In & Around Horse Country Winter-Spring 2023

VHSA AWARDS

Virginia

Horse Show Association Annual Meeting & Convention

December 2nd – 4th, 2022, The Homestead, Hot Springs, Virginia Awards and Honors • Teresa Ramsay Photos

Jonelle Mullen receiving the VHSA Horseperson of the Year Award presented by VHSA Board Member E. Sue Bopp.

Ernest M. Oare (left) and Oliver Brown (right) presented the 2022 VHSA Hall of Fame Induction Award to William (Billy) Howland.

VHSA Special Awards Recipients and Presenters gathered for a group photo at the 2022 Annual Meeting and Convention. (l-r) Oliver Brown, Billy Howland, Ronnie Beard, Jane Gaston, Tommy Lee Jones, Ernie Oare.

Ernest M. Oare and Jane Gaston teamed up to honor Ronnie Beard for his 2022 induction into the VHSA Hall of Fame.

Jane Gaston was honored with the 2022 VHSA Owner of the Year Award, presented by VHSA President Walter J. Lee.

The VHSA Horse Show of the Year Award was presented to the Warrenton Pony Show, represented by (l-r) Junior Committee President Kellsey Stern, Junior Committee Vice President Audry Quinn, Junior Committee Member Lane Costa, and Show Manager Tommy Lee Jones.

A special mother-daughter moment. Kellsey Stern receiving the VHSA Junior Exhibitor of the Year Award presented by her mother Jonelle Mullen.

Large Animal Rescue Fundraising Trail Ride

SPORTING LIFE HIGHLIGHTS

Charlie Seilheimer Retires as Montpelier Hunt Races Chairman

Charlie Seilheimer, who has served as chairman of the Montpelier Hunt Races since 1997, will step down from that position at the end of this year. During his 25 years as chairman, Seilheimer achieved significant improvements in the fortunes of this event, held on the first Saturday in November on the grounds of the historic home of James and Dolley Madison. Attendance now averages 18,000 spectators and the money generated by the event helps support the upkeep of the fourth US president’s home. Part of Seilheimer’s success was achieved by getting the local community more involved in the races. Although stepping down as Montpelier’s chairman, he will continue to serve as a member of the board.

In October, 2016, the Large Animal Rescue team was dispatched to Boutetort County, VA, where a horse was stranded in a hayloft. The crew had the expertise and equipment to get the horse safely back onto terra firma. Photo Courtesy of Carol Witt Pugh

Currently serving as Co-Director of Racing, David Perdue will move up to the chairmanship when Seilheimer’s retirement becomes effective. Perdue is a member of Keswick Hunt Club and serves on the Board of Governors. A steeplechase horse owner, with a win at last fall’s Foxfield Races, Perdue has an impressive record of historic preservation and land conservation efforts.

In appreciation of his many years of service, the Board of Directors commissioned a portrait by English artist Jim Power, SEA, of Mr. Seilheimer at his job in the Winner’s Circle as a retirement gift. Photo courtesy of the Montpelier Hunt Races

A Celebration of Western Hunting May 12 – 21, 2023

Hosted by Big Sky Hounds, Miles City, Montana. Four days of foxhunting, ranch rides and rodeo, stirrup cups and socials, dinners and dancing, plus the World-Famous Miles City Bucking Horse Sale - Cowboy Mardi Gras, and live horse racing. For details and to register: www.BigSkyHounds.com.

Museum of Hounds & Hunting Plans for Memorial Weekend Events

The Museum of Hounds and Hunting NA will open the 2023 exhibit Saturday, May 26, Memorial Day weekend, to foxhunters. The exhibition opens Sunday, May 27, to the public. Featured exhibits include Sewickly Hunt’s 100th anniversary, new sculptures, and art. The MHHNA reception for members and their guests will be Saturday, May 27, at 6pm, Morven Park Mansion, Leesburg, Virginia. For information contact Nancy Bedford, Chairman, 540-454-1257.

COVER PHOTO: Mark Jump

PHOTOGRAPHERS:

Denny Bowmar

Zara Brooks

Liz Callar

Coady Photography

Elliot Conway

Quenton Eagan

Werner Ernst

Janet Hitchen

On the cover: Huntsman Tony Gammell was kept busy providing multiple days of sport when South Carolina’s Lowcountry Hunt hosted Plantation Hunt Weekend, January 13-15, 2023.

Allison Howell

Mark Jump

Karen Kandra

The Little Fork VFRC, based in Rixeyville, VA, is home to a specialized unit trained in technical rescues of horses and cows. Typical situations involve such things as a horse or cow becoming stuck in deep mud or water, trapped in ice, down in a stall or paddock and unable to get up, etc. In one notable case, a horse had managed to climb stairs into a hayloft and then couldn’t get back down.

To help support this all-volunteer unit, a benefit trail ride will be held on Saturday, April 23, 2023 at Three Oaks Farm in Rixeyville. An extensive system of marked trails allows riders to go at their own pace through the woods and open country. For full details and to download the registration form, visit www.littleforkvfrc.org/2023-benefit-trail-ride.com.

Rita Mae Brown Calls on Foxhunters to Support Juniors

Dr. Rita Mae Brown, MFH, Oak Ridge Fox Hunt, was the featured speaker at the annual Virginia Foxhound Club meeting, February 12, 2023. In her inspiring talk, Dr. Brown called on foxhunters to be more proactive in providing opportunities for youngsters to learn about hunting with hounds. She cited the developments in technology now available and encouraged the senior hunting community to employ new channels to reach the tech-savvy generation.

Many hunts are actively supporting juniors, including local Pony Clubs, as the photos on page 3 show. But there’s no denying we could all be doing more to reach a broader audience of young people. Today’s juniors will one day be the stewards of the countryside and the keepers of our hounds’ descendents. Let’s all work harder to provide them with ample opportunities to grow in the awareness of and appreciation for the sport.

Greg Knight

Doug Lees

Camden Littleton

Joanne Maisano

Tim McKee

Carol Witt Pugh

Teresa Ramsay

Leslie Threlkeld

VEA

ILLUSTRATION

Claudia Coleman

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KIDS, HOUNDS & PONIES

Beverly Chappell, in proper junior turnout and perfectly composed, enjoyed a day of sport when Thornton Hill Hounds hosted the Rappahannock Hunt for a joint meet from Mountain View in Woodville, VA, November 13, 2022.

Colleen Roberts, wife of Middleburg Hunt’s Huntsman Richard Roberts, conferred with Ashley (left) and Leslie Greenwell after they helped release hounds from the trailer when the hunt met at Foxcroft on January 21, 2023. Ashley and Leslie are the children of Brandy and Nick Greenwell. Brandy says, “They are car followers extraordinaire with Middleburg and love when Ms. Colleen lets them release the hounds. Future foxhunters for sure.” Liz

One of Blue

Hunt’s hounds got some special love from a young spectator when the local community was invited to gather at Longbranch on Thanksgiving Day, November 24, 2022.

Moore County Hounds Huntsman Lincoln Sadler encouraged the youngsters in the spectator crowd on Thanksgiving Day, 2022, to meet the hounds up close. Mark Jump photo

A Tally-Ho Wagon equipped with beverages provided some respite for riders at Wateree Hounds Opening Meet, November 26, 2022. Junior Emmie Mooneyham took advantage of the chance to enjoy a cool beverage. Mark Jump photo

Ridge

Joanne Maisano photo

Old Dominion Hounds Pony Club member Ansley Daniel, age 9, had her hands full hauling her grooming box while getting ready for Blue Ridge Hunt’s Juniors Day, December 3, 2022. Liz Callar photo

A perfectly turned out pair, Sophie Martin and her mount, awaiting the call to move off for Goodwin Hounds Opening Day, January 1, 2023. Mark Jump photo

Denny Bomar photo

Callar photo

Blue Ridge Hunt hosted Juniors Day December 3, 2022. Natalie Cosenza, age ten and a member of River Bend Pony Club, is learning the importance of proper grooming. Joanne Maisano photo

Five-year-old Imogen Weaver, daughter of Regina Welsh, took a moment to pause with her pony before Green Spring Valley Huntsman Ashley Hubbard moved off with hounds from Conclusion Farm, January 7, 2023. Karen Kandra photo

Reducing Rider Risk The LandSafe Rider Fall Safety System

By J. Harris Anderson, Managing Editor Leslie Threlkeld Photos, Courtesy of Eventing Nation

Take a former jump jockey and high level eventer, toss in a nationally ranked gymnast, add a mechanical horse with a naughty streak, and you have the recipe for the LandSafe Rider Fall Safety System.

Launched in 2016 by Danny and Keli Warrington, the mission of Landsafe is to teach riders how to minimize the risk of serious injury, especially to the head and neck, when the inevitable fall happens. Their inspiration was sparked several years ago by an upsurge in eventing-related accidents, particularly rotational falls, occurring at the time. The principles, however, apply to any equestrian discipline where you find yourself in that “Oh, crap!” moment where you know you’re going down and the difference between a minor spill and serious injury may be measured in milliseconds.

“Our goals are to save lives, reduce injuries, and increase safety education,” Danny stated in a 2017 Eventing Nation article. “I want people to understand that they’re not victims, that they have a choice in that moment during a fall and that there is training out there.”

Danny has had ample opportunity to experience what falling off a horse feels like. He began riding at the age of three. His father whipped-in to the old Vicmead Hunt in Warwick, Maryland, and Danny was foxhunting off the leadline by the time he was five. The need for more speed led him away from hunting and Pony Club to the action of the racetrack. But when a teenage growth spurt put him north of six feet, his dream to race on the flat was foiled. So he turned to the most likely alternative—steeplechase.

He trained under the tutelage of Gene Weymouth and Hall of Famers Jonathan Sheppard, Mikey Smithwick, and Janet Eliot. Danny racked up his first official race at 17 and spent the next ten-plus years riding over fences.

