Green Riders, Green Horses, and Open Fields

December 31, 2024

On New Year's Eve, we had a slew of juniors and many brave adult riders leave the ring for the first time and venture out into the hunt field for the invitational Junior Hunt with their valiant steeds behind our fearless leader and Huntswoman, Dr. Julie Bullock, DVM and Glenmore’s pack of seven (7) couple hounds at Trimble’s Mill.

A particularly special pony to me, Celebration, is starting his hunting career with his rider, Autumn Swartz (age 9), at the ripe age of 25. The age of the rider and the pony certainly didn’t stop them from moving out and leaving me wondering if he was in fact a tad too “tight” for his rider as he jazzercised out with 3rd flight... They threw it to the wind and even found some logs to pop over on the trail ride through camp.

Guest Kelsey Shrader’s rider, Katie Stull (age 15), tried her hand at whipping with her green OTTB, Finn, and although they had a little more speed then they intended originally, ended the day with a big smile on her face and her jacket earned ready to come back for more.

After MFH Joe Manning’s, “My New Freedom” with Guest rider, Jamison Strasser, decided to find a sunny spot to give a little roll, Annalisa Swartz’s (age 11) seasoned hunt pony, Dolly, decided that looked great and gave both riders some experience of learning when to jump off and that moment just before the knees buckle and they say, “this is too good to pass up, I’m going down with or without you and getting my scratches”.

Despite diligent efforts throughout the day and multiple hounds speaking on a few different lines, they were unable to take it any further. While the staff rounded up the hounds toward the end of the hunt, the second flight, led by Mary Lee on the adorable Heidi, and the third flight, led by Brenda Simmons, MFH, on the marvelous Theodore, took the opportunity to discuss the intricacies of hunting, the roles of everyone in the hunt field, and what was happening at various moments. It was an excellent learning opportunity for participants of all ages. 

To top it off as an added bonus for our junior guests hunt, at the end of the hunt, Mary Lee McDavid offered to lead all interested riders on a trail ride through the BSA grounds, adjacent to the fixture (past even more totem poles!). She guided the group through a lovely, wooded loop with a variety of terrain, including deep woods, gurgling streams and optional bridge crossings, providing riders with a fitting and scenic cool down to the rigorous preceding hunt. 

Although the day yielded no glorious chases, I know of two little girls who are absolutely hooked and cannot wait to return. Overall, it was a successful day breaching the comfort zones of so many riders and pushing past “ride pretty” in the ring and merging it with ride effectively in the field. — Scarlett Reel, Member.

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On Saturday, December 28, 2024, a small but faithful group gathered for the final hunt of the year, braving weather reminiscent of merry old England or Ireland. Despite the damp conditions, 11 committed riders — Julie, Jake, Lindsay, Anne, Christine, Ida, Sharon, John, Addie, Jenn, and Emily—and 4 brave road whips — VJ, Karen, Brenda, and Kyle — bundled up to follow eight couples of hounds across the Fox Run fixture.

Dr. Julie Bullock, DVM, began by roading hounds from the parking area before casting them into the small cow pasture near the loafing shed. Unlike previous hunts at this fixture, the hounds did not pick up a trail in this area. Undeterred, the group continued along the riverbank toward the Huffman house. At the ravine behind the Guinea Barn, Julie caught a fleeting glimpse of grey — possibly a fox or a coyote — but the wet weather, while excellent for scenting, hindered visibility. Soon after, the hounds erupted into full cry, tearing toward the river with Julie and Jake in determined pursuit. 

After some diligent work in the wooded area by the river, the hounds retraced their steps back to the ravine. Fueled by determination, they refused to be stopped by the fence, jumping through, crawling underneath, and circling around to the gate. At this point, the pack came to a ‘disagreement’, with some hounds running heel and others going back to the river. Whippers-in Jake and Karen intercepted the errant hounds in the cornfield beside the Guinea Barn, redirecting them toward Julie and keeping the hunt on course. 

