In & Around Horse Country Spring 2019

VOLUME XXXI / NUMBER 2 • THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE VIRGINIA STEEPLECHASE ASSOCIATION • SPRING 2019

Justin H. Wiley

Peter A. Wiley

434.981.5528 justin@wileyproperty.com

434.422.2090 Peter@wileyproperty.com

132A East Main Street • Orange, VA 22960

503 Faulconer Drive, Suite 6 • Charlottesville, VA 22903

HISTORIC GORDONSVILLE ESTATE

RIVER FRONTAGE AND BLUE RIDGE VIEWS

AERIE FARM - Located in the Somerset area of Orange, this 1850 manor house has many improvements. The main house has 4 bedrooms, dining room, breakfast room, study, original living room, library and 2 galleries. The 170-acre estate is further enhanced by a 4 bedroom guest house, 3 stall stable, two new garage/workshops, studio, swimming pool, formal gardens, and a fenced cutting/vegetable garden. $1,850,000 Justin H. Wiley – 434.981.5528

RIVER ROCK FARM - A beautiful farm with long frontage on the Lynch River and great views of the Blue Ridge. The main residence was custom built with reclaimed materials, native fieldstone and on-site milled oak counters. Sited for complete privacy, the home, a copper system pool and pool house enjoy beautiful views of the Blue Ridge. Pastures and a barn complex with riding trails, guest cottage/rental round complete this offering. High speed internet available. $1,400,000 Peter A. Wiley – 434.422.2090

ACREAGE IN THE KESWICK HUNT

RARE OFFERING IN WESTERN ALBEMARLE

CAMPBELL ROAD - 209+/- acres located in the beautiful Keswick hunt area of Albemarle County. The land has numerous building sites with wonderful views of the southwest mountains. Existing improvements include, 4 tenant/guest homes, stable complex and cattle barn. The property has a mix of open pastures and hardwood forest. $2,495,000 Justin H. Wiley – 434.981.5528

WILDAIR FARM - A 126 acre farm set in the heart of one of Western Albemarle’s most beautiful pastoral enclaves. Incredible mountain views in every direction.

The rolling mix of productive pasture, towering, mature hardwoods, a bold stream and two large ponds offers a diversity rarely found on a farm of this size.

Owners have taken meticulous care of the land and it shows. The charming farmhouse is in good condition as are the numerous farm buildings, riding ring and fencing. A rare find only 12 miles from town. $1,900,000 Peter A. Wiley – 434.422.2090

STUNNING MOUTAIN VIEWS

EXCEPTION FARM 14 MILES TO TOWN

MERRYMOUNT - Located in one of the most desirable area of Somerset, is nestled amongst large estates, with incredible views of both the Blue Ridge, and the Southwest mountains. The 1850’s house is perfectly situated on 5 acres, and could be bought with additional land, if needed. The 3 bedroom house is in need of renovations, but is structurally sound, and could easily be added onto. Much of the surrounding land is in conservation easement, and the view from this property will not change. $475,000 Justin H. Wiley – 434.981.5528

SCOTTSVILLE FARM - A beautiful, medium-sized horse farm or retreat 14 miles from town. The turn-of-the-century farmhouse is well-sited in the center of 77 acres of fenced pasture and fields, with a beautiful stable, large pond and trails. The farm offers privacy and views and is adjacent to over 1500 acres of protected farmland. A 6-stall center aisle barn with power, hot and cold water, bathroom, tack room, wash stall and shavings storage is positioned near the large outdoor ring. $995,000 Peter A. Wiley – 434.422.2090

W W W.W I L E Y P R O P E RT I E S . C O M

IN & AROUND HORSE COUNTRY • SPRING 2019

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IN & AROUND HORSE COUNTRY • SPRING 2019

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SPORTING LIFE HIGHLIGHTS Spring is here! And summer is coming! We encourage you to get out and enjoy the many happenings in Horse Country.

Hunt Trail Rides: Many hunts will be hosting trail rides throughout the spring and summer. These are typically leisurely rides, jumping optional, through the beautiful hunt countryside. Lunch or light refreshments are usually included. Hunters depend on these rides to keep their horses fit and socialize with fellow hunters during the offseason. If you’re thinking about giving foxhunting a try, these rides are a great way to get yourself and your horse out in a group in the open country but without the added excitement of hounds and horn. To find contact information for the hunts in your area, go to www.mfha.org.

Hunter Pace Events and Spring Races: The spring races and the hunter pace series began in March. There are still some yet to be held as this issue goes to press. For contact information and more details, go to www.centralentryoffice.com.

Spring Races, Virginia: Saturday, April 27: Foxfield Spring Races, Charlottesville Sunday, April 28: Middleburg Hunt Point-to-Point Saturday, May 4: Virginia Gold Cup Races

HOUND SHOW

Upcoming Events In & Around Horse Country

Spring Races, Maryland: Saturday, April 27: The Maryland Hunt Cup Sunday, April 28: Maryland Junior Hunt Cup Saturday, May 4: Howard County Cup Races Sunday, May 19: Potomac Hunt Races Saturday, May 25: Fair Hill Races Hunter Pace Events: Saturday, April 27: Loudoun Fairfax Hunt

Other Springtime Happenings: Museum of Hounds & Hunting North America Members Reception Saturday, May 25, 5:00 pm The Mansion, Morven Park, Leesburg Open to current members and members’ guests. www.mhhna.org Virginia Foxhound Club Cocktail Party and Dinner Saturday, May 25, 6:00 pm Horning Blowing Contest, 7:00 pm www.virginiafoxhoundclub.org Hunt Country Stable Tour Saturday, May 25 & Sunday, May 26 www.trinityupperville.org/Hunt-Country-Stable-Tour/

Correction: The two photos of Loudoun Fairfax Hunt meeting at Farmer’s Delight in our Winter issue were mistakenly identified as occurring on Thanksgiving Day and said to include The Blessing of the Hounds. The meet actually was held on Wednesday, the day before Thanksgiving, which was a regular hunting day (albeit in formal attire), and the Blessing of the Hounds was not held that day. We apologize for any confusion this may have caused.

Live Oak Able Champion at the Southern Hound Show

The thirteenth Southern Hound Show held at Live Oak Plantation, Monticello, FL was blessed with gorgeous weather for the barbecue and country western DJ Friday evening and for the show the following day.

Of the last twelve Grand Champions of Show at the Virginia Hound Show, nine were shown and won first at the Southern Hound Show. This small show is remarkably competitive because all types are shown together in one ring.

Eight packs from eight states—Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee—came to present for Captain Ian Farquhar, LVO MFH Duke of Beaufort, who is widely recognized as one of the most experienced and qualified judges in the world.

Cameron Sadler, MFH Moore County Hounds, served as co-judge and exMFH of Piedmont, Walter Kansteiner, proved a quick study as Apprentice Judge.

Waggle ’17, littermate to last year’s Grand Champion of Show, Hillsboro Walnut ’17 (who went on to be the 2018 Grand Champion of Virginia), was Reserve Grand Champion to Live Oak’s Able ’16, sired by last year’s Reserve Grand Champion of Show, Live Oak Assault ’13. Waggle’s littermate, Warrior, was Reserve Champion Dog Hound. The Reserve Champion Bitch, Hillsboro Starlight ’17, is by Midland Striker ’15 who was Grand Champion here in 2016.

Live Oak captured the Champion and Reserve Champion Unentered with Trusty, sired by 2019 Grand Champion Live Oak Able ’16 and Exmoor, by Live Oak Dandy ’12, Grand Champion of Show in 2014.

Hillsboro won both Two Couple classes despite Live Oak producing three

On the cover: Jockeys Erin Swope (on the ground) and Bethany Baumgardner (still falling) demonstrated the thrills and spills of jump racing during the Piedmont Fox Hounds Point-to-Point as the Salem course, Upperville, VA, March 23, 2019. Neither jockey was injured. Photographer Liz Callar was in the right place to capture the moment.

Virginia Hound Show Sunday, May 26, 8:00 am Morven Park, Leesburg rferrer@patricioenterprises.com Museum of Hounds & Hunting North America Sunday, May 26, 11:00 The Mansion, Morven Park, Leesburg Current exhibits open to the public. www.mhhna.org Hound Shows For the full schedule of hound shows: www.mfha.org/hounds-showsched.html.

Upperville Colt & Horse Show Monday, June 3 – Sunday, June 9 www.upperville.com

PHOTOGRAPHERS: Wendy Butler Liz Callar www.lizcallar.smugmug.com Richard Clay www.richardclayphotography.com Coady Photography Claudia Coleman Shannon deWit Glenn Epstein Karen Kandra Douglas Lees douglaslees@comcast.net Dee Leftwich Joanne Maisano www.joannemaisano.com Betsy Manierre Nico Morgan www.nicomorgan.com Jeff Riley Daphrie van der Woude Stan Wilson Norma Woodward

entries in the Two Couple of Dog Hounds and two in the Two Couple of Bitches.

The 2020 show will be held on April 4th.

Live Oak Able ’16, Grand Champion of the Southern Hound Show and Champion Dog Hound, Winner of Stallion Hound, shown by Huntsman Spencer Allen. The trophy is presented by Mr. and Mrs. Michael Ledyard to Live Oak Hounds Joint-Masters Daphne and Marty Wood. Photo courtesy of Ms. Wendy Butler

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 Summer issue is May 25 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, Audra Bielke, Betsy Manierre, Will O’Keefe, Virginia Equine Alliance, Jenny Young LAYOUT & DESIGN: Kate Houchin Copyright © 2019 In & Around Horse Country®. All Rights Reserved. Volume XXXI, No.2 POSTMASTER: CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED Regular subscription 5 issues $25.00, U.S.A. First Class subscription $35.00, Europe, Canada, etc. $45.00

IN & AROUND HORSE COUNTRY • SPRING 2019

FOXHUNTING

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Joanne Maisano Photos

Middleburg hounds eager to be off from Groveton Farm for the season’s closing meet on March 24, 2019.

Two seasoned members of the Blue Ridge Hunt pack await the signal to move off from Hawfield Grange on the Wednesday of Bull Run Hunt’s “March Madness Week,” March 27, 2019.

As Huntsman Richard Roberts prepares for Middleburg Hunt’s closing meet from Groveton Farm on March 24, 2019, Shannon Venezia’s horse gives him an adoring look.

Jennifer Taylor leads Junior Saylor Spytek out for her very first day of foxhunting, with Orange County Hounds at Stonehedge, March 24, 2019.

The Orange County Hounds happy to be out for some sport from Stonehedge on March 24, 2019 (although they probably don’t know it’s the season’s closing day).

Jeff Rizer leads the first field for Thornton Hill Hounds in the Sperryville country on the season’s closing meet, March 17, 2019, followed by Bull Run Hunt’s Joint-Master Rosie Campbell and Thornton Hill Junior Vienne Yates.

Beverly Sheehy points to where the fox was viewed on Thornton Hill Hounds’ closing day, March 17, 2019, as Carol Addis and Judy Joint Master Tim Harmon leads Middleburg Hunt’s first field on the season’s final hunt, Addis McDonald follow her lead.

March 24, 2019, from Groveton Farm.

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FOXHUNTING

Karen Kandra Photos

(l-r) Brady Hoffman, Professional Whipper-in, Elkridge-Harford Hunt; Tony Leahy, MFH, Fox River Valley Hunt, and MFHA President; and Ashley Hubbard, Huntsman, Green Green Spring Valley Huntsman Ashley Hubbard Green Spring Valley Huntsman Ashley Hubbard takes the Spring Valley Hounds look on as Geoffrey Hyde is honored on his 30th anniversary as EHH allowed Professional Whipper-in Tim Michel to first fence after moving off from Stoneworth Farm for the Huntsman at Atlanta Hall, March 8, 2019. carry the horn when GSV hunted from Five String closing meet on April 2, 2019.

