In & Around Horse Country Holiday 2018 by Marion Maggiolo

VOLUME XXX / NUMBER 5 • THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE VIRGINIA STEEPLECHASE ASSOCIATION • HOLIDAY 2018

IN & AROUND HORSE COUNTRY • HOLIDAY 2018

OPENING MEETS Casanova Hunt Opening Meet Casanova Green, Virginia, October 20, 2018 • Douglas Lees Photos

Huntsman Tommy Lee Jones drawing along a cornfield followed by Kathleen O’Keefe, MFH, and Joyce Fendley, MFH, leading the field.

Warrenton Hunt Opening Meet The Kennels at Elway, Warrenton, Virginia November 3, 2018 • Michael Stevens Photos

Amanda Fendley Choby, Honorary Secretary, Casanova.

Piedmont Fox Hounds Oakley, Upperville, Virginia November 1, 2018 Douglas Lees and Joanne Maisano photos

Honorary Whipper-In Beth Woodson and Rick Laimbeer, ex-MFH, watch for hounds along Springs Road.

Under the autumn foliage on Opening Day: Randi Blanchard, Becky Miller, Polly Cutting, Betsy Burnett, and Betsy’s granddaughter Devon.

Marilyn Adams and Peter Walsh. Douglas Lees photo

Huntsman Jordan Hicks has the Piedmont Fox Hounds pack ready for the start of a new season of sport. Joanne Maisano photo

Johnny Dean, Piedmont Fox Hounds new professional Whipper-In, who came onboard when Neil Amatt took the Huntsman’s job at Loudoun Fairfax Hunt. Douglas Lees photo

Dr. Vas Devan greets Domenick Mingione on the morning of Opening Meet. Joanne Maisano photo

Field Master Lissa Green keeps a watchful eye, and apparently a steadying hand as well, on Jill Vogel’s children, Olivia (left) and Tas. Douglas Lees photo

IN & AROUND HORSE COUNTRY • HOLIDAY 2018

SPORTING LIFE HIGHLIGHTS Virginia Hunt Week 2018: A Recap An impressive 65 riders representing 22 different hunt clubs signed up to participate in this year’s Virginia Hunt Week. The package consisted of 15 hunting days (weather permitting) with hunts throughout the state, plus a shopping day at Horse Country Saddlery. Participants included juniors and several folks who did a good bit of traveling. The distance award, though, goes to two chaps from across The Pond: James Tonery from Ireland and Stephen Pettit from the UK.

all for different reasons. Some was the territory. Some was the people. Some was the actual hunting. Some was the hospitality…For us hunt week is a special mother/daughter bonding and I was able to provide her with fond memories that will last a lifetime.” Maggie Johnston is a seasoned Hunt Week participant. “This is my fifth Virginia Hunt Week. I really love being able to travel to other hunts and enjoy their territory and hospitality. I participate in lots of hunt weeks/weekends every season. It’s a community and enjoying events such as hunt weeks and weekends shows everyone how large that community is. I don’t know of another hunt week that’s as large as ours in Virginia. It’s well organized and you get so much for $400!” So now it’s time to enjoy the memories and look forward to Virginia Hunt Week 2020!

First Field 13 and Over Champion Ashleigh Currier (Quint), Belle Meade Hunt, and (l-r) Iona Pillion, JNAFHC Co-Founder; David Twiggs, MFHA Executive Director; Douglas Wise-Stuart, JNAFHC Co-Founder; JNAFHC Co-Organizers Michelle Arnold and Marion Chungo.

Junior North American Field Hunter Championship Hosted by Old Dominion Hounds, Orlean, Virginia

Waverly McDavid, among the youngest, and James Tonery, among the farthest travelled, celebrate after a good day out with Farmington Hunt, October 16, 2018. Mary Lee Pemberton McDavid photo

Tonery, who is with Cooper’s Hill Equine in Galway, was left with three impressions from his first hunting trip to the US: the absence of terrier men, the use of different flights to accommodate riders of varying skill levels, and, as he put it, “the spectacle and beauty of all the horses and riders. Everyone’s turnout was exceptional and the horses were well behaved and knew their jobs. The focus on keeping traditional attire alive is probably more visible in America than even in the home country of foxhunting.” For Mary Lee Pemberton McDavid, Virginia Hunt Week was a mother/daughter adventure. Waverly McDavid, 12, participated in the previous Hunt Week three years ago. This year she moved up to first field, taking some pretty impressive fences (aided by James Tonery’s support and encouragement). “My daughter and I talked a lot about which was our ‘favorite’ but we really couldn’t come up with one,” said Mary Lee. “We thoroughly enjoyed them

On the cover: An amused Dr. William H. Allison, ex-MFH, president of the Virginia Gold Cup Association, looks on as Hadden Frost lays a kiss on the International Gold Cup trophy after piloting Doc Cebu to victory in the featured race at Great Meadow, The Plains, Virginia, October 27, 2018.

Joanne Maisano Photos The Junior North American Field Hunter Championship concluded another outstanding season with the series championship hosted by Old Dominion Hounds, Orlean, Virginia. 110 juniors participated in qualifier hunts held by 57 clubs across 14 states. Of those who qualified, 71 of them made the trip to compete in the finals over the weekend of November 10-11. The competition is divided into four categories based on age and jumping/non-jumping to give all the juniors the chance to participate at their skill and comfort level. This program provides the opportunity for juniors to come together, get to know each other, form friendships that may last a lifetime, and enjoy foxhunting. The JNAFHC has also proven to be a valuable tool in encouraging more cooperation among hunt clubs, thus strengthening the bonds of foxhunting throughout the country. The finals were held on a windy, chilly Saturday but that did not deter the huge turnout of juniors and their parents, friends, and supporters from enjoying the day in the lovely Old Dominion country. A legion of volunteers—far too many to name, of course—worked tirelessly to provide this special opportunity for young foxhunters, starting with the many qualifier hunts up to the finals weekend. We encourage everyone who cares about the future of foxhunting to help support the JNAFHC. For more information, go to www.jnafhc.com or contact Marion Chungo at 540-220-7292 or Mchungo@aol.com.

COVER PHOTOGRAPHER: Liz Callar www.lizcallar.smugmug.com PHOTOGRAPHERS: Alan Brown Shannon Brown John Cooley Janet Hitchen Allison Howell www.reflectedgloryphotos.smugmug.com Tiffany Dillon Keen www.dillonkeenphotography.com Douglas Lees douglaslees@comcast.net Joanne Maisano www.joannemaisano.com Jim McCue Mary Lee Pemberton McDavid Julie McQuire www.juliemcquire.com Middleburg Photo www.middleburgphoto.com (Doug Gehlsen and Karen Munroe) Michael Stevens Rick Stillings www.rickstillings.com Debby Thomas www.animalartandphotography.com Stephen Weinstein www.stephenweinsteinphoto.com Darrell Wood

Hilltopper 10 and Under Champion Ashby Hunt (Scout), Blue Ridge Hunt.

First Field 12 and Under Champion Gavin Sacco (Toffie), Live Oak Hounds.

Hilltopper 11 and Over Champion Ella Johnson (Isadorable), Orange County Hounds.

Other Awards: Lynda Johnston Perpetual Spirit Award: Henry Nylen, New Market-Middletown Valley Hounds Best Turned Out: Clayton Heider VanPelt, Loudoun Fairfax Hunt Horn Blowing: Sam Dozier, Belle Meade Hunt Whip Cracking: Colby Poe, Old Dominion Hounds

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is published 5 times a year. Editorial and Advertising Address: 60 Alexandria Pike, Warrenton, VA 20186 For information and advertising rates, please call (540) 347-3141, fax (540) 347-7141 Space Deadline for the Winter issue is January 22, 2019. Payment in full due with copy. Publisher: Marion Maggiolo Managing Editor: J. Harris Anderson Advertising: Debbie Cutler (540) 347-3141, (800) 882-4868, Email: hcdebbiebtc@aol.com Contributors: Aga; J. Harris Anderson; Lauren R. Giannini; Will O’Keefe; Virginia Equine Alliance; Epp Wilson, MFH; Jenny Young LAYOUT & DESIGN: Kate Houchin Copyright © 2018 In & Around Horse Country®. All Rights Reserved. Volume XXX, No. 5 POSTMASTER: CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED

IN & AROUND HORSE COUNTRY â&#x20AC;¢ HOLIDAY 2018

IN & AROUND HORSE COUNTRY • HOLIDAY 2018

OPENING MEETS

Middleburg Hunt Opening Meet • Groveton, Middleburg, Virginia November 3, 2018 • Middleburg Photo Images

Rosie Barwick and Vicki Vanmater.

Bull Run Hunt Opening Meet Locust Hill, Rapidan, Virginia Huntsman Richard Roberts checks his pack to see all hounds are on at the end of Opening Meet.

October 20, 2018 • John Cooley Photos

Deep Run Hunt Club Opening Meet Full Stream Farm, Manakin-Sabat, Virginia November 3, 2018 • Debby Thomas Photos

Joint Masters Rosie Campbell, Mike Long, and Jay Moore gather around Shack Shackleford prior to the start of Opening Meet. The Rev. Emily Dunavant and Marsh Lindemann Davis, MFH.

Deep Run Hunt’s Crossbred hounds, under the direction of Huntsman John Harrison, eager to be off for the first day of formal season.

One hound feels deserving of a special blessing from Rev. Linda Hutton while the rest of the pack waits for Huntsman Charles Montgomery’s signal to be off for the day’s sport.

IN & AROUND HORSE COUNTRY • HOLIDAY 2018

BOOK REVIEWS Crisis By Felix Francis Reviewed By Lauren R. Giannini In the aptly named Crisis, Felix Francis weaves a dark tapestry of arson and murder in England’s celebrated Thoroughbred racing capital, Newmarket, as the platform to introduce his latest lead character: Harrison (Harry) Foster, former attorney who found his best possible niche as a “crisis” expert. A fire at the Chadwick training establishment has claimed the lives of six Thoroughbred racehorses, including the odds-on favorite for the British Derby, Prince of Troy, owned by Sheikh Karim. The destroyed stables become an arson and murder crime scene when preliminary investigations discover a human victim amongst the incinerated racehorses. Enter Harry. Reluctantly. His boss, ASW, at Simpson White Consultancy in London, strong-arms him to take the case for their former client, the Sheikh, who specifically requests Harry to find out why his horses died. Unfortunately for diehard fans of classic Dick Francis, Harry makes it clear from the git-go that he dislikes horses even though he knows nothing about them—and yet he possesses the mind and instincts of a keen hunting hound or terrier as well as the drive and will to succeed. He may not care for horses (travesty, cry Dick’s diehards!) but he pushes on with the investigation even when his life and limbs are threatened. Like every other Francis hero, Harry solves who-dun-it and why. The Chadwick family belongs to racing’s inner circle. Patriarch Oliver began their training dynasty, and his two oldest sons are trainers— Ryan’s a retired former champion jockey, Declan was always a trainer by heart and nature. The next-to-youngest, Tony, still struggles to make his name as a jockey. The youngest and only daughter, Zoe, is extremely troubled and non-horsey, to boot. Oliver’s a control freak who won’t let go of the reins even though he retired as head trainer in order to install son Ryan in his stead. Putting Ryan in charge serves only to dump more toxic tension and resentment into the already festering family dynamics. He’s determined to protect the Chadwick name—at any cost—but even Oliver can’t contain what will implode his dysfunctional family. Divided by guilt, shame, ongoing sibling rivalries and hostilities, the Chadwick progeny are egged on by their father, who insists on a united front that conceals the not-so-innocent, albeit only temporarily. This novel exhibits the strongest manifestation to date of Felix’s voice, but he isn’t Dick and Mary—nor is he meant to be. Thoroughbreds and racing serve as a spectacular setting and provide key elements for his plots, but horses per se are not the heart and soul of the novel for Felix (as they were for his parents) and there’s probably enough horsey stuff for many readers, but perhaps not for the diehards who honed their literary tastes on the classics published between Dick and Mary’s fiction debut in 1964 and Mary’s passing in 2000. But, having said that, it’s a wonderful legacy that Felix has embraced and he’s proving to be a good storyteller. Plus, all his own solo novels are branded “A Dick Francis Novel”—which is exactly as it should be, because it’s okay to be different and Felix’s writing can stand on its own merit. Felix delves into a very pertinent hot topic in Crisis and pursues it to the end, literally. The Chadwick men and women—well, you’re just going to have to read it and see for yourself. Harry rises to the occasion, faces his greatest fears and survives, unravels the Chadwick secrets, and helps bring the perpetrator to justice. In so doing, he fulfills his obligation to Sheikh Karim by finding out exactly why the horses were killed. Also, when he isn’t in crisis-control mode, sleuthing and dodging the bad guys, Harry falls in love with Kate, who works for a renowned horse-related business in Newmarket... Hmmm, Felix’s horse genes are showing… Hardbound, Dust Jacket, 372 pages: $27.00