Hounds picked up the line once more on their second pass through the wooded riverside, skillfully navigating the terrain. As in previous hunts, they carried the track with determination and energy all the way to Alpine Goat Brewery. Kennelman VJ, along with Whippers-In Lindsay, Jake, and Kyle, gathered the hounds on Chapel Hill Lane and efficiently loaded them back into the truck, bringing the eventful hunt to a close. – Christine Brady, Whipper In

Hounds, Sweaters, and Holiday Cheer

December 24, 2024

With all the anticipation of children at Christmas, a rather large field gathered at our Christmas Eve Festive Hunt waiting to see what gifts our Winding River fixture would yield. Fifteen guests joined us for the annual Festive sweater contest, donned in a variety of Christmas regalia.

At the helm were Huntswoman Dr. Julie Bullock, DVM, flight leaders Jakki Avery leading a faster flight and Mary Lee McDavid leading a slower flight. Whips included Holly Davies, CJ Wise, Jake Arbaugh, Ida Rademacher and Lindsay Johnson.

Road whips included VJ Thomas, Karen Robertson, John Meyer, and Brenda Simmons MFH.

Following along by car was T Stewart and friend.

After casting hounds to the north, almost immediately Lindsay called in Tally-ho with two reds in view. Jake continued on to view at least one, possibly two red foxes, zipping back and forth between the trees and cow pastures. As Julie forged on to lead the hounds to the scent she asked, “which line do I follow?” To which Jake replied “Pick one! They are all over the place!”. However, while good fences make for good neighbors, they also make for frustrating hunts.

Much of the first half of the hunt was spent on the other side of the fence from the trusty hounds who enticingly were at full cry. Nevertheless, the hounds continued to explore the remaining territory, where Jake Arbaugh also caught another sighting, and thus, it was declared that this was a fruitful fixture. As the field returned to the trailers, one field observed a red fox trailing behind the field, seemingly as if taunting, “Maybe next time, folks!”

Back at the tailgate, the flight awaited the results of the much-anticipated festive sweater contest.

● Addie Hartley won the prize for the “Jolliest Jumping Junior Jokester” award with a full tinseled argyle sweater.

● Kim Rittenhouse won the “Foxiest Festive Frock” award for a classic matchy as she sported a rust tweed jacket and stock tie.

● Mari Turvey won the “Gaudy Garland Guru” award! She rode in on ‘Rudolph’, her very tolerant gelding Cooper, outfitted with a white trimmed red blanket, antler head bonnet and full-on red nose affixed to his noseband, which much to her surprise, remained on for the duration of the hunt.

● Anne Morrison won the “Cheeriest Claus” award for overall representation.

But the most unexpected award went to CJ Wise who brought back a six-point set of antlers, still attached to a whole skull, which she discovered while whipping with Holly. While it took a bit of maneuvering to figure out how to tie the find to the saddle without getting speared, CJ couldn’t simply abandon this random, but wonderful, find.

Sated with tailgate sweets and other goodies, the hunt dispersed with good cheer and full holiday spirit. – Mari T., John M., & Lindsay J.

On Saturday, December 21, 2024 Farmington MFH, staff, and members warmly welcomed thirteen Glenmore members for a joint meet at their Sherwood Farm fixture. The day was filled with camaraderie, excellent riding, and spectacular views of Farmington’s beautiful countryside. Farmington hounds worked diligently and opened up several times. Their amateur whip, John, shared that the hounds followed a red fox right to the edge of their territory before being redirected to another covert. 

“We had a blast in the second flight riding behind Kip Holloway, MFH, and our membership showed up strong, representing in every field,” shared member Brieanna Richards. 

The Farmington Hunt Club members couldn’t have been more gracious, extending generous hospitality to everyone in attendance. The fixture itself was inviting, with rolling hills and well-maintained trails that Farmington is known for. Their thoughtfully led fields allowed for excellent positioning to watch hounds work, as well as fun riding for their Glenmore guests. 

