When I joined Glenmore 3 seasons ago I began riding with Julie Bullock, DVM who was a whipper-in at the time. I fell in love with the sport and spent those first years absorbing all of the knowledge and wisdom she had to offer. Fast forward to Sunday, February 18th at Bellevue Farm. It was time for my new horse, Monroe and I to step up to the plate.

As Huntsman Julie cast the hounds into the crep (Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program) heading East, Monroe and I encountered cattle for the first time. Following Julie's advice, I encouraged Monroe to move them, as Julie taught me that familiarity would overcome fear. As I was getting to the gate at the top of the hill toward the Kwanza Hut - Stacy, all of First flight, and Whipper-In Lindsay viewed a large coyote loping out of the crep and up the hill. A beautiful coyote darted into view, sending a surge of adrenaline through me.

Tracking its movements, I radioed my excitement and pursued, determined not to let him cross me. I turned into the Bear Trail, where he slipped out of sight momentarily. I quickly moved forward to the next hillside beyond Ida’s Creek. Moments later, he came out and hustled toward Coyote Corner. I went wide and moved into position at the back of the woods on Scott Christian Road.

According to road whips, he crossed out of territory at the bull pen. Julie began collecting hounds and encouraged them to re-join up with the rest of the hounds who had circled back to hunt the woods at Picnic Hill. From my position, Jake and I viewed another coyote trotting down the trail. Hounds worked diligently on this line but were given the slip. We began collecting hounds and headed in for the day. As we regathered the hounds and headed back, I felt an immense sense of pride in how Monroe handled the day’s excitement.

- Christine Brady, Whipper-In