Homeward Hound By Rita Mae Brown Reviewed By Lauren R. Giannini Homeward Hound is book number 11 in the Sister Jane series by Rita Mae Brown, whose plotting and characters continue to evolve so they’re fresher and better than ever. The action opens with Sister and kindred enthusiasts preparing for one of three high holy days of hunting, beloved traditions within Jefferson Hunt. Serious snow is forecast for Christmas Day’s meet at Tattenhall Station, but the blizzard strikes much earlier than predicted with whiteout conditions while they’re still out hunting. Thus Rita Mae sets the stage for murder. Ronnie, Jefferson Hunt’s honorary secretary, is a lawyer whose firm is working with the energy company determined to put a multi-billion dollar pipeline through the most direct route. It will slice through their countryside’s heart, destroying cemeteries and other historical sites situated on privately held land in central Virginia. Most oppose the pipeline for good reasons. Ronnie invites company president Jeffrey Luckham to hunt with Jefferson on Christmas Day in order to point out all the reasons why a modified route makes eminent sense—in spite of the contentious issue of eminent domain, which quite simply means that privately owned land can be seized for private profit. When the Christmas Day Hunt ends, Pokerface, the steady-eddie field hunter Ronnie loaned to the energy executive for his high holy day’s cap, returns without its rider. The hunt is on to find out what happened to Jeffrey, but when Sheriff Ben and his people find a corpse, it isn’t the energy exec. It’s one of their own locals, who had overcome serious adversity, and the demise shocks the entire hunt. Deep into Homeward Hound the discovery of a vital clue by Dragon leads the investigation to some unpleasant thinking which prompts the big question: Who within Jefferson Hunt is the murderer and why? Rita Mae thickens the plot quite nicely, like a stew simmering on a cold day, her prose brings to life every aspect of life in the country, life with horses, dogs, cats, cows, hounds, holy wow—almost an Ark, and her rich descriptions of what can only be rare and wondrous spectacles she has herself witnessed out in her own country. Well, she does a superior job of filling in the big picture for everything and excels in recounting amazing runs or great try shown by hounds, thereby soothing (albeit temporarily) the hankering for the thrill of the chase by staunch enthusiasts, whether armchair or mounted or between steeds (steel and equid). The author writes what she knows and owes her expertise, knowledge and passion for every aspect of country living and its sports and traditions to investing more than 25 seasons of passion into hounds and hunting as the founding MFH and Huntsman of Oak Ridge Fox Hunt (Afton, Virginia). Part of her appeal as a storyteller is the way she writes from many perspectives. She’s a huntsman, which means essentially, she’s like a lead hound. A keen observer of fauna, domestic and wild, in their natural circumstances, Rita Mae can think like a fox, hound, owl, horse, etc., creating great dialogue and observations for Rooster, Raleigh, Golly, Cora, Asa, Diana, Dragon, the hunt horses—the book begins with an informative listing of characters and various domestic and wild animals to refresh your memory or to help new readers. Rita Mae’s plotting on this one was clever (even though I cheated) and includes some terrific narrative paragraphs with historical background of farms and estates that comprise Jefferson Hunt’s country. She continues to harness soapbox oratory but instead of action screeching to a halt, Rita Mae’s getting ever more adept at weaving in information, traditions, issues, and anything else she deems pertinent—with impeccable timing, you know, just when readers might appreciate a change of pace. Anyone who has ever ridden to hounds knows there will be exhilarating bursts of fast and furious interspersed with slower intervals, plus checks and halts—opportunities for hounds, horses, and humans to catch their breath and good dialogue to ensue. As for details, no spoilers here: Rita Mae dishes up some serious twists and turns— foxy maneuvers throughout the book. Cleverly crafted, and you’re just going to have to savor Homeward Hound for yourself. Hardbound, 336 pages: $27.00.

Rita Mae Brown: Author Talk/Book Signing Horse Country Saddlery, Tuesday, December 11, 2018, 6:00pm Rita Mae Brown will be discussing and signing copies of her latest Sister Jane mystery, Homeward Hound. Refreshments will be served, RSVPs are appreciated. 540-347-3141 or e-mail huntbooks@aol.com 60 Alexandria Pike, Warrenton, VA 20186

IN & AROUND HORSE COUNTRY • HOLIDAY 2018

FIELD HUNTERS Piedmont Foxhounds Hunter Trials and Virginia Field Hunter Championship

Theodora A. Randolph North American Field Hunter Championship Glenwood Park, Middleburg, Virginia October 13, 2018 • Douglas Lees Photos

Tiffany Dillon Keen Photos Last year’s win by Mo Baptiste and Fifty Grand in the Virginia Field Hunter Championship gave Piedmont Fox Hounds the honor of hosting this year’s competition. With the schedule already set for Piedmont’s annual Hunter Trials on October 7, it made sense to combine the two events, held at Salem Farm, Upperville, Virginia. The winners included Jonelle Mullen riding Barbara Bessette’s Heisman in the $1,000 Field Hunter Derby and Larry Campbell (Loudoun Fairfax Hunt) riding his Sunny to win the Virginia Field Hunter Championship.

John Whittenborn and Soccer receive Champion ribbon and trophy from Karyn Wilson, Chairman of the event.

Jonelle Mullen riding Barbara Bessette’s Heisman.

John Whittenborn (Smithtown Hunt) and Soccer, the winning pair in the 2018 Theodora A. Randolph Field Hunter Championship.

Larry Campbell (Loudoun Fairfax Hunt) riding Sunny.

Larry Campbell (Loudoun Fairfax Hunt) is all smiles after he and Sunny were declared winners of the 2018 Virginia Field Hunter Championship.

Linden Ryan on Gloria Callen’s (Blue Ridge Hunt) Cruising For Gold was Reserve Champion.

IN & AROUND HORSE COUNTRY • HOLIDAY 2018

TEAM CHASE

Orange County Hounds Team Chase Old Whitewood Farm, The Plains, Virginia • October 28, 2018 Joanne Maisano Photos

First Flight Best Hunt Team (l-r) Nina Fout, Helen Hickson, Caroline Fout.

Champion Hunter Kristen Dillon-Johnson on Smooth Jazz (Piedmont Fox Hounds).

(l-r) Caroline, Helen, and Nina in perfect synch over the wide coop.

Ashland Bassets Opening Meet Leeds Manor, Hume, Virginia October 14, 2018 Julie McQuire Photos

First Flight Optimum Time winners Mollie Chaston, Mia Cians, and Ashten Sfarnas (Blue Ridge Hunt).

Rev. Randolph Charles, Priest Associate at St. James Church, delivers the Blessing of the Hounds as Joint-Masters Sherrod Johnson, MBH, and Mary Reed, MBH, look on.

Joint Huntsmen Mary Reed, MBH, and Don Maley.

540 905 2269 julie@juliemcguire.com www.juliemcguire.com

IN & AROUND HORSE COUNTRY • HOLIDAY 2018

Orange County Hounds Meredyth Farm, The Plains, Virginia

OPENING MEETS Blue Ridge Hunt • Long Branch, Boyce, Virginia

November 3, 2018 • Joanne Maisano Photos

October 27, 2018 • Joanne Maisano Photos

(l-r) Ella Johnson, Olivia Johnson, Maggie Ayres.

(l-r) Lisa Sahkul and Erin Bozdan.

(l-r) Geraldine Peace and Glen Epstein.

“Brilliant,” a handsome example of the classic Orange County Hound.

Huntsman Graham Buston and his horse appear to have a difference of opinion about which way to go for the morning’s first cast.

Karel Winnick.

Eight members of the Addis and Opitz families were present for Thornton Hill Hounds’ Opening Meet, October 28, 2018, from High Thicket, Woodville, Virginia, home of joint masters Beth and Erwin Opitz. (l-r) Judy Addis McDonald; Carol Addis; Erwin Opitz, Joint-MFH; Elida Merriam; Nick Merriam (standing); Beth Opitz, Joint-MFH and Huntsman; Jennifer Addis; Bennett Opitz. Joanne Maisano photo

Huntsman Reg Spreadborough and Joint-MFH Malcolm Matheson III.

A Christmas Visit to Horse Country Do you remember how it felt in December, When you went to your favorite store? Coming in from the weather, the warm scent of leather Brought a smile as you stepped through the door.

Love Leather!

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CHRYSALIS FOR HER. Tweed covert coats, Ma Made in England. Teﬂon d water repellant. ll O h tweeds d available. il bl Si coated, Other Sizes US 2-14. Left: Bloomsbury Purple, Purple trim. (HC5A) $995.00 Right: Barnsdale Burgundy, Field coat. Sizes US 6-14. (HC5B) $1250.00

AEROWICK™ TIGHT TEAL Mid rise, regular 1 1/2" waistband. Maximum stretch that is slimming, smoothing and supportive. Silicone full seat with euro seat. Sizes XS - XL (HC5G) 52.99 2039-470258PB Teal Leather Totebag Also Available in Black, Yellow, Red and Blue. (HC5H) $94.95 2800-TB03

HIGHLAND TWEED GLOVES. Made de in England for Horse Country. Fine ne king. leather with Donegal tweed backing. 25.00 Silk lined. Sizes 6.5-8. (HC5F) $125.00 COG A. Cognac. #1272-HIGHLAND-COG V B. Olive. #1272-HIGHLAND-OLV N C. Brown.#1272-HIGHLAND-BRN COP D. Copper. #1272-HIGHLAND-COP

NECKLACES We have eight cases of jewelry from estate and vintage to designer. Forest Horse Our own, made in the USA. Rose gold on antique gold embellished frame. Inspired by nature and the Victorian era. Large locket necklace (HC5L) $162.00 1583-N269 Small locket necklace (HC5M) $149.00 1583-N236 Pin, rose gold horse (HC5N) $148.00 1582-P28B (not shown) Earrings, rose gold horse on French wire (HC5P) $72.00 1582-E344 (not shown) Bobby Pin, rose gold horse (HC5Q) $30.00 1583H321 (not shown)

BARBOUR® COMBE POLARQUILT. Diamond-quilted with Fleece lining. Faux suede trim, Stylish funnel collar. Lower patch pocket. Light weight, yet warm without bulk or layering. Available in Olive and Orange. Sizes US4 - US-16 A. Olive (HC5J) $229.00 4-LQ0847OL4-LQ0847OR B. Orange (HC5K) $229.00

FOREST FOX Pewter fox with topaz eyes on antique gold embellished frame. Small locket necklace (HC5R) $135.00 1583-N235 Oval floral frame necklace (HC5S) $94.00 1583-N232 (not shown) Large twig frame necklace (HC5T) $165.00 1583-N288 (not shown) Bobby Pin (HC5U) $49.95.00 1583-H267 (not shown)

STELLA COAT H2O resistant, no wrinkle, no pile fabric. Italian blend cashmere feel fabric. Elegant ﬁt that will shape you from front to back. Sizes SM - XL (HC5V) $159.00 4051-LRC020

www.HorseCountryCarrot.com ww HorseCountryCarrot H C C

H OR SE C OUNT RY ® 800 88-2 HUNT HC5 Shop online! www.horsecountrycarrot.com Not responsible for typographical errors. IAHC 11-2018

Shop online! www.HorseCountryCarrot.com STUDDED BELT 1.5" Tan. Genuine leather with oval buckle. Sizes SM-XL. Available in Tan and Black. A. Tan (HC6A) $45.00 1853-B02TAN B. Black (HC6B) $45.00 1853-B02BLK

There’s country attire that all will desire For warmth through the wintertime chill. And jewelry exclusive that’s surely conducive To sparking a Christmas Day thrill.