Special thanks to Anne Brooks, MFH, for organizing this wonderful opportunity to connect with our friends in Charlottesville. We are deeply grateful to Farmington’s Masters, Huntsman, and their members for their hospitality and for making the day so memorable. Finally, a shout out to Michele Carter for capturing the day in beautiful photos. 

"This joint meet reminds us of the importance of collaboration and shared experiences in the hunting community. Thank you to everyone who participated!" — Anne Brooks, MFH

Sometimes, if the scent is old and the hounds, try as they might, cannot pick up a consistent scent, the bookends of a hunt may become almost as notable than the hunt itself, and so it was with our Western Hunt on Saturday, December 14 at the Cave View fixture. We welcomed nine (9) guests, and some members of the Glenmore Hunt don western gear and join the pursuit.

On their way into the barn yard where we parked on this day, Dr. CJ Wise DVM and Sage Wise viewed a large coyote loping out of territory! A good sign of what the day could hold… Since the fixture was Cave View, there were no jumps, making the experience more accessible to our Western guests. However, more than one western guest mused about trying out English tack to get the full experience of hunting including jumping. 

In a callout to its western roots, the field was treated with a real live bucking bronco exhibition at the opening. As the hounds were cast, Sage Wise’s three year old Choctaw Mustang, Bourbon greeted us with not one, not two, not three, four or five, but six full round-back, all hooves off the ground bucks, but the tenacious Miss Wise, held her seat throughout it all, displaying her finely honed rodeo talents with everyone congratulating for sticking that bronc.

Venturing out with Huntswoman, Dr. Julie Bullock DVM, with Stacy Campbell leading first flight, Joe Manning, MFH leading second flight, Brenda Simmons, MFH leading third. John Meyer graciously volunteered to lead a champagne flight as a few only wished to walk, allowing the remaining three in the third flight to move out and keep hounds in sight.  Upon casting into the cornfield below the slurry pit, the hounds spoke briefly but couldn’t unearth the quarry. This was a theme throughout the hunt, reckoned by Julie to be due to old scent that faded as the morning dried up the ground conditions.

There were some moments of excitement, however. As the hounds worked their way across Chapel Hill Road and to the river, Julie saw a flash of grey go by, but wasn’t able to affirm what she saw. At one point, “eagle-eye” Christine Brady, who road whipped with Sara Baker and Kathryn Morrow caught a glimpse of something low and grey roadside, possibly a coyote. Brenda too, thought she viewed the same and so it was determined that yes, the hounds had unearthed a fox, but as before, the scent soon dissipated, and pursuit did not continue.

However, the award goes to the first flight who spotted a real live game……a raccoon! But the hounds couldn’t be bothered and sniffed right over it.  Who could blame them?  They knew it was an inferior quarry and they were off to find more exhilarating pursuits.

To help our western guests get a better sense of the sport, Julie invited members from the second flight to join the first flight so they could move out a little more quickly.  Several of the Western guests leaped at the opportunity and were immediately treated to a brisk gallop up across the fields led by Stacy in pursuit of Huntswoman, Julie.  

Road whipping got a work out as well. At one point, noble hounds, Ribbon and Tennessee, landed in second flight, separated from the others. Whipper-In Christine Brady maneuvered her trusty Subaru (her steed for the day) to intercept them, although Ribbon was reluctant to get in the car and took a bit of cajoling. Eventually corralled, the hounds joined the whips in the Subaru, and proved once more how Road whips earn their stripes, keeping the pack safe and together.

At the end of the hunt, as the flights returned to the trailers for that all important tailgating recap, we were met with a herd of curious cows, snooping in empty trailers and grazing in the trailer zone. Whipper-In Lindsay Johnson leveraged her whipper-in skills to push the cows out of the area, but cow-curiosity was no match for a single whipper in. The cows overcame the effort to move them, and remained sprinkled throughout the tailgating area, slobbering on vehicles and exploring the strange visitors, two-legged and four, that had fallen within their midst. Two horses, Dover and Cooper, who are known to have lengthy conversations with their riders before loading, hopped right into the trailer without so much as an argument, having figured that (for once) the safety of the trailer was preferable to the exposure to outdoor elements, which in this case comprised black and white monsters. Better the devil you know than the devil you don’t, said they, as they rested within the confines of the trailer munching on alfalfa and casually observing the bovines all around them. And so, our Western hunt, complete with bucking broncos and cows, whiffs of quarry, and a posse of great guests, was a fun and successful event. – Mari Turvey, Member

