Rockbridge Hunt NewsHound May 23, 2014
1. Annual Meeting. The 2014 Annual meeting of the Rockbridge Hunt, Inc. was held on Wednesday, May 14, 2014 at the Tex Tilson Lodge. Some highlights of the meeting included:
President Lauren Keating reported that the Hunt had an exceptionally good year. She recognized Huntsman David Conner and the staff for taking such good care of the hounds and providing great sport. Lauren reported that members have contributed to the Hunt in many ways this year. She thanked the Executive Committee for being a “well oiled machine.” She encouraged members to thank the Executive Committee members for their hard work. Lauren reported that participation has been great this year. We have consistent volunteers working on our fundraising events. She recognized Gary and Kathy Ponder for their continued hard work with the spring hunter pace. Lauren asked members not to assume that the point person for any Hunt event has all the help they need. She asked them to step up and volunteer their time whenever possible. Lauren next recognized Kathy Eichelberger’s many years of excellent hard work with the Rockbridge Hunt Ball. Lauren reported that Kathy has passed the leadership of the Rockbridge Hunt Ball to Rebecca Tilson for 2015. Lauren next reported that our hunt represents itself well when we have guests as in Virginia Hunt Week. She said that “we put on a good show.” She encouraged members to bring their friends out hunting whenever possible. Lauren finished her report by giving everyone a “pat on the back” for a good season.
Treasurer Louise Golian reported that the budget is in good shape -we made a little bit more money this year than we spent – which is a great thing.
Cindy Morton, MFH reported that we had good year and acknowledge and thanked David Conner and the staff for their hard work. Cindy reported that we had a lot of cancellations due to bad weather but we were able to add some Sunday hunts to make up for some of the lost meets. Cindy reported that we did not have to call the ambulance this year which is always a plus!
Huntsman David Conner reported that we currently have 32 hounds in the kennels. There are two or three that need to retire soon. There are nine young hounds that will start hunting this fall. David also reported that Rockbridge 2011 Whisper was bred last week (to Rockbridge Cinder 2007) and that we still have old Clever (Rockbridge Clever 2002) living at the kennels.
President Lauren Keating acknowledged and thanked the members of this year’s nominating committee - Lu Dooley (Chair), Terry Whitmore, and David Bolen – for their hard work in putting together the proposed slate of candidates for the four officer positions on the Executive Committee for 2014-15. The following officers were re-elected to their positions for the upcoming year:
President – Lauren Keating Treasurer - Louise Golian Hon. Secretary - Hugh Brown Master of Foxhounds - Cindy Morton
Treasurer Louise Golian presented the proposed budget for 2014-15. She stated that the new budget does include a slight increase in family hunting dues to $1,240. She stated that when she started as Treasurer five years ago, the difference between the family hunting and single-hunting dues was only $100. She has been working to make the dues amounts more fair. For 2014-15, she proposed keeping the single- hunting dues at $940. The budget was approved by unanimous vote.
Louise Golian thanked everyone who answered her recent emails about trail clearing. She presented a survey for members to complete and indicate their willingness and ability to work at keeping the trials cleared. She is hoping to identify specific jobs needing done and assign them to individuals or teams. We have so many trails to clear! She asked that everyone complete a survey following the meeting so she could start this process. Louise also thanked Lynn Williams for being the first member to accept and complete a work project (the area around the riding ring).
Hugh Brown reported that over the last several years, Carol Lueder has been tremendously generous to the Rockbridge Hunt. She has donated items to the hunt ball and kick-off party silent auctions that have brought in literally thousands of dollars for the Hunt. She has been extraordinarily gracious in hosting breakfasts and our spaghetti dinner that night. She has volunteered her time at hunter paces and poker rides. In recognition of her dedication, Hugh proposed making Carol an Honorary Member of the hunt for the year. Carol was unanimously elected as an Honorary Member for 2014-15.
2. Benefit Poker Ride at Broadview Ranch. Rebecca Tilson announced at the Annual Meeting that she is coordinating a fundraising Poker Ride to help send sends student members of the Rockbridge County FFA to Virginia Tech for state finals in areas in which they have been competing. The poker ride will be at Broadview Ranch on Saturday, May 31.