RACE HORSE RAIN CAPE Reversible to solid black. Rainproof, windproof and packable. Hidden magnets for simplicity of closure (HC6C) $69.95 222-09658

BETHANY WAX FAUX FUR Black. One Size. A. Black (HC6D) $95.00 1170-R4389BLK B. Brown (HC6E) $95.00 1170-R4389BRN

ALEXIA HAT. One size, adjustable. (HC6F) $125.00 1856-LTH02A

ZARA HAT. Green waxed cotton. One size, adjustable. Green with Green suede (HC6K) $85.00 1856-WHO1P; Green with Rust suede (shown on page 3)(HC6L) $85.00 1856-LWH01E ACTIVE STRETCH BEANIE Super soft, feels like cashmere. Colors: Wine (shown), Black, Silver, Lilac. (HC6G) $34.95 1503-LH01D ACTIVE STRETCH MUFFLER (HC6H) $49.95 1503-LM01D

CLARA HAT. One size, adjustable, Green Classic Tweed with Bow (HC6J) $125.00 1856-TH01A

LEATHER BACKPACK Made in England. Buckle front with cinch closure. Adjustable leather straps on back with buckles. Interior zip pocket. Metal feet on bottom for stability. Colors available Black, Havana and Cognac (shown). Size 12" x 12" x 8" (HC6M) $533.00 235-BACKPACK

HC6 H O R SE C O U NTRY ® 800 88-2 HUNT Visit us online! www.horsecountrylife.com

All prices subject to change without notice. All items subject to availability. IAHC 11-2018

CORGI BUTTS CREW Available in Pink, Blue, and Gray. Ladies' shoe size 5 - 10.5 (HCN) $9.95 1675-W08

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Shop online! www.HorseCountryCarrot.com VIYELLA V-NECK INDIGO. 100% Extra fine merino wool. Sizes SM - XL. Indigo Blue (HC7A) $179.00 1615-611S03 Beige (HC7B) $179.00 1615-611S04

BARBOUR BEDALE Classic Waxed cotton. Sage. Sizes 34-52 (HC7C) $379.00 4-A320-SGE

C01. 100% long staple cotton, No Iron Shirt. Navy and Gold. Sizes MD - XL (HC7D) $95.00 1615-551C02

VIYELLA® V33. 80% long staple cotton, 20% soft merino wool. Reg. Fit Sizes MD - XL. (HC7E) $139.00 1615-255V33 Huntsman INSIGNIA Tie. Available in Navy, Green, Red, and Rust (HC7F) $90.00 569-76430-NVY

VIYELLA® V37. 80% long staple cotton, 20% soft merino wool. Reg. Fit Sizes MD - XL. (HC7G) $139.00 1615-455V37 English Hound Green Tie. Available in Green, Navy, and Red. (HC7H) $138.00 1450-219/5

SMART ASS CREW Fits men's shoe size 7 - 12.5. Tan (HC7L) $12.95 1675-M01A Blue (HC7M) $12.95 16750M01B

MEN'S BARBOUR® CANTERDALE QUILT Navy Available in MD, LG and XXL (HC7J) $199.00 4-MQ0759NY

ZERO FOX CREW SOCK. Fits men's shoe size 7 - 12.5 (HC7N) $12.95 1675-M04A

BARBOUR® AYTON SWEATER 100% Lambswool. Full waterproof lining, Sizes SM - XL. Navy (HC7P) $269.00 4-MK0865NY

FOXHUNTING SCARF FOR MEN AND WOMEN Made in England. Size 24 x 77. 70% Wool/ 30% Silk. Available in Navy (shown), Burgundy, Green, and Gold. (HC7Q) $258.00 1450-6001NVY

H OR SE C OUNT RY ® 800 88-2 HUNT HC7 Shop online! www.horsecountrycarrot.com www.Facebook.com/HorseCountryLife

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New books and old ones, scarves that are bold ones In colors and patterns quite brightful. Tack for your horses, plus stable resources, And hats that are truly delightful.

ERTE FOX RING Pavé diamonds and emerald eyes. #5100-1212-01 (HC8C) $3695.00

14 and 1.25” wide cuff embellished with diamond 14k an and precious stone ornaments including a coach, jockey cap, Be Belmont Park race program, race horse, sailboat, dog, champagne bu bucket, elephant and others. (92 (9200-002) (HC8A) Enquire with store. CRYSTAL HUNTER CUFFLINKS. Estate. Hunter over fence. Just arrived, enquire with store. (HC8D)

HUNTER CRYSTAL EARRINGS. 14k. Hand-painted hunt scenes. Post backs. #9335-003. (HC8B) $3895.00

SADDLE & CROP PIN. Estate. 14K gold stock pin. Saddle in horse shoe on a hunt crop. 3.25”long. #9345-005.(HC8E) $995.00

HORSE HEAD CRYSTAL STICK PIN. 2.5”. #9345011. (HC8J) $1200.00

HUNT SCENE PIN. Estate. Rectangle pin, sterling silver. 1864. 2.75” long. #2518-003. (HC8F) $998.00

FOX AND HOUND SALT & PEPPER SHAKERS. Antique. Sterling silver. Set of two. 1" tall. #2518-019. (HC8G) $695.00

FOX MASK BRACELET. Estate. Custom made 14k gold and white gold. Emerald, sapphire and ruby eyes. 7.5” long. #9319-005. (HC8K) $2200.00

CRYSTAL FOX PIN. Estate. 14k gold. Large crystal with chain edging around crystal. Serves as either a pendant or pin. 1.50” long by 1” wide. #9345-012. (HC8H) $4500.00.

TALLY HO CRYSTAL BRACELET. 14k. 1924. Unusual, hand-painted crystals. Detailed loose ring bit links. 7”L. #420-111301. (HC8J) $2995.00

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FOUR LEAF CLOVER PIN 14k with four crystals, 1950s #813-008. (HC8L) $2995.00

HC8 H O R SE C O U NTRY ® 800 88-2 HUNT Visit us online! www.horsecountrylife.com

All prices subject to change without notice. All items subject to availability. IAHC 11-2018

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HORSE CRYSTAL WATCH Two horseshead crystals. 14k. Bits and stirrups embellish the links. 7” in length. #9341-001. (HC9A) $4900.00

NOW & FOREVER CRYSTAL PIN. 14K, hand-painted, square crystal, 1960s. #9324-001. (HC9D) $1400.00

JOY AND GRIEF Arts and Crafts copper frames with Surtees quotes. Frank Gillete prints. 19.5”l x 16.75”t. #2118010014. (HC9C) $2450.00/pair

CARVED FRENCH PLAQUES. One of a fox, the other a hare in natural setting. Set of two. French. #5201-088. (HC9B) $995.00/pair

AU BUT! Pau Rigual ( 1863-1917, Spain, France) Figural piece, spelter. 20”Lx17”H. #999-1114-002 (HC9G) $1900.00

14K AND CRYSTAL FOX MASK PENDANT #1025-001 (HC9E) $2400.00

FOX AND HORSE BRACELET Estate. Custom made 14k gold and white gold. Foxes with ruby eyes, horses with emeralds. 7.5” long. #9319-006. (HC9F) $2500.00

FOX CRYSTAL PIN. Estate. Fox crystal, 18K. 2 ½” long. #2518-004. (HC9H) $1375.00

STANGL HORSE HEAD. Terra Rose Green. 1942/1944. 13” tall. Turquoise and Tan. #5000-1116. (HC9K) $995.00 CRYSTAL HORSE HEAD RING 14k yellow gold. 1970s. #9335-002 (HC9J) $1900.00

FOX LAMP. Brunschwig et fils design. Shown in green jar, also available in yellow jar. 23” tall, shade included. #5201-10. (HC9L) $495.00

H OR SE C OUNT RY ® 800 88-2 HUNT HC9 Shop online! www.horsecountrycarrot.com www.HorseCountryCarrot.com

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A Horse Country visit for something exquisite Is the clearly reliable reason For fully assuring that this Christmas morning Will be your best holiday season!

GOOD LUCK PONY SWEDISH DISHCLOTH (HC10B) $7.95 3129-SDC010

WOODLAND CORNER SPOON (HC10C) $10.95 1868-K00300

FREDDY FOX TEA TOWEL (HC10A) $9.95 3119-2177225

FREDDY FOX SCRUBBERS (HC10G) $12.50 3119-2012005

HC SCENTED SOAPS SHEA BUTTER Available Scents: Cool Water Dogwood Jasmine Lilac Oatmeal Milk and Honey Sandal Wood (HC10D) $8.95

HILL AND DALE SWEDISH DISHCLOTH (HC10E) $7.95 3119-7001676

FREDDY FOX OVEN MITT (HC10F) $14.95 3119-2032002

JASMINE

SHEA BUTTER & OLIVE OIL SOAP

COOL WATE AT

SHEA EA BUTT EA ER R

RS R

& OLLIVE IVE VE OIL I

SOAP OA

WATER/WINE BOTTLE COVER (HC10H) $11.99 1884-WBC001

WINTER FOX WATER BOTTLE/THERMOS 3258-70023 (HC10L) $34.95 3258-70023 FOX CERAMIC SALT AND PEPPER (HC10J) $17.99 222-009018

WINTER FOX GLASSWARE Set of 4. (HC10M) $37.95 3258-43018

TALLY HO MUG Large earthenware mug with a classic hunt scene all around. (HC10N) $5.00 3161-thm010 FREDDY FOX SPOON REST (HC10K) $8.95 3119-OL57001

HC10 H O R SE C O U NTRY Â® 800 88-2 HUNT Visit us online! www.horsecountrylife.com

All prices subject to change without notice. All items subject to availability. IAHC 11-2018

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Snyder, Lavinia. Equestrian Life from Riding Houses to Country Estates. Hardcover, 240pp. (HC11H) $55.00

Books

Francis, Felix. Crisis. Hardcover, 384pp. (HC11J) $27.00 Jackson, Alastair. Lady of the Chase/The Life and Hunting Diaries of Daphne Moore. Hardcover, 209pp. (HC11K) $37.50

THE PADDOCK Tablecloth. Size 55x55. (HC11A) $79.00 1207-1643655 Placemats. Set/4 Size 13x19 (HC11B) $41.95 1207-1643520 Napkins. Set/4 20x20 (HC11C) $54.95 1207-1643301

Brown, Rita Mae. Homeward Hound. Hardcover, 365pp. (HC11L) $27.00

Radnor Hunt. The Fox’s Kitchen. Hardcover, 288pp. (HC11M) $45.00 Also available: Bookplate especially made to accompany this edition. (HC11N) $1.00 3661-001.