A sabbatical away from the horse world followed but the siren song of equestrian pursuits soon called him back. This time the path led from the track to the world of international three-day eventing. Once again, he sought out the leading figures in that arena to partner with including Bruce Davidson, Karen O’Connor, Jimmy Wofford, and Phillip Dutton. It was in the cross-country phase of the program that he noticed how accidents tended to go in cycles. “We don’t have an accident for a while,” he said during a Horse Talk podcast in 2018, “and we have one or two and then we have these years that are just brutal.”

It occurred to him that other sports, such as martial arts and gymnastics, include safety training at the basic stages to reduce the risk of injury. Over his many years working with horses in a range of disciplines, he had seen little or nothing in the way of a structured program to apply that to the equestrian world.

From these observations came the seed that grew into the LandSafe Rider Fall Safety System.

Happily, Danny had the perfect colleague to help make that a reality—his wife Keli. An accomplished gymnast who was nationally ranked for over ten years, she shifted her focus to eventing, rode through the CCI* level, and served as rider and groom for top eventers such as Jane Sleeper and Stuart Black. The serendipitous combination of skills as both a gymnast and equestrian, aided by a degree in business from West Chester University, made for an ideal match to Danny’s mission to teach riders self-preservation skills in a safe and controlled environment. Years spent watching, studying, and developing an understanding of riders’ reactions, both instinctual and learned, have enabled him to teach what is missing between reaction and response.

Danny retired from eventing in 2016 to devote his full attention to researching and developing the LandSafe program. In the course of that research, he came upon the work of Australian Lindsay Nylund, an Olympic athlete and coach, and his Horse Rider Fall Safety Training program. Nylund invited the Warringtons to come Down Under for training and collaboration as a way to get Landsafe kickstarted in the States.

Armed with that head start, plus their own expertise, they needed just one more partner to get things (literally) rolling. Enter “Punky.” Mechanical horses have come a long way since the days of the coin-operated steed outside the Woolworth that lured little buckaroos to throw a leg over, drop in a quarter, and go for a ride. At least with old Thunderbolt the chances of getting dumped off were pretty slim. Not so with Punky. He sits on a 24-foot track fitted with hydraulic gears that can be operated to simulate bucking, spinning, and other moves at varying speeds, all guaranteed to send the rider onto the inflatable mats that surround his domain. (We assume Punky is a gelding, although many of the moves in that bag of tricks seem more mare-ish).

What happens in the split seconds between the rider leaving the saddle and hitting the mats is the core of what Landsafe is all about.

But not so fast. Before anyone swings a leg over this steed-of-steel, some prep work is required. And it also involves the core—core strength.

The two-day clinic begins with two hours of gymnastics focused on the correct ways to shape, roll, position arms and wrists, balance, body awareness, and the control needed to become competent in a dive roll. The objective is to lay a foundation for the muscle memory needed to instinctively execute the moves to decrease the risk of serious injury. Students are shown how to form the “brace position” to create the “crash mat” that protects the head and neck using the wrists and elbows. Rolling is then the finishing move to diffuse the force of ground impact.

This follows Newton’s Second Law of Motion: F=MA (Force equals Mass times Acceleration). Reduce the mass by tucking and diffuse the force by rolling. Or, as one participant put it, “tucking is better than splatting.”

Keli Warrington helps a falling rider practice how to land safely after getting bucked off “Punky.”

Danny Warrington demonstrates the brace position with a clinic participant.

The first two hours of a clinic focuses on basic gymnastic skills needed to correctly execute a dive roll.

But, you say, doesn’t a good quality helmet provide sufficient protection for your head? That depends on how you define “sufficient.” A properly constructed helmet may lower the risk of head injury resulting from a fall. But given sufficient impact, the brain can still suffer a concussion from bouncing around within the skull. The objective of the LandSafe method it to help further reduce the force of impact, thus adding another safety element that works in concert with the cushioning provided by an approved helmet. (See page 12 for our review of Virginia Tech’s ratings for equestrian helmets.)

Moreover, the “crash mat” position also provides additional protection for the neck. Danny concedes that using the arms and wrists to protect the rider’s head and neck puts those extremities at risk. But in a worst-case scenario, which is less disastrous, a broken arm or a broken neck? Wear an arm cast for a few weeks? Or…well, no need to spell out the possible consequences of the other outcome.

Another technical principle at play in the Landsafe concept is proprioception. Also known as kinesthesia, it’s your body’s ability to sense movement, action, and location. It’s what enables a gymnast to flip and roll in the air and still land squarely on her feet. When you see an NFL receiver leap up to catch a pass along the sideline and come down with his toes just an inch inbounds, that’s his proprioception functioning at an exponentially high level.

Proprioception is activated by mechanosensory neurons located within muscles, tendons, and joints. Without it, you wouldn’t be able to move without thinking about your next step. While some people may be gifted with a higher level of this trait, it can be improved with training and exercise. For example, Tai Chi improves lower limb proprioception and yoga helps improve balance and muscle strength.

A two-day Landsafe clinic can help lay the foundation to build the specific muscle memory needed to reflexively activate that “crash mat brace position” and forcedefusing roll.

After working to build basic gymnastic skills, it’s on to Punky to practice transferring those skills to actual falls. Keli and Danny take turns with one operating the simulator controls while the other serves as spotter and coach, critiquing each fall and providing constructive input.

The second day of the clinic follows a similar schedule, starting with a refresher on the basic gymnastic skills and tips on how to continue strengthening those skills working on your own. Meanwhile, Punky is no doubt watching and thinking of new tricks to throw at his riders during the latter portion of Day Two.

Clinics are currently scheduled in multiple states running from February through July. To find out more about the LandSafe Rider Fall Safety System, visit www.LandSafeEquestrian.com.

Guy Allman: New Huntsman of the Live Oak Pack

By Lauren R. Giannini

The first season with Florida’s Live Oak Hounds for British-born huntsman Guy Allman has earned praise and appreciation from Masters Daphne and Marty Wood.

“Guy is an excellent huntsman,” Daphne said. “His style is different than what we are used to, but hounds have become accustomed to it and we are having excellent sport when scent allows. The kennels are immaculate and the hounds well cared for.”

What’s not to love about Live Oak’s first-ever foreign-born huntsman? He may be a hunt servant, but he’s also quite an ambassador for hounds, hunting, and life in the country. He’s hardworking, hands on, and in touch with the land, having been entrusted with the recent restoration of an important piece of neglected British hunt country to its natural glory.

“I spent an idyllic childhood with either a gun, rod, terrier, or ferret for company,” Guy said. “I was always interested in nature, but seemed to understand and enjoy the art of hunting. My parents ran a hunter livery and dealers yard, so I was always involved with hunting, but it wasn’t until I was about 13 when I was actively involved in kennel life and from then on I was hooked.”

Although originally thinking he wanted to be a terrierman, Guy was persuaded to become a whipper-in. “Unlike present times where staff seem to get fast-tracked to the position of huntsman, I served a long apprenticeship, starting at the bottom and working my way up,” he stated. “I feel privileged to have worked with some great men and hopefully I am putting the best of their ideas into practice now.”

Guy’s CV (curriculum vitae) is impressive, starting with his first posting as second whipper-in in 1986. Then, he spent the next three seasons—first two as second whip with Chiddington, Liconfield & Cowdray, then with North Cotswold where he graduated to kennel huntsman—all under the mentorship of Nigel Peel, MFH Huntsman, who has often judged at the Virginia Hound Show and Bryn Mawr Hound Show at Radnor Hunt (PA), to name two.

“I am delighted that Guy has settled in so very well at the Live Oak,” Nigel said. “The Live Oak are an outstanding pack of hounds, both in ability and looks, and it is only right and proper that they are handled by a fine huntsman which Guy is. I have known Guy since he was 17 years old—his devotion to our sport and the hounds would be hard to equal. He has boundless energy and enthusiasm as befits the huntsman of one of the top American packs. America’s gain has been England’s loss.”

Six years as first whipper-in with the Heythrop were followed by another solid spell as kennel huntsman at Golden Valley. He served as huntsman for the Mid Devon from 1999-2011, followed by his first American experience as Blue Ridge huntsman, then back to England to carry the horn at Bicester Hunt with Waddon Chase.

“I believe the most important principles a huntsman can live by are that they do the basics well, whether that be in the kennels or the hunting field and there are no shortcuts,” Guy said. “I also believe that the hounds are very susceptible to our own moods, actions and determination, we are an extension of them and them of us.”

The huntsman is under a fair amount of pressure to provide good sport. A foreign-born huntsman is under even more pressure. Everything is different: country, how the field follows, hounds, and quarry. Live Oak has a deep bench of English and Crossbred hounds, whose bloodlines, since Live Oak’s inception in 1974, have been carefully cultivated for their country and quarry: red fox, gray fox, coyote, bobcat, and boar. Hunting in northern Florida near the Georgia border

is not quite the same as chasing fox in England. The weather is totally different, ditto the flora and fauna. Plus, it takes time to earn a hound’s trust and establish that invisible thread.

When asked what advice they might offer to masters engaging foreign-born huntsmen, Daphne replied: “Try to be patient and appreciative during the learning curve. Some clash of culture is bound to occur. Keep communication lines open and accept that there will need to be give-and-take on both sides. When problems do occur, discuss them—ideally after the heat of the moment. New huntsmen must accept that their North American pack is apt to be quite different than the pack they came from. But they have been bred for their country and it would be a serious shame not to give each hound a fair chance to prove their worth before making changes. Foreign huntsmen have left everything they know and love, so try to make them feel welcome and included.”

This is very astute when you consider that Guy is Live Oak’s first foreign-born huntsman. His seasons with Blue Ridge provided a good introduction to the chase in the USA. Virginia has lovely country away from the metropolitan sprawl of developments that decimated historic territories closer to the Capital Beltway. Live Oak has a first class international reputation for sport in the field and success in the show ring. So the pressure was on from the time Guy arrived in May. Of course, Live Oak offered everything to make any huntsman happy and willing to try their best. But it isn’t easy. Requisite traits for every staff, especially huntsmen, include patience, perseverance, fortitude (mental and physical), and luck.