Farm on March 30, 2019. Tim had been slated to serve as Huntsman earlier in the season when Ashley was at the Hound Trials in Alabama, but he missed his chance due to bad weather in November.

This day near season’s end proved worth the wait as hounds chased several foxes. Here Tim blows the last one to ground as one hound voices his approval.

Geoffrey Hyde celebrated his 30th anniversary as Huntsman for Maryland’s Elkridge-Harford Hunt when hounds met at Atlanta Hall, March 8, 2019.

Wicomico Hunt and Green Spring Valley Hounds participated in the 5th Annual Chino Chase, a fundraiser for the Washington College Equestrian Team (Chestertown, MD), March 24, 2019.

GSV Huntsman Ashley Hubbard brought hounds as members and guests followed. Some opted to observe the action from Garon Stutzman’s tally-ho wagon.

Green Spring Valley Hounds relax after an excellent day of sport from Five String Farm, March 30, 2019.

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Closing meet was also Junior Day for Warrenton Hunt and the Juniors were out in force. A dozen young foxhunters gathered for a group photo at the home of Peter Petronzio and Katherine Ellsworth. Hunt colors were awarded to three Juniors: Lexi van der Woude, Lily Robinson, and Grace Petronzio.

Daphrie van der Woude photo

Celeste Vella, MFH, waves goodbye to Warrenton Hunt’s 2018-2019 season as the day’s sport from Springview comes to an end on March 30. Stan Wilson photo

Collins Brown, son of Rappahannock Hunt’s Joint-Master and Huntsman Michael Brown, is eager to learn about hunting a pack of hounds. He accompanied his dad as they moved off from Red Hill on the season’s closing day, March 31, 2019. Shannon deWit photo

“FOXWOOD” Located west of Richmond in Goochland County, “Foxwood” is a renowned equestrian estate set on 150 gently rolling acres. It has been the centerpiece for the Deep Run Hunt Club community since it was established in the 1960’s by legendary Hall of Fame trainer Frances Rowe who gained international fame for helping develop Olympic caliber horses.

Included in its many amenities are multiple pastures & paddocks, a 22-stall horse barn, stable, ring, quaint cottage, charming guest home, 2-acre pond, and large machine shop.

The historic primary residence, with painted clapboard siding and a slate roof, dates to the 1840’s and was thoughtfully renovated by the late Robert and Faye Kilpatrick. The equestrian facilities and residences are approached by a long gently curving drive affording breathtaking views of a rolling countryside, 3-board fencing and long western vistas.

The home and its equestrian facilities are very privately situated and offered for sale for $2,750,000. There are large tracts of additional adjoining acreage that can be added to “Foxwood”, if desired. Virtual tour available at www.RVAHomePhotos.com

Richard Bower 804.869.6000 Joyner Fine Properties www.RichardBower.com

If he chooses to stick with the sport, Collins Brown could become the fourth member of the Brown family to lead the Rappahannock Hunt. The Joint-Masters/Huntsmen have included his great-grandfather Elzy, grandfather Oliver, and father Michael.

Jeff Riley photo

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FOXHUNTING

Hunting Horns in Classical Music: A Musical Journey from Ancient Rome to the Present Day

By Audra Bielke, Operations Manager, University of Mary Washington Philharmonic Orchestra (Dr. Kevin P. Bartram, Music Director) Fifteen couple break through frost on a newly cut cornfield. They find a line and scream: the chase is on. As butterflies race through the waiting riders, hounds harmonize with an instrument as old as western civilization.

For most foxhunters in North America, the calling of the horn invariably conjures up images of hounds in full cry, followed by a dashing huntsman and a field of well turned out equestrians on shiny and sure-footed steeds.

Foxhunters are known to wax eloquent on “hound music,” the joyful noise of our canine partners doing what they love best. And our huntsmen never lack for a sip of warming after a good run. But what of the horn that takes the place of the huntsman’s voice when his pack is having the coveted “good day?”

To learn more about this, we need to leave the twenty-first century and the rolling hills of the Virginia countryside far behind, and travel back many centuries. Indeed, this exploration will begin in ancient Roman times, where we can discover the functional and aesthetic roots of the horn we use today in the hunt field. From there we will visit the functionalities and evolution of the hunting horn in the middle eighteenth century in Europe, and we’ll discuss classic orchestral works that use the sound of hunting horns as a central feature of the composition.

Horns were used in Roman music primarily for two means: merriment and military. Although the purpose of the horn was different in ancient times, the roots of the hunting horn that we still use today can be found in Roman instruments. The two primary types of brass employed in Roman music were the tuba and the cornu. (In fact, “cornu” is the Latin word for “horn.”) The Roman tuba, it should be noted, bears little resemblance to its modern day namesake. Rather, the tuba of ancient times was a long, straight horn most often made of bronze, and it closely resembled what we recognize in modern times as a bugle. The Roman tuba had a conical mouthpiece that detached, and extant examples are slightly over 4 feet long.

While often played in parades or funeral processions, the Roman tuba was used primarily in a military context for communications with soldiers. The people that played the tuba were not called huntsmen; rather, they were called tubicines. However, when the tubicines played the horn, they usually did so with one hand holding the horn, and one hand placed on the hip to assist with expanding the torso to increase the available breath necessary for the horn call. This is a pose that most foxhunters will find familiar!

The ancient Romans used horns in a way that would sound quite unfamiliar to modern day music aficionados, but might ring a bell with a seasoned foxhunter. Ancient Romans used horns for the purpose of communication, as do today’s huntsmen. But rather than communicating with legions of soldiers, huntsmen use the horn to communicate with their hounds. These horn blasts can be most likened to an early form of Morse code—short, staccato blasts intended to be carried over long distances and which convey a clear message.

The cornu (or “horn”) was a behemoth Two horns made by Thomas Percicompared to the modern tuba, and usually measval in London, one of the most ured almost 10 feet long. This undeniably un- highly regarded horn crafters of his wieldy instrument had to be supported by a cross day. R.S. Surtees’ fictional character beam across a player’s (in those days “cornicen”) John Jorrocks refers to the sublime sound of his “Percival.” Percival, shoulder. who died in 1848, produced horns Finally, we have the buccinne, which was for almost half a century. The two played by a “businnator” and was similar to a shown here blow identically. The cornu. The buccinne was a brass horn that usu- curled horns fell out of fashion by about 1840 while the straight horn ally measured between 11 and 12 feet in length. remains the standard used by huntsShaped like the letter C, this instrument also had men to this day. Photo courtesy of Grosvenor Merle-Smith a bar planed across its diameter, which was held

by the player to keep the horn steady.

Publius Flavius Vegetius Renatus, commonly referred to simply as Vegetius, wrote the following description of horns used in the Roman field: The music of the legion consists of trumpets, cornets and buccinae. The trumpet sounds the charge and the retreat. The cornets are used only to regulate the motions of the colors; the trumpets serve when the soldiers are ordered out to any work without the colors; but in time of action, the trumpets and cornets sound together. The classicum, which is a particular sound of the buccina or horn, is appropriated to the commander-in-chief and is used in the presence of the general, or at the execution of a soldier, as a mark of its being done by his authority. The ordinary guards and outposts are always mounted and relieved by the sound of trumpet, which also directs the motions of the soldiers on working parties and on field days. The cornets sound whenever the colors are to be struck or planted. These rules must be punctually observed in all exercises and reviews so that the soldiers may be ready to obey them in action without hesitation according to the general’s orders either to charge or halt, to pursue the enemy or to retire. For reason will convince us that what is necessary to be performed in the heat of action should constantly be practiced in the leisure of peace.1 I find the last line of this account particularly relevant to foxhunting, as any hunter knows how much time and training is put into the hounds by the hunt staff to ensure lively and successful sport on hunting days.

Now let’s put what we know about Roman horns, the predecessor of our hunting horns, into the context of orchestral music. A fine example is The Pines of Rome completed in 1924 by the Italian composer Ottorino Respighi. In the finale of this piece, the composition calls for six buccinne, which are now represented by trumpets or flugelhorns. Movement 4 is called “The Pines of Appian Way” and is meant to evoke the past glories of the Roman Republic in a representation of dawn on the great military road leading into Rome. The movement portrays pine trees along the Appian Way as a triumphant legion advances along the road in the brilliance of the rising sun. Respighi wanted the ground to tremble under the footsteps of his army as trumpets peal.

As Respighi knew well, the glories of the Roman Empire were not to stand the test of time, and we must now fast forward to the outer vestiges of the collapsed Roman Empire to continue our study of hunting horns in music. We’re going to skip the Dark Ages and early Middle Ages, and jump straight into eighteenth century Europe. It is here that our musical styles of horn playing diverge into two distinct directions: horn calls in the Continental style (i.e. French) and horn calls in the English style.

IN & AROUND HORSE COUNTRY • SPRING 2019

The French style of playing horns in the hunt field during this period diverged from what most English and North American foxhunters would today recognize as the classic hunting calls. The French horn calls themselves comprised a much more varied musical repertoire. Often, individual French hunts would have their own distinct horn calls, as would dignitaries and noblemen. If the dignitary was visiting a foxhunt, their hunting fanfare would be played in their honor. The practice of widely varied horn music continues to this day for French foxhunts. In fact, in total, the French have about 80 various hunting fanfares that are still routinely played at hunt meets.

Contrary to the French practice, the English hunting calls were, and remain, much more recognizable to the North American foxhunter’s ear. Like the French, during the early eighteenth century the English often used a natural unvalved horn. Unlike the French, the English never adopted the practice of elaborate hunt calls and fanfares. Rather, they preferred to use the more staccato calls, short and quick, reminiscent of the Roman calls.

A major sea change occurred in English hunting beginning in 1750 with the enforcement of the Enclosure Acts. Passed by Parliament primarily between 1750 and 1860, the Enclosure Acts were a way to regulate land tracts and close these tracts off from use by the peasantry. Prior to 1750, many large fields and land tracts were open to the common citizen, and the villagers retained certain rights of access. In addition, peasants were allowed smaller holdings on which to farm. Starting in 1750, the English gentry began to consolidate (enclose) small land tracts into larger holdings whose use was restricted to the lord, making the land more valuable by eliminating the tenants’ common greens. In order to enforce the Enclosure Acts, fences were erected.

This drastically changed foxhunting in England, making jumping a necessary skill for horses and riders. As any avid foxhunter knows, jumping solid objects at high speed on a 1,200 pound animal is no feat for the faint of heart, and added to this danger for the huntsman was the presence of a large hunting horn— not only unwieldy but also very dangerous should he be tossed upon the horn during an involuntary dismount (which, as all foxhunters know, is at times entirely unavoidable). The smaller hunting horn you see today was born of this necessity.

Now that we know more about hunting horns of this period, let’s look at some more orchestral pieces that use the horn to depict hunting scenes. By the1700s horns had become standard fixtures of European orchestras. A German composer named Johann Mattheson noted in 1713 that “the lovely, majestic hunting horns have now become very fashionable…”1 In the next part of this article I’ll highlight a variety of orchestral works that depict hunting scenes: for the Mozart aficionado, the opera-lover, the travel buff, the nature lover, and several others.

To nineteenth century audiences, the sound of the French horn evoked countryside scenes of hunting by horseback and on foot. The outstanding example of such music is Mozart’s Concerto for Horn. Specifically, in this four piece composition, the final movement is one “in which the intervallic construction, featuring prominent tonic and dominant triads in the main melody, was to some degree dictated by the capability of the horn, and so was more closely allied with the original ‘pure’ characteristics of the ‘chasse’ as an open-air hunting call.” 2 Aside from the final movement, there are hunting calls scattered throughout the entire four-piece composition.

