In & Around Horse Country Summer 2024

VOLUME XXXVI / NUMBER 2 • THE OFFICIAL

JUNIORS Countdown to JNAFHC Finals Weekend

The Rolling Rock Hunt will welcome Juniors to the Ligonier Valley of western Pennsylvania for the 2024 Junior North American Field Hunter Championships on the weekend of September 27 & 28. The location for the Championships this year will be the Rolling Rock Pony Club Grounds, a space preserved by the Mellon Family Foundation and totally dedicated to equestrian sports in the heart of hunt country.

Due to the growth of the program, with so much fun to be had and so many juniors participating, the JNAFHC finals has evolved into a two-day format beginning this year. The juniors will be judged during a live “juniors-only” hunt on Friday, with individual tests for finalists in each division taking place on Saturday, along with Whip Cracking, Horn Blowing, and Hound Judging competitions, followed by a guest hunt on Sunday. Stabling will be on site and limited to juniors only. Food is planned for the weekend on site with dinners and tailgates. A list of local accommodations is in the works for the website.

The list of requirements for eligibility, which juniors have been working on during the season, include the following:

• Age: 18 & younger as of August 1, 2023.

• Be a junior member of a Hunt or Pony Club affiliated with a Hunt.

• Successfully complete 1 Qualifier, 5 hunts, 3 hound/kennel activities (mounted or unmounted). See activity log on the website and FB.

• Complete the requirements on the horse or pony that you plan to ride in the Championship.

• Your activity log must be completed, initialed, and attached to your entry form for finals, which will be due by August 1, 2024.

The JNAFHC is grateful to the hunts that hosted qualifiers during the 2023-24 season from across North America. With everyone’s commitment to the next generation, we are giving our young foxhunters the opportunity to form deeper connections with the foxhunting community and the sport we wish to preserve.

For updated information and opportunities for sponsorship, visit the website www.JNAFHC.com and Facebook page Junior North American Field Hunter Championship. The JNAFHC is a 501c3 organization.

The setting for this year’s JNAFHC finals will be the grounds of the Rolling Rock Pony Club, one of the original first 13 Pony Clubs in the U.S., founded in 1954. Laurie Havrisko photo

Pony riders gather for pre-race conference at the Piedmont Foxhounds Point-to-Point. (l-r) Abby Taylor, Cami Kern, Tessa Tullock, Ximena Aguilera , Yomar Ortiz, and Will Sickler. Douglas Lees photo

In her second win of the day at the Rappahannock Hunt Point-to-Point, Abby Taylor took first place in the Horse Country sponsored Medium Pony Race on Spur of the Moment. Douglas Lees photo

Cami Kern rode Mallory to victory in the pony races at the Piedmont Foxhounds Point-to-Point. Douglas Lees photo

Rappahannock Hunt Point-to-Point Small Pony Race

(l-r) Gilbert (Pauly Aquilera, up) – 2nd; Roger (Abby Taylor, up) – 1st Douglas Lees photo

Under the leadership of Regina Welsh, these young jockeys put on a show for the crowd at the Loudoun Hunt races competing against each other on Shetland Ponies. (l-r) Emmy Wright, Daniel Edelstein, Clara Polinsky, Bitty Wright, Riley Lanham, Hazel Deriu, and Valentine Lovatto. Liz Callar photo

A swelling crowd turned out for Mr. Stewart’s Cheshire Foxhounds’ Vixen Meet on March 8, 2024 from Ms. Lydia Bartholomew’s “Plumsted.” Mark Jump photo

Howard County – Iron Bridge Huntsman Kelly Burdge brought hounds over from Mount Airy, MD, for a joint meet with Bull Run Hunt from their Freedom Fields fixture, March 19, 2024 during March Madness Hunt Week. Assisting Kelly are (l-r) Emily Melton and Kathy Scranton with Bull Run Hunt Whipper-in David Clore behind. Emily serves as Huntsman at New Market – Middletown Valley Hounds and also helps out as a whip at Howard County – Iron Bridge. Mark Jump photo

La

Please join us for an art sale featur Opening M a ing artwor ay 25 t the nds and rk, Lees Museum of Hou at Morven Pa

Contact: mhhna.org@icloud.com

Green Spring Valley Hounds Huntsman Ashley Hubbard had a “Ledbury hedge moment” during Closing Meet from Maryland’s Stillwater Farm, March 30, 2024. Karen Kandra photo

De

Brooke Huntsman Kami Bitting, aided by (l-r) Masters Tom Attick and Sarah Hruda, led hounds for the start of the Vixens Hunt held on March 22, 2024, in Leonardtown, Maryland. Mark Jump photo

SPORTING LIFE HIGHLIGHTS

Museum of Hounds & Hunting Opens Second Location

As the Museum of Hounds & Hunting, founded in 1985, approaches its 40th year, it now has a second location where the public can learn about the history of mounted sport. In addition to its original location at Morven Park in Leesburg, an extension is now up and running in Middleburg.

A ribbon cutting was held on March 14th for this new project located at 11 West Washington Street. A host of supporters was on hand to celebrate the event.

As noted in the Museum’s press release, the collection on display includes oil paintings by Frederick Herring, John F. Herring, Sandra Forbush, Jean Bowman, Ben Marshall, Julian Chamberlain and others of foxhunting scenes or foxhound studies. A gallery was dedicated to Middleburg’s renowned photographer Howard Allen depicting racing, hunting, and the notable horse men and women of the Piedmont area in a series of original photographs. Equestrian bronze sculptures from the museum collection were on display with several available for sale.

Fireside chats, talks featuring art, artifacts, foxhunting, and related subjects are in the plans to educate and entertain at special events. A Reading Room will be available to members for their reading and research pleasure.

The Museum will host an exhibit of paintings for sale at Morven Park on May 25-26 as a joint benefit for the 100th anniversary of Old Dominion Hounds. The Museum’s annual bronze sale will be held at the same time.

“With these two museums,” Director of Operations for the MHHNA Katrina Ryan says, “we aim to fulfill the need for our members and visitors to understand and embrace the value of riding to hounds as an important component of not only the horse industry, but also its significance for land conservation in our area and across the country.”

For more news and updates, please visit mhhna.org.

PHOTOGRAPHERS:

Liz Callar www.lizcallar.com

Coady Photography www.coadyphotography.com

Ray Cordero, Mainline Photography

Sandy Dixon

Kari Fulford

Laurie Havrisko

Mark Jump markjumpphotography.com

Karen Kandra

Tiffany Dillon Keen dillonkeenphotography.com

Douglas Lees douglaslees@comcast.net

Camden Littleton camdenlittletonphotography.com

Joanne Maisano joannemaisano.com

Middleburg Photo

Jim Peebles

VEA

MFHA Launches “Best Practices” Initiative

In her inaugural address marking the start of her three-year term as president of the Masters of Foxhounds Association, Penny Denegre (MFH, Middleburg Hunt) outlined the newly initiated “Best Practices” program. The objective is tap into the extensive resource of ideas and undertakings among the association’s 136 member hunts to help deal with the many challenges facing foxhunting today, such as:

•Opening and maintaining territory

•Maintaining good landowner relations

•Introducing young people and newcomers to the sport

•Keeping up with the latest horse and hound health issues

Speaking at the MFHA’s annual meeting in New York City on January 26, 2024, Denegre said, “Foxhunting obviously continues to face a mass of challenges. But here’s the kicker: no one has all the answers. So, what can be done? How can all of us work the challenges in perhaps a more effective and efficient way?

“An answer can be found in the words ‘all of us.’ You’ve no doubt heard smart ways of dealing with hunting challenges from fellow foxhunters at meetings like this, at MFHA seminars and conferences, while out hunting, or over a beer somewhere. The point is that, collectively, we foxhunters have a lot of good solutions for the majority of the challenges that face us. Success stories abound in our community!

“But how do we tap into all those success stories and valuable lessons found in over 136 hunts across North America? I see the MFHA becoming very active collecting and sharing valuable conversations. We’ll be kind of a clearinghouse for smart ways to preserve foxhunting.

“Then the MFHA will share the best practices from these conversations. It will include ideas for fundraising, connecting with landowners, safety in the field, hound nutrition, and much more.”

Penny went on to explain that new ideas and proven practices from member hunts will be shared via such channels as the association’s newsletter,  Covertside magazine, emails, seminars, etc.

In our “Hunt Club Longevity” article (Winter/Spring 2024), we reported on five hunt clubs that recently celebrated their 100th anniversary. In four of those reports, we mentioned all currently serving masters. However, for the coverage of Sewickley Hunt, we failed to cite two of the

are all three masters (l-r)

Ball at Allegheny Country Club in Sewickley Heights,

mation provided for the article and apologize for the oversight. Ray Cordero, Mainline Photography

is published 4 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 Fall issue is Aug. 5, 2024. Payment in full due with copy.

Publisher: Marion MaggioloManaging Editor: J. Harris Anderson

Advertising: Debbie Cutler (540) 347-3141, (800) 882-4868, Email: hcdebbiebtc@aol.com

Contributors: J. Harris Anderson; Osmun; Betsy Burke Parker; Virginia Equine Alliance; Jenny Young

LAYOUT & DESIGN: Kate Houchin

Copyright © 2024 In & Around Horse Country®. All Rights Reserved. Volume XXXVI, No. 2

POSTMASTER: CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED

COVER PHOTO: Crealion (FR) (Thomas Garner up) captured the win in the David Semmes Memorial Steeplethon at the Virginia Gold Cup Races, May 4, 2024. Joanne Maisano photo

The Museum of Hounds & Hunting opened its new Middleburg location on March 14, 2024. (l-r) Museum Board member Joseph Keusch (ex-MFH), Museum member Anne Sittmann, Vice Mayor Chris Bernard (behind the column), Mayor Trowbridge Littleton, Museum Director of Operations Katrina Ryan, Museum Chairman Nancy G. Bedford, Museum Board member Donna T. Rogers (MFH), Town Council Member Peter Leonard-Morgan. Photo courtesy MHHNA

Penny Denegre, MFH, Middleburg Hunt, began her three-year term as MFHA president in January. Middleburg Photo

three current masters, a regrettable error on our part. Shown here

Brian Daniels, Meg Guilot, and Carole Thompson at the 2023 Hunt

PA. We appreciate the infor-

HOUND SHOWS

The Spring Hound Show Season Kicks Off

Southern

Hound Show

April 6, 2024

Eight packs competed at the show hosted by Live Oak Hounds (FL) at the home of joint masters Marty and Daphne Wood. Judges Charles Frampton, MFH/Huntsman Heythrop Hunt, and Dr. Steven Thomas, MFH/Huntsman Fort Leavenworth Hunt, were joined by apprentice judge Melissa Town, MFH Bear Creek Hounds.

