Neptune and Ellie

 

Ellie, age 11, leases Neptune, an off the track, retired fox hunter/upper level show hunter who now shows in the lower level pony club and show events. They have been partners for 1.5 years and there is no doubt a serious bond between them! I think it is because Ellie likes to do the same thing as Neptune....canter... a whole lot in the big meadow! The team just went to their first out of state show and did a great job. Keep watching the blog to follow Ellie and Neptune's Pony Club progress as they move up the ratings. Go Nep and Ellie!

Leading the Field

It's always surprising. After years of hunting, the first music of the day still gives me chills. The four littermates worked slowly, noses to the ground, tails feathering. Huntsman Max told us they were four of his best. We could see and feel his pride. The lead hound was speaking. One by one the other hounds came down off the bluff to honor.

I was right behind the huntsman. When MFH Barb asked if I would stand in as honorary field master for the day, I wanted to hug her neck. This is THE SPOT for an avid hunter. The day began at Peggy Knight's gorgeous hunt box. There were about 25 in the field. Five PC members drove 3 hours to join us. As we hacked toward dripping springs, Huntsman Max encouraged us to trot our horses in big circles. He wanted us warmed up in case our first run took the field up the newly cleared bluff trail, a straight up climb. The hounds were anxious. Scent was strong. Whipper-in Julie had seen a coyote early that morning very near our first casting spot. When we reached the round bale field, "the coyotes spend time here" stated Max, the hounds couldn't wait any longer. They raced up the bluff searching persistently for the fresh line.

As the others joined the lead hound and his littermates from the bluff, they never lifted their noses as they worked back and forth. Where did he go? Hard work paid off as they found his scent exiting the round bale field into the creek bed. We took off, crossed the creek and followed the music south.

As we left the trailers, Huntsman Max said, "this day has the potential to be very fast", and he was right. I heard one member in the field say, "I don't remember a hunt this fast". We hunted mostly to the south. Max stopped 2-3 times throughout the hunt to re-organize with his whipper-ins. He would give the field permission to school the cross-country fences, only after their horses were rested. Halfway through, MFH Barb met us with the hound truck, and reunited the whole pack. Max invited PC member Virginia to back whip for him and off we went. After the hunt, a junior said, "I thought the hunt was over, then Miss Barb showed up, released the hounds and I was so happy we would get to keep hunting"!

For three hours, we listened to the hounds voices, galloped to keep up, only stopping when it seemed like we could go no further. We watched the hounds work, viewed at least 2 bald eagles and gorgeous vistas. During the few times we walked, I listened as Huntsman Max told hound history and heritage. I learned we hunted a July hound and an english couple are close to being entered. Before casting, Max would explain to the field what was happening. "These two hounds fight in the kennels, and are hunting together today" Max chuckled as he made the observation.

When the huntsman blew “going home”, we were almost too tired for dismount.

I thought “this was one of the best hunting days I can remember” and when I turned to see all my girls grinning, I knew it was true.

A Pace then a Roundup

Nine of us attended (well actually ten counting the infamous Mr. McKee) the annual Harvard Hounds Hunter Pace. There must have been at least 100 riders from the 3 neighboring states. Jessie, Courtney, Emily, Jennifer, Teal, Christy, Anna, Kristen and myself composed teams 1 and 3. Our start time was 9:58. Logs and low post and rails slowly lead up to 3 foot fences and coops. The temperature was perfect for a 2 hour gallop. Simulating an actual hunting day, we finished the course in 1 hour and 55 minutes. Unable to stay until the winning teams were announced, we loaded horses and drove home for the annual UA Razorback Roundup horse sale. Nineteen horses sold last night. Some will travel as far as South Carolina and meet their new owners today. In the end, students were all smiles as their project horses, new skill sets and hard work paid off. For the UofA DE King Equine Program, sales were up from last year. Good job girls!

Year End Jumping at Harvest Run

A gorgeous fall day for the Harvest Run Show and year end jumping finals. Jumper classes had a full turnout which provided competitive sport for Christy and Jennifer. Christy and Whitty Cait had their best rides of the year. With the help of wonderful Amanda, Whit has figured out how to use his front end and where to put his feet. His courses were fluid and graceful showing off his athleticism and teasing us with expectations for next season. Whit comes home with a championship in puddle jumper and reserve championship in future jumper.  Christy and Whit have become partners in every way. Good job! Jennifer and King of Pop are clearly headed for the big jumps next year. King, 15.3 hands at 5 years old, held his own against entries standing up to 17 hands and aged masters of the game. King, like whit, is learning how to use himself differently to tackle the higher jumps. His love of jumping was obvious as he made some difficult spots work taking good care of his rider. Jennifer made excellent decisions and with just a few rails down, rode the difficult course with poise. Jennifer and King had very successful rounds and will be a force to contend with next season. Good job! We now anxiously await posting of final year end points with our fingers crossed for a couple championships.

Hunting Flint Creek

Another amazing day of chasing coyote. We traveled to the Flint Creek hunt fixture. Christy riding Whit, Anna riding Shody and me on Denver. We hacked down the drive, crossed the one lane bridge and hounds were cast.  I was asked to ride with the huntsman and help back whip. WOW! I was right up front and behind the hounds. The hounds were moving fast and working hard. Scenting conditions were not the greatest due to lack of any recent rain. We reached the chicken houses. The hounds went into the woods to the west and the lead hound immediately struck and the pack honored. We followed the music around the edge of the bermuda patch where the 2nd whip viewed. Hounds were all on and in full cry. We sat and listened as they circled us. Hounds lost scent when the coyote left the woods. Huntsman Max gathered and we hacked to the next covert. He cast hounds at the dripping springs. Lead hound immediately stuck and the pack honored. We galloped through the woods and across the creek to meet up with the pack where they crossed the meadow and slowed as the scent faded. One last gallop as hounds picked up again in the woods. The temperature warmed to 60 degrees and MFH Max gathered and headed home. Anna and Christy and first field practiced the cross country fences on the hack home. We popped the bubbly and celebrated a great day!