowers. Published in 1880, this compilation book is filled with humorous cartoons about the foxhunting field. Bowers (1835-1912) was a cartoonist, caricaturist, and illustrator whose works were published beginning in the 1860s. Bowers rose to prominence as an illustrator for the humorous British magazine Punch. In 1871, she married Henry Edwards, a horse surgeon. Bowers was an avid hunter, and claimed that most of her humorous material was drawn from her observations on horseback as she rode to hounds. Many of the stand-alone books she compiled later in her career deal with hunting and riding. —JOHN CONNOLLY, GEORGE L. OHRSTROM JR. HEAD LIBRARIAN, NATIONAL SPORTING LIBRARY
The below was reprinted from The Victorian Web, one of the oldest scholarly and academic compendiums on the internet. It is an excerpt from “English Female Artists” (1876), by Ellen Creathorne Clayton.
“M
iss Georgina Bowers is the second lady artist who became known to the world as a designer of comic subjects; for Miss Sheridan, the sister of the Hon. Mrs. Norton, who brought out a comic annual illustrated by herself, can hardly be counted. It will probably be disputed that Miss Bowers is a humorous designer: It may more fairly be said, her designs show rather the finer quality of wit. She rarely quits the company of elegant young beauties, stately dowagers, pompous or jocund bishops, and flirting young curates, lingering in the salon, the boudoir, the garden, the hunting-field, sometimes glancing in for a moment at the stable or kennel, but always in the best of good company. Her chief strength lies, however, in her faithful, spirited portrayal of horses and dogs. She has to a great extent drifted into the ‘comic line,’ her own preference being given to animals. Miss Bowers was born in 1836, in London. In early childhood, as far back as her recollections extend, Miss Bowers had a great love of country life and amusements. Sport of all description, connected with animals, has had an almost irresistible charm for her. To possess dogs and horses, and make pets of them, has been well-nigh a mania with this young lady; sufficiently so to impress her with the strongest indifference to the languid pleasures of fashionable society. This passion — it could not be called by any milder name — inspired Miss Bowers with an early taste for drawing animals. This odd and inconvenient fancy was not encouraged by the governesses who successively failed to train her as a drawing-room, sonata-playing miss, and drill her into young ladyism. Books she confesses she ‘hated’ — needlework she “detested.” Having no sister of her own age, she was left pretty much to her own resources for amusement. When a clever girl is left to find her own recreations, she generally toils at her own particular mania with an intensity of devotion. At fifteen, Georgina Bowers — whose mother died before she had gained any distinct knowledge of her — was sent away from home into Derbyshire, to some ladies who took private pupils. Here she pined for her dogs and donkeys, and especially one favorite, ‘Old gray Jim,’ whom she had been in the habit of riding saddleless round the yard at home. Lessons in music, and drawing, and German, and other superfine accomplishments, could not act as anodynes for this irrepressible yearning, so profited this tiresome pupil little. She could not even find refuge in her beloved pencil, for the drawing-master taught nothing but conventional ‘sketching from nature’ in watercolors and discouraged studies of animals. Therefore, Miss Bowers had no instruction in the only art for which she cared.
26 | COVERTSIDE
When she ‘came out,’ instead of playing her part in society life, she insisted on working at the Manchester School of Art, which helped her a little in her dearly loved pursuit, but hindered her in her social duties. It was difficult to combine the idly busy existence of a votary of fashion with the drudging student-life of a would-be artist. Yet study she needed, and longed for. At last she began to draw for [the humor magazine] Punch. From Mr. Mark Lemon she received much kindness, and later, Mr. Shirley Brooks proved a judicious adviser and helpful friend. But of all her counsellors, perhaps she is most indebted to Mr. Swain, the Punch engraver. Indeed, she considers that she owes grateful thanks for his interest and sympathizing advice. After the death of John Leech — another generous and considerate friend — Miss Bowers determined to strike out a path for herself, and, leaving home, went down to Hertfordshire, taking up her residence there and in Bedfordshire alternately. To have lived in town and worked hard would, perhaps, have advanced her more easily in the way she wished to go; but she could not summon up self-denial sufficient to enable her to give up her hunter and her big dog. Miss Bowers now designs nearly all the hunting subjects for Punch with slighter sketches, initial letters, and so on; contributing besides to the Graphic, Illustrated Sporting and Dramatic News, and other publications. To her own regret, she finds herself a sketcher when she desired earnestly to take rank in a far higher line of art. But she holds a distinct place of her own. Her horses, her dogs, are inimitable, and full of character. Thoroughly original, fresh and unconventional, her groups, with their surroundings, all bear the impress of the free country life amidst which she lives and works, and which she loves so well. When not ‘at work,’ Miss Bowers fairly lives on horseback. Having a sketch-book which fits into a saddlepocket, she does all her admirable backgrounds when out riding. She works eight hours a day, and, although only a sketcher, never takes a holiday!”