3. NEWS FLASH! Summer Poker Ride at Broadview Ranch – Saturday, July 12. We have added a shady-trail fundraising ride to the Rockbridge Hunt schedule. More details coming soon!
4. Derby Day Hunter Pace. Saturday, May 3, 2014. We had a gorgeous spring day for our annual spring hunter pace at The Hunt, Inc. We had guests from Bedford County Hunt, Deep Run Hunt, Glenmore Hunt, and Stonewall Hounds among the competitors. Special thanks to the Hunter Pace organizing team:
Organizers, Trail Design & Marking: Gary & Kathy Ponder Parking: Dick Ford & Gary Ponder Registration: Carol Atwood & Cindy Morton Start/Finish/Timing: Lu Dooley & Kathy Ponder Check-point: Robbie Faulkner Lunch: Hugh Brown, Sandwiches by Salerno’s Family Restaurant in Lexington Food donations: Laura Arnold, Hugh Brown, Alice Bruno, Sue Carlton, Liz Hall, and Caryn Switzer.
Extra special thanks to our landowners for hosting the pace: The Hunt Inc., the Copelands, Bests, Brownings, Peebles and Browns.
Rockbridge Hunt Derby Day Hunter Pace Results Saturday, May 3, 2014
Optimum Time for all divisions – 92 minutes
Open Division
Place Number Names Time 1 362 Kathy Eichelberger 86 min Liz Hall 2 368 Lora DeAngelo 100 min Carol Ann O’Connor 3 366 Anna Alford 103 min 4 364 Kathy Munsey 112 min Annie Lichtenstein 5 367 Charlotte Lavender 71 min Lili Wykle 6 365 Robin Moore 155 min Grace Tilson
Junior Division
Place Number Names Time 1 38 Britney Linick 91 min Tanner Price 2 48 Sue Charlton 94 min Anna Murdock 3 46 Bekah Honaker 108 min Cindy Mitchell Caryn Switzer 4 45 Laura Arnold 112 min Lucas Arnold 5 47 Anna Vest 124 min Eileen Whitten Mandolin Whitten
Vintage Division
Place Number Names Time 1 275 Gretel Mangigian 103 min Elizabeth Wood 2 274 Sandy Cryder 105 min Stacy Thompson 3 276 Brenda Ratcliff 114 min Diane Ribble 4 268 Anne Howard 127 min Lynne Pollock 5 270 Barbara Allan 128 min Gay Dailey
Mixed Doubles Division
Place Number Names Time 1 64 Bob Richardson 133 min Lora Richardson
5. Important Reminders!
•Summer Trail Riding at The Hunt, Inc. Rockbridge Hunt members have permission from many generous landowners to hunt on their property. This does not entitle any individuals to trail ride on private property. Rockbridge Hunt members can ride on much of the property at The Hunt, Inc. but you must know where the boundaries are and respect them. Many of our landowners do allow trail riding but not all of them do. When individuals ride on private property without permission, landowners are (justifiably) displeased. These situations are one of the main causes of permission to hunt being withdrawn. If you don't absolutely know for certain where you can ride and where you can't, please make arrangements to ride with someone who knows the territory. Most of the Executive Committee and the Hunt Staff know the property and will be happy to meet you and ride with you.
Also, when trail riding at The Hunt, Inc., please be very certain that any dogs you have with you are under your control at all times.
•Insurance, waivers, and helmets! The new year has started for us – so that means new waivers are needed for everyone. For insurance purposes, it is critical that any member or guest riding at The Hunt, Inc. have a signed waiver on file with the Secretary. There is a box with waivers on the mounting block in The Hunt, Inc. parking lot. We will also have new waiver forms available at summer events and work days. If you are not sure if your guest has a current waiver, you may check with the Secretary, Hugh Brown, or just sign a new one. Protective head gear is required for trail riding and all Rockbridge Hunt riding events. Thank you!
6. Fees for 2014-15. The Executive Committee set the following fees for the upcoming hunting season:
• Capping Fees. $50 adult, $25 junior (unchanged)
• Seasonal Capping Fees. We set the seasonal capping fee at $300 for the year ($200 for juniors). This will allow foxhunters who are full hunting members of other recognized hunt clubs unlimited hunting with us at home meets (joint meets away from home are excluded). The seasonal capping fee does not include any other membership privileges like trail riding at The Hunt, Inc. or voting.