Now let’s visit a good old-fashioned hunting love story in an operatic context. Hector Berlioz wrote the French opera “Les Troyens” (the Trojans) between 1856 and 1858. Scene 1 at the beginning of Act 4 is primarily an instrumental piece called “The Royal Hunt and Storm.” There are two naiads, or water nymphs, in ancient Greece, flitting around a stream, who hide when they hear the sounds of hunting horns and a horseman approaching. Didon and Enée become separated from the rest of the hunting party as a storm unleashes its fury upon them, and they take shelter in a cave nearby as the naiads become frenzied while the storm strengthens. The scene ends in an explosion of fire as a tree is hit by lightning, and the naiads disappear back into the mysterious forest depths.

For our readers that are lovers of European travel, another notable orchestral composition that musically references a hunt scene is The Moldau from “Ma Vlast.” This is a set of six symphonic poems composed between 1874 and 1879 by the Czech composer Bedřich Smetana, and uses the depiction of hunting horns in the countryside as the listener floats by on the Moldau River, which sets an idyllic European river-travel scene. One can hear the horns in the distance, growing closer and closer. High upon the rocks of the nearby riverbanks are castles

Johann Mathewson, Das nei-eroffnete Orchestra. (Hamburg: Scholler, 1713): 267.

2 John Irving, Mozart, the “Haydn” Quartets. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press (1998): 95, note 20.

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and palaces, and as the listener meanders the course of the river via music, through woods and meadows, the river widens and turns towards Prague, and then vanishes in the distance as it’s absorbed into the Elbe.

A composition that may also interest foxhunters today is Joseph Haydn’s Seasons. Completed in 1801 by this German composer, Autumn portrays a wild hunt and a wine feast. Other works featuring hunting horns include Richard Wagner’s famous opera, Siegfried. In Act 2 Scene 2 of this opera, the main character plays a silver hunting horn to a bird, and ultimately ends up attracting the attention of a much fiercer foe!

Finally, it will be amusing to foxhunters to touch upon Peter and the Wolf, written by the Russian composer Sergei Prokofiev in 1936.

Huntsman Graham Buston, Blue Ridge Hunt, signals to his hounds through the music of his horn. Joanne Maisano photo The horns in this composition are not used to portray hunting calls from the hunters, but actually represent the wolf himself! This reversal of musical roles for the horn brings to mind many of the scenes displayed upon the walls of a favorite foxhunting watering hole, the Hunter’s Head Tavern in Upperville, Virginia, whereupon the fox is the hunter and the human his quarry.

From Roman horn calls to modern day foxhunting, I hope the reader has enjoyed this symphonic tour of horn calls. The idea that many of the sounds we hear in foxhunting and orchestral music have roots spanning thousands of years does indeed provide a reason to pause and reflect upon our most historic of sporting pastimes.

By the time this is published, our foxhunting season will have sadly come to a close, with many of us hanging up our boots and horns until next autumn.

If, however, you wish to enjoy any of the music described in this article firsthand, I invite you to attend a concert at the University of Mary Washington. On April 26th, the UMW Philharmonic Orchestra, directed by Dr. Kevin Bartram, will perform The Pines of Rome, Ottorino Respighi’s rousing composition depicting horn calls and marching legionnaires on the Appian Way. The 2019 2020 season will kick off with the Celebrity Series on October 26th, 2019, and will also feature a holiday concert on December 6th. To learn more, please visit www.umwphilharmonic.com or call 540-654-1324. I hope to see you at an upcoming performance!

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The UMW Philharmonic performs at Dodd Auditorium, conducted by Dr. Kevin P. Bartram.

Norma Woodward photo

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FOXHUNTING

Piedmont Fox Hounds Welcomes Green Spring Valley Hounds for a joint meet from Zohar Ben-Dov’s Kinross Farm, February 28, 2019 Douglas Lees Photos

(l-r) Peter Walsh; Milton Sender; Tad Zimmerman, MFH, Piedmont Fox Hounds; Ned Halle, ex-MFH, Green Spring Valley Hounds; Sheila Jackson Brown, MFH, Green Spring Hounds.

Cappy Jackson, Green Spring Valley Hounds.

Green Spring Valley Hounds joint masters Sheila Jackson Brown and Whit Foster.

Ned Halle, ex-MFH and Honorary Whipper-in for Green Spring Valley Hounds.

Jennifer Nesbit, Keswick Hunt Club.

Orange County Hunt Douglas Lees Photos

At the end of the season, Huntsman Reg Spreadborough brings the Orange County Hounds home after a day of hunting from Stonehedge, March 24, 2019.

Rae Stone hunting with Orange County Hounds, March 13, 2019, from Byrnt Mill.

John Coles, MFH, and Maureen Britell with Orange County Hounds, Brynt Mill, March 13, 2019.

Horse Country

®

The Joy of Discovery: It Never Gets Old. The wide-eyed sparkle, the twinkling smile…it happens whenever someone steps into Horse Country for the first time. It says, “Look what I discovered!”

We’ve seen countless such moments since the store first opened nearly 49 years ago. And the joy never gets old.

TRAYS: As a hostess, presentation means much more than the food you serve. When guests say the tray is beautiful, what aren’t they saying about your cooking? Trays are a specialty at Horse Country.

Shown: Hand painted tray, fox and horn.

GIFTS: Seriously, if you are giving a gift, choose one from Horse Country. It’s always the right choice and beautifully presented.

Good ideas in stock… nothing mundane. Plus, we offer a gift registry. Shown: Carafe with pewter fox.

VASES: Think vase when you need a wedding gift.

This one touches all the right buttons. For weddings, we’re the cat’s meow. Shown: Tally Ho vase.

PILLOWS: Forget re-upholstery, just buy a few good pillows.

Save a fortune, look smart. Shown: Munnings Race Scene bolster on linen. Made in England.

LAMPS: Shedding light has several nuanced meanings.

I don’t like to squint. Equestrian themed lamps. We have choices. Shown: Cheval lamp, reverse decoupage on crystal.

STATIONERY: People still write, RSVP, send sympathy, happy birthday and congratulation cards.

I send postcards that say “Wish you were here.”

Shown: Munnings cards. Ask about our selection.

MUGS: The Simple Oversize Mug. $7.50. Easily give four. We make our gift boxes scream “MINTON.” Shown: Hunt scene mug.

CUTTING BOARDS AND CHEESEBOARDS: Say "Cheese" and look what happens. Crackers appear.

Shown: Wood and pewter board with bit design and cracker tray. Spreader sold separately.

(540) 347-3141 • 800-88-2-HUNT (4868) 60 Alexandria Pike, Warrenton, Virginia 20186 Store Hours: Monday–Friday 9AM - 6PM, Saturday 9AM - 5PM (ET)

Visit us online! www.HorseCountryCarrot.com www.HorseCountryCarrot.com

All prices subject to change without notice. All items subject to availability. IAHC 04-2019

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Shop online! www.HorseCountryCarrot.com BARBOUR FOR HIM AND HER: If you like the smell of waxed cotton, it just means you like the smell of waxed cotton. Nothing more. Don’t over analyze. Lots of new styles have just arrived at the store in sweaters, rain jackets, quilted jackets and accessories. Check them out in the store or on www.HorseCountryCarrot.com.

Shown: Barbour men's vest and ladies' reversible and packable rain coat in navy.

HANDBAGS AND TOTES: Backpacks in leather, and waxed. Handbags in leather and faux. A boutique selection just for you. Shown: Barbour waxed cotton backpack.

SCARVES: We have some that look like Hermes.

Need we say more? We have awesome choices.

BELTS: Perhaps you’ll choose leather, or stretch, or surcingle. The skull head buckle or the classic bit. Or, for you, is it about color? We have choices. Shown: Aiken belt. Made in England.

SOCKS: For good reason, we’re well known for a huge sock selection for men, women and children, Choose horses, dogs, ponies, donkeys. We’re sold out of our smarty-pants socks selection.

Shown: Cute Corgie.

JEWELRY: When they say take one piece off before you leave the house, we say leave all the jewelry on. Vintage, estate and contemporary designs in the eight cases of jewelry at Horse Country. Shown: Sport jewelry with hounds and pearls; faceted crystals in multicolor pieces.

HATS: Audrey Hepburn could wear any hat.

Shop early and find the perfect hat for the Virginia Gold Cup, a wedding, graduation or garden party. You’ll find a good selection of hats in Horse Country and rest assured, we only carry one of each. Exclusive unique choices.

HC2 HORSE COUNTRY® 800-882-HUNT

All prices subject to change without notice. All items subject to availability. IAHC 04-2019

Visit us online! www.horsecountrycarrot.com

Shop online! www.HorseCountryCarrot.com

SHOW SHIRT: We’ve done the heavy lifting. Check out the choices.

#143-TY87W1

ITALIAN SHOW JACKET. Navy, double vented short jacket for the hunter show ring. You’ll ask is it comfortable, does it stretch in the right places, have the bells and whistles you want, like, and need? Is it washable? All those questions and the real consideration is Does it flatter? We offer choices here. Riding Jacket. Made in Italy.

#143-TY93W1

#3272-A530W

ATHLETIC SCHOOLING CLOTHES: Ask me what I think. It’s the 80-20 rule. Looks perfect on 80% of the people who wear them. if you’re having a hot day, they’re cool and they wick. Staying dry is a priority. Tights and tops, lots of colors and textures.

We only choose nice looking tights and shirts. We have standards.

VAN GOGH TECHNICAL SHIRT. In Blue as shown or Gray, short or long sleeve. (3272-5223A)

#1774-LRS18

GLOVES: "Schooling ring is backed up! No, can’t do dinner tonight. Have to go. My turn. I’ll message you later.” Technical riding gloves that don’t interfere with socialization. We have choices. #1773-501631B

www.HorseCountryCarrot.com

Visit us online! www.horsecountrycarrot.com

#2036-268B

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HORSE COUNTRY® 800-882-HUNT HC3 Not responsible for typographical errors. IAHC 04-2019

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SHOW HALTERS, STABLE HALTERS, GROOMING HALTERS AND SUITABLE LEADS. Leather, nylon, cotton, padded, flat, plain, raised and fancy stitched. Double stitched, triple stitched, adjustable nose, fixed nose, breakaway crown…

Isn’t it time you placed a snazzy halter on your prize steed?

Spirit Bridle BRIDLE AND BIT: Now that you have the horse of your dreams, finding the right bridle/bit combo is like buying insurance. Horse Country has bridles and bits for the hunter ring, jumpers, eventing, dressage and trail riding. We have choices for reins, nosebands, crowns and all sorts of parts.

STABLE HARDWARE: Our stable decorative hardware is as impressive and extensive a selection as our leather goods. Shown: Iron Coat and Hat Hook.

15.5” h x 7”w x 6”d.

(1863-CH0001)

Chase Bridle

The Blue of His Eyes matches the blue of his saddle pad and fly veil. Our orange pads match his orange eyes. We offer 20 color combinations of soft, comfortable, form fitting, washable saddle pads and matching fly veils.

SCRUBBIE, SCRUBBIE, SCRUBBIE. Nice and white; tidy and clipped. All sorts of stable supplies from brushes and currys, fly repellants to shampoos, hoof treatments to wound care and seriously good advice. Ask for Sue. PROTECTION FROM PESTS. Specially designed for the 1996 Olympics, the Atlanta Fly Sheet is extremely lightweight and durable, perfect for the steamy summer temperatures allows nice airflow around the body. Sizes 69”-87”

HORSE TREATS: Slip him one of our treats and when you look him in the eye, he’ll nod “How high?”

Horse Country® www.HorseCountryCarrot.com

To WINCHESTER, I-66 & I-81

29

BROADVIEW Ave.

To SPERRYVILLE & I-81 211

Visit us online! www.HorseCountryCarrot.com All prices subject to change without notice. Not responsible for typographical errors.

All items subject to availability. IAHC 04-2019

St.

MAIN St.