“America certainly does offer great opportunities as foxhunting is legal here,” Guy said. “But I will always defend hunting in the UK. Although banned in 2004, there are exemptions under which you can still hunt, albeit heavily monitored. There is still great tradition and support. The art of venery is the same the world over, whether hunting a fox or a mouse.”

What exactly does a foreign huntsman need? Daphne recited what Live Oak offered: “Good hounds hunting a large country, a lucrative package including moving expenses, full medical insurance, workers comp, a nice house, a hunt truck, safe horses to ride, a day and a half off a week, two weeks paid vacation, excellent, dedicated mounted and wheel whippers-in, and a kennelman.”

First and foremost, Guy had to obtain a work visa. It helped that he had one when he was with Blue Ridge, but in the interim the US government tightened up the process. There are many reasons why an application for any visa gets disqualified, probably even more when it comes to a work visa in a niche profession that few “civilians” understand. The list of disqualifying factors includes: invalid passport, cutting it too close to the deadline date, mismatched details, incorrect information, not providing every item required, applying for the wrong visa, not having the right documentation, any kind of criminal record, forgetting to sign and—believe it or not—if your signature isn’t contained within the box.

“The process to get a work visa is extremely difficult and takes months,” Daphne said. “It’s very expensive and requires a proven expert visa specialist lawyer.”

The documentation that accompanied Guy’s work visa application was, of course, complete and concise. Marty and Daphne, as potential employers and sponsors, wanted a serious commitment in light of their “investment” for his services. Guy agreed to stay with Live Oak for five years. His visa type is a P1, given to internationally recognized sportsmen. This distinction is substantiated by his CV and also by his 36 years of professional hunt service.

Three seasons as Huntsman for Blue Ridge Hounds (VA), 2012-2015, gave Guy a taste of North American style hunting. Janet Hitchen photo

“Acquiring a visa is a long process requiring many steps. Although tedious, I fully appreciate why it needs to be so,” Guy said. “To be granted a five-year work visa means security not only for myself but for Mr. and Mrs. Wood, and continuity for the Live Oak Hounds. The process this time has been tightened up considerably, but because I had been accepted before—and luckily I kept my old paperwork—it enabled me to present a better case. I owe a great deal of thanks to Mr. and Mrs. Wood for sponsoring my visa and I hope that I am already repaying them with the sport we are producing.”

In his letter to the masters of Live Oak in December 2021, Guy described himself as a “modern athletic huntsman, who hunts in a pure way and strives to provide the best sport and entertainment possible.” At 5’8” and 11 stone (154 pounds), he is a “capable, lightweight rider, able to cross varying terrain on horses with different levels of experience.” He managed the breeding of the Mid Devon Foxhounds for twelve seasons and assisted Linda Armbrust, ex-MFH Blue Ridge, and Paul Scott, ex-MFH Bicester, with hound breeding. His time with Blue Ridge also made him aware of the duties expected of a professional huntsman, such as trail clearing and management of the hunt territory.

Norman Fine, founder of FoxHuntingLife.com and longtime Blue Ridge Hunt enthusiast, offered this comparison: “It’s often said—humorously—that in America, the hounds hunt the quarry with the help of the huntsman, while in England by contrast, the huntsman hunts the fox with the help of the hounds. Despite Allman having first risen to prominence in England through the rigorous British system of hunt staff training, he has naturally exhibited the best characteristics of each.”

Norm reported: “Rather than obsessing about showing sport when first taking on a pack, if Allman feels that hounds are relying on his help rather than working out problems for themselves, he will withhold his help and teach hounds to work harder. He won't accept excuses about rising temperatures or poor scenting conditions. He will expect a better work ethic in his hounds. At the same time, his hounds show up for each meet happy, fit, sterns up, focused on Allman. Turnout is immaculate and would make any Master proud. Returning to the meet, which will be several hours later—Allman loves to hunt—he is relaxed, approachable, and friendly. He makes hunting enjoyable for all.”

This August Live Oak celebrates the start of their 50th season. “Our hounds and excellent hunting mean the world to Marty and me,” Daphne said. “As we are not getting any younger, we are determined to be the best we can be. We are blessed to be enjoying Marty’s 50 years of careful breeding and drafting. I think we have the nicest, most appreciative, fun group of people that hunt regularly with us. That really adds to the enjoyment when you can share the sport with delightful friends.”

As for the new huntsman, his advice to anyone wishing to enter hunt service is quite simple and reflects his own journey. “Don’t enter it lightly,” he said. “It’s hard work. It’s not just about wearing a scarlet coat and riding about. It’s about dedication, but if you give it 100 percent, it will pay you back in spades.”

Then Guy added: “One final note on the Live Oak Hounds—it has been a transitional season as this is my first season with them, and I am very proud of our progress together. But now, from first hand experience, I would like to dispel any myths that we have two packs of hounds, one for showing and one for hunting. What we do have is a good-looking, hard-hunting, single pack producing increasingly better sport.”

Hark to him!

Live Oak Hounds Opening Meet 2022 at Live Oak. Elliot Conway photo

Live Oak Hounds walking out with new Huntsman Guy Allman. Zara Brooks photo

When Guy Allman served as Huntsman in Virginia, he sometimes followed the English custom of leaving his horse with a whipper-in and going with his hounds on foot. Janet Hitchen photo

2018 Peterborough Royal Foxhound Show, Guy Allman, Huntsman for Bicester with Waddon Chase. Greg Knight RuralShots.com photo

OSMUN’S OBSERVATIONS

We think of December, especially around Christmas, as the time of good cheer and surprises. But this year, February rolled in with its own bundle of delights and surprises aplenty.

Ruffians Beware!

The unseasonably warm weather was such a welcomed contrast to what had been a miserable January. The higher temps have made my daily walks more enjoyable. There’s been so much more to see and smell. Even though the nights are still cold, the warm days have encouraged lots of living things to come out and enjoy the fresh air. The bees fly about looking for sugar water set out for them by thoughtful apiarists. Windows are flung open, releasing delicious cooking aromas that waft out from kitchens across Warrenton proper.

We haven’t seen any serious snowfall this winter, barely more than a scattered light dusting a time or two, and then quickly gone. That’s quite a contrast to my old life in Montana. As a Scottie, rain is an issue and ice is treacherous. But, let me tell you, a foot or more of snow can be a real problem for a shortlegged dog. If you had to walk out in similar conditions five times a day, you’d understand.

Another difference since I’ve settled in Virginia is that I’m part of a local walking group. There are five of us canines in the gang. Dr. Zeus, aka Tramp, named after the rascal in the Disney movie, is the tallest of our group. KoKo is a brindle Terrier; Lolly, a white Maltese; and Old Scruffy is another Terrier. Then there’s me, the baddest. All seniors, Scruffy has the longest canine teeth (and the shortest memory). We consider ourselves a pretty feral pack. No sensible human should allow us to roam in one group, especially along Main Street, Warrenton. We even call ourselves “The Alexandria Pike Terrors.”

A major February gathering for the Terrors was the surprise birthday party Marion threw for me. She spared no expense, as usual, and it was truly grand. There was a floral arrangement, and Scotty-themed napkin holders and salt-and-pepper shakers. Even Scotty party favors! Marion fired up the new battery-operated candles she had placed around the dining room. All the Alexandria Pike Terrors were invited. No doubt, sensing our threatening presence, every vole hibernating in the yard dug itself another six inches deeper into the soil, quaking in fear. The feast itself was amazing. I had just been put on Farmer’s Dog Food so we canines each got a large spoonful of turkey with green beans, one of my favorites, and then—treats!

We couldn’t see what the people were eating but it was a good guess it wasn’t Farmer’s Dog Food. So we sent Tramp, the tallest of us, on reconnaissance. We were planning the old “bump and dog dash” routine to knock some morsels to the floor. But all the ladies were wise to our tricks, and we failed miserably. However, my birthday gifts were all winners. I received a new medieval-looking collar, a flashing neck ring, ostensibly to make me more visible at night but, in reality, to alert other animals that the alpha dog was in the vicinity. And, joy of joys, a Barbour waterproof raincoat, very stylish indeed for Fauquier County walking parks and byways. I would have preferred red, a better color for me. But, since working at Horse Country, I’ve learned that sage green is the trademark color for Barbour and it seems to permeate the store in every department. “Soothing,” Marion says, “and it corrects so many country clothing faux pas.” (Which always make me think she’s saying “paws.”)

Yet the day’s allotment of surprises was not done. After we had all eaten, Jean, one of my walkers, ever energetic, suggested we all go for a walk to the lake. The women grabbed walking sticks from the umbrella stand by the door and off we went. It was a wonderful afternoon, clear and warm. We had gone about a quarter mile toward the lake when we entered a patch of woods that cut our visibility down to just the path and the surrounding few feet. Tramp and Lolly had gone ahead. I was moving clump-to-clump, head down, sniffing the warm winter grasses, catching a whiff of skunk.

Suddenly, Jean, a former huntsman and MFH, now a proud member of the Ashland Bassets, raised her voice and called, “’Ware coyote!” All the ladies started acting erratically. They brandished their walking sticks over their heads

and shouted in unison while jumping up and down. Deaf KoKo wondered aloud what they were up to. Scruffy said, “A Highland jig! Delightful!” Eagle-eyed Jean, habitually on the lookout for danger, spotted the ruffian not 24” from my tail. Once the coyote realized he was outed, his game was up. He faded into the shrubbery like an apparition, and all was quiet.

On the return walk, the ladies regained their composure and discussed the incident. Surely a lone varmint like that had no hope of taking on a single one of us dogs, let alone the entire squad of Alexandria Pike Terrors. And me with my new flashing collar on? Out of the question! It was then generally agreed by us Terrors that the intention was to frighten the women into scattered flight, which would enable the ruffian to single one of them out for harvesting. Once again, we saved the day. Unsung heroes, to be sure. I earned my Barbour coat that afternoon!