“Leaves From a Hunting Journal,” Georgina Bowers. London: Chatto & Windus, 1880. Images courtesy National Sporting Library & Museum.
SUMMER 2019 | 27
HUNT REPORT Left: Honored guests present the trophy to Grand National Steeplechase winning trainer, Gordon Elliott. Below, the author navigates a sizeable drain. Opposite page, clockwise from top right: Goshen’s team approach at work in the field and in the pubs. Island Hounds Huntsman Paul Scallon collects the hounds
PAT HEALY
after a long chase.
Thrills and Spills in Ireland
A hunt’s annual travel tradition results in learning. BY MARTIN BARRETT
A
House, which is home to more than 200 steeplechase horses, including the Grand National Champion Tiger Roll. Elliotttrained horses have won the Grand National, 14 Cheltenhams,
GROUP FROM GOSHEN HOUNDS in Maryland has started an annual foxhunting trek to Ireland. Some assert that Ireland offers the most challenging hunting terrain in the world — and in my experience, I have yet to see otherwise. This year’s group comprised nine travelers with seven riders spanning nearly half a century in age range and hunting experience.
We arrived in Dublin for our 10-day adventure and first visited Gordon Elliott’s stables, Cullentra 28 | COVERTSIDE
TOM SINOTT
OFF TO THE RACES
and many other prestigious races. It was amazing to watch the stable hands, grooms, jockeys, and trainers, all hustling in the dark, performing their roles as part of the well-orchestrated operation.
It was quite an education as we stood with Elliott, watching 45 horses exercise and listening as he spoke with every jockey about each horse. You could see him taking mental notes that would be incorporated into each horse’s training plan, which he personally creates every day. I stood in awe of such horsemanship. After leaving Cullentra, we visited Fairyhouse Racecourse, which has been hosting races since 1848 and is currently home of the Irish Grand National Steeplechase. Our host, Mark Devitt, arranged for us to present the trophy plate to the race winner and, coincidently, Gordon Elliott’s horse won to complete the day’s experience. LET THE HUNTING BEGIN: KILLINICK HARRIERS
With the thrill of racing pumping through our veins, we were ready to hunt. We started our hunt tour with the Killinick Harriers. We were all wellmounted and cared for by our hosts James Cleary and Garry Stephenson. Despite a slow day with difficult scenting, Huntsman Johnny Roche did well with his modern English pack. The main chase challenged us to get the field over the very large drains. The ditches and drains were more substantial than any we’d ever seen; fair to say, they
MARTIN BARRETT
MARTIN BARRETT
ISLAND HUNT
The very next day we hunted with Island Hunt: a very fast moving day with more ditches and drains. We continued adding fine Irish soil to our hunt coats as better scenting conditions made for speedier going. The first hour even concluded with a fox going to ground. The Island Hunt pack consisted of modern English hounds and worked well as a unit, displaying excellent biddability as a pack and to the huntsman, Paul Scallon. TIPPERARY HUNT
After dusting off our coats and resting for a day, our third outing was with the Tipperary Hunt. It was a very wet and cold day, and the scenting was good. I suspect the weather deterred the foxes more than the foxhunters. Conditions
made for multiple falls in a short time, including staff and even worse, the author of this article. We quickly adopted a team approach, staying together, and helping each other over challenging obstacles. We jumped ditches, drains, timber fences, pallet walls, three board fences, three-foot drain pipes, and five-bar gates. The hounds hunted actively, making it difficult to keep up. We started with a field of more than 60 riders, 30 of whom remained at the close of the second hour. For those who persevered, we had several chases, albeit shorter runs, and witnessed Huntsman Gavin Shorten’s spectacular hound work. Hearty riders made it nearly five hours — I’ll let you guess where the author finished. Post-hunt, we repaired to a warm pub for hot whiskey. Masters Tim Hyde and Liam Kearney shared many hunting stories, all of which I’m confident were based on true accounts. Indeed, the camaraderie in the pubs following every hunt was a highlight of the experience. LAOIS
We rode with the Laois Hunt as our capstone adventure. They
MARTIN BARRETT
don’t make them like that in Maryland! They included all permutations and combinations of single, double, jump up, down, level, and more. Some spanned twelve feet across. An implied safety program appeared to be at work: If five riders in a row failed to make it over, then the field would seek an alternate crossing!