HORSE COUNTRY

®

WATERLOO St. ss RT. 29/17 Bypa

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

W IN CH ES TE R

Pk. DRIA ALEXAN

60 Alexandria Pike • Warrenton, Virginia 20186 www.Facebook.com/HorseCountryLife

Rt. 17 By pass

17

(540) 347-3141 • 800-88-2-HUNT (4868) 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

To CULPEPER & CHARLOTTESVILLE

IN & AROUND HORSE COUNTRY • SPRING 2019

AGA’S SAGAS

9

From the Other Side of the (Eternal) Pond

It was 10:00 at night, the end of a busy day. I had spent the morning and afternoon meeting and placing orders with my esteemed suppliers around London. Horse Country needed to be fully restocked in time for the seasons. That day I ordered fancy straw hats, belts, and gloves. It took hours to choose the hats. I’d already ordered bolts of tweed and moleskin at the factories around the northern countryside. Tomorrow would be ties and pocket squares, Chrysalis coats. No, that would be the following day. The day after would be the tweed jacket makers. Such a schedule.

As hectic and productive as the day had been, I should have gone right to sleep.

I needed to be well rested for the next day’s meetings, but I was restless and decided to take a turn around the block before retiring.

For February, it was a balmy night. I sauntered the London streets along Park Lane, ducked right at Grosvenor House, made my way through Mayfair, peeked in the Rolls showroom, Berkeley Square, remembering book buying at Maggs, checked out Purdey’s window. I walked and reminisced. I thought of Bunsen and how he would warn me about walking the streets of London by myself at midnight and Aga… what would she be telling me about tonight?

Suddenly I stopped walking and looked around. My wandering thoughts had allowed me to stray off the main thoroughfare. Here, the traffic was thinner and the street lighting sparser. My intention was to turn back but just then I looked up and saw a doorway with a strange sign.

It was an old, flickering neon sign with several of the letters burnt out, stating “Madam Hoodoo’s House of Mystery.” Below and to the side of the door a painted sign listed services rendered. Bemused, I read: Wholesale Supplier of Wizardry Wares Wands, Ready-made and Custom (activation fees extra) Remedies in verbal and potion form Witch and Warlock attire mail order house Palms Read and Fortunes Told Then, my breath caught.

Specializing in Pet Séances.

Without further consideration, I opened the door and entered.

Although the sign out front said, “Madam Hoodoo’s House of Mystery,” it looked more like “Madam Hoodoo’s Small Flat of Mystery.” The walls were lined with shelves of catalogs and advertising shelf cards. A worn Persian carpet covered the floor, upon which were several chairs and a reception desk. The woman behind the desk seemed to be losing the battle with the rigors of a sedentary job, aided by a lack of sunlight, or even a window for that matter. Hanging from the shelves and between the ads were various artifacts to give the room an ambience of the exotic and occult: A witch’s hat, a stuffed monkey (fake), a tee shirt with a silk-screened pentagram and a price tag.

There were two customers waiting. One held a photograph of a large, seated cat in an ornate frame with a black ribbon attached to it. The other guest held a pet collar in one hand and a hanky in the other.

Before I could turn and leave, the receptionist asked somberly, “How may vee heellp you?” This was said in a Gypsy-esque Dracula accent that ever so thinly veiled her northern urban roots. I said I was interested in learning about the pet séance services and was informed of the fee.

I muttered something about having my doubts of success as I didn’t bring any personal belongings of the pets as the other customers had done. “Vell,” said the receptionist, “All vee can do is try.” Ching! rang the bell as the cash register drawer opened and her hand clawed out for my payment.

At that moment, the far door opened and out stepped Madam Hoodoo, asking who was to be helped next. It was obvious she was the mother of the receptionist.

Not only did they share facial characteristics, they both were afflicted with the same Bela Lugosi accent.

Madam Hoodoo wore a dark, flowing muumuu festooned with stars and crescent moons. The lady with the cat photograph stood up, followed her into the séance room, and the door closed.

Seeing that I had a bit of a wait, I sat in a chair under an ad that read: “Let Madam Hoodoo Furnish all your Voodoo Accoutrements.”

With nothing better to do, I struck up a conversation with the other customer, whose name turned out to be Beatrice. I pointed at the collar she was holding and asked, “Did that belong to a departed dog?”

“Oh, no,” she replied. “I wouldn’t have me a dog. This belonged to Freddy, my pet ferret. What a joy he was to me for so many years. He never sat still and was always prowling around the flat, knocking things over. Quite a burrower, he was. He had holes in the sofa, the chairs, the mattresses. And my, he was always nicking off with something shiny and squirreling it away. Silver spoons, bracelets, my good rings.

My sister, who often visited me, said it would be a wonder if I ever found where he hid them.”

“Old age?”

“No, he was taken before his time. I had brought him to a family reunion and one of my nephews bit him. He got infected and never recovered. The funny thing is, though, trinkets and such are still disappearing and my sister said it must be Freddy’s spirit up to his old tricks. I mean, what else could it be? That’s what I’m here to see Madam Hoodoo about.”

The Cat Lady eventually departed. Beatrice followed the Madam into her office and the door closed. After a few minutes of quiet contemplation, I saw the receptionist bring a spot of tea to her mother. Also on the tray was a potion bottle that bore an opened duty tax seal.

Claudia Coleman illustration

Through the open door, I saw Madam Hoodoo acting quite animated, her face pinched tight and her hands in front of her, bent at the wrist in a mantis position while she made clicking noises. Beatrice said, “Ask Freddy where he hid the key to the wall safe!” As the daughter came out of the room, she closed the door and a quietness came over the reception area. I waited.

Finally, Beatrice’s time was up and I was ushered into the presence of Madam Hoodoo, who directed me to a seat opposite her in front of a heavy looking table. The room was dark and in the far recesses various shapes were covered with drapes, leading me to think that at the end of business hours, the office converted to a bedroom. On the table balanced the inevitable crystal ball.

Madam Hoodoo asked me the name of the departed pet I wanted to contact and when I mentioned Aga, a look of recognition crossed her face.

“Aga…Aga,” she said. “Yes, Aga. Was there another one, too? Bronson perhaps?’

“Yes!” I replied. “Bunsen! Aga and Bunsen.”

“Well, well,” she said. “Those two have been calling several times a day for the past week. They knew you were in town and would be here trying to contact them.”

She had completely dropped her gypsy accent and seemed quite comfortable with me. Out from a drawer she pulled a vape.

“I can’t believe this!” I said. “Are you for real?”

She waved her vape towards the reception room door, where the two previous customers had exited, and said, “Most of my work is in the nature of therapy. But every so often I have to do an actual séance. This is one of those times. So we need to get some things understood. When we establish contact with the other side, avoid asking about particular events in the future. Those who have crossed may mention future occurrences, but it is frowned upon for us to ask and I don’t want to jeopardize my clairvoyance license. Also, this is a one-time event. You will have five minutes and then the connection is terminated and that will be all, forever. So, while I set things up, gather your thoughts about what to say and what to ask because this will be your sole chance to clear things up.”

As I watched, she leaned in toward the crystal ball and muttered her cryptic incantation, which sounded suspiciously like, “Eenie weenie, chili beanie.”

Soon, a voice emanated from the crystal ball. Ghostly, and a bit nasal, it said, “Operator. How may I help you?”

Madam Hoodoo said, “I have Marion Maggiolo here and she is trying to contact her departed pets.”

“And what are the names of the pets?” the operator asked.

“Aga and Bunsen,” I replied.

“We have contact. You have five minutes. Go ahead.”

“Hello! Hello! Are you there?” I called out, unable to contain my excitement.

“Yes, I hear you,” Aga said. “We only have a few minutes so I want to say first, don’t worry about us, Marion. We are very happy here and have no worries!”

“It’s so wonderful to hear that! Is Bunsen there?”

“He and Pandore are trekking in the Highlands and they had to meet their hiking group at Muttonhall by noon. He couldn’t wait any longer, but he said to give you his best tally-ho. He promised to bring me back a Dire Wolf pelt! After he trotted off, Pandore leaned in and said, ‘That is a bit ambitious of the lad. If I were you, lassie, I would be expecting something more along the lines of a squirrel pelt.”

“So have you met ...the Supreme Being?”

“Oh, yes. She’s very nice. But never mind that! I have something really important to discuss. You’re making a big mistake by not ordering enough tweed for the coming year. It’s not going to be rainy like last year. Hunting will be huge. The sun will shine and there will be lots of new riders so you need to order more boots and breeches, stocks, and pillows. You must be ready for them.”

“I understand. I was hoping the weather would improve. Thank you so much.

Wow, you can see the future?”

“Yes, we see and understand everything here, past, present and future. Be glad you weren’t around when Bunsen finally understood what the vet meant when he said, ‘All right, let’s neuter the old boy.’ Anyway, I can’t tell you everything, like about the new puppy you’re thinking about or how many Barbour jackets will be on the rack this year.”

“Well, I guess I can figure that out as I go. We only have a minute left. Tell me, do you know about the last season of Game of Thrones?”

“Yes. We had an early showing last month. I saw the whole thing.”

“I’m desperate to know! Who will end up on the Iron Throne? Daenerys, Jon Snow, or the Night King?”

“Sorry, but as Madam Hoodoo explained, you’re not supposed to ask about the future. But I’ll tell you this. Get ready to be surprised. What happens is…”

The operator broke in. “Sorry, your time is up. Goodbye.”

10

IN & AROUND HORSE COUNTRY • SPRING 2019

HORSE COUNTRY BOOKSELLERS

after publication of this hefty volume, the Belvoir Hunt is still going strong and much respected. (See Betsy Manierre’s account of her recent visit to the Duke of Rutland’s Hounds and the fabulous ball held at Brown, Rita Mae. Whiskers in the Dark.

Specialists in New, Old & Rare Books on Horses, Foxhunting, Belvoir Castle on page 14 of this issue.) Inth Due out June 4 is the next installment of cluded are many illustrations of the hunt and Eventing, Polo, Racing, Steeplechasing & Sporting Art the Sneaky Pie Brown series, which moves its many characters of note. In addition to to none other than the National Beagle 60 Alexandria Pike, Warrenton, VA 20186 • 800-882-HUNT • 540-347-3141 setting forth the history of the Belvoir Hunt, Club grounds at The Institute outside lengthy appendices list the hounds and their Aldie, Virginia, where “Harry” Harristeen and her friend lineage. Red cloth, fair condition, edgeworn and age-discolBell, C. W. Fox Hunting by the Right Hon. the Earl of KilSusan Tucker are helping get the site ready for the spring ored, bumped corners. Hardcover, 429pp. plus publisher’s cat“Hounds for Heroes” event. A retired foreign services officer reynard. Horace Cox, London, 1899. First edition. Ill. by the alog of books at the end and fold-out map of the Belvoir author.