We returned home and the guests went their ways. I sat quietly, thinking about the events of the day, when Marion asked if I had even seen the coyote. “I didn’t see him,” I said, “but I sure smelled him!” Later that night, I decided that February had already provided more than enough surprises for one month. Yet with it not even half done at that point, I wondered what other adventures might yet await. Whatever they might be, I knew the Alexandria Pike Terrors would rise to the occasion and emerge victorious. Comforted by that knowledge, I went to sleep thinking of my new sage green coat and the twinkling electric candles.

Claudia Coleman illustration

On the Rail In Style.

JOCKEYS & JULEPS

GARDEN FLAG 13" wide x 18" long. #1922-GF0006 (HC1B) $21.95

Whether at the races, garden parties, weddings, or any springtime festivity, Horse Country’s uniquely designed hats provide the perfect fashion touch.

New hats arriving in March.

RACING IN UK

POCKET SQUARES

Handmade in England. Wool and silk blend. Available in Navy, Olive, Orange,  Light Blue and Pink. #1450-PS65/# (HC1G) $88.00

ENGLISH RACING

BOWTIE

Silk. Made in England. Available in Green, Rust, and Pink. #1450-207/#, (HC1H) $78.00

HORSE COUNTRY

COCKTAIL NAPKINS

5" x 5", 20 napkins/ package. Soft, 3-ply paper, naturally bleached. Made in Germany. #3258-4332C (HC1E) $7.00

BELMONT BAMBOO SERVING SET Includes knife, cracker/cheese/meat tray, Bamboo board. Pewter bit bccent. #4005-104180 (HC1A)  $95.00

JOCKEY SILKS OR HORSE AND JOCKEY TOTE Linen Tote. Handmade in the USA. Approx. 11" x 14" x 4". Jockey Silks #770-0222001 Horse and Jockey #770-0222003 (HC1F) $125.00

JAFFA VELVET STEEPLECHASE PILLOW 22"x 22" Down pillow. #1828-TP010 (HC1C) $325.00

PIMLICO PLASTIC CUP SET Set 10, 16 oz. Design wraps around the entire cup. #1943-CSF010 (HC1D) $32.99

Around Town In Comfort.

LADIES' OUTBACK RAIN COAT

Highly Waterproof. Adjustable, detachable hood and leg straps. 2 way front zip.

Available in Berry or Green.

Berry #1958-LRC01C

(HC2A) $176.00

Green #1958-LRC01B (HC2B) $176.00

STORM WATERPROOF

RAIN HAT

Available in Green, Navy, and Plum. #1958-LH001(A,B,C) SM-LG (HC2C) $38.95

DEGAS RACEHORSE RAIN CAPE

Reversible, packable, rainproof and windproof. Hidden magnet closures. One size. #222-09658 (HC2D) $73.95

VALENTIOS BUTTON-UP SHIRT

Casual button-up shirt. Technical, breathable, light sports fabric. #1956-LS0005 (HC2E) $120.00

Indoor/outdoor use. Approx. 13.25" x 10". #4036-G00700 (HC2H) $112.00

RABBIT AND CABBAGE PLANTER

BLACK FOREST RABBIT WALL HOOK Resin, 13" x 4". #4036-5183 (HC2J) $46.00

FOX AND RABBIT TOTE Approx. 13"L x 10.5"H x 4.5"D. #1961-HB0001 (HC2G) $84.95

FOX AND RABBIT SCARF Approx. 28" x 72". #1961-SC0001 (HC2F) $29.95

Ready to Go Whatever the Weather.

BARBOUR® ESSENTIAL JACKET

Quilted front panel. Knitted sleeves and back. Navy. Sizes Medium & Large. #4-MK1333NY (HC3B) $219.00

HORSE COUNTRY VII03 SHIRT

100% cotton. Regular fit. Long sleeve, adjustable cuffs. Navy/Blue Glen Plaid.  Sizes SM (34-36), MD(38-40), LG(42-44), XL(46-48). #1450-VII03 (HC3A) $195.00

BARBOUR SPORT WAXED BALL CAP

100% Waxed Cotton. Navy.

(HC3D) $50.00

LE CHAMEAU TALL RUBBER BOOTS

Handcrafted by a Le Chameau Master Bootmaker. Available styles: Ladies' and Men's Vierzon Men's Chasseur and Ladies' Giverny See our website or

BARBOUR® WAXED BORDER JACKET

All-weather jacket for taller gentleman. Classic corduroy collar. Two-way zipper with studded storm flap. Sage. Sizes 38 -50. #4-A330 (HC3C) $450.00

TALLY HARE TIE / RABBIT TIE

Handmade in England. Woven silk tie, Navy. #1450-388/1 (HC3F) $145.00

SWAINE ADENEY LEATHER HOLDALL Approx. size 24" x 13.5" x 13.5". #139-303L (HC3E) $795.00

#4-MC0005NY

ENGLISH BRIDLE LEATHER HALTER

Triple-stitched, two-ply construction. Hand-rubbed edges, straight chin, round throat. 1" wide, double buckle crown and solid brass hardware. Havana with white stitching. #140-5140 (HC4B) $219.95

PROFESSIONAL'S CHOICE PRO MESH BLACK

Double hook and loop straps.The ballistic strike guard provides protection.  #1725-PMSMB MD (HC4C) $70.99

#1725-PMSLB LG (HC4D) $70.99

WELLINGTON BRIDLE BY KL. Select Nut Brown

Handcrafted from fine Italian leather. Round raised, fancy stitched browband and caveson.

Noseband measures 1 3/8" at its widest tapering on each side to 1 1/8". Round raised, padded browband measures 7/8". 1/2" cheek pieces, matching 5/8" laced reins. All hardware is stainless steel, pin end, with a roller buckle on the noseband.

#327-KLWB (HC4A) $378.00

METAL SADDLE RACKS

Extends 21'' from the wall.

Wall base is 7'' x 10''.

#240-001, Brass (HC4E) $113.00

#542-7100-C, Chrome (HC4F) $150.00

#542-7100BK, Black (HC4G) $150.00

Form and Function From Head to Hoof.

SHEEPSKIN SHIPPING HALTER

Leather halter covered in genuine sheepskin. Snap at the throat latch. Adjustable crown. #2039-465199 (HC4H) $121.99

TEMPEST FLEECEMESH COOLER

Lightweight, dual action Black cooler. Top section wicks moisture away and regulates body temperature. Mesh lower section allows air to circulate and heat to dissipate. Ideal after intense exercise.

#299-9453BK (HC4J) $64.99

JENNY’S PICKS

I was saddened to hear of the passing of Jimmy Wofford while proofreading this season’s articles for our newspaper. We have featured all of his books in the past, and there are still a few in print. Perhaps now someone will see fit to reprint others that are no longer available as a tribute to this fine three-day eventing rider and trainer whom we have been fortunate to call a Virginian for part of his life. Here are those we have in stock:

Training the Three-Day Horse and Rider. Published in 1995 and now apparently out of print, this early work contains everything you might want to know from an eventing master. We have one new book left to offer unless I can find another source. While it’s not as flossy as current books, printed in black and white, there’s a bundle of valuable information for riders interested in this sport. Many photos are used in a “do this – don’t do that” format much as Jane Dillon’s epic School for Young Riders did for hunter-style equitation (which I read and reread many times as a child and still recommend if you can find a copy). Wofford covers all three phases—dressage, show jumping, and cross-country, as well as tack and horse selection. Needless to say, there are undoubtedly some more recent changes to the sport that are not addressed, but basically this looks like a great introduction to a demanding sport. Hardcover, 257pp. $27.95

Cross Country with Jim Wofford. Assembled from a series of columns written for Practical Horseman magazine and published in 2011, this book has crisp full-color photographs on brighter paper and comes with a DVD that runs approximately 37 minutes. This could be considered a supplement to the more complete volume above. Wofford’s concern for the horse’s welfare may prickle a few riders, witness his remarks on “good hands”: “Whether one calls it Rollkur or hyperflexion or uses some other verbal evasion to describe it, sawing the horse’s mouth…is

FOXES & HOUNDS

HORSE COUNTRY BOOKSELLERS

Specialists in New, Old & Rare Books on Horses, Foxhunting, Eventing, Polo, Racing, Steeplechasing & Sporting Art

60 Alexandria Pike, Warrenton, VA 20186 800-882-HUNT • 540-347-3141

abuse. A loose rein followed by a tight rein can no more produce classical riding than a broken string on a Stradivarius can produce classical music. And a horse who has been pulled into submission is a slave, not a partner.” When I see some of the photos of overbent dressage horses in today’s magazines, I agree wholeheartedly. Paperback, 322pp. $22.95

Still Horse Crazy After All These Years. If you enjoyed his first autobiography, Take a Good Look Around, which deals more with Jim’s other outdoor activities such as fishing and was a hoot to read, you’ll enjoy this later one (2021) which deals more deeply with his equestrian career. He’s a good writer! I confess I haven’t read this yet, but it’s at home waiting for me. Paperback, $27.95

If you want to hunt for the others in used-book stores, look for these titles:

Modern Gymnastics

Gymnastics: Systematic Training for Jumping Horses

101 Eventing Tips

Now for several other new books we just received.

Seamans, Madison, MS, DVM. Never Trust a Sneaky Pony. Every veterinarian must have scores of stories about their clients, and Seamans is ably capable of recounting some of his more memorable experiences. Fortunately most of his stories do not

end in the demise of the animal, and many will have you chuckling. And while you read, you can also learn a bit about the problem involved and/or the means with which to remedy it, as Seamans goes “client-friendly technical” from time to time. I had to read this in its entirety instead of paging through as I sometimes have to do when reviewing books. Very enjoyable, though I’d like to shake the daylights out of some of the owners for their insensitivity to their animals. Paperback, 322pp. $22.95

Querbach, Ann. Pole Work for Dressage Riders. Yes, pole work is useful for dressage training, and yes, these exercises could be applicable to any discipline. What is dressage but training, anyway? You don’t have to go grand prix to ride “dressage.” This book is full of sharp color photos and layout diagrams to help any horse pay more attention to his feet and balance. It starts with chapters on the reasons for pole work, corrective exercises, a series of chapters on walk, trot and canter both ridden and on the longe, on straight and on bending lines, and on tempo changes. Paperback, 176pp. $26.95

Baier, Christian. Arena Tracks. I would recommend this for serious riders and trainers of both dressage and jumping who are willing to spend the time reading and understanding these exercises. There are no photos, just diagrams of various exercises, some of which have unique patterns that could also help rider concentration as well as equine maneuverability. Hardcover, 181pp. $26.95

Both of the above would be good supplements to Grid Pro Quo, which I reviewed earlier and which has been a good seller in the store. What I like about each of these is the variety of patterns offered in each book; all too often it’s too easy just to set up a few poles along the outside track and/or down the middle of the arena. Some of these require a good deal of concentration by the rider!