Abernethy, Joan. Fergus and the Night Before Christmas. Hardcover, 37pp. (HC11P) $15.95

Puzzles NEW YORKER: HORSE SHOW 1000 piece puzzle. (HC11R) $23.95 4608-NPZNY1887.

DOORMATS; Sleeping Fox Doormat (HC11D) $34.00 1247-DM0300 Sly Fox Doormat (HC11E) $34.00 1247-DM0100 Hunter Jumper Doormat (HC11F) $34.00 1247-DM0200 Barn Friends Doormat (HC11G) $34.00 1247-DM0400

Clayton, Michael. The Ride of My Life. Hardcover, 276pp. (HC11Q) $30.00

VANITY FAIR – A DAY AT THE RACES. 1000 piece puzzle. (HC11S) $23.95 4608-NPZVF1702.

HORSE BREEDS 1000 piece puzzle. (HC11U) $23.95 4608NPZD1879.

DREAM WORLD 20 piece puzzle. (HC11T) $9.95 4608-NPZEM1708.

H OR SE C OUNT RY ® 800 88-2 HUNT HC11 Shop online! www.horsecountrycarrot.com Not responsible for typographical errors. IAHC 11-2018

IMPERIA WATERPROOF JACKET Twill peached Polyester jacket. Breathable with half mesh lining. Taped seams. Stylish embellishments. Sizes XS-XL (HC12B) $179.00 Taupe (shown)CCPDKM-K000 Black CCPDKM-MTA0

It’s wonderful to be able to do

something we love and to serve people who are truly friends and not just “customers.” So to all of you, from the entire Horse Country team, Aga and Bunsen, may you have

a fabulous Christmas and a

happy New Year full of merry times and exciting chases. Sincerely, Marion

HERITAGE H20. Quilted waterproof and breathable jacket, stretch knitted arm panels with zipper closure in sleeve. Suede trim and great striped lining. Chocolate. Sizes XS-XL (HC12A) $124.95 CENEKN-NEFR

STRIPED EDITH. On trend long length striped midweight sweatshirt with drawstring hood and kangaroo pocket. Navy and white stripe. Sizes XS-XXL (HC12D) $59.99 CJNGKF-CD01

GATEWAY TO HAPPINESS 50-50 cotton/polyester sweatshirt. Large handwarmer pockets. Drawstring hood. Gray. Sizes XS-XL (HC12C) $44.99 2011-18507

CAVALRY FLYWEIGHT JACKET. Shorter length, slim fitted jacket in lightest weight quilted nylon. Indigo Sizes US 2-16 (HC12E) $199.00 4-LQ0228IN

MARY’S STYLE. Essex striped cotton stretch shirt. Washable silk lined collar and cuffs.Blue (shown) other colors available. Sizes Sm-XL (HC12F) $139.00 143-LSS006 Race Horse Tie. In the paddock. Navy (HC12G) $85.00 94893-NVY BARBOUR CAVALRY POLO QUILT JACKET Quilted Poly outer layer with 280gm polar fleece lining. Elasticated back. Navy. Sizes US4-16 (HC12H) $279.00 4-LQ0087BL

Horse Country® (540) 347-3141 • 800-882-HUNT (4868)

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To SPERRYVILLE & I-81 211

W IN CH ES TE R

St.

MAIN St.

HORSE COUNTRY

WATERLOO St. ss RT. 29/17 Bypa

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BROADVIEW Ave.

Store Hours: Monday–Friday 9AM - 6PM, Saturday 9AM - 5PM (ET)

Visit us online! www.HorseCountryLife.com

Rt. 17 By pass

60 Alexandria Pike • Warrenton, Virginia 20186 CUSTOMER SERVICE AND INQUIRIES: (540) 347-3141 24 HOUR FAX: (540) 347-7141 For Orders Only: 800-882-HUNT(4868)

To WASHINGTON via I-66

Pk. DRIA ALEXAN

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To WINCHESTER, I-66 & I-81

To CULPEPER & CHARLOTTESVILLE

IN & AROUND HORSE COUNTRY • HOLIDAY 2018

AGA’S SAGAS

Dog . . . Gone!

Mid-Atlantic Telegram Service From: To: Subject:

Marion Maggiolo, President, Horse Country Saddlery, Inc. Editor of Life in Retail Magazine Bunsen Missing

Body: Once again, we here at Horse Country Saddlery are very sorry to cancel Bunsen’s interview and photo-shoot with Life in Retail magazine. In answer to your query, no, the interview is not being cancelled due to illness but rather because our beloved Bunsen is missing! As you may be aware, our Christmas and Holiday season preparations start during the first week of November and already the store is crowded with parcels and crates that block the aisles for the length of the store and reach to the ceiling. These contain fabulous gift items, socks and scarves, home décor, etc. as you are aware. But back to Bunsen. As best we can gather, it was yesterday morning that he informed Aga the staff had completely forgotten to take the two of them for their morning fresh-air walk. And even worse, no one had shown up with their elevensies biscuits! Aga had tried to explain to Bunsen the new shipment of Barbour jackets needed unpacking. But Bunsen was having none of it, saying that staff needed to keep priorities in order to avoid setting any distasteful precedents, not to mention the blatant disregard for store tradition. Bunsen then decided to venture through the new shipments to the antique book collection. He muttered to Aga, in his distinctive Highland brogue, “Marion could nae have more stock in this store if she’d raided Marks & Spencer’s Edinburgh warehouse!” He wanted to inform Jenny, librarian and head of the canine resources department, of the fresh-air walk and biscuit oversight. Aga suggested that Jenny may not be at her desk as she was assigned that morning to help Debbie with the new hat display, featuring our ever popular felt hats, waxed waterproof hats and knit caps. Not to be dissuaded, our Bunsen trotted off on his quest to find Jenny. Aga recalls seeing him pause by an opened carton of tweed flat caps from England. He turned and jokingly said he would be back in “two shakes of m’hind legs” before disappearing among the boxes. By 3pm, Aga had alerted all to Bunsen’s failure to return. Jenny was, as Aga assumed, not among the bookshelves so it is uncertain if he made it to the new book department. His last known whereabouts might have been in the tack section where Sue thought she saw him while she was rearranging the new Cal-Rei saddle pads and flex-stirrups. This was about 2pm. At 5pm, all the department heads had been told to be on the lookout for our stray Scottie. Even Roni was notified in receiving where she was counting out the new blue bell boots. At closing time, it was decided to set out water and kibbles at key locations to nourish him through that evening and all agreed that a fresh search would begin in the morning. The lights were left on and music continued to play through the

OPENING MEETS Old Dominion Hounds Opening Meet

Claudia Coleman illustration

night. By dawn’s early light, expeditions were organized but it was soon discovered that the boxes were too closely stacked for people to climb through and the searches were called off. As we wondered what to do next, another delivery truck arrived with tweed Chatham jackets and the nice UPS driver stacked them high for us. Horse Country was absolutely crammed with goods. At this point, Aga stepped into the breech. “I’m going in,” she said with conviction. I opined the last thing we needed was another lost dog, but she pointed out no one else could squeeze between the boxes and, besides, she knew the store like the back of her paw. Her plan was simple. She would travel straight to the jodhpur and muck boots, then turn 15 degrees and look under the men’s vests and Barbour coats. After that, she would work her way to the ladies’ country clothing, hunt attire, the scarlet coat storage room, the breeches room and then down the steps to the saddlery. After the bucket and hardware room, she would make her way along the hunt bridle walls, the horse clothing stacks and feed tub and bucket room. If Bunsen wasn’t found by then, she would wing it. As I tied some treats around Aga’s neck, she thought the best thing to do was consume them right then in preparation of the journey—the ones for Bunsen, too. Waiting for Aga now. Her last words to us were, “I will return to you with either Bunsen, or his tags.” Then, she put her nose to the floor and darted among the crates and cartons into the canyons of Horse Country treasures. It has been several hours and we have heard nothing. As soon as we have fresh news for you, will send another telegram and, hopefully, we can reschedule the interview with Bunsen. Still waiting for Aga. Sincerely, Marion

Green Spring Valley Hounds Opening Meet The Kennels, Glyndon, Maryland November 10, 2018 • Douglas Lees Photos

at Susy Trotter and Tony Horan’s Blue Dog Farm, Hume, Virginia,

November 3, 2018 • Shannon Brown photo

Debbie Welch.

(l-r) Whit Foster, MFH, and Mike Hankin.

Green Spring Valley Hounds over an early fence on Opening Meet from the Kennels.

IN & AROUND HORSE COUNTRY • HOLIDAY 2018

break the impression. There are JENNY’S PICKS excellent suggestions to help We like to offer quite a variety you choose what to add to your of books suitable for holiday outfit. Easily held in the hand, gift-giving, and as usual, Marthis little book should be in ion has picked out some great Specialists in New, Old & Rare Books on Horses, Foxhunting, every woman’s dresser drawer ones. First, we have added a Eventing, Polo, Racing, Steeplechasing & Sporting Art for consultation. Hardcover, foxhunting calendar to our list. Norman Fine did not produce 60 Alexandria Pike, Warrenton, VA 20186 • 800-882-HUNT • 540-347-3141 128pp. $14.00 his Foxhunting Life calendar Napoli, James. The Official Dicthis year, so we ordered a few Hounds Foundation, dedicated to preserving country from the MFHA for anyone who does not subscribe life and the history and traditions of hunting with tionary of Idiocy. Reminiscent of Ambrose Bierce’s to Covertside. hounds, The Fox’s Kitchen is a collection of recipes Devil’s Dictionary, this little handbook radiates an from the Radnor Hunt of Pennsylvania coupled with aura of sarcasm in its definitions, such as, “ComMFHA. North American Foxhunting Wall Calen- full-color photographs of the food as well as the hunt plaints – The section of a department store or workdar. Strong emphasis on the hounds, with one photo and its territory. Included is a brief history of the place where a customer’s or employee’s voice can of a coyote and several depicting the hunts as a hunt (b&w photos), along with tidbits of information sink into a cavernous, unceasing hole of ignore.” group. Hunts include Blue Ridge, Bijou Springs, such as some hunt etiquette. Beautifully bound in The irony is that a fair amount of this sarcasm has a Hillsboro, Iroquois, Windy Hollow, Live Oak, Mid- red cloth with gold and white lettering and designs, foothold on fact. Good book for the bathroom or a dleburg, Piedmont, Eglinton & Caledon, and Misty it is a feast for the eyes as well as the stomach. The gift for that person you don’t know too well whose Morning. Also includes photos of grand champions preface includes an assurance that “All entries have name you’ve drawn for the office Christmas party. from major North American hound shows. $28.00 been tested by a panel of expert gluttons.” Hard- Some of it is a bit raunchy, but these days there aren’t as many people who would be horribly ofcover, 288pp. $45.00 Next, holidays were made for feasting, so here are Also available: Bookplate especially made to ac- fended by references to natural acts. Softcover, 320pp. $14.95 some new ones. company this edition. $1.00