If the title doesn’t tip you off, the preface certainly is found dead, his throat cut; all too soon, another murder joins country. $230.00 (#6298) the first. And there’s a promise of a “ghost beagle.” I can’t will, which includes the following paragraph: “If anyone is to wait to read this one, because as a member of the Ashland blame for [these writings’] publication, it is a friend who has Dawson, Capt. Lionel. Hunting Without Tears. Country Life Bassets, I have been to The Institute with our pack several himself written a book and has, time after time, emerged un- Ltd., London, 1938. First ed. Beautifully illustrated by Mautimes hunting rabbits, and know the grounds pretty well. scathed from a publisher’s office. This friend has assured me rice Tulloch. Good cond., dj good with some staining but inReaders of this paper have enjoyed (I hope!) Jake Carle’s that ‘Kilreynard on Foxhunting’ would have a monetary value tact and plastic-covered; faded cover/spine, bumped edges, many articles about the Beagle Trials held here over the years provided that the outer coverings were made sufficiently at- sound and clean interior. A collection of short, easy-reading tractive to compensate the buyer for what he is likely to find articles initially published in The Daily Telegraph & Morning as well. Hardcover, 288pp. $28.00 within.” Be sure you read the description of the Kilreynard Post for the edification of those who know nothing about foxI thought I’d just pick a few used books for your consideration coat of arms beneath its illustration. Blue hardcover with red hunting. Hardcover, 112 pp. $125.00 (#2979) this issue. We have quite an assortment at the store right now, and gold coat of arms on front. Fair condition, one page loose, Bowers, G. Hunting In Hard Times. Metheun London, Ltd., so call if you’re looking for something in particular. corners bumped and frayed, obviously enjoyed by its former London, 1986. This is a modern reprint of the book published Aldrich, Nelson W. Jr. Tommy Hitchcock/An American owners for a long time. Hardcover, 28pp. $200.00 (#4019)

by Chapman & Hall, Ltd. “G.” does not reveal her full name, Hero. Fleet Street Corp., New York, 1984. First edition. Cole, S. W. The American Veterinarian, or Diseases of Do- but she is the author and illustrator of this charming reminisTommy Hitchcock was a crack polo player in the first part of mestic Animals, Showing the Causes, Symptoms, and Reme- cence of times past. Her illustrations in pen and ink with wathe twentieth century; he was also a war hero in both world dies, and Rules for Restoring and Preserving Health, by tercolor are delightful as the author describes her, and her wars. A pilot in the Lafayette Escadrille in WWI, he was even- Good Management, with Directions for Training and Breed- brother’s, hunting season in “the unfashionable home countually shot down and imprisoned by the Germans, from whom ing. John P. Jewett & Co., Boston, 1849. The title pretty much ties” at the turn of the previous century. Fine cond., dj fine he escaped and worked his way through the lines back to free- says it all! This small volume was likely the only reference with plastic cover, very clean, foreword by Michael Clayton. dom. In between the wars was polo—and marriage. When the for treating sick animals that most farmers had more than a Hardcover, unpaginated. $90.00 (#4966) United States finally entered WWII, Hitchcock acquainted century and a half ago, and I’d bet most of their remedies himself with the newer kinds of airplanes, passed the test, and would be looked upon with horror in today’s world of medi- Wood, Peter. Thoughts on Beagling. Country Life, Ltd., Lonbecame a pilot again. Tragically, he was killed when an air- cine. Still, it’s interesting to see what our forefathers had to don, 1938. First Edition. Not as much has been written about plane he was testing to find out why so many of them were work with. This volume has obviously seen a lot of reference; beagling as about foxhunting; Wood addresses beagle history nose-diving into the ground did just that. The book has many the leather covers are completely separated from the spine and and proper conformation as well as hunting technique, hound b&w photos of Tommy, fellow polo players, his lively fox- are much worn. Foxing and age-staining of pages. Reading shows, and kennel care. Good cond., no dj, corners bumped hunting mother, and his family. Fine condition with fine dj copy only; but what can one expect from a book this old? and edges worn, but interior clean and sound. Illustrations by Ivester Lloyd include color frontispiece and numerous pencil wrapped in plastic. This is a very readable biography of the Hardcover, 288pp. $75.00 (#5907) sketches. A handful of b&w photos at the end of the book ilman who inspired F. Scott Fitzgerald’s character of Tommy Buchanan in The Great Gatsby. Hardcover, 304pp. $100.00 Dale, T. F. History of the Belvoir Hunt. Archibald Constable lustrate good and bad conformation on beagles. Hardcover, & Co., London, 1899. First ed. A hundred and twenty years 55pp. $89.00 (#6293) (#5987)

JENNY’S PICKS Preorder or mark your calendars for the next Sneaky Pie Brown mystery by Rita Mae Brown:

IN & AROUND HORSE COUNTRY • SPRING 2019

RACING

11

Spring Races

By Will O’Keefe • Douglas Lees Photos

Warrenton Hunt Point-to-Point 3-16-2019 The Warrenton Hunt Point-to-Point opened the 2019 steeplechase season at Airlie Farm near Warrenton with an incredible thirteen races over ground that was surprisingly good after the wet winter. Many of the nation’s leading owners, trainers, and riders were on hand using this meet to prep for upcoming sanctioned races.

The open hurdle race was split into two divisions with a sprinkling of stakes horses in both. The first division was won by Kinross Farm’s Mutin (Kieran Norris), who raced in the rear of a tightly bunched field. He started picking up horses in the final half mile, was third over the final fence and got up to beat Mrs. S. K. Johnston, Jr.’s Mutasaawy (Barry Foley) by 1 length, and DASH Stable’s Ice It (Jack Doyle) was a close third. In the second division Team Ollie’s Orchestra Leader (Keri Brion) was near the front from the start. With a half mile to run he took command and was never challenged, winning by 4 lengths over Petticoats Loose Farm’s Gaye Breeze (Ire) (Sean McDermott). Sheila Williams & Northwood Stables’ Special Skills (Willie McCarthy) was third. Julie Gomena trained Mutin and Jonathan Sheppard trained Orchestra Leader.

Julie Gomena also trained Bon Nouvel Chasers LLC’s Repeat Repeat, who won the first division of the maiden hurdle race. Repeat Repeat (Kieran Norris) rallied from off the pace and won going away by 1½ lengths over Team Valor International & Gary Barber’s Kasseopia (Bernard Dalton) with Matthew Groff’s Bobby the Boss (Michael Mitchell) third. William Russell & Yadkin Farm’s Gold Braid (Graham Watters) won the second division by coming from off the pace. He took the lead in the final quarter mile and won handily by 2 lengths. Mrs. S. K. Johnston, Jr.’s Knockholt (Willie McCarthy) was second and Irvin S. Naylor’s Aggressive (Sean McDermott) was third. This was the first of three wins on the card for trainer Neil Morris. He also saddled Kinross Farm’s Jump to Juneau to win the novice timber race and Donna Rogers’ Dapper Dan, who won the Virginia-bred flat race. Both horses were ridden by Jacob Roberts. Jump to Juneau won the novice timber race in front running manner. Charles C. Fenwick, Jr.’s Royal Ruse (Gerard Galligan) posed a serious threat in the stretch but missed by a half length. The Virginia-bred flat race was also won on the front end. Dapper Dan led from the start and easily held off S. Rebecca Shepherd’s Curve of Stones (Sean McDermott) by 3 lengths.

Jonathan Sheppard had three winners on the card, and one of these was the winner of the open timber race, Hudson River Farm’s Codrington College (Eddie Keating).

Fancy Hill Farm’s Romancing (Mark Beecher) made the running until falling at the 11th fence. Codrington College had trailed in the early going but inherited the lead after the fall. J.W.Y. Martin’s good mare, Church Music (Brett Owings), loomed boldly at the head of the stretch but Codrington College had another gear and won by 6 lengths.

This was Eddie Keating’s second win.

Brett Owings had better luck earlier on the card when he won the amateur/novice hurdle race on Nancy Roberts’ Magical Lemon. He set the pace with L’aigle Royal (Alex Leventhal) close behind. L’aigle made a bid at the head of the stretch but was second best, losing by 1¼ lengths.

The amateur/novice rider timber race was the day’s most exciting with four horses involved in a photo finish.

Black and Blue Stable’s Fletched (Forrest Kelly) pressed Sanna Neilson’s Lawn Ranger (McLane Hendriks) pace until late in the stretch. At that point Heather Austin’s Ray de Light (Aaron Davis) rallied to join the leaders and Move Up Stable & Sally Reed’s It’s Nothing came flying.

Fletched won by a nose, Ray de Light was second, Lawn Ranger was third, and Its Nothing was fourth.

In the foxhunter timber race David Belt, Jr.’s Carnival Carl (Hannah Belt) led most of the race with Julie Nafe’s Forgotten Knot close to the pace. These two raced to the last fence with the result in doubt until Forgotten Knot ran out and went off course. T & C Elite Sport Horses’ Riddles and Rhymes (Mackenzie Taylor) tired and was well beaten.

There were two additional flat races on the card—one an open race and the other for novice riders. Straylight Racing, LLC’s Invocation (Sean McDermott) raced well within striking distance while Chadd’s Ford Stable LLC’s Painters’ Rags (Keri Brion) made the running. Invocation engaged Painter’s Rags at the head of the stretch, battled

to the finish, and proved narrowly best, winning by a half length. Billy Santoro was the winning trainer, and Jonathan Sheppard trained the second and third place finishers.

Crossed Sabres Farm LLC’s Lochte (Eddie Keating) was third.

Sheppard had better luck in the novice rider race when he gave Eddie Keating a leg up on Buttonwood Farm’s Invigorating, who won by 6 lengths over Rosbrian Farm’s Sail Ahoy (Elizabeth Scully). Invigorating took the lead in the final quarter mile and won handily.

The six starters in the sidesaddle race followed Field Warrenton Hunt Point-to-Point, The Airlie Steeplechase Master Rick Laimbeer once around the course before being Open Hurdle, First Division released for the dash to the finish. Julie Nafe’s Gun Lobby Mutin (#9, Kieran Norris, up) – 1st; Mutasaawy (#12, Barry was quickest at the drop of the field master’s arm and held Foley, up) – 2nd.

Cherry Blossom Farm LLC’s King of Hearts (Devon Zebrovious) safe through the stretch and won by 2 lengths.

Becca Barker’s Evacuation was third.

Piedmont Fox Hounds Point-to-Point 3-23-2019 The featured Rokeby Challenge Bowl at the Piedmont Fox Hounds Point-to-Point on Saturday, March 23, near Upperville, Virginia, attracted four entries but only two went to the post. The pre-race favorite was Kinross Farm’s Old Timer, who won this race two years ago and was second last year. Armata Stables’ Vintage Vinnie (Eric Poretz) is a relative newcomer with two wins and a second over timber last year. In the race Old Timer, with Mark Beecher up for the first time, set the pace with Vintage Vinnie in his shadow. They stayed in that order until the last fence where Vintage Vinnie took the lead and steadily pulled away to win by 12 lengths. Joseph Davies saddled the winner.

A year ago Blair Waterman Wyatt’s Witor (Ger) won the amateur and novice rider timber race at Piedmont and was on hand to go for a double. Witor (Eric Poretz) was never far from the leaders racing third in the field for much of the race. At the last fence he had Kiplin Three’s Renegade River (Paul Cawley) and Ballybristol Farm LLC’s Warrenton Hunt Point-to-Point, The Airlie Steeplechase Mercouer (Aaron Sinnott) measured. He took the lead in Open Hurdle, Second Division the stretch and won going away by 1¼ lengths over ReneOrchestra Leader (Kieran Norris, up) – 1st. gade River. Mercouer was third. Blair’s husband Todd Wyatt was the winning trainer, and once again it was nice to see the Waterman silks in the winners’ circle at Piedmont.

Aaron Sinott won his first race over timber in the maiden race on Fat Chance Farm’s Flaming Sword, who was making his first start over timber for trainer Leslie Young. Sinott kept Flaming Sword close to the lead throughout the race. He pulled away from Bruton StreetUS’ Colt Lightning (Mark Beecher) and Bruton Street-US’ Le Aqua (Paul Cawley) after the last fence and won handily by 6 lengths. The top three finished in that order.

David Belt, Jr.’s Carnival Carl won the foxhunter timber race at Warrenton giving Hannah Belt her first win in her first effort over timber. They were running in the foxhunter timber race at Piedmont looking for back-to-back wins. T & C Elite Sport Horses’ Rocking Allen (Sam Warrenton Hunt Point-to-Point, Amateur/Novice Rider Cockburn) and Ben Swope’s Way Up High (Erin Swope) Hurdle were the opposition. In the race Carnival Carl took the lead (l-r) Magical Lemon (Brett Owings, up) – 1st; L’Aigle Royal at the start and went well over the first fence, but the sec(Alex Leventhal, up) – 2nd. ond fence, a stone wall with a drop on the landing side, proved a bit much for Hannah Belt as she and Carnival Carl parted company. Way Up High and Rocking Allen raced most of the rest of the way with little separation.