Orange County Robot showed excellent form over a solid timber jump during the December 21, 2022, meet from Hickory House. Joanne Maisano photo

This confident coyote took a moment to assess the person behind the camera during the day’s hunting action when Blue Ridge Hounds were busy at Oxbow on November 22, 2011. Joanne Maisano photo

Blue Ridge Hounds Racoon (left) and Wallace in joyful action hunting from Oxbow, December 29, 2022. Joanne Maisano photo

Reynard went airborne as he dashed along Quaker Lane near the Piedmont Fox Hounds kennels on January 7, 2023. Douglas Lees photo

January 7, 2023, was a good day for fox-based action as this sleek one showed when Green Spring Valley Hounds hunted from Conclusion Farm. Karen Kandra photo

Always alert, this youngster took a moment to consider the options as Orange County Hounds worked the country from Hickory House on December 21, 2022. Joanne Maisano photo

2023 Spring Steeplechase Season Preview

By Will O’Keefe

The Rappahannock Hunt Point-to-Point will kick off the 2023 Virginia steeplechase season on Saturday, March 4 at The Hill near Boston, Virginia. The race card will include six horse races: four over timber and two on the flat. There will also be pony races. Entry fees will be waived for all starters. The open timber race will have a $2,500 purse. The maiden and lady’s timber races will be run for $1,500 purses and the flat races will have $1,000 purses. Post time is 12:00 PM for the ponies and 1:00 PM for the horses. If Mother Nature does not cooperate on the 4th, the races will be run on March 11.

The Warrenton Hunt Point-to-Point follows on March 18 at the Airlie Course near Warrenton. This will be the first opportunity for racing over hurdles, so you can count on this being a full day of racing with timber and flat races included. The first race will be run at 12:00 PM. The Piedmont Fox Hounds Point-to-Point on March 25 will have timber and flat races. The coveted Rokeby Challenge Cup at 3½ miles over timber is the feature. Post time is 1:00 PM. The Piedmont Fox Hounds Hunter Pace Events will be on a new date, Sunday, March 26 at 9:00 AM. The Orange County Hounds hunter pace events will take place on Saturday, April 1 at 9:00 AM at Harborvale Farm near Middleburg.

The Old Dominion Hounds Point-to-Point at Ben Venue Farm on Saturday, April 8 at 12:00 PM will have three NSA sanctioned races. These races include a pair of $25,000 maiden hurdle races at 2 miles, one of which is restricted to fillies and mares, and a $15,000 open timber race at 3 miles. The Old Dominion Hounds Hunter Pace Events on Sunday, April 9 at 9:00 A.M. will have a new venue, Hungry Farm Lane near Amissville.

The Blue Ridge Hunt Point-to-Point near Berryvillle on Sunday, April 16 at 1:00 PM and the Loudoun Hunt Point-to-point on Sunday, April 23 at Morven Park near Leesburg will have competition from the sanctioned meets for horses, but these are great spectator courses. Loudoun will not have timber races. The Middleburg Hunt pulls down the point-to-point curtain in Virginia on Sunday, May 1 at 1:00 PM at the Glenwood Park Course near Middleburg. This point-to-point is run over the same course as the Middleburg Spring Races.

The 103rd Middleburg Spring Races will open the NSA Sanctioned steeplechase race season in Virginia at Glenwood Park near Middleburg on Saturday, April 23. This year Middleburg Spring will offer $250,000 in purses. The purse for the featured Grade II Temple Gwathmey Hurdle Stakes has been increased to $100,000 and will attract the best hurdle horses in training. The co-featured $25,000 Middleburg Hunt Cup Timber Stakes is an ideal prep for the Virginia Gold Cup, and a strong field will go to the post. The race card also includes the Alfred M. Hunt Steeplethon, which is a crowd favorite with its circuitous route over varied obstacles. Additional hurdle races and a flat race round out the card.

The Foxfield Spring Races will be run on Saturday, April 29 at 1:00 PM over the Foxfield Race Course near Charlottesville, VA. The feature race is the Daniel Van Clief Memorial, which will be a handicap hurdle stakes race with a $60,000 purse. The record $170,000 total purse money is the most ever at Foxfield. There are three races over fences for non-winners. One of these is over timber, and the other two are over hurdles. There will also be an apprentice rider race over hurdles and a ratings hurdle race. The second race will be a training flat race going one mile and one sixteenth.

The Virginia Gold Cup Races will be held on the first Saturday in May, the 7th, at the Great Meadow Course near The Plains. Post time is 1:00 PM. The races will be run with pari-mutuel wagering available on the races at Great Meadow and the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs in Kentucky. You can bet that the races will be highly competitive with $390,000 in purses being offered. The six-race card is headlined by the $100,000 Virginia Gold Cup Timber Stakes and the $75,000 David Semmes Memorial Hurdle Stakes. Everyone is going to want to be on hand early as the second race on the card is the $40,000 Steeplethon Stakes run over one of the most unique courses in steeplechase racing. The Speedy Smithwick Memorial Hurdle Stakes race is restricted to four-year-olds running for a $50,000 purse. Two additional hurdle races will be run, one of them for maidens. For additional information contact nationalsteeplehaseassociation.com or centralentryoffice.com.

The Virginia Equine Alliance (VEA) has been a great friend to steeplechase racing in Virginia in recent years. Their support to the purse structure of the Virginia sanctioned race meets and their support of the Virginia Point-to-Points has been crucial to the growth of the sport. This year they will continue the popular starter reward program.

Any horse owned by a Virginian or trained in Virginia that starts in a flat, hurdle, or timber race at the Virginia Pointto-Points shall receive $200 per start. The Starter Reward program is funded by the VEA, whose purpose is to sustain, promote, and expand horse breeding and horse racing industries in Virginia. Call 540-347-4313 or email jeb.hannum@virginiaequinealliance.com for any questions about the program. The VEA Board recognizes how important the point-to-points are to the steeplechase industry, and they also serve to help get young riders started.

On Friday, March 3 the Virginia Steeplechase Association Awards will be held at the Middleburg Community Center in Middleburg. The leading Virginia-based owners, trainers, and riders will be crowned as will the leading hurdle and timber horses. Awards will also be presented to the participants who raced in Virginia but were not necessarily based in Virginia. These awards are for current members of the VSA. One of the highlights of the evening will be the inductions into the Virginia Steeplechase Hall of Fame. The Hall of Fame was created in 2007 to recognize the leaders of the sport in the Old Dominion. Contact Don Yovanovich (540) 270-0115 for reservations.

The 56th Annual Loudoun Hunt Point to Point Races

LH

Sunday, April 23, 2023

Morven Park Leesburg, VA

First Race: 11:30 am

Racing Day Includes:

Hurdle and Flat Races

Junior Pony Races

General Admission $40 per car

Subscriber Parking $75 per car

For ticket information, contact Mary Sell marysell@takarofarm.com

RIDER SAFETY

Virginia Tech Helmet Ratings Translating Research to Reduce Concussion Risk

By J. Harris Anderson, Managing Editor

The researchers in the Virginia Tech Helmet Lab have given new meaning to the phrase “seeing stars” when referring to the results of a bonk on the head. In fact, they’ve created two new uses for the “stars” application. One follows the now common practice of employing that symbol to rate products and services. The more stars the better. The other STAR is an acronym for “Summation of Tests for Analysis of Risk.” It works the opposite way: the lower the STAR rating the better.

When reviewing helmet ratings, it’s best to not get your stars crossed. Founded in 2011 by biomedical engineering professors Stefan Duma and Steve Rowson, the Helmet Lab began by assessing the level of concussion risk protection provided by football helmets. The research work has since been applied to several other sports, including soccer, cycling, hockey, snow sports, and whitewater sports.

Equestrian sports hold the dubious distinction of accounting for more concussions and related brain injuries than any other sport in the US—an estimated 50,000 emergency room visits annually. With an active and well-recognized riding program at Virginia Tech, it was an obvious choice to make helmets for equestrians the next category to be studied. To get that work up and running, a crowdfunding effort was launched in 2019. With help from Jacqueline Mars, the U.S. Equestrian Federation, U.S. Hunter Jumper Association, U.S. Eventing Association, and other supporters, the fund reached $425,000 by the end of 2020. The work then began and the results were published two years later in November 2022.

The first phase of the project required the researchers, mostly non-riders, from the school’s Biomedical Engineering and Mechanics Lab to get up the learning curve on falling off a horse. This entailed extensive reading about equestrian sports and hours spent analyzing over 100 videos of rider falls. From there it was off to gather field data from the places where those falls typically happen. Site selection was driven primarily by the types of surface a rider’s head might hit: e.g.; sand, hard clay, grass, and artificial footing. (Apparently, paved roads, rocks, and similar surfaces familiar to foxhunters but less likely to be traveled by the general population of riders were not evaluated.) A portable pendulum test rig and a device to measure surface hardness were used to gather measurement data, which was then used in the Helmet Lab to build the equipment required to replicate real-life situations.