HORSE COUNTRY BOOKSELLERS

Brown, Ellen. The New Pressure Cooker Cookbook. Pressure cookers aren’t just for canning or prepping string beans for supper. Encased in these covers are 150 scrumptious-sounding recipes that almost make me want to dig out my mother’s old pressure cooker to try out. There’s an introductory chapter explaining their use; they can blow their tops if used improperly (they are pressure cookers!). Where a slow cooker allows you to set up a meal and let it simmer away all day, the pressure cooker achieves similar results quickly. Some recipes included: coconut carrot soup, Carolina fish muddle, Creole bison meatloaf, sweet and sour stuffed cabbage, dilled Swedish meatballs, jasmine rice salad… Is your mouth watering yet? Hardcover, 291pp. $24.95 Danger, Jane; and Alla Lapushchik. The Bourbon Bartender. Funny how these books can make hard liquor sound appealing even to a social wine-drinker like me! Another one that’s meant to assist a novice bartender, it offers instruction in tools and methods as well as snippets of history of the drink, its most popular mixes, and the people associated with it. Well illustrated with color photos of various mixed drinks and b&w historical photos, and you’ll learn some interesting facts about drinks. Hardcover, 150pp. $19.95 Good Housekeeping. Instant Pot Cookbook. This collection of 60 recipes was created to accompany a new combination slow cooker/pressure cooker called, naturally, the “Instant Pot.” Looks like a good idea to me—combine several uses in one pot! So the recipes are labeled by which method to use, and they do sound delicious. For the slow cooker (“Crock-pot” is a licensed trade name) we have such mouth-waterers as Moroccan-spiced chicken, smoky vegan black bean soup, and sweet & tangy braised roast. For the pressure cooker use, apricotbraised lamb shanks, butternut squash risotto, and campfire baked beans. The colored photos of the finished products are quite appealing! Hardcover, 128pp. $16.95 Radnor Hunt. The Fox’s Kitchen. Benefiting the

Napoli, James. The Official Dictionary of Sarcasm. This companion piece to The Official Dictionary of Idiocy is, like its partner, very reminiscent of Ambrose Bierce’s Devil’s Dictionary. May be good for laughs at a party. Contains definitions that may be Other hunting books newly received are the follow- offensive to parents of young children who will doubtless get a giggle out of them. (That’s the sort ing: of sarcasm you’ll find!) Softcover, 368pp. $14.95 Jackson, Alastair. Lady of the Chase/The Life and Hunting Diaries of Daphne Moore. Daphne Stromberg, Tony. Horses. This virtually textless Moore’s hunting diaries, illustrated with her own photographic extravaganza features horses of many charming colored sketches as well as b&w photos, lands, from wild American mustangs to Portuguese make excellent reading. She wrote hunting reports Lusitanos, Spanish PREs (Andalusians) to Morocfor Horse & Hound magazine beginning in the years can Arabians and Barbs, in glorious color. Many debefore WWII and she became quite an expert in pict the fiery pride of stallions displaying their hound genealogy as well. Many of the hunts she at- masculinity; all run free without the impediment of tended as a foot follower. Hardcover, 209pp. $37.50 riders, gloriously alive in large scale (13”x10”). Hardcover, 206pp. $65.00 Mason, Jill. The Rabbit. Written by the author of The Hare, The Rabbit discusses rabbits mostly as Macaluso, Laura A. A Guide to Thomas Jefferson’s pertains to Britain. Opening with a chapter on the Virginia. Illustrated with full color photographs, this species in general, the book continues with rabbits recent volume from Arcadia Press suggests a new around the world, in Britain, their diseases, as sport- direction from this company, which has brought us ing objects, as a nuisance, as food and fur, and ends some great historical photographs of sites across the with several chapters on rabbit warrens, including USA. This is not a biography of the noted statesman legislation of rabbits and hunting them and those but rather a tour of the many places in Virginia aspoaching them. This one’s for you foot-hunters with sociated with him, from Williamsburg to his several your bassets and beagles! Color and b&w photos estates in the Piedmont, Monticello and Poplar Forest. Also thrown in are some European sites that inillustrate. Hardcover, 192pp. $30.00 fluenced him in his architectural endeavors. Clayton, Michael. The Ride of My Life. The author, Paperback, 190pp. $24.99 well known for a number of books as well as being editor of the British Horse & Hound magazine, has Maass, John. George Washington’s Virginia. If written a fascinating autobiography of an exciting George Washington had had his way, he would have life as foxhunter and sporting journalist. Copious remained a gentleman farmer all his life, but duty to b&w photographs, mostly small, illustrate the book. his country was the imperative pull, and he would I guarantee if you like foxhunting, you’ll love read- be away from his beloved Mount Vernon more than he was living there. Many of the homes and building Clayton’s account. Hardcover, 276pp. $30.00 ings that he visited are still around today, thanks to many preservationists, including the Mount Vernon Lastly, a hodge-podge of various sorts of books. Ladies’ Association, which helped protect WashingErlanger, Micaela. How to Accessorize/A Perfect ton’s home during its shabbier days at the time of Finish to Every Outfit. When a lady wants to look the Civil War. The author has accumulated myriad her best, she selects not only her clothing but also b&w photos of places our first President would have the accessories to set it off to perfection: jewelry, encountered during his travels around Virginia for scarves, hats, even the shape of glasses can make or this verbal tour. Paperback, 219pp. $21.99 We’ve already mentioned Rita Mae Brown’s Homeward Hound. See Lauren Giannini’s full review on page 5 in this edition. Hardcover, 365pp. $27.00 Due out November 20!

IN & AROUND HORSE COUNTRY • HOLIDAY 2018

RACING

2018 Fall Races By Will O’Keefe

Foxfield Fall Races, Maiden Claiming Hurdle (l-r) Barhanpour (Sean McDermott, up) – 1st; Av a Word (Darren Nagle, up) – 2nd; Tambourin (Michael Mitchell, up) – 3rd. Rick Stillings photo

Foxfield Fall Races, Maiden Hurdle (l-r) Storm Team (Sean McDermott, up) – 1st; Zeppelin Ride (Jack Doyle, up) – 2nd. Rick Stillings photo

Foxfield Fall Races, Virginia Bred or Sired Flat Jump Ship (leading, Richard Boucher, up) – 1st. Rick Stillings photo

Virginia Fall Races, National Sporting Library and Museum Cup Timber Stakes (l-r) Ebanour (Darren Nagle, up) – 4th; Le Chevalier (Jack Doyle, up) – 1st. Douglas Lees photo

Virginia Fall Races, Sunnybank Bowl Steeplethon Katnap (Darren Nagle, up) – 1st. Douglas Lees photo

Foxfield Fall Races Sunday, October 7, 2018 A year ago Jack Fisher was the National Steeplechase Association’s leading trainer with multiple wins at many meets and record earnings. He has had a slower start this year but is warming up and added to his 2018 total by saddling the winners of two of the five races at the Foxfield Fall Races near Charlottesville, Virginia, on October 7. In the first race for maidens over hurdles running for a claiming price, Fisher won with DASH Stable’s Barhanpour (Fr) with Fisher’s regular rider Sean McDermott in the irons. Barhanpour was rated off the pace but rallied to be second over the second last fence. He joined the leader, Irvin S. Naylor’s Av a Word (Darren Nagle), at the last fence and pulled away upon landing to win by 1¾ lengths. Two races later, the Fisher /McDermott team completed the second half of their double in the maiden hurdle race with Sheila J. Williams and Northwoods Stables’ Storm Team. Contrary to their win in the first race from off the pace, this time McDermott had Storm Team on the pace throughout the race with Emily Astor’s Star Glitter (Eddie Keating) close behind. When Star Glitter came a cropper at the sixth fence, Jonathan Sheppard and Vince Varvarro’s Zeppelin Ride inherited second place behind Storm Team. Zeppelin Ride failed to improve his position in the stretch and missed by 2½ lengths. Irish jockey Gerard Galligan got his first win as an owner and trainer in the filly and mare maiden hurdle race with Mavourneen. With apprentice rider Bethany Baumgardner up, Mavourneen was reserved off the quick pace, advanced around the final turn and had the lead over the last fence. She held Irvin S. Naylor’s Always Summer safe through the stretch and won by 3¾ lengths. The two flat races on the card were equally exciting with the results not determined until deep into the stretch. In the open training flat race Straylight Racing LLC’s Invocation (Jack Doyle) arrived at the head of the stretch with Mrs. S. K. Johnston, Jr.’s With Rhythm (Sean McDermott) and Team Ollie’s Orchestra Leader (Keri Brion) and the race was on. In the run to the wire, Invocation proved best over With Rhythm by 1 length with Orchestra Leader close behind. William Santoro trained the winner. Trainer Lilith Boucher saddled two of the six runners in the Virginia-bred training flat race, and as the field turned for home both horses had rallied from off the pace to claim a share of the lead. Why Not Racing LLC’s Jump Ship (Richard Boucher) and Harlan J. Crossan’s Complete St. (Keri Brion) battled to the final sixteenth where Jump Ship asserted his superiority over his stablemate and held off PathFinder Racing’s Talk Less (Michael Mitchell), who just got up to relegate Complete St. to third. The winner won by 1 length and second place was determined by a very narrow nose. Virginia Fall Races 10-13-2018 The National Sporting Library & Museum Cup Timber Stakes was the featured race at the Virginia Fall Races on October 13 at Glenwood Park near Middleburg, Virginia. Four of the six starters were stakes winners which made for an exciting race, and they did not disappoint. This was a great race with every horse in contention much of the race. Kiplin Hall’s Rodriguez (Mark Beecher) and Bruton Street-US’ Two’s Company (Sean McDermott) made most of the running with Gordonsdale Farm’s Canyon Road (Kieran Norris) and Irvin S. Naylor’s Ebanour (Darren Nagle) dueling in their shadow. Michael Smith’s Le Chevalier (Jack Doyle) trailed the field but was within striking distance until the final time around. Midway down the backside of the course, Le Chevalier started to advance and was a close third over the last fence with Canyon Road and Ebanour leading. Upon landing Le Chevalier quickly took command and won going away by 4½ lengths. This was a popular win for local owner Michael A. Smith and local trainer Julie Gomena. Canyon Road was second and Two’s Company was third. It is always nice when local connections are rewarded with winning efforts, and trainers Doug Fout and Neil Morris added four more Virginia-based winners. Doug Fout, who is the Clerk of the Course, always supports the races at Glenwood Park and had seven runners this year. Fout won three races, and all of them were ridden by Barry Foley. Fout’s first win was in the maiden hurdle

race when Sharon E. Sheppard’s Undisclosed raced within striking distance, took the lead in the final three furlongs, and held off Noble Stables’ Dynaformersrequest (Sean McDermott) by 2 lengths. Merriebelle Stable LLC’s stakes winner on the flat Renown (Jack Doyle) was a close third in his first start over hurdles. Fout also won the maiden claiming hurdle race with Beverly Steinman’s Shamsaan, who was never far from the leaders while Virginia Lazenby Racing Stable LLC’s Misfortune (Bernard Dalton) raced near the end of the field. Misfortune rallied to join Shamsaan at the last fence. These two battled up the stretch with Shamsaan proving best in a hard fought ½ length victory. The Steinman, Fout, and Foley team won the night cap, the second division of the training flat race with Deposit. He rallied from off the pace to win going away over Gordon C. Keys’ Tom Hagen (Jack Doyle) whose late rally fell short by ½ length. Nancy Roberts’ Magical Lemon (Brett Owings) finished third. William L. Pape’s Castle Hill (Shane Crimin) was third. Neil Morris’ winner was in the first division of the training flat race with Sam-Son Farm’s Aldous Snow (Michael Mitchell), who led for most of the race. With a furlong to run, Gordonsdale Farm’s Overdrawn (Kieran Norris) took a brief lead in the stretch but Aldous Snow came again and won by a head in a driving finish. Overdrawn was second and William L. Pape’s Castle Hill was third It’s a rare meet at Glenwood Park when owner Irvin S. Naylor and trainer Cyril Murphy don’t win at least one race and their Stormy Alex (Graham Watters) made this meet no exception by winning the handicap hurdle race. Stormy Alex raced in the middle of the field, rallied to take command with a quarter mile to run and held off Rosbrian Farm’s Specialeyes (Ross Geraghty) by 1¼ length. Doug Fout and Barry Foley added a third place finish with Beverly Steinman’s Perfect Union. The Alfred M. Hunt Steeplethon Course is always a crowd favorite, especially with eleven starters trying to successfully navigate this tricky course. Happenstance and Harry’s Boogie Biz (Mark Beecher) and Kinross Farm’s Just Wait and See (Shane Crimin) made much of the running. When Just Wait and See went wide around a tight turn, Boogie Biz was left alone on the front end. When Boogie Biz tired, Wit’s End Farm’s Katnap (Darren Nagle) made his move into contention. Noble Stables’ Kingofalldiamonds (Kieran Norris) rallied late and led in the stretch but could not hold off Katnap who won going away by 2½ lengths. Katnap was trained by William Dowling. KMSN Stable’s Able Archer (Michael Mitchell) was third. The easiest winner of the day was in the maiden timber race that was won in a romp by 27¼ lengths by Nancy A. Read’s Handsome Hoyt (Gerard Galligan), who is trained by Katherine Neilson. Handsome Hoyt took command and established a clear lead with two times to go. Hyggelig Haven LLC’s Political Theater (Sean McDermott) launched a rally on the backside the final time around but fell for his efforts to catch the leader. Irvin S. Naylor’s Hooded (Darren Nagle) took up the chase, but it was far too little much too late, and he finished second. Katherine Neilson trained the winner.