An Uncharted Chase Across the Frozen Middle River Video

It was a hunt for the hardy, December 7, 2024 at Bonnie Doon Farm, with temps in the low 20’s

and hounds that were determined to catch a scent, even if it meant braving the frozen Middle

River. Flight leaders Jakki Avery (first flight), Mary Lee McDavid (second flight), and Joe

Manning (third flight) led a field of 17 riders overall and eight and a half (8 ½) couple hounds.

Among the brave few were welcomed mounted guests Sophie Howard, Morgan Paixao, Izzy

Harding, Miranda Jackson and juniors Annaliza and Autumn Swartz. Little did they know they

would be party to one of the most unusual hunts we have yet to see!

Our intrepid hounds shot off nearly as soon as they were cast into Bud’s Woods in full cry. Upon

reaching the shale pit, they adjusted course, and followed the bank all the way to North Beach.

When confronted with the frozen surface of the Middle River at North Beach, our adventurous

hounds bounded across the river to our Winding River fixture, Hans Brinker style and continued

on a self-directed pursuit. However, one hound, Annalea, sponsored by Mary Lee McDavid, had

an attack of conscience over her insubordination and became a bona fide canine member of the

polar bear club, swimming back over the river to rejoin the five original, obedient hounds.

“Never in all my years of hunting,” said Huntswoman Julie Bullock, DVM, “have I seen hounds

cross a river by ice and take off.” Of course, the quandary now was how to bring them back,

since clearly the ice that bore the weight of the hounds would do no such favor to the horses,

making pursuit a dangerous challenge. Whipper In’s Jake Arbaugh and Anne Brooks, MFH

found safe crossing from Craig Shop Road and Kennelman VJ Thomas, Whipper-In Holly

Davies, Brenda Simmons, MFH; and T Stewart, honorary MFH were road whipping, caught the

six couple hounds and brought them back to Bud’s woods from Little Run Road by vehicles.

Meanwhile, the flights struggled to keep the remaining five hounds entertained. Jakki led her

flight over a few schooling jumps over a coop; Mary Lee’s flight paced at trot and canter around

the edge of the field; and Joe’s flight rode back and forth, up and down the river, just to keep

moving and warm. By this point, in spite of the sun, the wind kicked up, amplifying the frigid

temperatures, which did not bode well for the steadfast whips, who traveled to high ground to

collect the hounds and reunite the pack.

The five obedient hounds tracked around the old farmhouse but to no avail. Juno, sponsored by

Karen Robertson however, had a hunch she couldn’t shake… She dug her way under a

dilapidated structure where she was certain she’d find a quarry but found herself stuck under a

wooden plank. Sage Wise dismounted and crawled in to loose the plank and free the ensnared

Juno.

Hounds re-cast themselves into Bud’s Woods where they immediately opened on a line. After

about 5 glorious minutes of hounds in full cry, Whipper-In Christine Brady radioed a ‘Tallyho’

from the cow field above the woods. Christine had spied a petite red fox nearby and with that

the hunt was on! Mary Lee’s flight was just yards away from the viewing, but in the wrong spot

to view the fox, much to her frustration. Ultimately, the fox proved elusive, tracking the hounds

on a circular goose chase, befuddling them and eventually escaping.

There was only one thing left to do: Julie called the hunt to an end, and the tailgating began.

During the post-mortem at the tailgate, Julie shared an intriguing theory. She had observed that

deer dropping their antlers two months earlier than usual this year, raising suspicions of an

early breeding season — a shift that could also impact the fox population. Julie speculated that

this particular fox might have been an "out-of-towner," crossing the ice in search of a mate.