“What a pleasure and privilege to be asked to judge the Southern Hound Show once again,” Charles Frampton reported. “The sun shone and the hounds were all produced and shown to the highest order. Yet again the quality of the hounds that were presented to us would have taken ribbons from even the best of English show winners!

“The morning started with the young dog hounds,” he continued. “This class had plenty of variety and types to look at but in the end Live Oak Strongbow prevailed. The next class of note was for the best Entered Dog. The winner of this was Hillsboro Rifle ’23 who would eventually go on to become Grand Champion of the show. He was a very smart, white, free moving dog with a lovely shoulder and hind leg. This is one of the best hounds that I have seen in recent years. He will no doubt go on to make a wonderful stallion hound and his progeny will be hugely sought after.”

Carolinas Hound Show

April 20, 2024

Happily, the Carolinas Hound Show, hosted by Moore County Hounds, was back in action this year following last year’s cancelation due to kennel cough. At the show grounds in Southern Pines, NC, hounds from ten hunts competed under the knowledgeable assessment of Judge Dr. Jack van Nagell, MFH, Iroquois Hunt. In addition to hunts based in North and South Carolina, clubs from Virginia and Ohio also brought hounds to compete for the rosettes and trophies.

At day’s end, it was a Virginia hound, Bedford Hector, that posed for the Grand Championship photo.

The Junior Handlers class was, as always, a highlight of the show. Divided into three divisions— 6 and under, 6-12, and 13-18—the competition was keen, entertaining, and spoke well for the future of foxhunting in the Carolinas.

Southwest Hound Show

April 20, 2024

Sandy Dixon, MFH, Brazos Valley Hounds, filed this report on the Southwest Hound Show she and her team hosted:

“Despite four inches of rain, the Southwest Hound Show is in the books. We had a small group of packs due to the horrible weather. However, everyone enjoyed the day as friends and competitors. The young unentered hounds were very taken aback by being asked to lead and chase biscuits in the pouring rain with thunder rolling in the distance. The entered hounds, though, stepped up to do their job showing in a ‘good ol’ Texas monsoon.’ Cloudline Sly ’21 was Grand Champion (Cloudline Welcome ’12— Cloudline Stitch ’18) taking home the Bobby Dixon Memorial Trophy. Brazos Valley Eagle ’17 (Piedmont Erskine ’13— Brazos Valley Marley ’10) was Reserve Champion.

“Andrew Barclay was a joy to have as our guest and judge. He was a good sport with pouring rain, soaked competitors, and shivering hounds dodging the thunder. We appreciate Susan and Rex Gentry, Joey DeGoss, and Jennifer White for driving to the show that morning. As always, I appreciate the Brazos Valley membership for jumping in to help show hounds, prepare the food, clean up dishes, and entertain our guests. Kathy Brown jumped in setting up the ring. She’s my hero.”

Southern Hound Show Grand Champion Hillsboro Rifle ’23 shown by Junior Rosie Voight who helped show all the hounds for Hillsboro. (l-r) Judge Charles Frampton, MFH/Huntsman, Heythrop Hunt; Apprentice Judge Melissa Town, MFH, Bear Creek Hounds; Judge Dr. Steven Thomas, MFH/Huntsman, Fort Leavenworth Hunt. Kari Fulford photo

Carolinas Hound Show Grand Champion, Bedford Hector, shown by Huntsman Elizabeth (“Libby”) Gilbert with (l-r) Mary Long, MFH, Bedford Hunt; David Raley, Huntsman, Shakerag Hounds; and Judge Dr. Jack van Nagell, MFH, Iroquois Hunt. Mark Jump photo

Blue ribbon winners in the Junior Handlers class at the Carolinas Hound Show: Parker Carty, daughter of Sedgefield Huntsman Randall Carty, with Sedgefield Xena ’19 and Sam McKee, grandson of Gary Riggs, MFH, Red Mountain Hounds, with Red Mountain Vicksburg ’17. Mark Jump photo

Cloudline Sly ’21, shown by Rex Gentry, prevailed through a “Texas monsoon” to take the championship at the Southwest Hound Show under the practiced eye of Andrew Barclay, MFHA Executive Director. Photo courtesy of Sandy Dixon

FOXHUNTING

The

An Evening With the Masters

Mission to Protect the Piedmont Region

By J. Harris Anderson, Managing Editor

It’s no exaggeration to describe Virginia’s Piedmont area as foxhunting’s Mecca. Nowhere else are so many hunts based in such close proximity. They are clubs with deep history, including the oldest hunt in the US, founded in 1840.

Six hunts based in that region were represented when the Virginia Piedmont Heritage Area hosted “An Evening with the Masters” at Upperville’s Buchanan Hall on February 29, 2024. The event was organized through the tireless efforts of VPHA board member Catherine Ann Johns and her team of volunteers. I was honored to serve as the presentation’s moderator and the participation of the six masters who made up the engaging and knowledgeable panel no doubt accounted for the sold-out crowd. Those six, listed as they were seated on stage, were:

• David Moyes, Loudoun Fairfax Hunt

• Gregg Ryan, Piedmont Fox Hounds

• Sue Bopp, Warrenton Hunt

• Penny Denegre, Middleburg Hunt

• Anne McIntosh, Blue Ridge Hunt

• Jeb Hannum, Orange County Hounds

The stated mission of the VPHA is “to educate and advocate for the preservation of the extraordinary historic landscape and culture of the Piedmont Heritage Area for future generations.” The Masters of Foxhounds Association’s mission is to promote, preserve, and protect the sport of mounted hunting with hounds. Given the obvious symbiosis, the evening’s discussion focused on subjects of critical importance to both groups.

The program began with comments from Steve Price, VPHA Chairman. “Our work is preservation through education,” he explained. “Our adult ticketed programming directly funds our free in-classroom history lessons and field trips for the area’s youth. Last year was a banner year for the VPHA with over 5,000 students in public and private schools reached. We hope to inspire future generations to care for and protect our outstanding local historical resources.”

Steve noted that the audience’s attendance helps ensures this happens and thanked them for their support.

He went on to describe how the VPHA recently partnered with eight local conservation groups, including the Piedmont Fox Hounds Conservation Fund

Masters from six hunts provided their insights into how the foxhunting community can help further the mission to preserve the landscape and culture of the

Region. (l-r) Moderator John Harris Anderson; David Moyes, MFH, Loudoun Fairfax Hunt; Gregg Ryan, MFH, Piedmont Fox Hounds; Sue Bopp, MFH, Warrenton Hunt; Penny Denegre, MFH, Middleburg Hunt; Anne McIntosh, MFH, Blue Ridge Hunt; Jeb Hannum, MFH, Orange County Hounds. Middleburg Photo

and Orange County Hounds Conservation Foundation, to produce a “Rural Landowner Manual: A Resource Guide for the Northern Piedmont.”

“The publication includes a list of experts, programs, and opportunities to assist landowners, as well as advice for how to navigate the complexities of rural property stewardship,” he said.

Copies were offered free to the attendees and can also be downloaded online at www.piedmontheritage.org.

A slide show of photos played on the screen at the side of the stage. The images were provided by Doug Gehlsen and Karen Monroe of Middleburg Photo and Douglas Lees. The scenes ranged from 1967 to 2024 and focused on the six hunts represented on the panel. Familiar images—Albert Poe, Melvin Poe, Viola Winmill, James Young, Gail Wofford, Jackie Kennedy Onassis, and many more—appeared in rotation throughout the evening.

Piedmont

Also present were Kim Ginn-Brown and Beth Dombrowsky from the Fox Hound Retirement Program and representing the MFHA Andrew Barclay, Executive Director, and Sheri Bayly Buston.

Following Steve Price’s remarks, Travis Shaw, VPHA’s Director of Education, took the stage to present an overview of foxhunting as it came to the shores of the New World and how it has thrived in the state of Virginia ever since.

That led into the main feature as the six masters took their seats on the stage and spent the next hour sharing their thoughts on such topics as land preservation, maintaining and increasing hunt membership, quarry, staff, hounds, and horses.

Protecting open land is, as noted, a shared objective of both the VHPA and the foxhunting community. Penny Denegre, who began her three year term as president of the MFHA in January, spoke of that association’s Hunting Habitat Conservation Award, given in recognition of hunts that work to preserve land and habitat for the future of the sport. Previous winners include Orange County Hounds, Blue Ridge Hunt, Piedmont Fox Hounds, and Middleburg Hunt.

Gregg Ryan noted that landowners and members of Piedmont Fox Hounds have had significant conservation victories, including a large tract of land near the kennels that was put into easement just last year.  “A vast majority of  ‘Mellon Country’—the heart of our territory—has been put in easement over the years,” Gregg said. The Piedmont region has the legacy of Paul and Bunny Mellon to thank for a substantial portion of the land that remains open today. Not only did they arrange for their own land to be preserved, but through what Gregg termed their “quiet power” persuaded other landowners to place conservation easements on their properties.

In that same vein, David Moyes cited the example of the late Dr. Joe Rogers, MFH, and his family for dedicating more than 6,000 contiguous acres for foxhunting.

Orange County Hounds’ Jeb Hannum learned from an early age the methods and merits of persuading others to protect their land against development. His grandmother, Nancy Penn Smith Hannum, was an unstoppable force in her campaign to convince landowners in Mister Stewart’s Cheshire Foxhounds’ country to put their land in hunting easements. Moreover, whenever a property came on the market, she was quick to convince a foxhunting supporter to snap it up.

Anne McIntosh added a tongue-in-cheek comment targeted at the encroaching development moving steadily westward. “We’re glad there’s a mountain between us,” she said to the other five masters. “I’d like to install a toll booth on the mountain pass to keep the growing population and development at bay.”

In a more practical vein, Penny Denegre cited an MFHA study of best practices for hunt clubs. One highlight was the use of a hunting easement that assures the land will remain open to foxhunting “in perpetuity.” A conservation easement can protect property against development that would render the land unsuitable for mounted sport. But absent specific language in the documents, it may not prevent the landowner—perhaps someone in the future—from closing it to the hunt.