Virginia Fall Races, James P. McCormick Memorial Maiden Timber, Handsome Hoyt (Gerard Galligan, up) – 1st. Douglas Lees photo

IN & AROUND HORSE COUNTRY • HOLIDAY 2018

International Gold Cup, David L. “Zeke” Ferguson Memorial Hurdle Stakes, Optimus Prime (Ross Geraghty, up) – 1st. Douglas Lees photo

International Gold Cup, Steeplethon Timber Stakes (l-r) Just Wait And See (Jack Doyle, up) – 3rd; Portamento (#7, Barry Foley, up) over fence; Katnap (#3, Darren Nagle, up) – 1st; Pured It (behind); Able Archer (#4, Michael Mitchell, up) – 2nd. Douglas Lees photo

International Gold Cup, Timber Stakes (l-r) Le Chevalier (Jack Doyle, up) – 3rd; Doc Cebu (Hadden Frost, up) – 1st. Douglas Lees photo

International Gold Cup, Sport of Kings Maiden Hurdle (l-r) Theydon Grey (Bethany Baumgardner, up); King Of The Road (Kieran Norris, up); Renown (Jack Doyle, up) – 1st; Foxhall Drive (Gerard Galligan, up) – 3rd. Douglas Lees photo

International Gold Cup Races 10-27-2018 This year on October 27 it rained on the Great Meadow Course near The Plains, Virginia, up until post time for the first race at the International Gold Cup Races. Last year a relative newcomer to the sport, Doc Cebu, won and ran the fastest time in the history of the International Gold Cup on firm ground. Doc Cebu won again this year but the soft going made this the second slowest International Gold Cup. Trainer Jack Fisher has now saddled seven winners of this race, and he has also won the Virginia Gold Cup ten times. There is a saying about horses for courses, and this may prove to be so for Doc Cebu, but there is no question that Jack Fisher is a trainer for this course. Doc Cebu (Hadden Frost) led the first time around with Michael A. Smith’s Le Chevalier (Jack Doyle) rated slightly off the pace. The second time around Le Chevalier went to the front with Doc Cebu close behind. These two dueled down the backside with Irvin S. Naylor’s Super Saturday (Gerard Galligan) stalking the leaders. Doc Cebu regained control at the head of the stretch and won going away by 5¼ lengths. Super Saturday was second and Le Chevalier faded to third. Last year Doc Cebu belonged solely to Charles C. Fenwick, Jr., but Michael Hankin and Charles Noell have joined Fenwick in a syndicate this year, and they will certainly be celebrating a second consecutive title as owners of the NSA’s leading timber horse. A classy six horse field contested the David L. “Zeke” Ferguson Hurdle Handicap Stakes, but at the end of the race Rosbrian Farm’s Optimus Prime was all alone winning by 18¼ lengths. Optimus Prime (Ross Geraghty) was reserved slightly off the pace that was set by Irvin S. Naylor’s Sempre Medici (Darren Nagle) and Magalen O. Bryant’s Personal Start (Barry Foley). Optimus Prime took the lead over the last hurdle and found a gear in the stretch that the other horses could only dream of as he won as his rider pleased. Ricky Hendriks, who is challenging Jack Fisher for the NSA’s 2018 leading trainer title, saddled Optimus Prime. Irvin S. Naylor’s Elucidation (Darren Nagle) won impressively at Shawan Downs breaking his maiden at first asking under rules for trainer Cyril Murphy, but he was even more impressive winning the non-winners of two races over hurdles at the International Gold Cup Races. Elucidation was confidently ridden while racing off the pace in a tightly bunched field. He launched a winning move around the outside on the final turn, jumped with a share of the lead over the last fence and widened to win by 24¼ lengths over Eve Ledyard’s Go Get the Basil (Willie McCarthy), and Mrs. S. K. Johnston, Jr.’s Set To Music (Gerard Galligan) was third. The winner, Wits End Farm LLC’s Katnap (Darren Nagle), and five other horses that ran in the steeplethon at the Virginia Fall Races were on hand for Great M e a d o w ’ s steeplethon. This time Kinross Farm’s Just Wait and See (Jack Doyle) set the pace alone while being stalked by Katnap, who took the lead on the final turn and won handily by 6½ lengths. KMSN Stable’s Able International Gold Cup, Orlando Heart Archer (Michael of the District Allowance Hurdle Mitchell), who was Elucidation (Darren Nagle, up) – 1st, third at the Virginia nearing the finish. Douglas Lees photo Fall Races, was second and Just Wait and See finished third. William Dowling trains Katnap. The racecourse at Great Meadow is Merriebelle Stable, LLC’s Renown’s favorite. For the past two years he has won the $50,000 Secretariat Stakes on the flat at the Virginia Gold Cup Races, and this fall he visited the Great Meadow winners’ circle again. He debuted over fences with a third in the maiden hurdle race at the Vir-

ginia Fall Races. With that experience under his girth, he won at Great Meadow. He was rated off the early pace by Jack Doyle, advanced steadily in the last half mile to take the lead with two fences remaining, and held off Dynaformersrequest (Sean McDermott) in the stretch. Cristina V. Mosby’s Foxhall Drive (Gerard Galligan) got up for third. Trainer Doug Fout used a win in the training flat race at the Virginia Fall Races to set up Beverly Steinman’s Deposit (Barry Foley) perfectly for his first win under rules at Great Meadow. He was never far back in the thirteen horse field, went to the front at the head of the stretch and won in hand by 4 lengths. Desmond Fogarty’s Venture Forth rallied for second and Mrs. Charles C. Fenwick, Jr.’s Anticipating (Darren Nagle) ran a good third. The filly and mare maiden flat race was won in come-from-behind fashion by PathFinder Racing’s Shrove Tuesday (Michael Mitchell). He was far back in the early going, gained ground on the run down the backside and around the turn to take the lead in mid stretch. He won going away over Beverly Steinman’s first of her two horse entry by 2¼ lengths. Go as You Please (Barry Foley) was second and Paris Lady (Jack Doyle) was third. Neil Morris was the winning trainer. For the second consecutive year Lady Olivia at North Cliff, LLC’s Accountable accounted for the Old Dominion Turf Championship for Virginia bred or sired horses. Accountable (Ross Geraghty) was never far off the pace, took command at the head of the stretch, and held off Why Not Racing LLC’s Jump Ship (Richard Boucher) who rallied but was second best beaten by 1¼ lengths. Carla L. Morgan trained the winner, and this was winning rider Ross Geraghty’s second win on the card. PathFinder Racing’s Talk Less (Michael Mitchell) was third. Montpelier Hunt Races 11-3-2018 Rain the day and night before the races did not deter a big crowd that was on hand to enjoy the Montpelier Hunt Races at Montpelier Station, Virginia, on Saturday, November 4. The featured Noel Laing Stakes over the natural brush course attracted an eight horse field that had quality depth. For the second consecutive week a recent English import excelled over hurdles in a stakes race in Virginia. The previous week at the International Gold Cup Rosbrian Farm’s Optimus Prime was very impressive winning the David “Zeke” Ferguson Memorial. This week Apple Equipment LLC’s Winner Massagot was equally impressive winning the Noel Laing over Buttonwood Farm’s All the Way Jose, a multiple stakes winner saddled by Hall of Fame trainer Jonathan Sheppard. Winner Massagot (Thomas Garner) was far off the early pace, but rallied to join All the Way Jose (Jack Doyle) on the front end with a half mile to run. Approaching the last fence, Winner Massagot pulled away from All the Way Jose, and he charged up the stretch alone winning by 16 lengths. All the Way Jose held second and Irvin S. Naylor’s Osmoz (Graham Watters) got up for third. Jonathan Sheppard may have lost the Noel Laing, but earlier on the card he saddled the winners of three consecutive races. His hat trick started in the first maiden claiming hurdle race with KMSN Stable’s Jump to Juneau (Jack Doyle). Jump to Juneau had set the pace until the head of the stretch. Robert J. Masiello’s Cotton Town (Eric Poretz) had rallied in the final quarter mile and was ready to give Jump to Juneau all he could handle. These two battled up the stretch where the photo finish camera showed the placing judges that Jump to Juneau had won by a nose over Cotton Town. Eve Ledyard’s Sugimoto (Ross Geraghty) had challenged with a quarter mile to run but dropped back approaching the last fence and finished third. Sheppard also won the second maiden claiming hurdle race with Steinmetz Equine Holdings LLC’s Royal Ruse. The winner and Black and Blue Stable’s Fletched (Ross Geraghty) waged a two horse race most of the way. A quarter mile from the finish, Fletched had enough and dropped back. James B. Steele, Jr.’s Jackson S took up the chase but could not reach Royal Ruse, who won easily by 2¼ lengths. Sanna Neilson’s Benevolentdictator (Bethany Baumgardner) got up for third and Fletched was fourth.

IN & AROUND HORSE COUNTRY • HOLIDAY 2018

KMSN Stable’s Inverness (Keri Brion) inherited a big lead but started to shorten strides with three furlongs to run. This coincided with Mavourneen’s rally that put her on top and all alone in the stretch winning by 12¾ lengths. Inverness was second and Beverly Steinman’s Market Ally (Barry Foley) ran evenly and finished third. Three horses contested the one mile training flat race on the dirt training track that was muddy. The favorite, Shannon Hill Farm’s All Out of Aces (Barry Foley), did not disappoint. He went to the front and led all the way winning handily by 16 lengths. S. Rebecca Shepherd’s Trustifarian (Willie McCarthy) was second and Sally E. Hamlin’s Sky Hy Star (Teresa Croce) was third. Neil Morris was the winning trainer.

Montpelier Hunt Races, Noel Laing Hurdle Handicap Stakes Winner Massagot (FR) (Thomas Garner, up) – 1st.

Montpelier Hunt Races, The Battleship Maiden Claiming Hurdle (l-r) Cotton Town (Eric Poretz, up) – 2nd; Jump To Juneau (#2, Jack Doyle, up) – 1st; Sugimoto (Ross Geraghty, up) – 3rd.