The action in the lab would have made Vince and Larry proud. Remember them? They were the crash test dummies that cracked jokes while being subjected to all forms of mayhem in the old seatbelt PSAs. (Not to be confused with the Canadian band of the same name.) The equestrian helmets selected for testing were subjected to similar indignities and impacts, all in the name of scientific research. A device called a “pendulum impactor” was the key component of the specially designed equipment created under the auspices of the Institute for Critical Technology and Applied Science. Each helmet to be tested was fitted to a “headform” mounted on a spring-loaded sliding track. (If researchers gave a nickname to the “headform,” which resembled a disembodied descendant of Vince or Larry, our investigative efforts did not uncover that detail.) A weighted cylinder connected to a swinging arm was activated to strike the helmet. This triggered sensors inside the headform that recorded the effects of the impact. The pendulum was adjustable to strike at three different locations and two speeds designed to replicate real world falls.

While each helmet studied met the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) standards, the lab’s results produced more detailed information. ASTM certification is based on a helmet’s ability to withstand a catastrophic, skull-fracturing impact. Rather than measuring varying levels of impact to different locations on the helmet, it’s simply fitted to a headform, which is then dropped vertically onto a steel anvil. A pass/fail grade is applied based on the helmet’s ability to withstand the level of force that would result in a skull fracture or death.

However, many riding falls (perhaps the great majority) occur at lower impact levels. To provide a more nuanced assessment of each helmet’s performance, the data were assessed according to a graph that measures the combined probability of concussion. The x-axis (horizontal) tracks linear acceleration and the y-axis (vertical) measures rotational acceleration. The greater the acceleration of one or both, the higher the likelihood that the rider wearing the helmet will suffer a concussion. This, then, translates to a quantifiable measurement, the Summation of Tests for Analysis of Risk (aka STAR rating).

The Combined Probability of Concussion Graph was used to calculate the likelihood that a concussion would result from a fall.

Specialized equipment was designed to measure the results of an impact on different types of surfaces, including indoor arena footing. Photos courtesy of Virginia Tech’s Institute for Critical Technology and Applied Science.

Precise measurements were taken of the targeted surfaces and then used to create lab equipment that would accurately reflect the results of impact on a helmet.

A low STAR score indicates a lower average number of concussions likely to result when wearing that helmet. The inverse is then applied to the five-point star (symbol) scale. The two helmets of the 40 tested that received a five-star rating had the lowest STAR scores (The Champion Revolve X-Air MIPS, STAR rating 1.46; and The TuffRider Carbon Fiber, STAR rating 2.43).

Surprisingly, the retail price of a helmet bore no relation to its ranking in the test results. The helmet rated number one retails for $460, a price tag not unreasonable for something capable of providing so much protection for your noggin. But the one in second place goes for a paltry $58. Does the single point difference on the STAR scale justify a $400 difference? That’s for the buyer to decide.

And the same applies moving down through the rankings. The third place finisher, just 0.32 STAR points behind the Tuffrider, lists for $50. Then moving down to fourth place, a mere 0.16 point difference, the price bounces back up to $375. The most expensive helmet tested, at $669, finished ninth with four stars. Maybe some buyers might prefer its appearance over the eight higher rated helmets enough to justify shelling out that much. But you’d have to be totally gaga over the look of helmet #33 to pony up $640 in spite of its one star rating. Anything more than a light tumble onto soft ground and you may be seeing that other kind of stars—or worse.

Of course, different disciplines have different standards for the type of protective headgear suitable to that sport. You wouldn’t expect to see a skull cap in the dressage ring—at least not yet. The style lines are blurring these days as safety (and perhaps the threat of lawsuits) becomes an increasing concern. Some readers may recall the time when, as stipulated by William Wadsworth in his 1962 pamphlet Riding to Hounds in America, the only acceptable types of headwear for ladies and gentlemen in the hunt field were top hats and bowlers. Hunt caps, considered a “symbol of authority,” were reserved solely for staff and those “singled out by the MFH.” Today harnessed safety helmets, of varying styles, dominate in the hunt field. Some clubs have gone so far as to ban the types of headgear upon which Mister Wadsworth insisted. No harness, no hunting. And it’s only been in recent years that a lady riding sidesaddle—whether showing on the flat or over fences, foxhunting, or racing—would be seen wearing anything but a traditional top hat or bowler.

There may not be 40 different categories of equestrian sports, but while the lines may have blurred a bit, there are certainly enough specialty areas to suggest different helmet standards for each. It’s reasonable to assume falls on an eventing cross-country course are likely to pose a greater risk than, say, a spill while on a casual trail ride. ASTM standards don’t take those variations into account and thus neither do most manufacturers. Or, if they do, it doesn’t necessarily come

EVENT NOTICES

The 40 helmets were ranked according to their score on the STAR scale (the lower the better) which then related to the number of stars assigned on the five-point scale.

through in the way a given helmet is marketed. For example, the expanded foam found in some helmets is designed to crush, crumble, and break on impact. This works as intended under high-force conditions. But in a low-impact fall the padding may remain intact and that could work against absorbing the energy, thus allowing more of it to transfer to the rider’s skull.

The findings of the Virginia Tech researchers may help helmet manufacturers continue to make improvements to their products and equip riders with a better resource to determine which helmet is best for them. At least for the 40 helmets included in this study, the results offer much more detail than the general ASTM standards.

One aspect we didn’t see mentioned in the Helmet Lab report was the extent to which a helmet’s protective quality degrades after an impact or over time. Most manufacturers offer some form of replacement policy for a helmet that’s been impacted by a fall. They also recommend replacing any helmet after five years of use, even if it never hit the ground. Whether or not those policies are scientifically supportable, it’s probably best to err on the side of extra safety.

So if you’re in the market for a new one, for whatever reason, you can do some star-gazing through the Virginia Tech rankings at helmet.beam.vt.edu.

(And to read about another way to protect both your head and neck in a fall, see the article on the LandSafe Rider Fall Safety System in this issue, page 4.

Upcoming Events In and Around Horse Country

Spring will soon be blooming with a bouquet of challenging, exciting, and just plain fun events. We encourage you to get out and enjoy the many happenings in Horse Country.

Hunter Pace Events and Spring Races:

The spring races and the hunter pace series begin in March. For contact information and more details, go to www.centralentryoffice.com.

Spring Races, Virginia:

Sat., March 4: Rappahannock Hunt Point-to-Point

Sat., March 18: Warrenton Hunt Point-to-Point

Sat., March 25: Piedmont Fox Hounds Point-to-Point

Sat., April 8: Old Dominion Hounds Point-to-Point

Sun., April 16: Blue Ridge Hunt Point-to-Point

Sat., April 22: Middleburg Spring Races

Sun., April 23: Loudoun Hunt Point-to-Point

Sat., April 29: Foxfield Spring Races

Sun., April 30: Middleburg Hunt Point-to-Point

Sat., May 6: Virginia Gold Cup Races

Spring Races, Maryland:

Sun., April 2: Green Spring Valley Point-to-Point

Sat., April 8: Elkridge-Harford Hunt Point-to-Point

Sat., April 15: My Lady’s Manor Races

Sun., April 16: Mount Harmon-Wicomico Point-to-Point

Sat., April 22: Grand National Steeplechase

Sat., April 29: The Maryland Hunt Cup

Sun., May 21: Potomac Hunt Races

Sat., May 27: Fair Hill Races

Hunter Pace Events:

Sun., March 26: Piedmont Fox Hounds

Sat., April 1: Orange County Hounds

Sun., April 9: Old Dominion Hounds

Sat., April 15: Rappahannock Hunt

Sat., April 22: Blue Ridge Hunt

Sun., April 29: Warrenton Hunt

Other Springtime Happenings:

Bull Run Hunt March Madness Hunt Week

Sun., March 19 – Saturday, March 25 www.BullRunHuntClub.com

Little Fork VFRC Trail Ride

Sat., April 22, 9:00 am – 3:00 pm Rixeyville, VA www.LittleForkVRRC.org

Celebration of Western Hunting

Fri., May 12 – Sunday, May 21 Miles City, Montana www.BigSkyHounds.com

Museum of Hounds & Hunting North America

Members Reception

Saturday, May 27, 5:00 pm

The Mansion, Morven Park, Leesburg

Open to current members and members’ guests. www.mhhna.org

Museum of Hounds & Hunting North America

Art & Sculpture Exhibition, May 28 – June 25

The Mansion, Morven Park, Leesburg www.mhhna.org

Virginia Foxhound Club Cocktail Party & Dinner

Sat., May 27, 6:00 pm

Horning Blowing Contest, 7:00 pm

www.virginiafoxhoundclub.org

Virginia Hound Show

Sun., May 28, Show begins at 9:00 Morven Park, Leesburg

rferrer@patricioenterprises.com

For other hound show scheduling info, go to www.mfha.com.

Upperville Colt & Horse Show

Mon., June 5 – Sun., June 11 www.upperville.com

What’s a Joint Like You Doing in a Nice Guy Like This?

By J. Harris Anderson

[Editor’s Note #1: This satirical piece first appeared in the December 2012/January 2013 issue. Since then, the author has added one more joint point to his tally (left hip), although he remains at the Junior Jointer level.]

When golfers get together, they compare scores, brands of clubs, and favorite courses. When foxhunters get together, they compare fractures, concussions, and joint replacements.

The first two have been relevant since the sport began. The third is a fairly recent topic of conversation. It is also the bonding element of a new, and growing, subculture: the Joint Replacement Club (JRC). I became an entrylevel member of the JRC in 2010 when my old, worn out, right hip was replaced with a wondrously artful assembly of titanium and ceramic parts. I say “entry-level” because initiation into this select group revealed a clear hierarchy among the members, a stratification based on both the number and type of replacements.

Not all joints are created equal. Hence neither are their replacements. The knee, for instance, is mechanically more complex than the hip, the latter being a simple ball-and-socket design. The knee is also more weight-bearing and hence the post-replacement recovery may take longer. Consequently, a person who has had one knee replaced automatically outranks a mere onehipster on the Joint Points scale. Shoulders top the list, garnering three full points per joint. The most exalted members of the club are those who have undergone replacements of the replacements; all point values are doubled.

The Joint Points scale begins with the simple assignment of one point for a hip, two for a knee, and three for a shoulder. Each joint then entitles the bearer to his or her entry-level rank: Happy Hipster, Knight of Knees, or member of the Chivalrous Order of the Shoulder. (As with the terms “Huntsman” and “Master,” JRC titles are gender-neutral.)