When the hounds pursued it, rather than seeking refuge in a nearby hole or attempting a typical

looping escape, the fox made a beeline straight out of the territory.

This year we decided to participate in the Weyers Cave Christmas parade on Sunday, December 1, 2024. We’ve had the great fortune of opening up a lot of territory in that area in the last few years and decided it would be a good idea to make a positive showing in the community.  Despite the holiday weekend, with many members spending time with their families, quite a few folks were able to attend.

We’ve been making connections with Alpine Goat Brewery over the past few months and it paid off when I (Mary Lee McDavid) called to ask about parking for the parade. Brenda and I visited with the manager to determine the best area to park in their overflow parking lot and also got permission to park during hunting time (so be on the lookout for a new parking area added to the fixture card!).  

The day started out magical. As we were tacking up a light snow started coming down. We adorned our horses with holiday saddle pads, ear bonnets, bells and garland and set off down the road to meet up at the parade route. This proved to be very beneficial as the horses got to stretch their legs and warm up and we got there in time to slip in the parade route.  

We waved and cheered to the families as we walked through the town. Kids grinned ear to ear and pointed to the horses and couldn’t wait to be acknowledged by us.  Some asked politely if they could pet our horses and we obliged when we could and it was safe. Alex Avery followed up with this Miata and everyone got a kick out of seeing him scoop poop into the trunk of a convertible. Thank you Alex!  

Once the parade was over we took a stroll back to the brewery, untacked and got our horses settled and had the most fabulous brick oven pizza supplied by the food truck outside and enjoyed beer and non-alcoholic beverages inside the brewery. A lot of us are already talking about plans for more parades at the lawn parties this summer and hoping we can get even more members to join in the fun! — Mary Lee McDavid, Member

We were thrilled to host 30 riders on November 5, 2024, including friends from Oak Ridge Hunt, Keswick Hunt, and Mells Foxhounds for Virginia Hunt Week! Huntsman Julie Bullock, DVM brought ten and a half (10 ½) couple hounds for the day’s adventure.

Despite hot, dry, and windy conditions, which made it difficult for the hounds to carry a scent, we crossed the Middle River to explore the Winding River fixture and were rewarded with a sighting of a red fox! Our hounds followed the fox scent in and out of the river.

Belated thanks to everybody who helped make a successful Virginia Hunt Week day at Bonnie Doon. Members went above and beyond to organize the hunt breakfast — providing food, setting up the stirrup cup, and manning the bar!

From appetizers to desserts, your contributions made the day truly special. Masters and staff offered invaluable support, and landowner, Angelika O’Donnell, not only hosted us at Bonnie Doon Farm but also rode to the hounds.

Riding into Formal Season at Our Opening Hunt

October 26, 2024

In addition to a large contingent of Glenmore riders out on this beautiful day at our Bonnie Doon fixture, we greeted many members from our sister hunt, Rockbridge. While chatting with Jake Wilson, Huntsman and Master for Rockbridge, I let Jake know that this was a smaller fixture, but Julie would “hunt the hell out of it.” 

The piper played various favorites including Amazing Grace as staff and hounds entered the front yard of Bonnie Doon for the Blessing of the Hounds. Following a glass of port and the blessing by Pastor Steve, we set out for the North Pasture and Stony Point. Jakki led First Flight, Stacy led Second Flight and Joe led Third Flight. Mary Lee, who just finished a few days with various hunts with Virginia Hunt Week, led a Champagne Flight. A full staff would help with the hounds. Jake, Huntsman for Rockbridge, rode up with Julie as did Addie.

Prior to mounting up, Stacy had cleared a plan for a gallop around the perimeter of North Pasture with Julie while Jakki followed Julie into the woods. As soon as we entered the woods and passed in front of the old Stony Point house, the hounds opened along the river. Whipper-In Lindsay, who was positioned in the hay field beside the river, tally-hoed a large red fox. We followed Julie as she galloped up the hill towards the gate. The fields passed through the gate and for a moment, I thought I might have to dismount to manage this gate, but I saw Mary Lee approaching from the east and asked her to manage the gate. 