Douglas Lees photo

Jonathan Sheppard and Vince Varvarro’s Zeppelin Ride (Ross Geraghty) won the maiden hurdle race with a late rally that got him up in the final strides. Boudinot Farms LLC’s Makadangdang (Thomas Garner) set the pace but could not hold off Zeppelin Ride. Merriebelle Stable LLC’s Mr Singh (Jack Doyle) rallied for third. This was Jonathan Sheppard’s 1,090th sanctioned win over fences. Irvin S. Naylor’s Mathayus (Graham Watters) won the hurdle handicap race by 4 lengths over Riverdee Stable’s Wigwam Baby (Jack Doyle). Mathayus, Wigwam Baby, and Rosbrian Farm’s Specialeyes (Ross Geraghty) were on or near the pace until the final quarter mile where Mathayus seized control and drew away in the stretch. Wigwam Baby held second and S. Rebecca Shepherd’s Curve Of Stones (Willie McCarthy) rallied for third with Specialeyes fourth. Gerard Galligan’s Mavourneen (Bethany Baumgardner) broke her maiden at Foxfield racing against fillies and mares, and the non-winners of two filly and mare hurdle races at Montpelier was the next step up the ladder. Bright Overlook and Flying Horse Farm’s Crazy Bernice (Eric Poretz) charged to the lead from the drop of Stirling Young’s flag. When Crazy Bernice pulled up,

Montpelier Hunt Races, Montpelier Foundation Cup Allowance Flat All Out of Aces (Barry Foley, up) – 1st leading around final turn followed by Trustifarian (Willie McCarthy, up) – 2nd; Sky Hy Star (Teresa Croce, up) – 3rd. Douglas Lees photo

Montpelier Hunt Races, The Montpelier Cup Filly & Mare Allowance Hurdle Mavourneen (Bethany Baumgardner, up) – 1st. Douglas Lees photo

OPENING MEETS Gregg Ryan, MFH, and his son John ready for Snickersville Hounds’ Opening Meet, October 21, 2018 from Ryan’s Creekside Farm, Middleburg, Virginia. Joanne Maisano photo

Geoffrey Hyde, Huntsman for Elkridge-Harford Hunt, Monkton, Maryland, coming in on Opening Day, November 10, 2018. Douglas Lees photo

Glenmore Hunt, Swoope, Virginia, Opening Meet, joint with Rockbridge Hunt, October 27, 2018. (l-r, in scarlet) Teresa “T” Stewart, MFH; Mike Hidecker, Huntsman in Training; Joe Manning, MFH; Missy Terrell Burnett, Whipper-in; Brenda Simmons, Whipper-in. Alan Brown photo

Loudoun Fairfax Hunt’s new Huntsman Neil Amatt, who moved up from his position as professional Whipper-In at Piedmont Fox Hounds, Opening Meet, November 4, 2018, Overbrook, Hamilton Virginia. Stephen Weinstein photo

IN & AROUND HORSE COUNTRY • HOLIDAY 2018

HOUND TRIALS Hark Forward National Championship Performance Trials: Fast and Furious in Fitzpatrick By Epp Wilson, MFH • Photos by Allison Howell

Champion Hound Hillsboro Salty takes a well-deserved break during a lull in the action.

Huntsman, Staff, and Judges heading in after a good day of sport with some of the nation’s top foxhounds.

(l-r) Guest Huntsman Ashley Hubbard, Green Spring Valley Hounds (MD), and Hark Forward Performance Trials Chairman Epp Wilson, MFH, Belle Meade Hunt (GA).

50+ hounds, after a brief opportunity to get to know each and their guest huntsman, were ready for some early morning hunting action.

Reserve Champion Midland Bliss (#72, on the left) displays her form during the hound show phase on Monday afternoon.

Twelve Hark Forward hound performance trials during the 2017-18 season culminated November 5th through 7th with the National Championship Performance Trials. This event was hosted by Midland Fox Hounds in Fitzpatrick, Alabama, where the first hound performance trials were held in 1996. The top 10 hounds from all twelve performance trials were invited to compete— over 100 hounds in total from nearly 50 hunts. 24 hunts accepted the invitation, registering 54 of their qualified hounds. The event kicked off with a hound show on Monday afternoon at “The Parthenon,” a large picnic shelter behind Foxpatrick, the late Ben Hardaway’s homeaway-from-home. As in a sanctioned hound show, hounds competed in divisions according to their breeding: English, American, Crossbred, and Penn-Marydel. Following the hound show, dinner prepared by the local fire department was served buffet-style. After dinner, Midland Senior Master Mason Lampton effectively played the role of auctioneer for a hugely successful Calcutta. In alphabetical order, each hunt was “sold” to the highest bidder. Bids totaled $18,000, with forty percent of the Calcutta proceeds going to the local fire department and the remaining 60%—a whopping $10,800—going to the high bidder for the hunt that would prevail as champion of the performance trial. At 6:30AM on Tuesday, November 6th, hounds were called to the designated rally point—an empty, 8horse trailer, large enough for 50+ hounds to mix, mingle, and get acquainted with one another and their appointed huntsman for the trial, Ashley Hubbard of Green Spring Valley Hounds (MD). At 7:00AM, the hound trailer departed for the meet site, followed by more than 35 rigs carrying event judges, participants and their mounts, car followers, and photographers. A lively field of more than 100 riders enjoyed a pre-hunt stirrup cup hosted by North Hills Hunt from Nebraska. They had come from as far west as Reno, Nevada, and as far north as Geneseo, New York. At 8:00AM, hounds were released on Frank and Colleen Rutland’s farm—a fine expanse of large, open fields with small coverts and hedgerows. Well-paneled with good crossings and great footing, it is wonderful galloping country for chasing the plentiful coyotes that reside there. Moments after the first cast, huntsman Ashley Hubbard and his guide, Midland huntsman Ken George, viewed a coyote. Ashley promptly laid the pack on the line and we were off and running. After 25 minutes of hard galloping, we had a check. I turned to the field and asked how many had been to Fitzpatrick before. Only a few hands went up. “Well, for you newcomers, welcome to Fitzpatrick, Alabama. This is how they do it every time!” We had three great runs that first morning, with a fine, cooling rain during the second run. British Judges Tim Easby, Executive Director of Britain’s MFHA, and Frank Houghton Brown, MFH, witnessed two hounds roll a coyote. That gave us a marking event and marking scores for Day One. Trial President Cameron Sadler, MFH of Moore County Hounds, later noted that marking events are quite rare for performance trials. Hillsboro Dagwood and Midland Bliss were the hounds awarded with marking points. Lunch at the Rutlands’ Party Barn was delicious and bountiful and the fellowship outstanding. One of the best things about these events is the banter and fellowship among the hunt professionals and hunt staff in general. Often they go months without interaction with hunt staff other than those at their own hunt. It is good for them to get together and share stories, vent, and dis-

cuss common problems and solutions. Not only did we have hounds from 24 hunts, we had judges and guests from another dozen hunts. There were lots of opportunities for them to talk. That is always good for the sport. That evening, dinner and drinks at Mason and Mary Lu Lampton’s High Log House were fabulous. They are the epitome of fun and gracious hospitality. First day ribbons were awarded with lots of cheering and catcalls. Wednesday’s meet was from Tent City, where temporary tent stables had been erected especially for the event to house more than 100 horses. At 7:00AM, hounds were again gathered in the hound trailer for roll call and collaring before being released at 8:00AM sharp. It was a brisk 20-minute hack to the first covert where a coyote was viewed nearby. Hounds drew and trailed a bit, but it seemed that we would not be able to get going on this coyote. Half a mile later staff viewed a coyote near the drawing pack. It may or may not have been the original coyote, but that did not matter. Ashley laid them on and for the next 30 minutes we were wide open with hounds screaming. This combined pack rattled the treetops with their voices. It sounded like 100 hounds. I had the honor of whipping-in with Mason, Sr., who had us in the perfect spot for a view. This was a black coyote—rather scruffy looking—and the pack was about a minute behind. He circled several times, running like a red fox. He headed straight for Smith Road, where crack whipper-in Boo Montgomery of Bull Run Hunt (VA) was waiting. Just before getting to Smith Road, they shut off. Ashley and Ken galloped up to Boo asking where the hounds had crossed. Boo said, “They didn’t cross. No coyote. No hounds. Nothing has crossed.” Puzzled, they raced back into the pasture. Hounds were there and at a complete loss. They drew slowly across the field until the hounds found the den— two holes in the ground about 35 feet apart. The hounds went into a frenzy of digging and marking at both holes. Three hounds went down into the den and ultimately had to be dug out because they would not leave the coyote—Midland Bliss, Midland Shilo, and Belle Meade Dahlia. At one point Boo was down in the den up to her waist. She later proclaimed that this critter stank worse than anything she had ever smelled before. It was barely an hour after the morning’s hunt began that it was called to a close by trial President Cameron Sadler, MFH. Judges had ample scores in all categories—Hunting, Trailing, Full Cry, and even Marking. Lunch was served back at The Parthenon, and ribbons were awarded for Day Two and overall. Top hounds were Hillsboro Salty, Midland Bliss, Midland Caper, Hillsboro Bridget, Hillsboro Dagwood, Shawnee Zin, and Fox River Valley/Massbach Bracket. Top hunts were Midland, Hillsboro, Shawnee, Fox River Valley/Massbach, Genesee Valley, and Bridlespur. The coveted Huntsman’s choice award went to Midland Bliss. The winner of the Calcutta pledged to donate her net winnings to the MFHA Foundation. For a complete list of scores see http://ptm.mfha.com/events/scores/north-americangrand-championship-performance-trials. The Masters and staff of Midland Hounds are to be commended for putting on an exceptional and widely successful event. The hospitality was topped only by the outstanding hunting. I believe everyone left with lasting memories, new and rekindled friendships, and a hunger to do it again!

IN & AROUND HORSE COUNTRY • HOLIDAY 2018

On a personal note, the whole Hark Forward Season has been an amazing experience for me. I was honored to be asked to chair the hound performance trials, and thrilled to attend nearly all of them. Each event was outstanding in its own way. And this one—the National Championship—was the best foxhunting event I ever attended...period. Most of these Hound Performance Trials have about five hunts competing. And the level of excitement is always very high. We had five times that many hunts competing this time. And the excitement was at least five times the normal high level. It was tremendous. Never before have so many top hounds from so many different hunts been judged by so many crack judges from so many different hunts. It was a wonderful celebration of our great sport! But don’t just take it from me. MFH Mary Hensel, Bridlespur Hunt (MO), put it very well: “I thought the country was amazing. We were with the top of the top hounds; how could we not have good hound work? I mean, it was the elite of the hounds—the elite of hunt country.” MFH Angela Murray, Red Rock Hounds (NV), commented, “It was such a pleasure to ride in the field as there was not a poor rider in there. The level of riding and horsemanship was amazing. It was a death-defying ride and everyone rode well.” MFH Jane Jeffries, Mission Valley Hunt (KS) said, “It just keeps getting better. [Hound trials are a] great way to measure hounds—great way to make friends and meet people from so many different places.” Trial judges Frank Houghton Brown, Charmain Green, and Tim Easby, all from England, expressed significant appreciation for the event. From Frank: “It’s been brilliant, it really has. The country here, with the open grasslands, is like a huntsman’s paradise. And there is a sort of extra special speed and ‘haroosh’ in the chase when a coyote is involved. An extra special rush and cry that we had to come here to see. On the first day of the competition, there was only about five minutes that we were not galloping. What I would like to take away from the hound trial is not the winner—it’s the coming together of all these fellow hound enthusiasts, the unifying quality of hunting people.” For Charmain Green, the event was extra special. Fifth place finisher, Hillsboro Dagwood, who also rolled the coyote on Day One, was bred by Ms. Green in England! Hound Performance Trials are great for comparing hounds, but they are also wonderful for the fun and fellowship among foxhunters from different hunts. It is so fun being with so many keen foxhunters. The hound trials tend to attract the keenest, the most passionate foxhunters. Get all those passionate people together and it creates something wonderful. If you have never attended one, I urge you to do so. Belle Meade Hunt will host two this season, a drag performance trial December 5-7, and a live performance trial January 16-18. Visit www.bellemeadehounds.com for more information or email eppwilson@foxboro.biz.