The audience was asked how many own a property in a hunt’s territory covered by a conservation easement. Roughly half of those in attendance raised their hands. A second question was then asked: How many of those easements include a clause that protects foxhunting “in perpetuity?” Only a small smattering of hands rose in response.

The audience members were encouraged to look into that option.

Landowner relations is, of course, an ongoing effort for every hunt. Sadly, the number of hunt clubs in the US and Canada has declined in recent years, dropping by as many as thirty MFHA-recognized hunts over the past two decades. For several of those that have folded, the primary reason was the loss of huntable territory. In other situations, the number dropped due to a merger, typically the result of shrinking country. Such was the case with Fairfax Hunt whose complete loss of huntable territory led to a merger with Loudoun Hunt West.

The other clubs represented on the panel are, for now, reasonably secure. But everyone recognizes that landowner relations remain an ongoing priority in the effort to preserve the landscape for mounted sport.

Jeb Hannum recounted the story of visiting some newly arrived landowners who had recently moved from California and were unaware that their new property was part of Orange County Hounds’ territory. Happily, the picnic basket packed with hunt country treats he brought along helped smooth the introduction and win them over.

The focus on landowner relations was expanded to note that there are others who may have a say in a hunt’s access to important properties—the farm managers who may be both figurative and literal “gatekeepers”. The property owners may be fully amenable to allowing the hunt to cross their land. But their farm manager responsible for the livestock or crops may have a different agenda. So

best to recognize everyone with a stake in the decision to allow access to the land.

One recollection popped up—a memory of how legendary huntsman Melvin Poe made it a point to visit the local farmers and farm managers at least once a year and drop off a bottle of his homemade wine. It might not have won any Sommeliers Choice Awards, but it always served to have the desired effect.

As the discussion turned to membership, a focal point was encouraging juniors to discover the joys of foxhunting.

• Anne and Penny agreed that the best way to get children—and their parents—involved in the local hunt is to have them play with and walk out puppies. “Everyone loves the puppies!” Penny said. (Now a grandmother, Penny was appointed a “junior master” at Fairfax Hunt at the age of 14.)

• Gregg pointed out that it’s important to make hunting a group activity for youngsters. “My son wants to hunt with other kids,” he noted.

• Several panelists said that partnering with local pony clubs is a great way to see children participate.

• It was also noted that having pony races at point-to-points should be encouraged, not only to help with the development of young jockeys but also to introduce children to the foxhunting community.

• At Warrenton Hunt, “Education is where we’re starting,” Sue Bopp said of the focus on young adults and children. (That effort extends to the wider business community to show how important foxhunting is to the local economy.)

• The Middleburg-Orange County Beagles was praised for their efforts in encouraging juniors to participate in hunting. The only mounted beagle pack in North America, the group was founded in 1961 by the late Eve Fout exclusively for children. It continues today under the leadership of Eve’s daughter Nina Fout and daughter-in-law Beth Fout.

• Jeb made the point that, while there should certainly be group activities for juniors, he disagrees with including a competitive element with a winner declared. He believes that by removing the concept of competition, more children may be drawn to the sport.

For the broader audience of prospective members and supporters, all agreed that inviting non-riding neighbors and landowners to be social members of the hunt is an activity everyone should encourage.

Blue Ridge Hunt has spring and summer trail rides across their territory that are open to all. They often get riders in western tack and encourage all disciplines to come out.

Gregg recognized audience member Heather Heider, of Van Vixen Farm, who hunts with all six hunts represented on the panel and does a great job in getting both adults and juniors exposed to the sport.

The local populace has become less horse-centric than it was when those on the panel, as well as most of those in the audience, began riding to hounds. As such, some accommodations have been made to ease the introductory process for new members. From the time when there was only one field of riders, all expected to handle whatever terrain they encountered, today’s common practice calls for at least a non-jumping second field and possibly a third “hilltopping” field.

A sold-out crowd packed Buchanan Hall in Upperville for “An Evening With the Masters” hosted by the Virginia Piedmont Heritage Area Association on February 29, 2024. Middleburg Photo

Anne McIntosh pointed out that the less formal third field at Blue Ridge has proven valuable for reaching out to the wider riding community. “We need to make it as easy as possible for them to join us.”

Anyone who has been hunting for as long as our six panelists is sure to have acquired some memorabilia of special significance. When asked, their responses were:

• Anne: “I have a pair of custom hunt boots that are more than thirty years old and feel like slippers. I can’t wait for cubbing to end so I can wear them.”

• David: “Dr. Joe Rogers gave me an old cow horn. Before the days of GPS rackers, a few hounds were not accounted for at the end of a hunt. Joe told me to use his cow horn to call them back. It worked!”

• Gregg: “Most of my kit was gifted to me through the passing away of great friends and mentors. Everything has sentimental value.”

• Sue: “I lost a treasured hunt whip with silver collar by accident when I left it on the truck after hunting. I drove through the field and up and down the road several times but it was never recovered.”

• Jeb: “My wife and I were living in London when our storage unit burned down with all our hunting attire and tack. Fortunately, it was all insured so we used the proceeds to purchase bespoke hunt coats and a race horse. My mother was not happy—well, more like ‘horrified’—when she heard that was what we spent the insurance money on.”

The subject of quarry—fox, coyote, or both?—rested on availability of either game or country. Gregg Ryan and Jeb Hannum both said they have an ample population of foxes in their territories to provide plenty of good sport without the need to include coyotes as huntable game. As for the future, Jeb jokingly said, ““We’re not going to hunt coyotes until Piedmont does.”

Warrenton Hunt’s policy to avoid coyotes is at least in part based on their tighter country where it would be difficult to pursue the fleet-footed and far-ranging Canis latrans versus the more home-centric Vulpes vulpes

For the other three clubs, foxes remain the preferred quarry but hounds won’t necessarily be called off if they pick up a hot coyote line.

Speaking of hounds, Ryan chimed in with another quip when he said that all he knows about hound breeding is that “you take the mommy hound, and the daddy hound and you put them together…” He then clarified that by saying he leaves hound breeding to Huntsman Jordan Hicks who is the expert and the masters do not interfere.

As for huntsmen, five of the six hunts have long-serving professionals carrying the horn and handling the breeding program, which helps assure consistency and stability. Loudoun Fairfax Hunt was in the midst of a transition on the evening of the panel discussion but that has since been resolved and the coming season will see the huntsman’s role in capable hands.

At Piedmont, a collegial relationship is promoted between masters and staff. “There’s no pretension,” Gregg said. “Jordan, [whippers-in] Johnny Dean and Michelle Nagle all call the masters by their first names. We’re especially proud that Piedmont prepares our whips to be able to lead world-class hunts as huntsmen one day. We support their career growth.”

Jeb commented on his relationship with fellow OCH master John Coles, who has twenty years of seniority over Jeb as MFH. “I really admire and look up to John. He’s so calm in all situations, especially in the hunt field. I can be getting all wound up and I just look at John. He’s always on such an even keel.”

The discussion eventually got around to the other essential ingredient for mounted sport—the horses. Although just wrapping up her first season as a master, Sue Bopp has nearly fifty years of hunting experience. When asked to describe what she’d consider the most suitable horse for foxhunting, she nailed it with a succinct reply: “The horse you can trust.”

Gregg Ryan passed along a valuable tip to keep in mind. “Thank the

landowners consistently. Be kind to the farm managers and not just the landowners. Be kind to new members of the hunt. Be kind to fellow members in the hunt field. Be kind to guests joining for the day. Kindness is free.”

As the evening concluded, the audience members were asked to take what they’d heard from the six masters back to their home hunts, share these thoughts with their fellow members, neighbors, and others in the community. Working together, everyone who values the sport of mounted hunting can help achieve the goal of both the VPHA and the foxhunting community to protect the historic landscape and culture of the Piedmont region.

The VPHAA works to preserve open land for foxhunting and other country sports. Joanne Maisano photo

MARYLAND RACES

Douglas Lees Photos

In the winner’s circle following the 113th running of My Lady’s Manor Timber

My Lady’s Manor Timber Stakes, near Monkton, Maryland, April 13, 2024.

At the 10th fence, Our Friend (#2, Teddy Davies, up), 1st. Royal Ruse (Dan Kevin, up) – 4th

Stakes. (l-r) Trainer Joe Davies, Our Friend with Teddy Davies up, Sophie O’Brien, and Scarlet Davies.

121st Grand National near Butler, Maryland, April 20, 2024. At the last fence, Awesome Adrian (Teddy Davies, up) – 1st

Owner Zohar Ben-Dov and jockey Charlie Marshall celebrate Blackhall’s victory in the Maryland Hunt Cup.

Maryland Hunt Cup, Glydon, Maryland, April 27, 2024.

Blackhall (#2, Charlie Marshall, up) had some company at the 13th fence after Royal Ruse lost rider Elizabeth Scully. Blackhall’s strong finish brought home the win for owner Zohar Ben-Dov and trainer Joe Davies.

OBSERVATIONS

It’s May. Have you been sneezing? Everyone visiting Horse Country seems to have watering eyes and sneezing fits. We keep a large box of Kleenex on the counter. Our welcoming mantra is “Coffee or tea…and a tissue?”

Despite the sniffling, Marion’s work in her garden is more involved this year. With the peonies and azaleas in bloom, she tied up the daffodils, fertilized the lawn, trimmed the small shrubs, and planted annuals in all the containers. Something’s lit a fire under her. She says she’s stimulated by the garden designs in the huge coffee table books at the store and the Garden Club of Virginia tour of Bunny Mellon’s Oak Springs.

A Renoir Morning

This springtime fervor has even inspired her to compose rhyming verse. She goes about chanting:

“No more streaming TV shows, and scratch the national news.

It’s gardening geometry and perfection of the yews.”

Marion and crew recently finished an oval walkway around the yard and a serpentine trail in the field along the adjoining lake. When we do the mile on the serpentine, we never see humans, just the occasional deer and always the fox trotting back to his den every morning at the same time. Some early mornings, in her nighty and robe, she carries a coffee cup as we meander the long walk. To my delight, she gives me plenty of time to sniff along the way and enjoy my morning constitutional.

“Isn’t it wonderful to be out here in the morning?” she exclaims, her smiling face aglow as the sun is just rising. “Lovely light streaming through the clouds. Maybe we’ll see the unicorn from Across the Green Grass Fields. It’s only you and me, Osmun. All this nature, and so private.”

