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.