These two jumped the last fence as a team and battled to the finish where Rocking Allen won by a half length.

In the lady rider timber race Upland Partners’ Mystic Strike (Bethany Baumgardner) and Keystone Thoroughbred’s La Isabella (Erin Swope) shared the early lead with Kinross Farm’s Pocket Talk (Annie Yeager) content to let the others set the pace. The second fence proved to be the undoing of the two leaders as both were unseated. Pocket Talk negotiated the course without a mishap and won the race. This would be the first of two wins for trainer Joseph Davies.

Before the final three races on the flat, three divisions of juniors on ponies were a crowd pleaser. William Slater Piedmont Fox Hounds Point-to-Point, George Robert Slater won the small pony race on Lauren Schock’s Chewy, Memorial Open Timber Teddy Davies won the medium pony race on Elizabeth (l-r) Flaming Sword (#14, Aaron Sinnott, up) – 1st; Some McCue’s Count Chocula, and Colin Smith took the large Response (behind winner partially obscured, Eric Poretz, pony race on Mimi Schmitz’ Balls to the Walls. up); Holiday Mousse (#12, Jacob Roberts, up); Le Aqua (#3, Paul Cawley, up) – 3rd.

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IN & AROUND HORSE COUNTRY • SPRING 2019

The maiden flat race went to Wykham View Stables Smokin Caraquena (Teresa Croce). She joined the leaders in the final six furlongs, took the lead and held off Crossed Sabres Farm LLC’s Canal Zone (Keri Brion) by 1½ lengths.

Ballybristol Farm LLC’s Rakhaa (Aaron Sinnott) finished third. Carl Rafter was the winning trainer.

PathFinder Racing’s Front Line Paige (Jacob Roberts) proved best of the ten starters in the open flat race for trainer Neil Morris. The winner raced in the middle of the field, made a winning move in the final quarter mile and won going away by 8 lengths over Don Yovanovich’s North of Dubai (Gerard Galligan) and Shannon Hill Farm’s Macnicholson (Annie Yeager) was third.

Team PathFinder also won the three-horse Virginia bred or sired flat race with Talk Less (Jacob Roberts). He took the lead in the final furlongs and drew away in the stretch to win by 6 lengths. Heather Booterbaugh’s Scented Up (Mike Woodson) made the early running but was second best.

Orange County Hounds Point-to-Point 3/31/2019 The Orange County Hounds Point-to-Point ran on Sunday, Piedmont Fox Hounds Point-to-Point, Thomas M. March 31, at Magalen O. Bryant’s Locust Hill Farm near Beach and Virginia A. Beach Memorial Lady Rider Middleburg. The races went well in spite of competition on Timber Pocket Talk (Annie Yeager, up) – 1st. the same day from the Green Spring Valley Hounds Pointto-Point in Maryland and the Cheshire Point-to-Point Races in Pennsylvania. Add to this the Carolina Cup sanctioned races on Saturday, and it’s easy to see that competition for horses and riders was intense. In spite of all of this, Orange County fared pretty well.

There are two paths to the Virginia Gold Cup. One of these goes through Virginia and the other goes through Maryland. Last year Mike Smith’s Le Chevalier took the Virginia route and finished second in the big race while Sara Collette’s Zanclus went through Maryland, winning the My Lady’s Manor Stakes before winning the Virginia Gold Cup. Trainer Julie Gomena has once again chosen the Virginia path for Le Chevalier, but this year she added the open timber race at Orange County to the schedule. Three horses went to the post and Gordonsdale Farm’s Canyon Road (Barry Foley) and Irvin S. Naylor’s El Jefe Grande (Graham Watters) dueled for much of the race with Le Chevalier (Kieran Norris) sitting right behind these two. Kieran Norris let out a notch approaching the last fence and Le Chevalier quickly engaged Canyon Road. These two battled to the finish where Le Chevalier turned back Canyon Road’s bid by 1 length. If things go according to plans, these two might Orange County Hounds Point-to-Point, George L. meet again in the Middleburg Hunt Cup and the Virginia Ohrstrom Memorial Open Timber Gold Cup. Le Chevalier (Kieran Norris, up) – 1st.

Julie Gomena had two additional winners at Orange County. She won the open hurdle race with Bon Nouvel Chasers LLC’s Menacing Dennis (Shane Crimin) and the maiden flat race with Stonelea Stables LLC’s Devil’s Wrangler (Sam Cockburn). In the open hurdle race Menacing Dennis raced off the pace while Mrs. S. K. Johnston’s Ack Feisty (Jacob Roberts) and Beverly Steinman’s Shamsaan (Barry Foley) made the running. Menacing Dennis rallied to take the lead with less than a quarter mile to run and won over Shamsaan, who held on well but was second best. Ack Feisty was third.

In the maiden flat race Devil’s Wrangler took the lead in Orange County Hounds Point-to-Point, Locust Hill the early going, established a clear lead and won by 8 Open Hurdle lengths. PathFinder Racing owned and Neil Morris trained (l-r) Menacing Dennis (Aaron Sinnott, up) – 1st; Ack the second and third finishers. Jacob Roberts was on the secrd Feisty (#2, Jacob Roberts, up) – 3 . ond placed Catauga County and Shane Crimin was up on Gas Money.

The novice timber race was split due to rider conflicts with five runners in the first division and four in the second half. Orange County MFH Neil Morris trained the winner of the first division with William Russell’s Holiday Mousse (Jacob Roberts). Jason Cole’s Jeffery G. set the pace with Savage Den Stables’ Appoggiatura (Barry Foley) and Holiday Mousse close behind. The last time around Jeffery G. tired and Holiday Mousse and Appoggiatura moved to the front and battled to and over the last fence. Holiday Mousse landed running and drew away to win easily. Appoggiatura and Jeffery G. were second and third. The winning margin was 8 lengths.

In the second division S. Rebecca Shepherd’s Curve of Stones (Barry Foley) won at first asking for trainer David Bourke in a very competitive race. Curve of Stones and Kinross Farm’s Jump To Juneau (Jacob Roberts), who had won at Warrenton, dueled for the lead for much of the race. AdelOld Dominion Hounds Point-to-Point, High Thicket strop Hill’s King Candy (Kieran Norris) was in a good spot Novice Rider Flat just off the leaders. It was anybody’s race between these A close finish with Smoking Caraquena (David Pawlak, three with less than a quarter mile to run. Upon landing after nd up, blue and white) – 2 and partially obscured by the the last fence, Curve of Stones pulled away, beating King winner Hyperlapse (Bryan Cullinane, up) – 1st.

Candy by 1½ lengths with Jump to Juneau third.

In the maiden hurdle race Ellerslie Farm’s King of the Road (Graham Watters) led from the start with Beverly R. Steinman’s Go As You Please (Shane Crimin) in his shadow.

When Go As You Please lost her rider at the eighth fence, King of the Road assumed a clear lead and finished first over Taking the Lead Racing’s Lead Investor (Aaron Sinnott) by 2½ lengths. Jeff Murphy trained the winner.

Hall of Fame trainer Jonathan Sheppard saddled Buttonwood Farm’s Colonel Moorhead (Aaron Sinnott) to win the novice rider flat race by 1½ lengths over PathFinder Racing’s Shrove Tuesday (Eduardo Leiva). Colonel Moorhead was rated off the pace, made his move the second time around, took the lead in the final quarter mile, and easily held off Shrove Tuesday, who rallied belatedly.

When Gordonsdale Farm’s Overdrawn (Kieran Norris) won the open flat race, trainer James Piper broke his maiden as a trainer. Overdrawn raced within striking distance, took the lead at the top of the stretch, and battled S. Rebecca Shepherd’s Trustifarian (Barry Foley) to the finish where Overdrawn proved narrowly best.

Old Dominion Hounds Point-to-Point 4-6-2019 Irish novice rider Bryan Cullinane totally dominated the competition for leading rider as Jimmy Day likewise dominated the leading trainer competition at the Old Dominion Hounds Point-to-Point near Ben Venue on Saturday, April 6. Cullinane and Day were undefeated, Cullinane winning five times and Day winning with each of his four runners.

They started the day with a walkover in the first race with Shannon Hill Farm’s Macnicholson (Ire). Normally a walkover does not require riding around the course, but Day wanted him to have a good school. They completed the hurdle course and won the amateur/novice rider hurdle race.

Two horses ran in the maiden hurdle race, and Day sent Cullinane out on Charles C. Fenwick, Jr.’s Apollo Landing to lead all the way and drew off to win easily by 22 lengths.

Kiplin Three’s Leopard Cat (Paul Cawley) got a good school but was overmatched.

The amateur and novice rider and the foxhunter timber races were combined, making a five-horse field. Rocking Allen, who won the foxhunters’ race at Piedmont under Sam Cockburn set the pace with Celtic Venture Stable’s Southern Sail (Woods Winants) assuming a stalking trip. When Rocking Allen pulled up the last time around, Southern Sail took command and had little trouble holding off Ben Swope’s Way Up High (Erin Swope), who got up for second but was not a threat to the winner. The margin was 4 lengths.

Another two horse race followed in the open hurdle race.

Cristina V. Mosby’s Foxhall Drive (Bryan Cullinane/Jimmy Day) went to the lead at the drop of the flag and steadily widened romping home alone by at least 35 lengths. Kiplin Three’s Inle (Paul Cawley) was debuting over hurdles and was outclassed at this stage of his career. Foxhall Drive has now won this race back-to-back.

The featured Leeds Don open timber race attracted two starters, but was combined with the two entries in the ladies timber race making a four-horse field. Catch the Echo with lady rider Chloe Hannum making her first start set the pace with Black and Blue Stable’s Monstaleur (Forrest Kelly) from the open race slightly off the pace the first two miles.

With a half mile to run Catch the Echo had enough and pulled up relinquishing the lead to Monstaleur. Kinross Farm’s Just Wait and See (Ire) with Sam Cockburn up finished second 4 lengths behind the winner. Ben Swope’s Sweet Talking Guy (Erin Swope) was competitive with the open horses, and was the winner of the ladies race. Monstaleur is a seasoned veteran, who has won seven timber races in his career and will be seen making his next start under rules in Maryland.

Cullinane and Day were at it again in the novice rider flat race, which was combined with the restricted young adult flat race. Daybreak Stables, Inc.’s Irish-bred Hyperlapse emerged from a tightly bunched field with a half mile to run and held the others safe while never pulling away farther than necessary and won by 1 length over Wykham View Stables’ Smokin Caraquena (David Pawlak). Theo Sushko’s Street Review finished third and Charlie Marquez’ Mast Strike from the restricted young adult race was fourth but won his race.

Mike Woodson sent William Aylor, Jr. and Heather Booterbaugh’s Scented Up to the lead in the Virginia-bred or sired flat race and held that position until the final quarter mile where PathFinder Racing’s multiple winner Talk Less (Bryan Cullinane) made a winning move and finished first by 2½ lengths over Scented Up. Neil Morris saddled the winner, who has a commanding lead in this series.

IN & AROUND HORSE COUNTRY • SPRING 2019

13

FOXHUNTING Liz Callar photos

Noel Ryan, until recently Professional Huntsman for (l-r) Professional Whippers-In Tim Palm Beach Hounds, and Amy Savell share a moment Michel, Green Spring Valley Hounds, during Bull Run Hunt’s “March Madness” (a solid with Piedmont Fox Hounds’ John week of hunting) on Wednesday, March 28, 2019, Dean III and Michelle St Onge confrom Larry Levy’s The Hill.

Huntsman Graham Buston and hounds negotiate a stone wall in the Blue Ridge Hunt fer about a possible view during the territory while hunting from Callander, February 19, 2019. joint meet from Kinross Farm on February 28, 2019.