• Young Adult Seasonal Capping Fee. We decided to continue our Young Adult Seasonal Capping Fee for this year. The cost is the same as the Student Membership fee ($470). This is open to persons 18- 23 years of age and offers unlimited capping for the current hunting season. Young Adult Seasonal Cappers do not have to be members of another hunt. They also are not extended membership privileges in the Rockbridge Hunt including voting and riding at The Hunt, Inc (except when accompanying a full member of the Hunt). The Young Adult Seasonal Capping Fee may be paid in a lump sum or by paying capping fees at each hunt until the total is reached.
• Initiation Fees. In order to continue to encourage new membership, we decided to again waive initiation fees for new members for the 2014-15 year. This would be a great time to bring new members into the Hunt! • Hound Sponsorship. In order to keep up with the rising costs of feed and veterinary care, there will be a slight increase in amount for Hound Sponsorship this year. The amount will be $140 for a full year sponsorship, $70 for a half year. There will be a discount for full year sponsorship - $120 for the year if paid in full by Opening Meet (early November).
7. Hunter Pace Craze! Missed the Derby Day hunter pace? There are plenty more rides coming up this spring and summer. Enjoy!
Saturday, May 31 FFA Benefit Poker Ride at Broadview Ranch Saturday, June 7 Farmington Hunt Summer Hunter Pace, Mint Meadows http://www.farmingtonhunt.org Sat-Sun, June 21-22 Middlebrook Hounds Hunter Pace Weekend For additional information contact [email protected] Saturday, July 12 Rockbridge Hunt Summer Poker Ride at Broadview Ranch http://RockbridgeHunt.org Saturday, August 9 Bedford County Hunt Summer Hunter Pace at Oldenacres, Goode www.BedfordCountyHunt.com
8. Educational Bits – courtesy of the Education Committee.
Hunting terminology: Honor – One hound honors another when he gives tongue on a line that another hound has been hunting.
“Hounds should be happy in their work. Breed the ones that show enthusiasm for the game. That doesn’t mean that they are necessarily in front all the time, but that they are steady and always right there – busy with their work, setting the pack right at a loss, or finding the line down the other side of a stream. The dog and bitch should be able to find a fox by themselves but should honor the rest of the pack immediately when they are running.”
Excerpt from "Breeding the American Foxhound" by Tommy Lee Jones in The Foxhound Kennel Notebook
9. Rockbridge Hunt Dates for your calendar
Saturday, July 12 *Poker Ride at Boradview Ranch Sunday, September 7 *Kick-off Party at the Tex Tilson Lodge Sunday, September 14 Volunteers’ Hunt at The Hunt, Inc. Wednesday, September 17 First Day of Cubbing Season Saturday, September 27 Western Day at Broadview Ranch Sunday, September 28 *Poker Ride at Broadview Ranch Sunday, October 26 *Fall Hunter Pace at The Hunt, Inc. Saturday, November 1 or 8 Opening Meet Saturday, February 7, 2015 *Rockbridge Hunt Ball at the Natural Bridge Hotel Saturday, May 2, 2015 *Derby Day Hunter Pace at The Hunt, Inc. Wednesday, May 13, 2015 Annual Meeting at the Tex Tilson Lodge at The Hunt, Inc. *Fundraising events
10. Other Hunt-related dates
Saturday, May 24 Oak Ridge Fox Hunt Spring Hunter Pace at Tea Time Farm Sunday, May 25 Virginia Foxhound Show, Morven Park, Leesburg Saturday, May 31 Farmington Hunt VHSA Associate Spring Hunter Show, Hidden Fox Saturday, May 31 FFA Benefit Poker Ride at Broadview Ranch