hosted a beautiful breakfast at an 18th century mill before moving off. Hounds gave great music and hunted strongly to the east. Scenting was patchy for a couple hours, but we kept on. A wire fence prevented the riders from entering a field, but not so for the hounds and huntsman, Dermot Hanniffy. Hanniffy took his horn, left his horse, and continued across the meadow following his hounds on foot. He demonstrated the Irish mantra that your horse is a means of transportation and hunting is the sport. The field traveled a long distance to catch up and did so in time to join the chase. With a hunt ball looming, most retired after hour four — but not the Goshen riders. We witnessed an extraordinary hour of hound work in dairy fields with several views of the fox. The hounds were in close
pursuit when he went to ground, just beside the house where we started the day. At the five-and-ahalf-hour mark, the field retired, but not the huntsman and staff when, surprisingly, the fox bolted and led the hounds on another long chase. What they say about hunting in Ireland is all true: great sport, challenging riding, endless hospitality, and countless laughs! Our tally for the trip: Nine travelers, four hunts, 17 horses, six unintended dismounts, one distillery, one farm brewery, two race tracks, two prestigious training farms, two castle ruins, one hunt ball, four hotels, and 24 pubs. Our next hunting excursions will find us in New Zealand and Australia, and yes, we’ll jump the famous wire. Martin Barrett is the chairman of Goshen Hounds in Maryland.
SUMMER 2019 | 29
FOXHUNTER’S LIBRARY
Out of Africa
Chronicles of well-loved safari guide Tristan Voorspuy. CONSERVATIONIST, SAFARI GUIDE AND ADVENTURER TRISTAN VOORSPUY’S LOVE OF AFRICA is palpable throughout this insightful biography. From the opening account of a night-time ride to find runaway horses through his brief, expressive diary entries – “Charged by elephant. Much drama with Nightcap in river” – to his work in preserving the vast Masai landscape, his passion rings clear. Casting a shadow over the parties, the clients and friendships, and heart-stopping views of African wildlife, is the knowledge that his love did indeed prove fatal, snuffed out long before he had built his retirement home overlooking the savannah. Before that dreadful day, there is much to enjoy in Adrian Dangar’s biography. Tristan’s friend and collaborator takes us back to his childhood in England, reading “Tarka the Otter” before discovering the joys of female company, pubs, and foxhunting. A spell in Britain’s Household Cavalry brought mixed fortunes: He enjoyed ceremonial life in London but found Northern Ireland depressing. After he failed to join the Special Air Service, he cast about for a new direction and found it in Africa. An epic motorbike journey to Cape Town, South Africa, sparked his love affair with the continent and when a job came up with Safaris Unlimited, his fate was sealed. The succeeding decades were filled with adventures, some of them life-threatening: nearly being crushed by a hippopotamus, almost dying in a gyrocopter crash, breaking his leg in a rotational fall. As the author notes, he had the nine lives of a cat, but his full lifestyle used them up. Undaunted, Tristan embraced the colonial pleasures of Kenyan life, restoring the colonnaded Deloraine House, supporting a pack of hounds, and finding endless joy in horseback safaris: “The wildlife regards you like another animal and riding close to an elephant... is the ultimate game experience.” 30 | COVERTSIDE
BY OCTAVIA POLLOCK
