At 4:15 I’m wondering why on earth I’m running around in the dark getting horses ready for hunting, but arriving at Cindy and John Nance’s beautiful farm, with the sun just coming up, the hounds eager to be off, and the field mounted, it started to seem worthwhile.  It was a warm morning and as we went on a little a bit of breeze picked up.

Master Brendan greeted a fantastic field of 30 riders, 5 whips, (Lauren, Lisa, MP, Ralph and Richard) and Steve F with 18 1/2 couple of hounds.  Master Stephen explained that one of the hounds Watchman (which he described as tri colored, thin with a waggy tail- ah helpful!) was donated with gratitude from Green Spring Hounds.  

With Wendy F leading the field we set off, trying to avoid the tedded hay towards John and Cindy’s cornfields, once around we moved on to the Van Doren’s land. Hounds were having to work hard this morning. Mr. Farrin at one point walked the hounds round the Van Doren woods as we watched from the edge of a hay field it was quite a picture. Hounds were eventually picked up and cast in to another Van Doren cornfield’s where two foxes popped out of the corn at a rate of knots.  One was viewed by most of the field as it streaked forward with hounds in hot pursuit on its very thin tail.  This led us onto Cider Mill Road, where the hounds once again picked up the line with enthusiasm, but were thwarted by a small fence.  Much to everyone’s surprise our huntsman dismounted from his horse and crawled under the fence to help the hounds. Well done Mr. F for showing the puppies the way!

We followed around the edge onto the Nature Conservancy property at quite a clip stopping once to reorganize, then we were off again cantering along the edge of several fields in pursuit of hounds. Charlie Fox made a run into a backyard where it was decided to call it a day as we did not want to disturb our friends and neighbors. Ornithologists have said there are at least 39 different types of birds here and I spotted goldfinches eating thistles, three types of hawks and a juvenile black- headed vulture, in the short time we stopped at a check.  What a privilege it is to ride over such land.    

Richard P who was instructing Charlie on the merits of whipping, (and according to Charlie he learned more about fox hunting in 15 minutes from Richard than in all the years he’s been out with me) did see a second fox.  It was a hard day for hunting as the land we are able to ride over is in different parcels not helped by the center of which we parked our trailers- I suspect any self respecting fox would look out and say “oh no its them again!”

Once back at the meet we were treated to a delightful breakfast courtesy of Cindy, with help from Kris S and Joanne Grim.  Cindy graciously thanked all for coming and welcomed our new members.   The sun shone, and in my mind the corn framing the lawns looked straighter, the sky bluer, the two blips floating by meant to be there, and well who cares about 4.15 am- it was well worth it!

On the way to Mrs. Susan Torsilieri’s Farm where we met today, I noticed how red the early morning sky was and thought about one of our late dear members Marc Torsilieri who sadly died a few years ago, well before his prime.   Aside from being one of the nicest, most genuine and jovial people you could meet, Marc was a keen member of AVH and he and his Tennessee Walking Horse; Buckshot seemed to enjoy every minute out hunting.   He was thrilled to be able to open up his and the adjoining land for AVH to ride across, and I remember when we had reached one of the higher elevations him saying to me “ hey Cheryl turn around and look at the view”.  Today as I turned around it looked much the same, the cornfields, the pumpkins patch, the small copse and the white church steeple in the distance.  I am so glad that 29 riders, 3 Masters, 4 whips, our huntsman and 161/2 couple of hounds could also enjoy the view and the chilly morning air.  I think I will name the top of the hay field before we move onto the Soybean field “Marc’s  View”

With Master Joanne leading the field we set out from Susan Torsilieri’s farm we crossed under the rail lines and across the river when the field was split as freight train rumbled along. Thankfully everyone was safe and sound.  The next exciting event and fantastic display of horseman’s ship happened when Jeanne Sharpe’s horse decided to rear up three times, I was stunned how she managed to stay on- what a seat that girl has!  We progressed onto Dan Burjans’ land and the hounds worked his large cornfield, at least one fox was viewed and the chase continued. This was the start of some great huntsman/whip teamwork as hounds worked the corn. Did everyone see how Dan had somehow managed to write his name in the corn? 

We moved across Dans’ fields into the old Mason farm land and had a couple of good runs up and down the dirt track and hill.  We gingerly skirted the edge of the soybean field trying to avoid the many holes, and continued, back tracking a few times.  A second fox was viewed and despite a good chase, Charlie Fox escaped to live another day.