Saturday, June 7 Farmington Hunt Summer Hunter Pace, Mint Meadows Wed. June 18-Thurs. June 19 Thoroughbred Celebration Horse Show, Virginia Horse Center Saturday, June 21 Glenmore Hunt Poker Ride Sat-Sun, June 21-22 Middlebrook Hounds Hunter Pace Weekend
Wednesday, July 16 Farmington Hunt VHSA Associate Summer Fun Hunter Show, Millington Wednesday, July 16 Farmington Hunt Evening Gymkhana and Social, Millington Saturday, July 19 Glenmore Hunt Foxhunting Clinic Sat-Sun, July 19-20 Middlebrook Hounds Hunter Pace Weekend
Saturday, August 9 Bedford County Hunt Summer Hunter Pace at Oldenacres, Goode, VA Saturday, August 9 Farmington Hunt VHSA Associate Jumper/Equitation Show, Schelford Fri. Aug 15-Sun. Aug 17 Farmington Hunt Foxhunting Clinic, Millington & Kennels Sat-Sun, August 16-17 Middlebrook Hounds Hunter Pace Weekend Saturday, August 30 Glenmore Hunt SWVHJA Horse Show
Saturday, September 6 Maury River Hunter Pace, Virginia Horse Center Saturday, September 13 Glenmore Hunt begins cubbing Sat-Sun, September 20-21 Middlebrook Hounds Hunter Pace Weekend
Mon. Oct. 13-Wed Oct. 15 VA Trail Riders, Inc - The Homestead 30 mile & pleasure ride Sat-Sun, October 18-19 Middlebrook Hounds Hunter Pace Weekend Saturday, October 25 Glenmore Hunt Opening Meet Thurs Oct. 30-Sun Nov 2 Virginia Horse Trials and Int’l CCI* & Adult Team Challenge
Sunday, November 9 Farmington Hunt Fall Hunter Pace, location TBA Saturday, November 16 Glenmore Hunt Hunter Pace
11. The Rockbridge Hunt NewsHound is archived on the RH website under Newsletters in the Archive section. You can also access copies by logging into Google or Google Groups and read stuff from the Friends list. If you don’t have a Google account, it’s easy to create one using the same email address that you use for the Friends list.
As always, if you have feedback or suggestions for the Executive Committee, please do not hesitate to contact us.
************************************************************* Rockbridge Hunt Executive Committee 2014-2015
Lauren Keating, President H 540-463-5574, O 540-291-1444 [email protected]
Cindy Morton, MFH W 540-458-8109, M 540-570-0770 [email protected]
Louise Golian, Treasurer H 540-377-9409 [email protected]
Hugh Brown, Hon. Secretary H 540-886-6359, W 540-568-3501 [email protected]
Laura Jarvis, Steward '11 540-817-9216 [email protected]
Gary Ponder, Steward ‘11 H 540-258-9911, M 540-462-7194 [email protected]
Kathy Eichelberger, Steward '13 H 540-258-2065, W 540-343-0193, M 540-354-2348 [email protected]
Rebecca Tilson, Steward '13 540-460-3101 [email protected]
************************************************************* Please Support the Sponsors of the Rockbridge Hunt
Broadview Ranch 1397 Zollman’s Mill Rd., Lexington, VA 24450 540-458-1001 http://www.broadviewranch.com [email protected]
Dover Saddlery 484 Maury River Road, Lexington, VA 24450 540-462-3820 http://www.doversaddlery.com [email protected]
Ms Carol Lueder & Fair Chase, Inc. 925 Valley Pike, Lexington, VA 24450-3352 (H) 540-463-9189 (Cell) 540-460-5302 http://fchase.net [email protected]
Pink Cadillac Diner 4743 South Lee Highway, Natural Bridge, VA 24578 (540) 291- 2378 [email protected]
Rockbridge Farmers Co-op 645 Waddell Street, Lexington, VA 24450 540-463-7381 http://rockbridgefarmerscoop.com/
Salerno’s 115 S Jefferson Street, Lexington, VA 24450 540-463-5757 http://www.salernova.com
Southern Inn Restaurant 37 South Main Street, Lexington, Virginia 24450 540-463-3612 [email protected]
Stone Bridge Equestrian Center c/o Chelsea Sinclair Assistant Manager 100 Equus Loop, Natural Bridge VA 24578 (540) 291-1000 www.stonebridgeequestriancenter.com
Virginia Born & Bred 16 West Washington Street, Lexington, VA 24450 540-463-1832 or 800-437-2452 Http://www.virginiabornandbred.com