Our morning ritual is counterbalanced by evenings spent sitting next to each other on the back porch. With my head in her lap, she brushes my coat with her hand and talks softly to me. She calms me and I calm her. After the long day at work and the trot on the oval, sleep comes easily. Sometimes we both nap there. When it’s dark, or the temperature drops, we go inside.

Marion especially values her privacy in the morning. The pool is open and the heater has gotten the water temperature perfect for her dawn skinny dip. “It’s so nice living here, Osmun. I might as well be in the middle of 1000 acres with all the quiet peacefulness.”

Or, I suggest, maybe 10,000 acres, recalling my years in Montana.

One morning, not too long after the pool opened, Marion was back at it, doing her laps, doggy paddling, butterfly, back stroke (her favorite), that silly frog crawl, and then a few—really a few—water aerobic exercises. This particular morning—as usual, in the buff—she stepped out of the pool and walked across the stone terrace to put on her fluffy white terrycloth robe, a Homestead souvenir. Suddenly, my hackles went up. I thought I saw something in the sun’s rays streaming through the clouds into the yard. Yes, I did! A man was standing at the post-and-rail fence looking at Marion. I barked sharply. Marion turned and

saw the man standing there. Not embarrassed by her nakedness, she continued to put the robe on and then walked across the yard to the fence.

“May I help you?” she asked, rather sternly.

“Bonjour!” he replied cheerily, with no trace of an accent. “My name is Renoir. I see you swimming in the morning and thought you might be interested in my services.” He offered a card over the fence.

That name sparked a flash of images in Marion’s mind. She saw herself reclining poolside as her form is captured for the ages in artistic perfection. Surely, he’s been inspired by the vision of her sunrise swims, her graceful ascent from the rippling waters.

She reached out and took the card.

Dr. Randolph Renoir, MD, ASPS Specialist in Cosmetic Surgery

Marion said nothing, but her flinty glare caused the man to spin around and hastily retreat. She then turned slowly and walked back to the house.

Looking down at me, she asked sharply, “Why didn’t you run under the fence and bite him?”

Me? You should have bitten him. He was peeping at you!

She tightened the sash on her robe, cocked her head, and her face eased into an amused smile. With a sigh, she said, “Well, he’s probably seen worse.”

With a shared chuckle, we returned to the privacy of our personal domain.

Claudia Coleman illustration

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JENNY’S PICKS

Take note, fans of the Sister Jane series by Rita Mae Brown: the next book is scheduled to be out November 14. I’m sure Marion will try to have a booksigning as close to that date as possible, so keep a lookout for emails from Horse Country as that date nears. It’s always good food and lots of fun! In the interim, the newest Sneaky Pie mystery is already out.

Brown, Rita Mae. Feline Fatale. Hot off the press! What better time to write a mystery involving politicians than now, when we are embroiled in one of the nastier political campaigns for many decades? While I have not read more than a couple of chapters, I can sure see the influence of the current Presidential campaign as well as local and state issues. In this volume, “Harry” Haristeen and her best friend Susan Tucker go to Richmond to hear Susan’s husband Ned, a member of the House of Delegates, make a proposal regarding the need for improved snow removal and recommend that, rather than buy a lot of expensive equipment that’s used only a few months of the year, the Commonwealth and county governments hire private companies to help clear the roads. (Makes excellent sense to me!) He is interrupted by a first-year female delegate from the opposing party, immediately pooh-poohing his proposal as favoring the western part of the state and being unnecessarily expensive. Things turn ugly, starting with name-calling and ending with the woman, Amanda Fields, getting physical with a delegate supporting Ned’s proposal. (She takes off her high-heeled shoe and lambastes him with it until pried off by two guards. She’s also the sort of woman that raises your hackles, having been a TV reporter before she became a delegate and loving to make a scene.) When one of the pages who assist delegates dies under mysterious circumstances, Harry’s proclivity in involving herself in murders is stimulated. (Now, how are her pets going to take part in this one? Can’t take dogs and cats into the Virginia Capital, can she?) Hardcover, 281+pp. $28.00

Now, on to some new horse books:

Goble, Amanda. No Bored Horses. What does your horse do all day when you’re not riding him? Is he or she stuck in a box stall except when ridden? Or is your horse fortunate enough to have a paddock to stay in most of the time? While there’s not as much you can do for strictly stall-bound horses, there are some suggestions to make their lives a little more interesting. For the horse who is fortunate enough to get turnout, there are a host of helpful tips, shown in full-color photographs, to make his turnout area more fun, categorized by feeding variants, movement, socialization, self-care options and sensory stimulation. There are a host of DIY projects, many using recyclable items such as milk cartons, for toys or slow-feeder containers like carrots. Socialization could include buddy turnout or taking your horse for a hand-walk. I can’t recommend this enough—it’s packed with great information on ways to increase mental enrichment and boredom relief. I can’t wait to read this one thoroughly myself. Paperback, 232pp, 220 color photos/illustrations. $29.95

Gehrmann, Wilfried. Long Reining. Gehrmann is a former Director of the German Riding and Driving School, where long-reining is used to begin both riding and driving horses. Long-reining—the use of

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two long reins rather than a single longe line—as instructed by the author is a relatively safe and gentle way to introduce horses to the bit. The text is clear and to the point without excess verbosity, the color photos are sharp and clearly illustrate various ways to rig the horse for exercise and how to hold the reins and longe whip. This is an excellent introduction for the person who is new to long-reining as well as for more experienced trainers. There is a section on training harness horses, one on addressing physical problems, and one on piaffe and passage. Also shown is a variation on a jump standard that I have not seen before: an arched standard on the handler’s side of the track to enable the lines to slide over easily without pulling down the standard. Hardcover, 133pp. $34.95

Boudard, Jean-Michel. Stretch Exercises for Horses. Forced to give up a promising swimming future in his student years due to unbalanced nutrition, a poor training program, and severe growth-related spinal pain, the author decided on a career that would help athletes’ health instead. His education in this field assisted him in overcoming his physical problems, enabling him to swim again, play tennis, and ride horses. At his first job—assistant in the physiotherapy department for the French national judo team—he discovered osteopathy, which he applied to his own body as well as developing it into a career, teaching proper stretching exercises for both humans and horses. He recommends stretching all horses at least once a day, especially if stallbound except when being ridden or otherwise exercised, employing both warmup and post-workout stretches. Very clear color photographs and diagrams will get you started, but ease into these, lest your mount panic and kick you into next week when you grab a body part and manipulate it! Spiral bound, hardcover, 122pp. $26.95

Henry, Guillaume. Relaxation Exercises for Horses. Somewhat in conjunction with the previous book comes this collection of what are really no more than suppling exercises familiar to all dressage riders: circles, half-circles, serpentines, shoulder-in and all its variations. With each exercise, the author lists mistakes that might be encountered in both the horse and the rider, so you or a knowledgeable observer can see if you are doing it correctly. Most exercises are basic ones that all horses and riders should become familiar with. Ideally, should your horse start to tense or act up, repetition of several exercises it has already learned should help return his focus to his rider. Color photographs. Paperback, 98pp. $24.95

Ostergaard, Gunnar, with Pam Stone. Life as a Dressage Trainer in Three Countries. You don’t have to be a dressage enthusiast to enjoy this account of a horseman who has traveled from Denmark to Germany to the United States training horses. Light and upbeat, it’s a pleasure to read, the author not afraid to reveal some of the more embar-

rassing moments of his experience with the many different horses he has ridden as well as the joys and exultations of the better days. You’ll enjoy his confrontation with America and all its peculiarities, starting with learning to drive an automatic vehicle! “Put your left foot on the floor and leave it there… ” was his first instruction. (And to think some car thieves today can’t handle a stickshift when faced with one!) I really appreciate Gunnar’s final paragraph of the book:

All those years ago, it began with a young boy in his bedroom, reading and dreaming about settlers forging a life in the prairies and woodlands of a far-flung country called America. I’m no longer a young boy, but the wonder and romance I felt then for this country has steadfastly remained. And always will.

And may it continue to do so, Gunnar. Thanks for the kind words! Paperback, 246pp. $16.95

Next let’s look at a small assortment of the nonhorse books we carry. Most of these we order only in small amounts, and we have lots that we don’t bother putting into the newspaper because you have to see them to know if you want them, but these are worth reporting.

Ojeda, Oscar; and James McCown. The Home Office Reimagined. With many people able to work remotely from home these days, there is increasing demand for space devoted to one’s work and hopefully left free of the detritus of domesticity such as dog toys, flung-off clothing and half-empty drink bottles. Whether it’s an attic retreat, repurposed bedroom or den, or even a separate building, make it a place you’ll love to spend time but not be distracted. Maybe it’s no bigger than a box stall for your horse, but it should be comfortable and accessible. The ones depicted between these covers are all quite modern structures with an uncluttered look that will help to keep the mind focused on the job at hand, but several are truly whimsical. Color photos illustrate inside, outside, and setting as well. You may not care for all of them—there’s one that looks more like an outdoor incinerator than an office—but it’s fun to see what can be done with a small space. Hardcover, 301pp. $55.00

Abramowitz, William. Country Life – Homes of the Catskill Mountains and Hudson Valley. When I saw the title, I was hoping to see more of the landscaping around the homes in this book about a really scenic area, but no, only a scant handful offer a tantalizing hint of the beauty of the countryside. However, if you enjoy seeing what people do to decorate their homes, you’ll find this fascinating. Big color photographs allow you to savor the décor. Most of these homes do not appear to be hundreds of years old, though there are some paint-peeling walls, beatup furniture, and a set of stairs that looked as if a five-year-old boy had dragged muddy feet up the white-painted stairs. Eclectic, yes. Enjoyable to look at—definitely yes. I just wish we’d seen more of Olana, artist Frederic Edwin Church’s lovely Victorian estate high above the Hudson. At least I could visit that, when it’s open to the public. Hardcover, 272pp. $60.00

Red Oak Foxhounds The Millers Turn Their Foxhunting Dream Into Reality

By J. Harris Anderson, Managing Editor

In our previous issue we focused on hunts that have recently observed their centennial anniversary. One aspect of that was to provide insights into what contributed to each club’s longevity, especially any tips that could help other hunts reach, and exceed, the 100 years mark.