His many guests — including American foxhunters, the adventures of which were chronicled in these pages — shared his passion, bar a few recalcitrant souls who failed to appreciate his brusque refusal to mollycoddle anyone. Behind the scenes, the tireless work of his wife, Cindy, drove the success of their business. Tristan worked indefatigably with local tribes, politicians, and fellow farmers to integrate wildlife and commercial farming and fight the scourge of poaching. Elephants were his favourite animal and their return to the two million acres of Laikipia County was a reward for years of effort. The last chapters are hard to read. Armed invaders slaughtered wildlife with impunity and destroyed eighteen years’ endeavour “to provide a safe habitat for all wildlife.” Voorspuy was murdered one night after insisting on riding out alone to inspect the condition of some of his lodges. Those who knew him count themselves lucky to have done so. For the rest of us, this book is an absorbing study of character and courage, a heartfelt tribute to a man who literally gave his life to Africa. To order the book, visit www.adriandangar.com
LIFE ON THE EDGE: TRISTAN VOORSPUY’S FATAL LOVE OF AFRICA By Adrian Dangar, Quiller, £20
HUNTSMAN PROFILE Geoffrey Hyde and the Elkridge-
CHANDLER WILLETT
Harford pack
Sharing the Passion
Ian Milne award winner Geoffrey Hyde mentors others and rarely misses a hunting day. BY MARTHA DRUM
A
T THE VIRGINIA FOXHOUND SHOW on May 26, longtime Elkridge-Harford Hunt (MD) Huntsman Geoffrey Hyde received the Ian Milne Award in recognition of his service to the profession. Hyde, who this year celebrated 30 years with the hunt, was honored for his skill, longevity, and selflessness as a mentor to others. Hyde took up hunting as a teenager in Pennsylvania and soon pursued a career, whipping-in to Wes Bennett at Pickering Hunt (PA), to Andrew Barclay at Green Spring Valley Hounds (MD), and to Gerald Keel at Mr. Stewart’s Cheshire Foxhounds (PA). He began his tenure at ElkridgeHarford in 1989, whipping-in to Mary Lee Atkinson, before taking on the huntsman’s position a couple of seasons later.
“From that time to the present, going out approximately 100 formal hunts per season (not counting cubbing), you could probably count on the fingers of one hand the days Geoff has missed,” says Master Turney McKnight. “When he broke three ribs in a fall he missed one day. He took one day off for his grandmother’s funeral. “He has judged hound and puppy shows, he has served on foxhunting panels, he has had his whipper-in go on to carry the horn himself elsewhere, he has shown the Elkridge-Harford hounds successfully, including capturing the Champion Hound honor at both Bryn Mawr and Virginia hound shows.” In addition to cultivating his own spectacular pack, Hyde generously shares his wisdom with both peers and up-and-coming huntsmen. Andrews Bridge Foxhounds (PA)
Huntsman Adam Townsend, who learned from three years with Hyde, says, “It is quite an accomplishment to sustain 30 years at a club. It is a testament to Geoff’s skill with his hounds, adaptation to changes, and patience. A true houndsman and horseman, it was a pleasure working under him.” Hyde joins Donald Philhower, John Gray, Tommy Lee
Jones, and Larry Pitts as previous recipients of the Ian Milne Award. The trophy and cash gift are presented to a professional huntsman who sets an example for others in terms of excellence in sport, work ethic, and personal behavior. Former MFHA Executive Director Dennis Foster eulogized Milne in Covertside in 2000: “He was a great huntsman for the newer huntsmen, and all the accomplished huntsmen he touched. His contributions to the sport were far beyond what most people understand.” Preparing for his fourth decade hunting the ElkridgeHarford pack, Hyde embodies these qualities. “Most important, of course, is the fact that Geoff has provided wonderful sport, season after season after season, here in the ElkridgeHarford country,” McKnight emphasizes. “As he approaches the ripe young age of 60, he shows no signs of slowing down. Last year might have been our best season yet!”
SUMMER 2019 | 31
LAST RUN OF THE DAY Kevin Grote
Elegance Aside Maryland’s De La Brooke Foxhounds W Huntsman Kami Wolk rode her horse aside at the club’s closing hunt at Keechland, home of David and Sarah Hruda, Joint MFH. Wolk took up sidesaddle hunting at the urging of Whipper-in Christina Mulqueen, who also hunts and races sidesaddle.
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.
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