It seemed we had been out quite a time when Steve led his pack onto the edge of Patty and Gales land and their giant cornfield.  While he has those hounds incredibly well trained it took all of his skill and with the help of Ralph, Mary Pat, Richard and Lauren to keep everyone contained this was teamwork at it’s best.  Steve was delighted that he and the whips worked together so well.

Roy Feldman kindly arrived with the hound truck, and all hounds were accounted for and loaded up, they were undoubtedly tired after 3 hours of dashing around.  We finished the day at Pat and Dales’and were invited to have a look at Dale’s mural in her garage, which is very impressive. We hacked back to the meet and I also have it on good authority that we covered almost 21 miles! At the meet we were greeted by a splendid breakfast courtesy of Master Brendan and Wendy Furlong. 

It was good to welcome a couple of new associate members to AVH, Dan Wasserstrom and Barbra Peterson. We welcome Maria, Donna, Cheryl and Chrissy as Subscribers and of course welcome back our own Holly Haugen.   So Marc I rather think you would have enjoyed the day as much as we did- or were you watching?

It is odd but in at least ten years of hunting with AVH I have never left from Mrs. Schwab’s.  I think its mostly a Wednesday venue but very pleasant it is indeed and some great vistas, especially this morning with some mist still clinging to the higher elevations.    Master Joanne greeted what turned out to be a great field of 26 riders, plus Master Brendan and Stephen, our Huntsman Stephen F., our Whips, Lisa, Lauren, Ralph and Richard and 18 1/2 coupled of hounds.  

We set off down the track across the fields that seemed a bit “spongy” in places from the almost 2” of rain the night before and skirting the fields hounds were working hard.  Isn’t it fun when you see the tip of tails wagging in the brush?   We moved on toward Back Brook along the road and then turned left onto a parcel of Bryce Thompson’s land.   It was only 30 mins. into the day when Tango managed to lock onto a small fox a short chase but fast chase ensued and the fox was put to ground to live and run another day.

Then lapping the next field we returned to Schwab’s land working our way along the hedgerows towards Pine Twig Farm (owned by Barbara and Bob Wolfe) and Tractor Hill, which is named after an event involving Mr. Farrin and the tractor which I am sure he will tell you if asked.  As we zipped along, Joanne’s horse went down a small crater in the path hidden by the long grass.  Luckily it was a most graceful dismount without even a grass stain- and Charlie Buxton gallantly offered a leg up. I’m sure Ralph will collect the usual $25 from Master Joanne at some point.

Hounds picked up a scent at the large cornfield and a fox was viewed, the pack continued to work the field for another 30 mins.   We went up and down, and down and up, with a couple of coops jumped in the meantime. The pack worked hard dispersing a den, and were quite exhausted when they emerged, but keen to keep going.  However, after a quick gallop back down the hill the hounds were allowed to drink and catch their breath, this was a good time to call it a day and a job well done by all. Upon reflection it was a sort of up and down and down and up sort of day just the type of day cubbing is all about. Refreshments kindly provided by Ruth.

When Brooke muttered “its awfully hot” she wasn’t kidding!  16 riders in the field, four whips, Ralph, Lisa, Mary Pat, and Richard, sweated our way from Riding Mill Farm.  Master Steve greeted everyone and we welcomed Maria back for her second capping and Jennifer who came out for her first ever hunt.   We had strict instructions that when we reached the far side of our corn field (we went the opposite way last week) we needed to respect Mr. Petrolino’s horses and should line up along the edge of the corn to ensure that no hounds left our property.  Wendy Furlong led the field and the exercise turned out to be a huge success.  The biggest challenge was to stop horses bucking as the “bombers” descended. 
Steve then led his pack of 18 ½ couples which included five puppies Nightcap, Nimrod, Nimble, Nitro, and Lancer around PM and Phil’s hay field, and back through our farm along to Runyon Mill Road and around a couple of Wielenta's fields.   By this time 3 foxes had been spotted by our whips, but none in which our hounds could lock onto.  We then turned left along the edge of the newer houses, greeted by waving from some new owners and lapped back on ourselves.   Steve F worked the cover and the adjoining fields but Charlie Fox evaded up this time out.  What didn’t evade us as mentioned before, were the bombers, quickly tallies were being made of “kills”.   I am pleased to say Master Brendan back from his duties at the London Olympics scored gold with 12 zaps, Silver was won by Katie M and bronze is still in contention!

Ok you get the idea it was a little slow going for us riders, but for our hounds they worked their hearts out in the unbelievably hot humid conditions.  But after 1¾ hours we were all pleased to drip our way back, hounds to take a bath in our pond and humans to take refreshments which were kindly provided by Jeanne.

Question- where was Lynette?

For those of you not up to Master Brendans Gold winning standard this was your target.