Here we consider the creation of a new hunt. Established just over a decade ago through the efforts of a couple dedicated to the sport, their story recounts the challenges and successes that made Red Oak Foxhounds a reality.

“I think we should start our own hunt,” Theresa Miller said to her husband.

Harry Miller stared at the road ahead as he piloted their truck and trailer along Virginia Route 24. “You’ve got to be kidding,” he replied.

“Do you enjoy spending three hours of every hunting day driving to and from the meet?” Theresa asked.

“Enjoy it? No. But starting our own hunt sounds like something I’d enjoy even less.”

Theresa knew some gentle persuasion would be needed. But she was determined to see her dream become reality.

Theresa Miller took up foxhunting in 1989 with Virginia’s Princess Anne Hunt, located just east of Richmond, where she served as a whipper-in. After several seasons there, she decided to switch to Reedy Creek Hounds in Rawlings where she also whipped-in. With the switch to Reedy Creek, Harry decided it was time for him to take up riding and hunting as well.

They faced an hour and half drive to Rawlings from their home in Ashland, on the north side of Richmond. But when they both opted to take early retirement from their jobs with Dominion Energy, the decision was made to look for land close to Reedy Creek where they could look forward to spending their time hunting at leisure. That was 21 years ago.

“The house [in Rawlings] was appraised at zero-dollars,” Theresa recalls. “Harry and I totally renovated it. The barn was a huge dairy barn which we converted for the horses. Fencing was there for the emus the previous owners raised.” There was also what Theresa refers to as “The Hog Parlor,” a structure that at one time housed as many as 1200 hogs.

When the Millers first moved in, the focus was strictly on a house for them plus a barn and turnout for their horses. The Hog Parlor would be dealt with later.

Kennels were certainly not on the project list. Hounds were the responsibility of Reedy Creek huntsman Tom McElduff. Jim Culleton, the master, also hunted a beagle pack and served as vice president of the National Beagle Club.

Theresa and Harry continued to commute to work for the first three years before retiring to their farm where they were free to focus on their new home and enjoy their sporting days hunting with Jim and the other Reedy Creek members. They were also hunting with Lili Wykle’s Stonewall Hounds in Concord, Virginia.

Then, in 2011, Jim Culleton, at the age of 67, died.

With no line of succession to continue running the hunt, hounds were slated to be drafted out to other clubs as Reedy Creek ceased to exist.

That, then, led to Theresa’s proposal to Harry that they start their own hunt. After a bit more back-andforth, Harry agreed to sign on to the plan. “A decision had to be made quickly,” Theresa recalls, “because we needed to draft in Reedy Creek Hounds before all were gone. We got six hounds and had to make a kennel overnight.” And thus Red Oak Foxhounds, named for the Red Oak district of Brunswick County, was born.

First item on the agenda: More permanent housing for the hounds. What had once held over a thousand hogs proved to be a suitable framework that could be converted to functional kennels.

“We started slow,” Theresa recounts, “with just a few kennels with outside runs. It eventually grew to using the entire space, including a feed room and a heated/air-conditioned whelping kennel. The kennels have held up great. We have a system where we put up insulated boards and plywood walls to fully enclose the kennel in winter, take it all down in the summer for air flow.”

Theresa cites her passion for the sport that spurred this all-consuming project. “Our motivation to start a new hunt was the love of hounds and hunting. One truly needs to love hounds since they do take up most of your time and patience.”

Her experience with Reedy Creek gave her a head start on putting her own pack together. “I knew  which hounds I wanted because of whipping-in to Jim. Reedy Creek Soda is the backbone of our kennel. Ninetyfive percent of my hounds have Soda in them. We  later drafted in hounds from Lili Wykle at Stonewall. She’s a great friend and gave us some very nice, steady hounds. We also drafted in hounds from Andrews Bridge in Pennsylvania, one of which, Parfait, is the best hound in my kennel. She’s ten years old and will be a great-grandma this spring. She just attended the Sedgefield performance trials in March.

“To have a good hunt, you need good hounds, and the time required to train, walk, breed, clean (morning and night), feed, and love them.”

Although the Masters of Foxhounds 2023 Hunt Roster lists the Red Oak pack as a mix of Crossbred, Penn-Marydel, and American, Theresa prefers to consider her pack PMDs. The MFHA’s Guidebook on how hound breeds are classified states that the presence of even a small percentage of American blood results in the hound being considered a Crossbred. In a 50/50 split, the nod goes to the American line.

“Our last litter was 100% PMD,” Theresa reports. “This year we’re expecting a PMD/American litter. We are mostly black-and-tan, because it’s such a dominant color. Even breeding a tricolor to black-and-tan will give you all black-and-tans. A tricolor may pop out once in a while.”

The Reverend Thomas Wynn of Lebanon United Methodist Church performed the Blessing of the Hounds, November 19, 2023, as Master/Huntsman Theresa Miller’s black-and-tan PMDs milled about.

Photo courtesy Red Oak Foxhounds

Theresa Miller says, “Reedy Creek Soda is the backbone of our kennel. Ninety-five percent of my hounds have Soda in them.” Photo courtesy Red Oak Foxhounds

The Red Oak kennels began life as a “Hog Parlor” that housed over a thousand hogs. With ingenuity, the Millers were able to convert the structure to a perfectly functional kennel facility.

Drone photo by Jim Peebles

The next two critical ingredients for a successful hunt: horses and followers.

“You need a good hunt horse or two—we have six now. My older hunt horses are great for first time foxhunters to ride and have a good first experience at hunting. Our membership is small, our expenses are low compared to bigger hunts with paid professionals, so our dues are low too. We learned from Jim Culleton to give people the chance to hunt at an affordable price.”

The Millers serve as masters with Theresa hunting the hounds and Harry alternating between whipping-in and leading the field. But they’re not alone in their efforts. Other members of Reedy Creek have stayed on with Red Oak as well those who have joined more recently.

“We have volunteer staff that walks out hounds, and comes early in August to start cubbing. We’re fortunate to have such wonderful friends and staff to help. Our mornings start early. I take care of the hounds, along with our good friend Barry Van Fleet. He and his wife Linda lived in Pennsylvania, and we built them a small house here. They come down in September and stay until May. Both serve as whips, Linda in a truck and Barry on a horse. They’re great assets to our hunt.”

Citing 2013 as the official year of establishment, Red Oak was then accepted for registration status by the Masters of Foxhounds Association in 2015. By 2018 the MFHA deemed the hunt worthy of full recognition.

Kennels, hounds, horses, helpers—check.

Next requirement: Territory.

Here the Millers are abundantly blessed; so much so that they have more country open to them than they’re able to use.

Most of that comes from being in the middle of Red Oak Deer Hunting Club’s 15,000 acres. “We’re both members,” Theresa reports. “Harry is a shareholder and treasurer. The hunt club is a great group of people who encouraged us to start our fox hunt. We’re allowed to hunt all the lands acquired by the deer club. We also hunt farms from our church members. We have more access to land to hunt then we can open and use. Some is just too wooded. The ice storm years ago devastated our territory and we still have weak trees falling. There is still more territory we need to open up to get the horses through. Trail clearing and maintenance is ongoing.”

Now, then, what to chase?

“We hunt fox mostly, and this year we have bobcat. Unfortunately we have bear, which we only ran once, and was enough for me. Our truck whips are pretty good at turning coyote, so they have been running like a red fox. We have no

jumps except a few fallen trees. Our territory is farmland or cutover. We hunt at the pace of the hounds. We ride to hunt! Nothing is more rewarding than to have a pack of hounds that you bred hunt well for you, because they love you just as much as you love them!”

Considering how many hunts are facing the loss of territory as development continues to swallow up rural land, it’s refreshing to report on one with access to such an abundance of huntable country. On that score, the prospects for the folks at Red Oak to enjoy mounted sport for many years to come, perhaps over multiple generations, are excellent. The current population of Brunswick County, which covers 569 square miles, is approximately 16,000. Compare that to, say, Fauquier County with roughly 75,000 residents crammed into 651 square miles or Loudoun County with an estimated 432,000 souls currently occupying its 521 square miles. Theresa (67) and Harry (71) express an admirable optimism about their personal sporting future. “We love what we’re doing,” she exclaims. “We just bought two new horses that will keep us going for another 20 years! My inspiration is Betsy Park (former Huntsman at Millbrook Hunt and now, at 82, Master/Huntsman of Sandanona Harehounds) and Tot Goodwin (Master/Huntsman of Mr. Goodwin’s Hounds who recently turned 80), both going strong!”

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Harry Miller, MFH, (on the gray) alternates between leading the Red Oak field and whipping-in. Photo courtesy Red Oak Foxhounds

RACING

Sport’s Top Shine On Virginia Steeplechase Spring Circuit

Purse money records at Gold Cup, Foxfield top the headlines as jump racing’s leaders flock to 10 point-to-points, sanctioned events… and a pair of popular hybrids

By Betsy Burke Parker

By thinking outside the box, Virginia steeplechase supporters and officials this year were able to achieve a rarity in a time of contraction of almost everything in the U.S. economy—expansion of the circuit and more prize money than ever.

The spring 2024 Virginia steeplechase circuit featured higher purses, more races and the best level of competition in history. Timber standout Schoodic headlined the May 4 Virginia Gold Cup, Rampoldi Plan powered to win Gold Cup’s brand new grade 1 Commonwealth Cup, with Snap Decision annexing the grade 2 Temple Gwathmey hurdle handicap at the 104th annual Middleburg Spring Races April 20 at Glenwood Park.

One meet fell off the calendar—the Orange County Hounds did not offer a 2024 point-to-point. But the return of the Rappahannock Hunt Point-to-Point to open the Virginia spring season, and the addition of National Steeplechase Association sanctioned races to point-to-point cards at Blue Ridge and Old Dominion gave strong indication of a healthy program across the Piedmont region.

Rappahannock Hunt Point-To-Point, March 7 • The Hill, Boston, Virginia Pony racing carried the day at the returning Rappahannock Hunt Point-to-Point. Larry Levy, owner of The Hill, said he carved out the racecourse two years ago from a little-used back hayfield on the big farm north of Culpeper.

Levy’s own Pleasecallmeback, Virginia Korrell up, powered to victory in the timber race, nosing out Karl Cares, Gerard Galligan up, at the wire in a photo finish.