From the little hill above, we watched as Julie and companions passed through the gate and then First Flight cleared the coop. We cantered through the hayfield along the river staying in touch with the hounds. Initially, I thought a few of the hounds crossed the river to continue the pursuit, but they continued along the bank on the riverside. The pack seemed to lose the scent as they approached the River Bend. Julie gathered them in and pushed them into the woods here. The hounds opened again and headed east along the river. Uncertain as to whether the hounds were on a new fox or picked up the scent of the viewed fox, we moved along the headlands of the soybean field and through the gate at the far end.

The hounds continued along the river around the bend. We cantered on to the left around the shooting range and through the gate. Rather than making the right turn down to the Jumping Trail, they headed south between the fence line and trees. The cry of the hounds seemed to die out and we speculated that a fox climbed into his hidey-hole in the tree near the river.

Julie gathered the hounds and took them to the southern end of Bud’s Woods and pushed them into the covert. We paused about halfway down the tree line and, almost immediately, the hounds rewarded us with “sweet thunder.” Jake, watching the woods near Julie and Addie, pulled his cap and pointed into the woods where he saw the fox. We prepared ourselves for another run, but as the hounds ran out of the wood and into the sunlight, they appeared to lose the scent. Julie took the pack into Bud’s Pasture and drew the hounds toward the foundation of the old house here.

The hounds found nothing, so Julie moved them into the woods above the Jumping Trail. Once again, the hounds found a line in the shade of the trees and followed the game back into the soybean field. We had another gallop under the brilliant blue sky over the hayfield along the Middle River. 

As with our last gallop, the fun ended when the hounds seemed to lose the scent at the bend in the river. Hoping to build on the already successful day, Julie took the hounds along the headlands between the soybean field and the river. To our amazement, the hounds opened again and led us on another rousing gallop through the Jalopy Gate and down the hayfield along the river. 

 As we reached the bend of the river again, the hounds slowed and stopped. With the temperature rising, Julie made one more cast along the headlands heading east, then took the hounds to water. With three thrilling gallops and several views, Julie decided to call it a day. We enjoyed a fabulous breakfast on the grounds of the Bonnie Doon to celebrate the beginning of our formal season. – John Meyer, Member

I (Christine Brady), Mary Lee McDavid, Carol Demeo, and Jon and Kim Rittenhouse participated in Virginia Hunt Week from October 23 to November 7 across the state. I hunted with seven different clubs in just nine days. Video

Mary Lee, Carol and I began our trip on October 23 with Princess Anne Hunt, where I had the pleasure of reconnecting with old riding friends from my hometown on the Eastern Shore of Virginia. The next day, we joined Deep Run Hunt Club, followed by Caroline Hunt. We returned home in time for Glenmore Hunt’s Opening Meet, where I had the honor of Whipping-In and hosting my mom and Kyle for the weekend.

After a brief rest on Sunday and Monday, Mary Lee and I hit the road again. On Tuesday, we joined Old Dominion Hounds, followed by Keswick Hunt Club on October 30, and celebrated Halloween with Bull Run Hunt on October 31. For this second leg of the trip, we stayed with the Merle-Smiths, who generously invited us to hunt with Thornton Hill Hounds on November 1. Afterward, I returned home to host friends and work the Montpelier steeplechase Races.

Though I typically Whip-In and rarely get to ride in large groups, Monroe adapted beautifully to the challenge. We even jumped our first coop together! This adventure strengthened our partnership, and I couldn’t be prouder of him.

However, the group continued their adventure, with Mary Lee and Carol attending Rockbridge Hunt’s Jt. Opening Meet on November 2, riding with Oak Ridge Hunt on November 3, Glenmore Hunt on November 5, and Farmington Hunt on November 7. Meanwhile, Jon and Kim Rittenhouse also embraced the spirit of the week, riding with Rappahannock Hunt, Thornton Hill, Bedford, and Oak Ridge. Virginia Hunt Week was an unforgettable experience that I will cherish forever! — Christine Brady