Pony Club Foxhunting Clinic Aug 2009

From BroadviewRanch.com

Pony Club Foxhunting Clinic

Members from five pony clubs in the Old Dominion Region gathered August 22nd & 23rd for a fun weekend of camping, riding and foxhunting with the Rockbridge Hunt.

Highlands Pony Club Radford, Virginia hosted the clinic. They were joined by members of Sinking Creek, Foxtails, Roanoke Valley and Holston.

On Saturday afternoon the Pony Clubbers took a trip to the kennels where huntsman, David Conner and Master of Foxhounds, Cindy Morton introduced the hounds. Everyone got to meet the hounds as Mr. Conner fed the hounds and introduced each one by name.

Highlands Pony Clubbers decided to sponsor a hound for the year. After much discussion 'Farmer' was chosen as the Highland's hound.

Following a wonderful meal back at Broadview Cindy Morton and Carol Atwood answered questions and concerns about hunting, hunting horses, foxes and hounds. It was decided that an evening ride was in order, so all pony clubbers saddled up at dusk and rode well into the night. S'mores and delicious desserts topped off the evening.

All riders were mounted and warming up as the hounds and staff arrived early Sunday morning. Hunting started at a foggy 8 am in hopes of beating the heat for the day.

Three pony clubbers were invited to ride with staff for the day and the rest followed Field Masters, Diane Long and Joe Conner.

Without giving the whole story away, the next time you see one of these lucky Pony Clubbers you might ask them what it's like to ride on a chase. There were lots of tired but happy smiles when they finally returned to camp over three and half hours later.

More information on the Rockbridge Hunt can be found on the Rockbridge Hunt website