Thornton Hill Hounds rousted a willing fox for some excellent sport on Tuesday of Bull Run Hunt’s “March Madness Week,” March 27, 2019, at The Preserve.

Piedmont Huntsman Jordan Hicks.

A large field turned out when Piedmont Fox Hounds hosted Green Spring Valley Hounds from Kinross Farm on February 28, 2019. Leading the field through the farm entrance are (l-r) Green Spring Valley Joint Master Whit Foster and Piedmont Joint Masters Tad Zimmerman and Gregg Ryan.

IN & AROUND HORSE COUNTRY • SPRING 2019

14

FOXHUNTING

A Late Winter Trip to the Shires Good Sport, A Special Ball, Wonderful Friends

By Betsy Manierre Few foxhunters can recall a more challenging season than we’ve just experienced in Virginia. Ice and snow and rain—and epic mud!—have cancelled many a meet this year, and those of us with no access to indoor riding facilities have had a lot of trouble keeping our horses even minimally fit. Mother Nature’s antics and discouraging hunt-monitor announcements, cou(l-r) Glenn Epstein and Michael Hoffman on pled with on-going trans-Atlantic communication Ollie Finnegan’s hirelings at the Quorn, Rempston, from persuasive British friends, all presented us with Leicestershire. Betsy Manierre photo a very convincing case for hopping across The Pond to ride to hounds in the heart of England, where our sport began.

I’ve been fortunate enough to hunt in the United Kingdom for a couple of decades, since well before the Ban. I’ve accepted invitations to many iconic Shire packs. This year the Belvoir Hunt was hosting a special weekend in early February, so as the cold, wet, wet winter dragged on, I invited a few friends to join Robert Boucher and me for a few days’ sport in Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, and Rutland. Glenn Epstein, a landowning subscriber to the Piedmont Fox Hounds and now treasurer of the Orange County Hounds, eagerly accepted and persuaded his delightful friend Michael Hoffman, a past winner of the Maryland Hunt Cup, to come along.

We planned a busy week: after a day or so in London, we’d enjoy a big two-horse Saturday with Robert Boucher and Betsy Manierre enjoyed their visit to the Belvoir Hunt, and attend the Ball that night at the the Belvoir Hunt kennels. Glenn Epstein photo Duke and Duchess of Rutland’s home, Belvoir Castle. We’d spend Sunday afternoon watching the iconic Melton Hunt Club Cross-Country Ride, a race hosted this year by the Belvoir over some of their storied hunting country, and then retire to our inn at Woolsthorpe by Belvoir for a long, boozy, traditional English Sunday lunch by the fire. Such gatherings typically last until well after dark, but with no animal-care or other responsibilities there, we could relax and rest up for another couple of days’ hunting.

Glenn and Michael chose the Quorn for their Monday sport, and Michael joined me on Tuesday for a Danny Grange and his eagle pal Eddie follow the Belvoir Belvoir Lincolnshire day.

Packing for such an excursion is a nightmare, Hunt (Duke of Rutland's Hounds) and provide assistance of course. City togs: Robert’s London club, the Cavwhen they can. Betsy Manierre photo alry and Guards, requires relatively smart attire in its public areas, which meant a skirt for me, coat and tie for the gentlemen, and definitely no blue jeans allowed anywhere. Hunting kit: boots and spurs, helmet and hair net, gloves, clean breeches, shirts and stock ties for several days, gloves and vest, heavy frock coat and hunt whip—it all had to fit into our luggage along with clothes for the races, a visit to hunt kennels, restaurants and pubs. Formal eveningwear: the Duke and Duchess’s Belvoir Hunt Ball invitation did not explicitly state “scarlet if convenient,” but I knew my friends wouldn’t let our side of the Atlantic down there. Men in white tie and tailcoats are usually the peacocks of a hunt ball, anyway, so I selected a simple black strapless Ralph Lauren sheath instead of the impossible-to-pack Michael Dungworth, MFH, and Lady Alice Manners in poufy-skirted gown I’d been setting aside for the the Picture Gallery at Belvoir Castle, home of Lady event.

Alice’s parents, the Duke and Duchess of Rutland.

Bags packed and all reservations confirmed, I Nico Morgan photo

headed to Dulles International Airport at the end of January. Robert Boucher met me in London—he’d traveled ahead to visit his parents, who still live in Kent, near Canterbury—and we enjoyed a couple of days of shopping and visits to museums. On Thursday we met Glenn at Farlow’s, a traditional fieldsports outfitter on Pall Mall, and accepted his gracious treat of dinner at Chutney Mary in Saint James’s, one of London’s premier Indian restaurants.

Friday morning saw Robert, Glenn, and I leave London for our drive to the Midlands and our first look at the hirelings we’d be riding for our days with the Belvoir and the Quorn. Rachel and Ollie Finnegan provide what is an increasingly rare service—finding good horses is usually the weakest link in any hunting visit—and their reputation is good. After a quick stop at their yard near Wissendine, Leicestershire, we drove to Allan and Caroline Stewart’s house to introduce Glenn and have a nice cup of tea. That evening, we joined the Stewarts and Michael Hoffman, newly arrived from business meetings in London, at The Wheel at Branston, one of Britain’s many gastropubs, which are rapidly demolishing the nation’s old reputation for fusty, mediocre food. Many pints of traditional English beer, as well as a few gin and tonics, ensured that our dinner was a merry one. Across the room, Lady Alice Manners, the Duke’s hunting daughter, brought her large posse of beautiful friends, including her boyfriend Otis Ferry (ex-Master of the South Shropshire and oldest son of Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Bryan Ferry, of Roxy Music).

Despite our delicious fish and chips and steaks, and the lively conversation, we watched with apprehension as big, fat snowflakes fell outside the pub’s windows. Had we brought foul weather with us?

We’d see in the morning if the show would go on: perhaps a change of meet, or a reduction to just a onehorse day, or both, was in the cards, Caroline explained.

Caroline is the very capable Secretary of the Belvoir Hunt. A warm and attractive woman, she’s a bold rider in the hunt field and no pushover when it comes to her duties as Secretary—a thankless job in any hunt, in my opinion. She’d generously lent me both her super pony, Finn, and Mack, her daughter’s horse over the years, downplaying her kindness with a transparent fiction that I was “helping her out by keeping them fit” while Molly was at university.

She’d offered me valuable advice and assistance putting our trip together over the many weeks leading up to our travels, ensuring that every possible detail was covered. Only the weather could not be controlled…

The next day we woke to frosty ground, but the Belvoir’s Masters had determined that we would hunt, after all. The meet was moved to the kennels, and we would need just one horse, as Caroline had predicted. Our disappointment was ever so slightly tempered by savings of a couple hundred pounds in hireling fees and the prospect of spending the entire day on the Duke of Rutland’s gorgeous 16,000-acre estate.

IN & AROUND HORSE COUNTRY • SPRING 2019

The Belvoir kennels are stately and historic; Sir Alfred Munnings painted them many times, so they’re iconic as well. Huntsman John Holliday and his staff, immaculately turned-out as always, gave the field more than as good a day’s sport as we could expect on the slippery footing. We had a few good runs, and I even had a view. Glenn, Robert, and Michael ran and jumped with the boldest members of the field, and we all enjoyed the changing scenery as we circumnavigated the Castle. Our horses went well and we handed them back to the Finnegans’ grooms gratefully at the end of the day.

After a warm-up, a rest-up, and a clean-up, our little group met for “predrinks drinks” (yes, that is a thing in England) at the pub attached to our little inn, the Chequers at Woolsthorpe. (The village is not to be confused with another Woolsthorpe nearby, which boasts the childhood home of Sir Isaac Newton; his apple tree still thrives there. Nevertheless, a couple from our party did, so we met them up at the Castle as the Ball began—just for “drinks.”)

Belvoir Castle looked stunning. The Hunt Ball Committee’s weeks of hard work were evident as we approached the crenellated walls and towers of the Duke and Duchess of Rutland’s home. We entered through the main guards’ entrance, its walls adorned with medieval weapons in geometrical array, and swanned our way up the grand staircase to the Picture Gallery. It was already packed. Under the giant portrait of Henry VIII (you’d recognize it), and paintings by Stubbs, Reynolds, Gainesborough, Ferneley, and others, hundreds of us sipped our cocktails and Champagne, straining to hear and be heard in the crowd. Michael looked elegant in his formal kilt; an evening cape and top hat added panache to Glenn’s scarlet tails and white tie. The Americans looked right at home.

Dinner was announced and we proceeded to the State Dining Room, set in all its glory.

Tables had sold out almost instantly weeks before—the Ball promised to be a successful evening, financially as well as socially, for the hunt. Our party tucked into a marvelous feast and opened a few bottles of wine. Huntsman John Holliday and his lovely partner, Sophie Oliver, were in sparkling form.

The Belvoir Hunt stables couldn’t function without Sophie, but tonight she looked so glamorous, she appeared to have never touched a dandy brush in her life. She brought the Belvoir’s handsome first whip, Louis Chutter, with her; (l-r) Michael Hoffman and Glenn Epstein stand in he brought the average age of front of George Stubbs’ 1778 portrait of two Man- the table down nicely. Wellners family dogs, Turk and Crab, which hangs in the known sporting artist Daniel Picture Gallery at Belvoir Castle. Nico Morgan photo Crane and his bubbly wife, Ali, had postponed their stay in Ireland, where Daniel is a Master of the Scarteen, to join us. The Stewarts, Michael, Glenn, and Robert, rounded out the table, and we girls didn’t mind being outnumbered there at all.

After a fabulous dinner, we headed downstairs for dancing.

The entrance had been transformed into a disco, with lasers and Otis serving as DJ, and revelry continued into the wee hours. Wood-fired-oven pizza kept the crowd fueled and libations flowed freely. We were glad we didn’t have far to go on back to the Chequers!

The weather took its toll the following morning, how(l-r) James Kelly and Otis Ferry, ex-MFH, at the ever, and the Melton Hunt Club mixing desk, ready to DJ at the Belvoir Hunt Ball. race was postponed for two Nico Morgan photo

15

Kennels of the Belvoir Hunt (the Duke of Rutland’s Hounds). Betsy Manierre photo

weeks. We arose somewhat gingerly to greet the day and accepted John Holliday’s generous invitation to visit his kennels instead. They are beautiful, and the pack that resides in them exudes quality and vigor. Incredibly no worse for wear from last night, John showed us around and opened the Duke’s Room for us. A delightful miniature museum of Belvoir Hunt photographs and memorabilia, it still boasts the 6th Duke’s seat behind a small barrier that allowed His Grace to visit his hounds in comfort. Robin Smith-Ryland, who seems to—poof!—always appear at my side wherever I’m hunting in England, was also there with a small group of guests. Robin’s a member of a particular species native to the United Kingdom, the Mad Hunting Man. Like many exquisitely adapted creatures, their number is now sadly in decline; this is a shame, as he seems to always know the country, wherever we are, and is so charming he usually gets away with taking his own line or the odd short-cut. It was a delight to see him again and to introduce him to my American friends.

As racing was out we were forced to spend our whole afternoon in the Chequers pub instead, at the large table by the fire, which on Caroline’s advice I’d reserved months before. Warm parsnip soup, a savory pork loin and roast beef with heaps of winter veggies and lots of conversation made for a perfect afternoon. A little “hair of the dog” didn’t hurt, either. The current Duke of Rutland arrived with some guests and took the other big table, and Robert and I headed to the back room to find Lady Alice and her remarkably unscathed friends (ah, youth!) to thank her for a fantastic party. Then we all stumbled across the car park to our rooms for an early night.

The next morning, Michael and Glenn drove to their meet with the Quorn, while Caroline and I car-followed for a bit. The weather finally cooperated, but one of Glenn’s horses did not. Mastering the famed Leicestershire hedges with aplomb, Glenn nevertheless bought a couple of patches of Midlands soil and came in early with us. Michael went on for a full day, using the second horse that he’d been unable to enjoy on Saturday.