National Steeplechase Association champion jockey in 2020, Galligan earned his first 2024 victory one race later with a maiden hurdle score for trainer Kathy Neilson and George Massie’s 6-year-old Go Take Charge.

Maryland owner-trainer Betty McCue teed up the pony action, bringing a dozen entries in small, medium, and large divisions as well as two horses for the card-closing turf races.

Abby Taylor partnered McCue’s Roger to win the small pony division in a photo finish, later riding McCue’s Spur of the Moment to win the medium division. Tessa Tullock teamed with McCue’s Bailey as runaway winners of the large pony division.

It was Tullock’s first race win.

McCue also saddled Prince Khozan to win the open turf race. It was rider Manuel Aguilera’s first win.

Warrenton Hunt Point-to-Point, March 30 • Airlie, Warrenton, Virginia In its 83rd running, Warrenton is Virginia’s oldest point-to-point.

Champion jockey in 2022, Parker Hendriks opened his 2024 season strong, winning three races including homebred Lightning Rod for Virginia-based owner-breeder Clarke Ohrstrom and trainer Laird George. George trains out of Ohstrom’s Whitewood Farm north of The Plains. Hendriks also won with In Effect for Middleburg-based trainer Neil Morris.

Apprentice rider Virginia Korrell handled Ohrstrom homebred Giantsbane to win a division of the competitive maiden hurdle.

It was a banner meet for apprentice riders—those who have not won 10 sanctioned races over fences, with four winners on the day. Timber winner Sarah Cundith explained that, like so many things, it takes a village to excel; like most involved in racing, she said her personal journey has included many mentors.

“The way you get good is by experience,” said Cundith, 25. “The way you get that experience is just to ride for as many people as you can.” Cundith started out in the eventing world, but transitioned to steeplechasing last year. “I can’t identify one single horseman that’s made the most impression—they’ve all taught me something.”

Cundith has ridden out for Virginia trainers including Richard Valentine, Neil Morris, Doug Fout, and Julie Gomena, and galloped and worked in New York last summer for Hall of Fame flat trainer Bill Mott. “You learn from all of them,” she said.

Gomena and Cundith teamed for a big timber score with Bon Nouvel Chasers’ Karl Cares, narrow winner from Hendriks on Spring Heeled Jim. Asked how it feels to “beat” the champion jockey at his own game, Cundith laughed. “You don’t really think of it that way,” she said. “You’re aiming to give your own horse the best go possible, to get them confidence.

“Karl Cares went really well, jumped great, finished strong, so, I guess that is pretty fun to beat the champ. Okay, I admit it.”

Piedmont Fox Hounds Point-to-Point, March 23 • Salem, Upperville, Virginia Virginia’s oldest foxhunt club, Piedmont hosted their 83rd annual races on a wind-whipped day in the shadow of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Leading apprentice rider Teddy Davies stepped up to the plate, booting Irv Crawford’s To Be Or Not To Be to his second-straight victory in the headline 3½ mile Rokeby Bowl.

The Maryland-bred settled in behind the hot pace of Barrister, Forrest Kelly up, early, jumping into contention on the final half-mile of the Salem farm course before powering up the long homestretch to win by two lengths.

Warrenton Hunt Point-to-Point Airlie Steeplechase Open Hurdle (l-r) Lightning Rod (Parker Hendriks, up) – 1st. Lightning Ridge (Teddy Davies, up) – 2nd Douglas Lees photo

Rappahannock Hunt Point-to-Point Maiden Timber (l-r) Pleasecallmeback (Virginia Korrell, up) – 1st; Karl Cares (Gerard Galligan, up) – 2nd Douglas Lees photo

Rappahannock Hunt Point-to-Point Open Timber Barrister (Forrest Kelly, up) – 1st Douglas Lees photo

Warrenton Hunt Point-to-Point Maiden Hurdle, First Division Love Saga (Sean McDermott, up) – 1st. Douglas Lees photo

Trainer Joe Davies, Teddy’s father, said the effort set up Crawford’s runner for the Maryland timber circuit later in April.

Another apprentice rider, Virginia Korrell, keyed a ladies’ trifecta, winning the ladies timber aboard Merriweather Lewis’ own Gaye Breeze.

Champion NSA apprentice two years ago, Freddie Procter jumped in with dual wins on the day, taking the novice timber with leading NSA trainer Leslie Young’s The Butler Yates and the maiden timber on Young’s Eternal Story.

Blue Ridge Hunt Point-to-Point, March 30 • Woodley, Berryville, Virginia Blue Ridge Hunt joint-master Jeff Lehew called the hybrid model of offering a few National Steeplechase Association sanctioned races on a point-to-point program “the wave of the future.”

In its 74th running, the Blue Ridge races counted 2024 as their first go on a national scale.

Lehew explained that with multiple options for different levels of horses on a single card, trainers are more likely to support the smaller point-to-point meets, like Blue Ridge, which are run early in the season.

Hunt sponsored point-to-points formerly offered only series divisions for amateurs, Lehew explained. But today, increasingly, money is the name of the game, and trainers choose their spots carefully for jumpers.

Pennsylvania-based trainer Mark Beecher saddled Daniel Baker’s Decisive Triumph to win the NSA apprentice hurdle under Irish-born Dan Nevin. Irish-born apprentice Andy Burke-Ott partnered Irish-born Bob’s Bar for Pennsylvania-based trainer Todd McKenna and owner Upland Partners to win the NSA apprentice timber race. It was the first start for the 8-year-old since breaking his NSA maiden last May at Winterthur.

On the point-to-point card, Nevin and Beecher connected with maiden hurdle winner Exuma for owner Turks Head Turf. Exuma won two races on the turf in Ireland before being imported to the U.S. in late 2021.

Ott and McKenna teamed with Honeymooner to win the other maiden hurdle division.

Old Dominion Hounds Point-to-Point, April 6

Ben Venue, Washington, Virginia

Two-time National Steeplechase Association champion rider Parker Hendriks experienced both the highs and lows of horse racing at the April 6 Old Dominion Hounds Point-to-Point.

For the second year running, Old Dominion offered NSA sanctioned races along with point-to-point division races, what ODH joint-master Debbie Welch called “a wonderful marriage for everybody—horsemen, spectators, the hunt, and Virginia racing.”

Pennsylvania-based professional rider Hendriks, 20, won the first division of the NSA $30,000 maiden hurdle for trainer Doug Fout aboard Irish-born Hold Hard. The Irish-bred 5-year-old was making only his fifth career start and fourth over jumps since launching his career after being imported last summer.

Hendriks and Fout looked well on the way to landing a second-straight hurdle score in the very next race. Four-year-old French-born Easy Squeeze and Hendriks had taken command of the hot pace last time down the Ben Venue racecourse backstretch, leading over the final hurdle in mid-stretch in front of what race officials estimate was one of the biggest crowds ever assembled at Ben Venue.

But the first-time-starter misjudged the take-off point at the final hurdle, crumpling and falling upon landing. The filly’s six competitors split around the tumbling Hendriks; Greg Hawkins’ Love Saga (Sean McDermott up) stayed deep on the inside, avoiding the traffic to pull off for the victory. Easy Squeeze was not injured, but Hendriks suffered compression fractures in his lower back and said he’ll be off until summer at least.

“The worst part about it was my ride in the very next race was my ‘best’ horse for the day,” Hendriks said later. Stewart Strawbridge’s Lap of the Gods is one of a few horses the busy professional jockey is also training this season. Lap of the Gods was his first winner as trainer last October at the Virginia Fall Races. Hendriks said he figured the wide, “galloping” Ben Venue course in the $20,000 Leeds Don

timber headliner would suit the big stride and bold style of Lap of the Gods.

Piedmont Fox Hounds Point-to-Point

C. Thomas Reed Amateur & Novice Rider Timber (l-r) The Butler Yates (Freddie Proctor, up) – 1st; Post War (Zack Miller, up) – 4th Douglas Lees photo

Piedmont Fox Hounds Point-to-Point

Rokeby Challenge Bowl Open Timber Huntsman Jordan Hicks led the field to the starting line. Teddy Davies (red and yellow silks) rode To Be Or Not To Be for the win. Douglas Lees photo

In the winner’s circle for the Rokeby Challenge Bowl. (l-r) Joe Davies, trainer; Vicki and Skip Crawford (owners); Gregg Ryan, MFH; Walter Kansteiner, ex-MFH; To Be or not To Be with Teddy Davies up. Douglas Lees photo

open

Old Dominion Hounds Point-to-Point Leeds Don Allowance Timber (l-r) Lap Of The Gods (Graham Watters, up) – 1st; Family Tree (Harrison Beswick, up) – 2nd; Stooshie (Gerard Galligan, up) – 3rd Douglas Lees photo

Huntsman Graham Buston, aided by professional whipper-in Jack Plaskitt, paraded hounds for the spectators at the Blue Ridge Hunt Races. Douglas Lees photo

Old Dominion Hounds Point-to-Point Maiden Hurdle (l-r) Hold Hard (Parker Hendriks, up) – 1st; Travesuras (Gerard Galligan, up) – 3rd Douglas Lees photo

Blue Ridge Hunt Races Amateur Apprentice Rider Hurdle Decisive Triumph (Dan Kevin, up) – 1st Douglas Lees photo

And he was right.

The Pennsylvania-bred homebred of Hall of Fame trainer and one of Hendriks’ idols and mentors, Jonathan Sheppard, turned on the speed for substitute jockey Graham Watters, also a two-time NSA champion. “It was an easy choice” to take the pick-up mount, Watters said; he’d seen the horse in action several times, including chasing him home at Glenwood Park last fall.

Sitting patiently in second behind Armata Stable’s Fashion Line (Conor Tierney) early, Watters and Lap of the Gods remained in striking distance of Fashion Line, whose lead began to shrink the third time around the undulating course.

Fashion Line bobbled and lost his rider at the 14th fence, giving Family Tree a one-length advantage over Lap of the Gods, who loomed on the outside. Lap of the Gods had the momentum heading to the 18th and last jump.

He won by four.

Old Dominion had hosted its first National Steeplechase sanctioned meet last spring, a unique “hybrid” program adding NSA races with prize money to the traditional point-to-point program. A second local hunt added sanctioned races to their point-to-point this spring—Blue Ridge Hunt held a similar hybrid meet March 30 near Berryville. Purse money and sanctioning fees are underwritten by the Virginia Equine Alliance, the group that holds the licensing for Virginia’s pari-mutuel racetrack, Colonial Downs, and its eight off-track betting parlors. A percentage from every dollar bet on horse racing in Virginia gets plowed back into the Thoroughbred industry.

