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