The following morning Michael joined Caroline and me in Lincolnshire for another day with the Belvoir. My friend graciously lent me her daughter’s lovely gelding, Mack, a big, solid F-250 of a horse—exactly what one needs when facing the ditches and dikes that crisscross the territory. It’s a completely different landscape than their big fashionable hedge country, and the generally smaller fields impart a friendly atmosphere to the Belvoir’s Lincolnshire meets. John Holliday sent an invitation back to Michael to ride up with him for the duration, which made for a very special experience. Returning to the meet, at Ruth and James Measures’ farm, we sidled up to a groaning board covered with an eyepopping array of homemade cakes, savory pies and a gallon-sized teapot. To his very great credit, a somewhat creaky, recovering Glenn listened to our enthusiastic report of the day with good-natured interest.

The big Shire packs have just experienced one of the best stretches of lateseason sport in recent memory: after an equine-flu scare put pause to all racing and hunting for a few days, British horsemen hit the saddle again with a vengeance. As our American season ends, we think back on days sadly missed, on days of good sport enjoyed with friends—and we look forward to the late summer, when we can begin to leg up our mounts and anticipate more days to come. But keep an eye on those airline fares: everyone should experience Leicestershire hunting at least once!

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HORSE RACING

IN & AROUND HORSE COUNTRY • SPRING 2019

Horses and People to Watch Virginia Equine Alliance

Mark Your Calendars: Thoroughbred, Steeplechase, and Harness Racing Dot the 2019 Virginia Horse Racing Calendar Spring weather has arrived at last, and that means Virginia equine enthusiasts are enjoying a slate of steeplechase and point-to-point racing events that dot the Commonwealth’s landscape each year. The 2019 summer racing scene will be even more enticing since Colonial Downs, the state’s only pari-mutuel Thoroughbred racetrack, is back in business and will reopen after a six year hiatus. And pari-mutuel harness racing will return for a fourth straight year at Shenandoah Downs in Woodstock this fall.

The Point-to-Point season of spring races kicked off March 16th with the Warrenton Hunt, and action will continue every weekend thru the April 28th Middleburg Hunt. A complete list of meets can be found at www.centralentryoffice.com. This year, the Virginia Equine Alliance (VEA) is funding a new starter reward program called “Points to Points Pay.” Any horse that starts in a flat, hurdle, or timber race and is owned or trained by a Virginian will Accountable has won twice at Great Meadow during Gold Cup events. receive $200 per start. It’s an effort to increase The May 4th edition will include the participation and build field size at these Kentucky Derby simulcast after live events. Through the first two weeks of action, racing is compete. Douglas Lees photo $10,000 in award monies was distributed.

Highlight of the annual steeplechase calendar is the 94th running of the Virginia Gold Cup Races, set for Saturday May 4th at Great Meadow in The Plains. The afternoon festivities generally attract 70,000 spectators and feature both a tailgate and hat contest, terrier races and nine horse races—six hurdle/timber events followed by three flat races. Betting is available on all the races including the simulcast of the Kentucky Derby, which finishes out the day. Three spectator areas are available—Members Hill, the North Rail, and South Rail areas. General admission and Members Hill admission passes are now on sale at local retailers, at www.vagoldcup.com, or by calling 540-347-2612. The 82nd running of the International Gold Cup is scheduled for Saturday October 26th.

Thoroughbred racing will make a highly anticipated return to Colonial Downs in New Kent this summer. The five week, fifteen day meet will begin August 8th and continue thru September 7th with racing scheduled every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday at 5 PM. A special Labor Day program will be held on Monday, September 2nd at 1 PM. The country’s top three-year-old turf horses will compete in the 17th running of the Grade 3 Virginia Derby on Saturday August 31st. Colonial Downs, which will open a Rosie’s Gaming Emporium complex at the track in late April, features the widest grass course and second largest dirt oval in the country. The Secretariat Turf Course is 180 feet wide and the dirt track is 1¼ miles long, second only to Belmont’s which is 1½ miles around. About 80% of the summer races are expected to be carded on grass. Colonial Downs is just off I-64 at Exit 214, halfway between Richmond and Williamsburg. More information is at www.colonialdowns.com.

A five-week harness racing season will again go to post beginning September 13th at the Shenandoah County Fairgrounds in Woodstock. Pacers and trotters will battle over the half-mile oval every Friday at 3:30 PM and Saturday at 2:00 PM through October 12th. Betting is available on all the races. A final (non-betting) day of racing will be held on Sunday, October 13th. Parking and admission are free and the action is family friendly. The track is located off I-81 at Exit 283, halfway between Winchester and Harrisonburg in the heart of the Shenandoah Valley. More details are at www.shenandoahdowns.com.

Stay up to date on the latest news and events at www.virginiahorseracing.com.

Better yet, spend a day at one of these events and support these equine athletes and the hard working support staff that operates behind the scenes. Happy Spring!

Colonial Downs Update; Nine Virginia-Bred Stakes Along With Steeplechase Racing Will Be Held In New Kent This Summer Besides the Virginia Derby and other open stakes races, Colonial Downs will card nine stakes for Virginia-Bred, Sired, or Certified horses. Many of these were held at the New Kent track before it closed in 2013 and several were added since that time and contested in Maryland at Laurel and Pimlico. The Tyson Gilpin, Meadow Stable, Nellie Mae Cox, and Edward Evans Stakes will showcase racing on August 10th while the Punch Line, Camptown, Bert Allen, Brookmeade, and Jamestown Eclipse award winning Gio Ponti Virginia Derby.

Stakes will all go to post on September 7th. Purses captured the 2008 th for the nine races have increased to $100,000 com- The stake’sst17 running will be August 31 at Colonial Downs. pared with $75,000 last year.

Coady Photography photo

The $250,000 Virginia Derby, which has been won by champion horses like Kitten’s Joy, Gio Ponti, and English Channel, highlights a four-pack of open stakes on August 31st. The $150,000 Virginia Oaks, $100,000 Kitten’s Joy, and the new $100,000 Rosie’s Stakes will provide fans with a stellar under card program.

Steeplechase racing will be featured during each racing week. While subject to change, current plans call for two jump races each Saturday of the meet.

“The National Steeplechase Association Board of Directors and I are delighted to be a part of the inaugural meet of the new Colonial Downs,” said NSA President Guy J. Torsilieri. “We have a very large constituency in Virginia, and there’s great enthusiasm in the jump-racing community for returning to a tremendous facility.”

The inaugural $50,000 Randolph D. Rouse Steeplechase Stakes will be held on the meet’s closing day in conjunction with the second Virginia-bred Stakes program.

“Colonial Downs welcomes the return of steeplechase racing to the Secretariat Turf Course,” said Jill Byrne, Colonial’s vice president of racing operations. “Jump racing has such a deep history in Virginia and the Mid-Atlantic region, so we are thrilled to host a time-honored tradition as racing returns to the Commonwealth.”

Colonial Downs is under new ownership and the entire Virginia horse racing industry has a new sense of momentum and optimism courtesy of 3,000 historical horse racing (HHR) terminals that will be placed at the track and at future Rosie’s Gaming Emporium Centers in Richmond, Vinton, Hampton, and Chesapeake. The HHR machines allow players to wager past horse races on slot machine-like terminals that have various themed games. Payoffs are still determined through pari-mutuel pools.

This new revenue stream has led to the return of racing at Colonial Downs, which originally started there in 1997.

In addition to the New Kent track, a series of Rosie’s Gaming Emporium sites will include up to 700 HHR terminals at each location and offer live simulcast wagering from tracks around the country. The Rosie’s at New Kent will open in April with 600 HHR terminals, followed by Vinton in May (150 terminals), Richmond in June (700 terminals), and Hampton in September (700 terminals). A Chesapeake site is still being sought.

Colonial Downs will also operate four “VA Horseplay” Off Track Betting Centers that are in existing bar/restaurants.

Originally opened by the Virginia Equine Alliance (VEA) as Virginia Bets OTBs, Colonial took over ownership and manageFall harness racing will return to Woodstock’s Shenandoah ment of them on April 1st. Downs every Friday and Saturday afternoon from September 13th The four will continue to through October 12th, with a final (non-betting) day on Sunday, October 13th. Dee Leftwich photo offer live simulcast wagering from up to 20 tracks daily. Locations are in Henrico, Richmond, Chesapeake, and Collinsville.

For more details on Colonial Downs, visit colonialdowns.com.

New Standardbred Residency Program To Begin In 2019 The Virginia Harness Horse Association (VHHA), in conjunction with the VEA, is introducing a new Certified Residency Bonus Program that will begin immediately for foals born beginning in 2019.

Once horses complete a six month residency at a Virginia farm or training center (before they turn two), they are eligible to begin collecting bonuses as two and threeyear-olds in any overnight race where they receive a piece of the purse. A bonus pool of at least $200,000 will be available annually for those certified horses.

“The residency program is designed to bring new horses into the state,” said VEA Executive Director Jeb Hannum. “The Standardbred program is exciting as it stands to impact farms that wouldn’t normally be associated with racing. A six-month stay in Virginia, or longer, will help a lot of farms and will direct much needed revenue to agricultural businesses. Our main goal is to increase the number of Standardbred horses that are being raised in Virginia.”

“I think this shows that Virginia is back in the race and that the future looks bright,” added Dr. Scott Woogen, VHHA President.

Horses compete in the Warrenton Hunt’s Novice Timber event on March 16th at the Airlie Resort. $6,000 was paid out in starter rewards courtesy of the new VEA incentive program.

Douglas Lees photo

HUNT BALLS

And the Crowd Went Wild!

Richard Clay Photos

(l-r) Diane Jones, Tommy Lee Jones, Joint-Master Joyce Fendley, and Joint-Master William G. Fendley leading the recognition of Tommy Lee Jones as he approaches 50 years of service as Huntsman for Casanova Hunt. A truly remarkable achievement.

The King had the Casanova Hunt Ball rockin’!

The Masters and Casanova Hunt members had a rousing hunt ball March 9, 2019. After a tribute to Diane and Tommy Lee Jones, Casanova’s renowned huntsman for 50 years, and after a trio played through the dinner hour, the evening’s band, Big Ray and the Kool Kats, started pumping a familiar beat. Tapping their feet, craning their necks, everyone was looking around the room, anticipating who or what would be the night’s surprise entertainment. And then Elvis entered the building. He is the King. Everyone was on their feet, clapping, screaming, and hearing not only great songs but laughing to the back and forth repartee with the crowd. In between Elvis may have left the building, songs, Elvis made his way around the room blessing a but Tommy Lee Jones was still busting a move on the dance floor. few women with his special Elvis red satin scarves. Recipients Joyce Fendley, Betty Oare, Hally Woodbury, E. Sue Bopp, and yours truly got to put our arms around the hunk-a-hunk of burning love who flew in from Las Vegas and posed with many of us in a worthy photo op.

Friends and guests from other hunts joined the Casanova crowd, singing and dancing, bidding on the extensive and creatively displayed silent auction. The large bar cabinet would look great at my house and the pair of hunt scene upholstered chairs would be perfect in Horse Country.

The room was overflowing with couples deciding how high to bid on their favorite item(s): African safari, Waterford crystal, taxidermy, art, too many choices.

The women turned out in ball finery, the peacocks in abundance, not only wearing evening white tie and scarlet tails or dress uniforms but bedecked with military medals on broad chests. Thank you for your service. On this special night, all the Liz Callar www.smugmug.com women were glamorous, all the men handsome.

It was a celebratory ending to a hunt season where weather cancelled many a day.

Elvis left the building, heading immediately back to Vegas. Big Ray and the Kool Kats kept everyone dancing ’til the wee hours. As I drove home, I wondered what Joyce Fendley, MFH and hunt ball creator, would plan next.

Marion

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