Middleburg Spring Races, April 20 • Glenwood Park, Middleburg, Virginia

In what many called “the best performance of the year,” Hall of Fame trainer Jack Fisher sent out Snap Decision to demolish seven others in the featured Temple Gwathmey hurdle stake. The grade 2, $75,000 race dates to 1924 and has been won by some of American steeplechasing’s legends.

Snap Decision, owned by Mike Hankin’s Bruton Street US, carried 10 and 20 pounds more than his seven rivals. Defending champion rider Graham Watters handled the 10-year-old veteran to a runaway, 8-length score in his third Gwathmey appearance.

It was his 14th win in 24 starts over jumps. Snap Decision has now earned $839,400, fifth alltime on the U.S. steeplechase leaderboard.

Fisher and Watters teamed for three other wins on the card, claiming the co-headliner Middleburg Hunt Cup timber stakes with 14-year-old veteran Schoodic. It was the Maryland-bred’s third consecutive win and 16th overall in 48 starts over fences.

The Tiznow gelding ran over hurdles in 2013—before all three of his rivals were born.

Defending champion trainer Leslie Young tripled on the card, topped by the American debut of High Definition in a $50,000 allowance hurdle. The Irish import was a group 2 winner and group 1 placed on the turf in Ireland. Jamie Bargary was aboard.

Young also saddled distaff hurdle winner My Forever Annie and Irish-born Paddy O’Hanlon, and Alfred Hunt cross-country race winner Court Ruler for Bargary. Neil Morris landed the maiden claimer with Evie’s Prince and Wicked West started the day with a training flat win for trainer Todd Wyatt.

Loudoun Hunt Point-to-Point, April 21 • Morven Park, Leesburg, Virginia

The international winning combo of Tennessee’s Leiper’s Fork Steeplechasers, Pennsylvania-based trainer Leslie Young, and Irish-born/English-raised now U.S.-based jockey Jamie Bargary teamed for dual hurdle scores at the Loudoun races near Leesburg. They partnered to take the featured open hurdle with French-bred Vae Patron. A winner of five races and more than $300,000 over hurdles in France before imported to the U.S. this season, Vae Patron led wire-to wire.

Their second winner came from Irish-bred 5-year-old Old Tom Morris, making his first lifetime start.

Stakes-placed on the flat and a winner of more than $120,000, Mr. Jefferson won the other maiden hurdle division for Middleburg-based trainer Neil Morris and apprentice rider Brian Barry. Apprentice rider Mike Woodson emerged from a tightly-bunched group to win the $2,000 Virginiacertified turf race for owner-trainer-breeder combo of Nancy and Chris Kolb. Other winners on the flat included Winflower’s Inbound for trainer Ricky Hendriks and rider Virginia Korrell, and the Betty McCue owned and trained Prince Khozan under Manuel Aguilera.

Middleburg Spring Races Middleburg Hunt Cup Timber Stakes Schoodic (Graham Watters, up) – 1st Liz Callar photo

Middleburg Spring Races Warrior Canine Connection Allowance

Hurdle Leipers Fork Steeplechasers’ High Definition (#1, Jamie Bargary, up) and their Rampoldi Plan (Paddy O’Hanlon, up) battled it out to finish first (High Definition) and second. Joanne Maisano photo

Loudoun Hunt Point-to-Point Maiden Hurdle, 2nd Division (l-r) Old Tom Morris (Jamie Bargary, up) – 1st; Vana Bright (Mell Boucher, up). Liz Callar photo

Huntsman Jeff Woodall, who will be carrying the horn under the Loudoun Fairfax Hunt banner this coming season, paraded hounds at the Loudoun Hunt Races at Morven Park, Leesburg, VA, on April 21, 2024. LFH and LH  are partnering as one pack for the 2024/25 season with Jeff hunting for both organizations. Liz Callar photo

Foxfield Races, April 27 • Charlottesville, Virginia

Two new hurdle stakes and more than $260,000 in purses headlined the 45th annual Foxfield Spring Races north of Charlottesville. What’s tabbed as “a rite of spring” for the University of Virginia college crowd didn’t disappoint, with more horses racing in more races than ever at what race chair Jack Sanford called “the biggest day of racing ever” at the Barracks Road racecourse.

Defending champion trainer Leslie Young saddled two winners on the day: she saddled Noble Stable’s Total Joy to win the $75,000 Daniel Van Clief novice hurdle stakes by 4 lengths over stablemate Go Poke The Bear. Paddy O’Hanlon rode the winner, who won twice last year.

South Branch Equine homebred Who’s Counting won the Good Night Shirt hurdle, his fourth win in nine jump starts for trainer-rider Sean McDermott. The son of Vancouver previously won three on the flat, upping his lifetime bankroll to $243,171.

Young also ran one-two in the ratings handicap with Oscar Winner (Brian Barry up) and Artistic Choice. Baltimore Kid (O’Hanlon) won the 110 handicap hurdle by 6 lengths for trainer Todd Wyatt. Trainer Ricky Hendriks saddled Hidden Path (Harry Beswick) to gut out a neck-long maiden victory, with owner-breeder Norman Lewis’s Auchincruive (Evan Dwan) winning the maiden claimer.

Will Russell’s Animal Kingston (Beswick) won the maiden timber for trainer Neil Morris.

Middleburg Hunt Point-to-Point, April 28 • Glenwood Park, Middleburg, Virginia

The featured Middleburg Bowl open timber provided more than 6 minutes of electrifying action on the Glenwood Park course. After the 14th fence and almost the entire 3 mile course, Overdrawn (Virginia Korrell) and Be Counted (James Wyatt) collared leader Our Legend (Whitney Schweizer) to challenge for the lead.

The long Glenwood homestretch took its toll, with Our Legend hanging on for a scant neck-long victory.

The winning time was 6:06 3/5 on firm turf.

In the maiden timber, Leipers Fork Steeplechasers’ new import, Jet Setting Johnny (Jamie Bargary up), impressed in his U.S. debut with a front-running effort. The Irish-bred had been pulled up in five of seven starts under rules and in point-to-points over hurdles in Ireland; he was imported for the spring ’chase season, and trainer Leslie Young said the 6-year-old has taken to the “timber jumping style” like a natural.

Owner-trainer Betty McCue and apprentice rider Manuel Aguilera connected for a third win this season with Florida-bred Prince Khozan, easy flag-to-finish winner on the turf to open the program. They also combined efforts for a second win on the season with AC Expressway taking the card-closer on the turf.

Virginia Gold Cup, May 4 • Great Meadow, The Plains, Virginia Racing is a numbers game, and the inputs are dizzying: mutuel odds, purse money, distance, winning margin, finish time, attendance count.

This year at Gold Cup, veteran Schoodic added another digit rarely considered.

Age.

Sent off at even-money favorite in the $75,000 four-mile Virginia Gold Cup, the 14-year-old timber standout made it look easy, turning a stalking run into a protracted stretch power-play to win his second Gold Cup. Dolly Fisher’s Schoodic won easily, outfinishing Awesome Adrian (Gerard Galligan up) by two lengths in 8:57 4/5.

Literally half Schoodic’s age at 7, Bogey’s Image (Teddy Davies) finished third, another 10 lengths back.

It was an impressive performance on a rain-soaked day at Great Meadow near The Plains, an intrepid crowd estimated at 10,000 shrugging off cool temperatures and persistent drizzle for an opportunity to witness history.

Schoodic is a fan of the 4-mile distance, winning trainer Jack Fisher said, winning rider Graham Watters adding that Schoodic likes the solid, upright timber jumps on the course—some measure 4 feet tall. “He’s a master here,” Watters said.

Schoodic won the International Gold Cup last October—3½ miles over the same course, and he’d won the 2021 Virginia Gold Cup.

Davies and Bogey’s Image led from the start; Watters settled Schoodic in draft position early. Galligan jumped to the lead with Awesome Adrian at the pivotal water jump—no. 18 of 22.

It looked like Schoodic may be done. He had no response when Awesome Adrian swept past.

But Watters wasn’t worried.

He knew the long Great Meadow homestretch offers ample opportunity to unleash Schoodic’s best efforts, and he knows the horse. “He was going brilliant,” Watters said of the wait-it-out strategy.

Awesome Adrian held a one-length advantage at the last, but a minor jumping mistake gave Watters what he needed to make up the deficit.

Awesome Adrian bobbled slightly, dropping a knee and breaking the top rail.

It took his momentum.

“I never had a concern about Schoodic,” Watters said. “He quickened away from the last.”

At the wire, Schoodic was two lengths better than Awesome Adrian. Bogey’s Image was third.

By Tiznow out of the grade 3-winning Hennessy mare Aunt Henny, the flashy bay made five starts on the flat at 2 and 3, switching to hurdles that fall.

He raced six seasons over hurdles and won five hurdle stakes—including the grade 2 Semmes handicap at Great Meadow in 2017.

Fisher transitioned Schoodic to timber in 2019. He won five races that year, capping his breakout season winning the International Gold Cup.

Schoodic won the Virginia Gold Cup in 2021, finished second in 2022.

He had a year-and-a-half off after that run to recover from a minor injury. He returned to the races last fall to win the International Gold Cup.

This term, Schoodic made two point-to-point starts in Maryland then won his Gold Cup prep at Glenwood Park two weeks ago.

Schoodic has amassed more than $634,000 in earnings with 17 sanctioned wins in 54 starts over 13 seasons.

Middleburg Hunt Point-to-Point The Middleburg Bowl Open Timber Our Legend (Whitney Schweizer, up) – 1st Middleburg Photo

Middleburg Hunt Point-to-Point

Louis Leith Memorial Maiden Timber (l-r) Jet Setting Johnny (Jamie Bargary, up) – 1st; Old Style Humor (Paddy O’Hanlon, up) – 4th; Withoutdestination (Harrison Beswick, up) – 5th Liz Callar photo

Foxfield Races Daniel Van Clief Memorial Sport of Kings Novice Hurdle Stakes (l-r) Total Joy (Paddy O’Hanlon, up) – 1st; Kiyomori (Harrison Beswick, up) – 3rd Camden Littleton photo

Foxfield Races The Good Night Shirt Sport of Kings Handicap Hurdle Stakes

(l-r) Gold Charm (Harrison Beswick, up) – 3rd; Caramelised (Jamie Bargary, up) – 2nd; Who’s Counting (Sean McDermott, up) – 1st Tiffany Dillon Keen photo

September 17-21, 2024

Owner Dolly Fisher said she actually planned to retire Schoodic from racing after his International Gold Cup victory in October, but after a short winter break, Schoodic “wanted to go to Jack’s!”

