MOC Beagles

The beagles are off down Prince Road as they pass the main house at Orange Hill Farm.

PHOTOS © by Vicky Moon

Just as the sun slides up on the eastern horizon on a recent Sunday, eleven riders, a few parents and friends gather as the fog burns off at Daffodil Hill Farm near Rectortown. Horsewoman Haley Walsh is organizing ponies and riders for an historic 60th anniversary outing with the Middleburg Orange County Beagles. The ponies (and horses) need to be clean, the tack must be spick and span and all need to be ready to load up on the trailers by 8:30 for a 9 a.m. meet at nearby Orange Hill Farm. According to their website, The MOC Beagles is “the only beagle pack in the world that is followed on horseback and chases foxes! We are located near beautiful, historic Middleburg, Virginia--the heart of horse country –with terrain comprised of rolling meadows, woods and streams, and some stunning views of the Blue Ridge Mountains.” Better yet, the non-profit group is run by volunteers and caters to children. It was organized by the late horsewoman and conservationist, Eve Fout. Mrs. Fout’s daughter, Nina Fout, and daughter-in-law, Beth Fout, are the joint masters.

Nina Fout is following in the foot and hoof steps of her mother Eve Fout.

Tally Ho!

A slide show illustrated the history of the beagles during a special young riders hunt breakfast, catered by Amanda Seitz and hosted by Bryce Lingo and Snowden Clarke.

As the beagles take off from Orange Hill Farm, Haley Walsh checks on her riders.

The stables are busy as riders prepare for a Sunday outing.