Further titular stratification is then based on total amassed point values:

PointsTitle

1-3Junior Jointer

4Baron of Bionics

5Rajah of Repairs

6Archduke of Arthroplasty

7Prince of Prosthetics

8Monarch of Motion

9 and upEmperor of Ambulation

One’s title then determines one’s position of choice in the hunt field, seating selection at the ball, and exemption from summer trail clearing duties.

Surgical technology has advanced to where most any joint in the human body can be repaired or replaced. But that doesn’t mean the venerable JRC is willing to admit just anyone who’s had, say, a thumb joint tweaked. Nor is someone who has undergone a less common but more complex procedure a viable candidate. Those in the former cohort may think themselves the equal of one who has spent hours on the surgical table and months in recov-

ery. The latter are likely to consider themselves instantly vaulted to nothing less than Archduke of Arthroplasty status. And the more joints accepted, the more arduous the Joint Point math. (Consider, as well, that a significant portion of JRC members have probably experienced a few TBIs (traumatic brain injuries) during their riding and hunting years. Thus our cognitive and calculation skills are likely to be somewhat impaired. Ciphering beyond single digits becomes a vexation.)

Given those exclusions, you might think the JRC is open to none but a narrow slice of foxchasers, a population sample more miniscule than Mensa members. Yet you would be surprised to find how many of those riding alongside you in the hunt field could walk through airport security naked and still set off the metal detector. And JRC membership covers the range of hunting enthusiasts, at least for those of a certain age, including a substantial number of huntsmen, masters, and staff.

You might, in rare instances, glimpse a hint of scarring, perhaps a healed incision along knee or shoulder at, say, a summer picnic or pool party. Catching sight of the hip scar requires, shall we say, a deeper level of friendship. For the most part, however, the general public is blind to the presence of JRC members who walk—quite well, thank you —among them.

Such invisibility is a testament to the skills of our surgeons and physical therapists, as well as to the wonders of modern medical procedures. Our more learned readers will know the name Isaac “Ikey” Bell, famous master and huntsman in the early part of the 20th Century. According to historical accounts, Bell’s arthritis became so crippling by the 1930s that he tried riding sidesaddle in an effort to continue hunting his hounds. Alas, that did not prove effective and, while then only in his 50s, he had to give up hunting altogether.

Fortunately, if riding aside does not alleviate joint pain, an exercise regimen and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) might, but only for a while. Once the twinge is felt, the clock starts ticking. And though the twingee may attempt denial and self-delusion, rest assured JRC membership awaits.

Fear not though. We are a welcoming lot. Though but a Happy Hipster of Junior Jointer status, I have been warmly accepted into the club. Where I might have previously found conversation difficult with some people, I now find ample fodder for tailgate talk focused on who has had which parts done, and where each person ranks on the Joint Points scale. I’m also pleased to say the new right hip has performed marvelously well. So well, in fact, that its partner is now showing signs of envy. The left side twinge has begun, the clock is ticking. Today a Junior Jointer, soon a Baron of Bionics.

[Editor’s Note #2: Nothing in this article should be considered reliable medical information. The author’s medical credentials are, to put it charitably, non-existent.]

A Happy Hipster Junior Jointer Member of the JRC. Tim McKee photo

REMEMBRANCE

James C. Wofford

November 3, 1944 – February 2, 2023

Some people achieve success in the horse world thanks to family lineage. Others do so through hard work, diligence, and the ability to distill the essence of complex details down to basic applications. For Jimmy Wofford it was both. And most likely more the latter than the former.

The youngest of four children, Jim was born close to Fort Riley, Kansas, which was then the home of the U.S. Cavalry School. His father, Col. John Wofford, competed as a show jumper in the 1932 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. In the early ’50s, Col. Wofford played a critical role in transitioning what was then known as “The Military” into today’s civilian three-day eventing. Later that decade, Jim’s mother, Dorothea “Dot” Wofford, played a role in the creation of the U.S. Combined Training Association, now the U.S. Eventing Association.

What seemed like the ideal track for guaranteed success in equestrian sports was derailed by the death of John Wofford when Jimmy was ten years old. Her husband’s death sent Dot into a state of despair. With his older siblings grown and gone, Jimmy was left to find his own way. Books, mostly about horses and equestrian sport, proved to be his salvation. The foundational knowledge born in those days continued to grow throughout his life, equipping him with an unparallel combination of intellectual understanding and physical abilities that would take him to the heights of success in the horse world.

Those heights included two Olympic silver medals (1968, 1972), one Pan American Games gold medal (1967), and two World Championships bronze medals (1970, 1978). His many other achievements included a fifth-place finish at Badminton in 1979, a silver medal at the 1980 “alternate Games” (a substitute event prompted by the boycott of the Moscow Games that year), and a win at the 1981 Kentucky Three-Day.

At that point, Jim decided to step away from equestrian sports. He took a job selling insurance, which allowed him more time to focus on his family: wife Gail and daughters Hillary and Jennifer.

But the horse world wasn’t ready to let Jimmy go. In 1985 Diana and Bert Firestone needed someone to ride Karen O’Connor’s horse The Optimist in the 1986 Kentucky Three-Day while she was in Australia competing in that year’s World Championships. Who better than Jimmy Wofford? He accepted. He won. And he was back in the game.

Only now his focus turned more toward coaching and administrative roles. He’d been involved in the USCTA and American Horse Shows Association since 1971, rising to AHSA vice president by 1981. In that role he was instrumental in changing the association to an individual membership organization. His role expanded to serving as the president from 1988 to 1991.

Jim had been working with students since he and Gail created their Fox Covert Farm, Upperville, Virginia, in 1971. From that home base Gail hunted with Piedmont Fox Hounds and served as Master and Honorary Secretary for many years. One of Jim’s early students was a young Tad Zimmerman, who, under Jim’s tutelage, was chosen as reserve for the 1976 Olympic team. Tad has

been serving as joint-master of Piedmont since 2002.

Everyone who benefitted from Jimmy’s coaching sings the praises of the disciplined, intellectual, and supportive approach he brought to the process. And although Jimmy is now gone, his knowledge has been saved in his writings. He was a prolific contributor to different publications and composed two must-read manuals: Training the Three-Day Event Horse and Rider (1995) and Modern Gymnastics: Systematic Training for Jumping Horses (2013). His other works include 101 Eventing Tips (2006), Cross Country with Jim Wofford (2011), and Still Horse Crazy After All These Years (2021).

Known as much for his quick wit and playful nature as he was for his stellar horsemanship, it was only natural for him to craft a memoir of lighthearted tales and exploits. The title, Take A Good Look Around (2006) captures the essence of Jimmy’s unique blend of focused dedication and whimsical outlook. He explains the title in the book’s foreword: “The title of this book is derived from an expression in use around my neighborhood here in Upperville. When one of my rowdy friends gets over-cocktailed, his wife will typically drag him out of the party by his ear, telling him, ‘Take a good look around, big boy!’ Meaning that he most likely won’t be invited back, so he should remember it as it was at the time. I have always been aware that we might not see something, or experience something for a second time, hence the title.”

Jimmy Wofford saw and experienced much over his life. And countless students, friends, and fans are grateful that he took the time to pass along the insights he gained on that journey. There was never any question that he, if not some of his rowdy friends, would always be invited back.

James C. Wofford. Douglas Lees photo

Jimmy Wofford and Kilkenny at the 1968 Mexico Olympics. Werner Ernst photo

RACING

Horses and People to Watch

Virginia Equine Alliance

Colonial Downs Receives 2023 Race Date Approval that Features a Thursday, Friday, & Saturday Schedule

Colonial Downs race dates for 2023 were approved at the Virginia Racing Commission’s December meeting, and the 27-day, 9-week meet features a move to partial weekend racing after several years of operating on a Monday-TuesdayWednesday afternoon schedule.

The summer campaign will run from July 13 through September 9 with racing every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday at 1:30 PM. The 20th running of the $300,000 Grade 3 Virginia Derby is scheduled for closing day, Saturday, September 9. The 2023 live race meet will be the first at Colonial Downs under the operation of new owners, Churchill Downs Incorporated (CDI).

“There were many considerations taken into account to arrive with this schedule,” said Jack Sours, VP of Gaming for CDI. “The long-term goal of Churchill Downs is to offer racing on weekends. We feel racing on Thursday, Friday and Saturday is a good first step toward that. This will allow more fans to enjoy racing in New Kent and will allow us to run the Virginia Derby on a Saturday.”

The 2021 and 2022 Virginia Derbies were both held on a Tuesday. The ’22 edition attracted an all-time record handle of $6.5 million. The overall ’22 meet itself offered $612,000 in average daily purses, had 8.35 starters per race, and saw 1,382 horses from 321 trainers compete in the 9-week session.

Sours noted that Historical Horse Racing (HHR) handle was on pace for $3.9 billion in 2022, a 25% increase over the prior year. He expects that Colonial will add more HHR terminals in 2023, which could result in additional race dates come 2024. There are currently 2,606 machines in operation between six Rosie’s Gaming Emporium sites. He projects that two more could come on board as early as September next year. The Rosie’s in Emporia will have 150 and the first phase of “The Rose” gaming resort in Dumfries is expected to open with 1,150 terminals.

“More HHR means more race dates,” said Sours. This will allow us to add more dates and possibly race over the entire weekend instead of just Saturdays. We may even explore evening racing in the future.”

Pair of Grade 1 Stakes Will Be Moved to Colonial Downs

After approval from the American Graded Stakes Committee, three internationally-renowned Thoroughbred stakes races will be moved to Virginia in 2023 and contested together at Colonial Downs on Saturday August 12.

The Grade 1 Arlington Million, Grade 1 Beverly D. Stakes, and the Grade 2 Secretariat Stakes will likely provide the biggest day of racing in Colonial Downs’ history. The New Kent track opened in 1997.

The trio of stakes were headline events at Arlington International Racecourse each summer since 1981 until the track closed in 2021. The Million and Beverly D were conducted last year during a unique one-day meet at Churchill Downs. The Secretariat Stakes was not held in 2022.