Schoodic’s win wasn’t unprecedented: he’s the second 14-year-old to win the Virginia Gold Cup. Joe Rogers’ King of Spades won in 1970 at age 12, repeating in 1972 at 14.

Leipers Fork Steeplechasers’ Rampoldi Plan earned his first stakes win in the grade 1, $150,000 Commonwealth Cup hurdle handicap, giving rider Jamie Bargary his first grade 1 victory.

Leading trainer Leslie Young saddled Rampoldi Plan, 14-1 longshot in the elite field of eight.

Young and Bargary also connected with Runnymoore Racing’s Clifton Down, 2-1 favorite and runaway winner of the 4-year-old hurdle stake. Visiting Irish pro Paddy O’Hanlon handled Young’s Kelmscott to win a division of the maiden hurdle.

Trainer Keri Brion also saddled twin winners, with rider Stephen Mulqueen taking a pair of maiden hurdles with Kitten Around and Juulstone. Doug Fout connected with Rolling Tide LLC’s Hold Hard to prevail in a gutsy stretch duel in the allowance hurdle.

Like Schoodic an elder statesman on the circuit, 55-year-old professional rider Bernie Dalton was aboard Hold Hard. He also doubled on the day, winning a maiden hurdle division with Joe Fowler’s Southpaw Mike.

Trainer-rider Tom Garner handled French-bred Crealion for owner Armata Stable to win the cross-country steeplethon. Crealion actually crossed the wire second, but first finisher and last year’s winner, Storm Team was disqualified for cutting a beacon late in the 3-mile race.

Gold Cup

Commonwealth Cup (Grade 1) Sport of Kings Hurdle Stakes (l-r) Go Poke The Bear (Paddy O’Hanlon, up);

Plan (Jamie Bargary, up) – 1st Liz Callar photo

Deadline for the Fall issue of In & Around Horse Country is August 5.

Reserve your space for Santa Fe Hunt’s 4th Annual Bryce Canyon 5-NT Hunt Week

SCHEDULE

Saturday, Sept. 14-16, 2024, add to your trip, arrive on your own (optional)

Day 1: Tues., Sept. 17 Trail Ride, Welcome Cocktail Party

Day 2: Wed., Sept. 18 Hunt Day, Catered Punch Bowl

Day 3: Thurs., Sept. 19 Trail Ride, Full Moon Dinner on the Rim

Day 4: Fri., Sept. 20 Hunt Day, Catered Punch Bowl

Day 5: Sat., Sept. 21 (Farewell) Breakfast on the Rim Trail Ride on your own!

If you would like an additional trail ride prior to or after our 4 night package please advise.

Deposit $300 per person confirms your reservation! Final payment is due 45 days prior to Sept. 16 (Aug. 2, 2024)

Cancellation prior to Aug. 2 - $100 will be non-refundable

Cancellation after Aug. 2 - $300 will be non-refundable

If bringing your own horses, please check with your vet regarding health certificate/Coggins

For more information: www.santafehunt.com or email MarianCerilly@gmail.com

Virginia Gold Cup Virginia Equine Alliance Maiden Hurdle Kelmscott (Paddy O’Hanlon, up) – 1st Liz Callar photo

Virginia Gold Cup Timber Stakes Schoodic (Graham Watter, up) – 1st Douglas Lees photo

Virginia

Rampoldi

RACING

Horses and People to Watch

Virginia Equine Alliance

Virginia Thoroughbred Association 2023 Champions

Recognized at May 3 Awards Ceremony

Diamond T Racing and Iapetus Racing’s Gigante was recognized as 2023 Virginia-Bred Horse of the Year at the Virginia Thoroughbred Association’s annual awards night May 3 at Great Meadow in The Plains, site of the Virginia Gold Cup the following day. The Steve Asmussen trainee also earned Three-Year-Old Colt Champion honors based on an outstanding sophomore campaign in which he earned $800,975.

Of four stakes wins Gigante recorded, the biggest came in the Grade 2 Secretariat Stakes at Colonial Downs over the Secretariat Turf Course, on the 50th anniversary of Big Red’s record-breaking Triple Crown sweep. He won that $500,000 stakes in thrilling come-from-behind style by a neck over Nagirroc at 23-1 odds with Javier Castellano up. Gigante recorded a trio of other stakes wins last year—in the Caesars Handicap at Horseshoe Indianapolis, Commonwealth Turf at Churchill, and Woodchopper at Fair Grounds on December 30 to close out the year. He is out of the Empire Maker mare, Summertime Green. Breeder Ann Mudge Backer and Smitten Farm accepted both awards May 3. Other award winner included Tufani (Three-Year-Old Filly Champion), Galilei (Virginia-Bred Older Mare Champion), Repo Rocks (Virginia-Bred Older Horse Champion), Determined Kingdom (Virginia-Bred Colt Turf Sprint Champion), Chambeau (Virginia-Bred Turf Sprint Champion), Carmelina (Virginia-Certified Filly Champion), Wolfie’s Dynaghost (Virginia-Certified Colt Champion), Kant Hurry Love (Virginia-Owned Champion), and Low Mileage (Virginia-Bred Two-Year-Old Champion). Neil Morris, who had five wins at the Colonial Downs’ summer meet with a combination of jumpers and flat horses, was named Virginia-Based Trainer of the Year. A complete writeup on the award winners and pictures from the event can be found at vabred.org.

Summer Thoroughbred Racing Schedule Set at Colonial Downs

The Thoroughbred racing season at Colonial Downs in New Kent will be conducted over nine weeks from July 11 through September 7 with racing every Thursday through Saturday. Post time is 1:30 PM on Thursday and Saturday with twilight cards at 4:30 PM every Friday. The popular “Festival of Racing” program will return with the Grade 1 Arlington Million, Grade 2 Beverly D, and Grade 2 Secretariat Stakes on Saturday, August 10. The 21st running of the Grade 3 Virginia Derby, along with the Virginia Oaks and a handful of additional stakes, will anchor the closing day card on Saturday, September 7. The 2023 season offered more than $650,000 per day in purses and boasted an average of 8.19 starters per race. Average daily handle was $2,658,028. Purse money for the 2024 season is expected to be nearly $700,000 per day. Details are available at colonialdowns.com.

Secretariat Dedication Ceremony in Ashland, VA

Attracts Hundreds of Appreciative Fans  March 30 was a monumental day for Ashland, Virginia, and for horse racing from

near and far! The town proclaimed it “Secretariat Day” to celebrate the birthday of the legendary Triple Crown champion and to hold the long-awaited dedication ceremony for the stunning bronze statue “Secretariat Racing Into History” by sculptor Jocelyn Russell.

A formal dedication and ribbon-cutting took place at the Reynolds Family Plaza at Randolph-Macon College in downtown Ashland. This was the first and only monument of Secretariat in Virginia, his birth state. He was born on March 30, 1970 at Meadow Stable, which was founded by Christopher Chenery, who grew up in Ashland.

At 21 feet long and 11.5 feet tall, the monument depicts a larger-than-life Secretariat at a full run, ridden by jockey Ron Turcotte. The saddlecloth shows the number two for Secretariat’s post position in the 1973 Belmont, his most memorable race. The 3,800-pound artwork garnered national publicity last summer during its 5,000-mile tour celebrating the 50th anniversary of Secretariat’s Triple Crown. The Secretariat For Virginia Committee with the non-profit Ashland Museum raised the funds for the project.

“Secretariat Racing Into History represents my family history coming full circle, in more ways than one,” said Kate Chenery Tweedy, chair of SECVA. “Like my grandfather Chris Chenery and my mother Penny overcoming their challenges with Meadow Stable, our team displayed an unwavering determination to get the job done. We are extremely grateful for such a rewarding collaboration with the Ashland community, the Commonwealth of Virginia, generous donors, and loyal fans from near and far. This glorious monument will stand as an emblem of excellence and inspiration that honors a matchless legacy.”

As a tribute to Secretariat’s Virginia roots and his still-unbroken track records in the 1973 Triple Crown, the majestic sculpture will be standing on a base containing portions of sand from the original training track at Meadow Stable and from the Kentucky Derby, Preakness, and Belmont Stake host tracks.

Shenandoah Downs Contest Winner Becomes a Harness Horse Owner/Trainer, and Wins His First Race

Woodstock resident Barry Shrum scored his first win ever as a harness horse owner—and trainer—April 21st at Shenandoah Downs when his 12-year-old pacer Pacific Stride came three wide in the final turn, passed four front steppers and cruised home to a 4½ lengths win after being sent off at odds of 9-1. Fresh off a pair of third place finishes, driver Fern Paquet Jr. directed the son of Art Major to his 20th lifetime victory in 1:56 3/5.

Each racing season, the Virginia Harness Horse Association gives 24 different fans the unique chance to “Own a Horse” for a day and experience what life is like as an owner. They each receive a lunch voucher for two, get to meet their horse and connections in the paddock before the race, and, best of all, keep the share of purse money their horse earns in a $5,250 race.

Shrum is the second local “Own a Horse for a Day” contest winner to invest in ownership of an actual harness horse—and win! Shrum’s friend Steve Wetzel, who often attended racing at the Shenandoah County Fair, won the same contest several years ago and is now a full-time harness horse owner, trainer, and farm owner with a dozen head racing between the Woodstock oval and Rosecroft.

The Shenandoah Downs spring meet continues every Saturday and Sunday through May 19. A seven-week fall season will run from September 14 to October 27. Details are at shenandoahdowns.com.

Virginia-Bred Gigante (inside) wins the 2023 Secretariat Stakes at Colonial Downs. Coady Photography

The 9-week summer racing season at Colonial Downs in New Kent kicks off July 11. VEA photo

Barry and Robin Shrum celebrate their first pari-mutuel win as harness horse owners at Shenandoah Downs. VEA photo

Close up of jockey Ron Turcotte atop the bronze Secretariat monument that is on display in Ashland. VEA photo

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