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HORSE RACING

IN & AROUND HORSE COUNTRY • HOLIDAY 2018

Horses and People to Watch Virginia Equine Alliance

Richest Horse In Harness Racing History Earns Win Number 104 In Virginia Harness racing fans that attended the September 29th program at Shenandoah Downs in Woodstock, Virginia, had a chance to see a superstar horse compete and got the opportunity to have a picture taken with the equine great at a post-race “Meet and Greet” session. Foiled Again, the richest horse in harness racing history, faced four other pacers in a $10,000 Invitational witnessed by a record crowd. The 14-year-old did not disappoint as he won his 104th career race that day and pushed his career bankroll close to the $7.6 million mark. The elite Dragon Again gelding left from outside post five and after settling into third initially, came outside of Highland Hellion before the quarter, took control and went on to a convincing five length triumph in 1:54 3/5. Driver Chris Shaw was not surprised by how the race unfolded or the eventual result. “It went exactly as I thought it would go,” said Shaw. “Once Foiled Again returns to the winners circle at Shenandoah Downs everything settled in after the after winning his 104th race. Darrell Wood photo start, I figured we’d go to the front and bring it from that point. He did it all on his own,” Shaw added about opening up in the stretch. “He knows what to do. He’s just a war horse—the best in racing.” The Shenandoah Downs season, operated by the Virginia Equine Alliance, concluded its twelve day meet on October 14th. Series of Stakes And Maiden Races For Virginia-Bred, Sired And Certified Horses At Laurel Park Concludes When River Gal captured the $75,000 Jamestown Stakes for two-year-olds on September th 28 , it marked the conclusion of the 2018 Virginia-bred and sired series of stakes and maiden races that were held at Maryland’s Laurel Park this summer. The string of races, originally all scheduled for turf, saw many held over the dirt track due to soggy conditions on the final two Commonwealth Day programs. In the Jamestown Stakes finale, Morgan’s Ford Farm’s bay filly River Gal prevailed by two and one-half lengths over betting choice Ready To Run. Jockey Angel Cruz directed the victory for trainer Phil Schoenthal in a field of seven. The race, originally scheduled for turf, was contested at 5½ furlongs on dirt and was authored in 1:05.43. River Gal took the lead from Ready to Run in the turn, opened up at the top of the stretch and cruised home. The winner is by Blame out of River Fancy by Congaree. The rest of the Jamestown field (horse/breeder) finished in River Gal captured the Jamestown Stakes for 2-year-olds September 28 at Laurel. Jim McCue photo this order: Ready to Run (Susan Cooney), Tolaga Bay (Archibald J. Kingsley), Perfect Exchange (Unjin Jenkins), Bear Trappe (Greg Compton), Drosselmoon (Quest Realty), and Payneful (Quest Realty). The star of the series was Altamura, who collected four wins beginning with a maiden special weight score on June 15th. The three-year-old Artie Schiller filly went on to collect victories in the Tyson Gilpin, Camptown, and Oakley Stakes. The first two were turf wins and the latter pair were on dirt. Bred by the Chance Farm in Gordonsville, Altamura is out of the Jump Start mare, Delta Weekend. With four wins from six lifetime starts, she has bankrolled $157,400. After her first two series wins, she was sold and went from the John Stephens barn to Wayne Catalano’s. Other multiple stakes winners in the series were River Deep and Paulita. The former connected in both the Bert Allen and Hansel Stakes while the latter scored in the Brookmeade and William Backer Stakes. River Deep is a Phil Schoenthal trainee who was bred by Morgan’s Ford Farm & F and F Stable. The four-year-old colt is by Arch out of River Fancy by Congaree. He also competed in the Edward Evans Stakes in June and finished fourth. River Deep Altamura won the Tyson Gilpin Stakes at Laurel in has bankrolled $229,835 from 17 starts an exciting photo finish. Jim McCue photo and six wins. Paulita is a three-year-old Scat Daddy filly who was bred by the William Backer Revocable Estate. Fittingly, she prevailed in the stakes named after her breeder. The Arnaud Delacour trainee is owned by Hat Creek Racing and is out of the Not For Love mare,

Blind Date. Her 2018 campaign includes a trio of wins, two runner-ups, and a bankroll of $136,580. She did not race as a two-year-old. The Backer Trust also connected earlier in the series when Holiday Hopes dominated August 2nd by 8½ lengths in a maiden special weight race. Breeders Jim Fitzgerald and Katie Fitzgerald also had two wins in the series. Their three-year-old Into Mischief colt, Elusive Mischief, captured the Punch Line Stakes on September 23rd and Vincent Van Gogo won a maiden special weight sprint on August 2nd. Other Virginia breeders who collected series wins were Canyon Lake Thoroughbreds (Sticksstatelydude), Althea Richards (Determined Vision), Mr. & Mrs. Bertram Firestone (Armoire), and Mrs. C. Oliver Iselin (Homespun Hero). A pair of two-year-old maiden special weight races open to Virginia-bred, sired, and certified horses were also part of the summer series. Maryland-bred No Mo Lady and West Virginia-bred Burnin Ring O Fire each won a division on August 10th. The former was bred by Larry Johnson and spent her residency at Legacy Farm in Bluemont while the latter was bred by Ray Pennington and spent his time in Virginia at Ashland’s Eagle Point Farm. Owner And Trainer Awards For Virginia-Bred Series In Maryland Announced All owners and trainers who participated in the 2018 Virginia-bred series in Maryland were automatically entered into a new $40,000 bonus reward program. Over the course of the summer events, participants accumulated points based on where their horses finished in each race. The final standings are noted below with respective bonus monies earned along with accumulated points. $20,000 was dedicated for the trainers division and the same amount for an owners division. Points were tallied in the following manner: 5 for a first place finish, 4 for a second, 3 for a third, 2 for a fourth, and 1 for every starter below fourth place. Trainer: Susan Cooney, 36 pts, $10,000 Phil Schoenthal, 31 pts, $4,000 Arnaud Delacour, 28 pts, $3,000 Mike Trombetta, 13 pts, $2,000 Hugh McMahon, 12 pts, $1,000 Owner: Morgan’s Ford Farm, 18 pts, $7,000 Mr. & Mrs. Bertram Firestone, 18 pts, $7,000 Quest Realty, 17 pts, $3,000 Larry Johnson, 13 pts, $2,000 Andrew & Becky Lavin, 12 pts, $1,000 Virginia’s Certified Residency Program Continues to Reward Owners Who Raise Their Horses at a Registered Farm or Training Center The Virginia Certified Residency program, now in its second year, continues to attract young horses to farms and training centers in the Commonwealth. In order to participate in the program, a horse that is conceived and foaled outside of Virginia must maintain residency in Virginia for at least a six month consecutive period prior to December 31st of its two-year-old year. The horse’s owner is then eligible to receive a 25% bonus for any non-Virginia restricted win at a Mid-Atlantic racetrack. Follow The Dog became the latest multiple winning Virginia Certified horse thanks to a pair of recent victories at Laurel Park. The two-year-old Maryland-bred colt connected in a $40,000 maiden special weight race September 14th, then captured the $101,000 Maryland Million Nursery Stakes October 20th. Prior to that first win, Follow The Dog finished second in his career bow on August 12th and initially in that September 14th maiden race as well. Passcode, winFollow The Dog captured the ner of that second race, interfered with the Maryland Million Nursery Stakes runner-up, was disqualified and got October 20 at Laurel. Jim McCue photo bumped down a notch. As a result, Follow The Dog was declared the winner and bagged a $6,000 Certified bonus as well. “For his third lifetime race, we chose a two year old allowance race at Parx just to get him some experience against other winners,” said owner David Wright of Waldorf Racing Stables, LLC. “We thought a race itself would be better than breezing him. He ran fourth and got some dirt in his face and some more experience. That set us up for the Nursery,” added Wright. Follow The Dog faced eight other horses in the six furlong Nursery stakes at Maryland’s annual showcase event. The Bandbox colt prevailed by 3¼ lengths in 1:01.14 and earned Wright a maximum $10,000 Certified bonus as well. “I was at Laurel Park for the race and feel very blessed that my horse did what he did and won,” said Wright. “It was really special.” Follow The Dog is out of the Cozzene mare, Two’s Cozy, and has bankrolled $98,320 now from his four-pack of starts. Wright was a believer in the Virginia Certified Residency program before he even got his first bonus award. “I live and race in the Mid-Atlantic,” he said. “Both Maryland and Pennsylvania have good state-bred programs that provide owners with enhanced purses. When I heard about the Virginia-Certified program, I wanted to participate. When you put the Virginia certification on a Maryland or Pennsylvania-bred horse, the total purse opportunity is very attractive for an owner.” Wright credits the connections involved for his initial success. “It wouldn’t have happened without the breeder, David Wade, to plan the horse. And full credit has to go to Woodberry Payne of Ingleside Farm in Charlottesville for picking the horse out at the 2017 Timonium Yearling Sale and then breaking him, and also to trainer Marya Montoya for getting him to the races and bringing him along to win the Nursery. I am really lucky to be able to work with good, serious horse people.”

2018 Virginia Steeplechase Association Final Standings OPEN LEADING OWNER 1. Irvin Naylor 2. Rosbrian Farm 3. Beverly R. Steinam Michael Smith

62 20 16 16

VSA LEADING HURDLE HORSE 1. Mercoeur (Fr) (Michael Smith) Personal Start (Magalen Bryant) 3. Holiday Mousse (William Russell) 4. Dynaformersrequest (Noble Stable)

OPEN LEADING RIDER 1. Jack Doyle 2. Darren Nagle 3. Ross Geraghty 4. Gerard Galligan Barry Foley Graham Walters

59 48 40 31 31 31

OPEN LEADING HURDLE HORSE 1. All the Way Jose (Buttonwood Farm) 8 2. Mercoeur (Fr) (Michael Smith) 7 Personal Start (Magalen Bryant) 7 Lyonell (Ger) (Robert Kinsley) 7 Optimus Prime (Fr) (Rosbrian Farm) 7 Winner Massagot (Fr) (Apple Equipment LLC) 7

OPEN LEADING TRAINER 1. Cyril Murphy 2. Jonathan Sheppard 3. Ricky Hendriks 4. Jack Fisher

56 51 39 34

OPEN LEADING TIMBER HORSE 1. Le Chevalier (Michael Smith) 2. Super Saturday (Irvin Naylor) 3. Andi'amu (Fr) (Ballybristol Farm LLC) Katnap (Fr) (Wits End Farm LLC)

21 16 12 12

VSA LEADING OWNER 1. Michael Smith 2. Noble Stables 2. Riverdee Stable 3. Sara Collette

16 13 10 8

VSA LEADING TIMBER HORSE 1. Le Chevalier (Michael Smith) 2. Zanclus (Sara Collette) 3. Canyon Road (Gordonsdale Farm) 4. Triton Light (Nicki Valvo) Just Wait and See (Ire) (Kinross Farm)

21 7 5 4 4

VSA LEADING TRAINER 1. Neil Morris 2. Doug Fout 3. Richard Valentine 4. Julie Gomena

24 23 18 17

VSA LEADING RIDER 1. Barry Foley 2. Kieran Norris 2. Shane Crimin

31 18 13

VSA LEADING HORSE ON THE FLAT 1. Eryx (Sara Collette) Shrove Tuesday (PathFinder Racing) All Out of Aces (Shannon Hill Farm) 4. Overwhelming (Woodslane Farm) Officer's Oath (S. Bruce Smart, Jr.) Overdrawn (Gordonsdale Farm) Trustifarian (S. Rebecca Shepherd)

5 5 5 3 3 3 3

7 7 5 4.5

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