Colonial Downs has always emphasized grass racing over its one and one eighth miles Secretariat Turf Course, the widest grass racing surface in the country. The Virginia Derby, currently a Grade 3 stakes with a $300,000 purse, had been the track’s most prestigious race.

“It is an incredible honor to continue the legacy of these exceptional races by hosting them in our Commonwealth,” said Governor Glenn Youngkin. “I am deeply committed to growing our equine industry and as we work to revive the rich traditions of this sport in Virginia, these stakes races will accelerate our progress and ignite excitement for the fans.”

“Churchill Downs Incorporated remains steadfast in our goal to increase the relevance of the racing product at Colonial Downs and in Virginia,” said Bill Carstanjen, Churchill Downs CEO. ”Securing these stakes is an important step toward that goal in terms of wagering growth and entertainment value. We are also committed to increasing the flow of purse revenue from historical horse racing to allow for expansion of race dates in the future.”

Next year will mark the 50th anniversary of Secretariat’s historic Triple Crown-winning season. The legendary horse will now be commemorated in the year of this milestone anniversary by debuting the stakes named in his honor on the Secretariat Turf Course at Colonial Downs in the state where he was bred, born, and trained to be a champion.

Secretariat was foaled a short 30-minute drive north of Richmond at The Meadow Farm in Caroline County. In 1973, as a three-year-old, Secretariat became the first Triple Crown winner in 25 years when he swept the Kentucky Derby, Preakness, and Belmont Stakes in astounding fashion.

Buoyed by that feat, horse racing in Virginia remains a lively and lucrative industry that has benefitted the Commonwealth for decades. A 2021 Economic Impact Study prepared for the Virginia Equine Alliance showed the overall economic impact of Virginia’s horse racing and breeding industry was estimated to be $542 million in 2019 and supported over 5,200 jobs. Additionally, the industry contributed an estimated $26.5 million in tax revenue to the state that same year.

Shenandoah Downs to Usher In its First Spring Meet Beginning April 1 Dates for the first ever spring harness racing season at Shenandoah Downs were also approved by the Virginia Racing Commission. A seven-week meet will start April 1 and continue thru May 14 with racing every Saturday and Sunday at 1:00 PM. Holiday racing will take place on Easter Sunday and on Mothers Day. Since the Virginia Equine Alliance began conducting harness races at the Woodstock oval in 2016, only fall dates had been scheduled, until now.

Moving forward into 2023, a four-day non-wagering meet will be held during the 106th Shenandoah County Fair, from August 30 through September 2. Racing will take place at 12:00 noon Wednesday through Saturday of Fair Week.

The eighth annual Shenandoah Downs fall meet will follow and is slated to run seven weeks, from September 16 through October 29, pending Virginia Racing Commission approval. That meet will mirror the spring schedule, with racing on Saturdays and Sundays at 1:00 PM. Wagering is available during both the spring and fall seasons.

In all, 28 days of pari-mutuel racing will be conducted in 2023. In 2022, 16 race days were held and in 2021, there were 10 race days. More details can be found at shenandoahdowns.com.

Wolfie’s Dynaghost captured the 2022 Bert Allen Stakes over Colonial’s 180-foot wide turf course. Coady Photography

Pacers and trotters will compete at Shenandoah Downs in Woodstock for seven weeks this spring. Quenton Egan photo

Capensis, a Todd Pletcher trainee ridden by Irad Ortiz, Jr., won the Grade 3 Virginia Derby in 2022. Coady Photography

Kate Tweedy, daughter of Secretariat’s breeder/owner Penny Chenery, stands in front of “Big Red’s” image in the Colonial Downs entrance area. Various events celebrating the 50th anniversary of his Triple Crown campaign will take place this year. VEA photo

Lewis William “Billy” Dodson

April 5, 1946 – December 2, 2022

Some huntsmen become famous on a grand scale by moving from hunt to hunt, state to state, or even country to country. Others achieve major respect on a micro level. So it was with Billy Dodson.

Born and raised in Virginia’s Rappahannock County, he spent his entire working and hunting life among the hills and valleys of his boyhood terrain. It was only natural for him to follow that path. He began whipping-in to his father Ollie, then huntsman for Rappahannock Hunt, at the age of nine. He could have had no better teacher than Ollie. Working with him instilled a lifelong love of hounds and horses, which led to a career as a professional whipper-in for most of his life.

Oliver Brown, MFH, former huntsman for Rappahannock, recalls how much he trusted Billy’s counsel over the years the two of them hunted together. “Billy had a passion for hunting. It was never just a job to him. I always trusted his opinions and I think he made me a better huntsman.”

In addition to serving as a whip for Rappahannock, Billy handled additional duties whipping-in to his brother-in-law Jim Atkins at both Old Dominion Hounds and Warrenton Hunt.

Then, in 1998, Larry LeHew led a split from Rappahannock to form Thornton Hill Hounds and he wanted Billy to serve as huntsman.

The only problem was that there were no hounds. A new pack had to be put together from scratch. Given Billy’s reputation and local connections, that took all of three days. With generous help from Old Dominion, Warrenton, Fairfax, and Mission Valley hunts, Thornton Hill soon had sixteen couple in kennels.

Rappahannock County is considered “The Cradle of the American Foxhound.” But the Penn-Marydel breed was beginning to gain in popularity and that was the way Billy chose to go. He did, however, develop a cross with threequarters PMD and one-quarter American, which he felt created the best of both: the nose and voice of the Penn-Marydel tempered with the steadiness of the American blood.

The Thornton Hill country is known for its steep, mountainous terrain and thick coverts. Hounds with stamina and good voice are needed. And they require a huntsman who knows that country intimately and can let hounds work with little interference. Having spent his entire life, starting in childhood, working with hounds and horses in that environment, those skills came as naturally to Billy as they did to the hounds he bred and hunted.

He was similarly selective with his mounts. The Rappahannock hills require a light, agile horse with lots of stamina, which perfectly describes a steeplechaser. Most of his horses were Thoroughbreds that had raced over fences before transitioning to hunt field service.

By 2015 Billy Dodson had been chasing foxes in Rappahannock County for 60 years. It was time for a well-deserved retirement.

His name may not spring to the lips of many hunt field members in other areas when asked to cite notable huntsmen. But we doubt that would have mattered much to Billy. It wasn’t about fame or a widespread reputation. It was just living out his good fortune to grow up in a small corner of the world perfectly suited to mounted hunting and to have the privilege to spend his life doing just that.

Jean Perrin Derrick, Ex-MFH

March 22, 1952 - January 11, 2023

The foxhunting world lost a well-known and much-admired ambassador of the sport when Jean Derrick succumbed to injuries suffered in a fall while leading Belle Meade Hunt’s first field. A Texan by birth, Jean embodied the spirit and sass of the Lone Star State with the gentility and charm of South Carolina, where she practiced law, and Georgia, which served as the base for her hunting exploits.

Her childhood enthusiasm for equestrian sports blossomed into a passion for mounted hunting that became the dominant force in her life. (Her law practice website featured just two photos, one of her jumping a stone wall and the other jumping a coop in the hunt field.) She served as MFH for two South Carolina hunts, Whiskey Road Foxhounds and the now disbanded Edisto River Hounds. For the past several years Georgia’s Belle Meade Hunt has been her hunt of record where she maintained a well-appointed hunt box and led first field with unequalled spirit.

Jean did not, however, limit her exploits to the expansive territory of Belle Meade. She traveled extensively throughout the country and hunted with a wide range of packs from coast to coast. Her legion of friends and admirers encompassed a sizeable portion of the North American foxhunting community.

Billy Dodson hunting the Thornton Hill Hounds from Montpelier, Sperryville, Virginia, 2009. Camden Littleton photo

Jean Derrick doing what she loved, leading first field on one of her favorite horses, Dixie, at Belle Meade Hunt’s 2018 Opening Meet. Allison Howell photo

Honorary Whipper-In Natalie Wales was focused on the action as Orange County Hounds worked a line from Burnt Mills on January 28,

Old Denton, former home of the late James L. Young, long-serving MFH of Orange County Hounds, has been restored and returned to a hunting fixture by new owner Garon Stutzman. Garon is known for his well-bred, talented mules, one of which, Candyman, carried current MFH John Coles when the meet was held at Old Denton on November 13, 2022. John told Garon afterward that Candyman “rode like a Cadillac and jumped like a deer.”

Joanne Maisano photo

Blue Ridge Hunt hosted Thornton Hill Hounds for a joint meet on December 13, 2022, from Shannon Hill, home of Jeff LeHew, MFH. The field enjoyed a good day of sport across the open countryside with the Blue Ridge Mountains in panoramic view. Joanne Maisano photo

The members of Four Winds Foxhounds (FL) gathered for a group photo before moving off on Opening Meet, December 10, 2022. Mark Jump photo

Green Spring Valley Hounds hosted Andrews Bridge Foxhounds for a joint meet from Stoneworth, December 8, 2022. (l-r) GSV Professional Whipper-in Brian Groves, GSV Huntsman Ashley Hubbard, and ABF Huntsman Adam Townsend. Karen Kandra photo

John Dean, Professional Whipper-in for Piedmont Fox Hounds, showed the blush of youth on a chilly winter day when hounds hunted from Salem Farm on January 21, 2023. Douglas Lees photo

2023. Douglas Lees photo

Piedmont Fox Hounds Huntsman Jordan Hicks harks to his pack as they hunted from Salem Farm, January 21, 2023. Douglas Lees photo

A well-ordered and well-turned out field followed Orange County Hounds joint-masters Neil Morris (left) and John Coles for a day of sport from Zohar Ben-Dov’s Kinross Farm on November 19, 2022. Joanne Maisano photo

Brian Groves, Professional Whipper-In for Green Spring Valley Hounds, discusses the day’s sporting action with Barbara Smith, Honorary Whipper-In for Bull Run Hunt, during the joint meet hosted from the Green Spring Valley kennels on February 11, 2023. Karen Kandra photo