Pups

We've started the puppies that were born April 2007 last year around Memorial Day. Their mother is Rockbridge Clever and the sire is Rappahannock Kagney. check out the web page for a Private Property waiver and directions to the fix- We have a litter of new tures. pups. They're about three & Riding weeks old and they’re out These rides are appropriate for of Rappahannock Lisa, riders who want to learn more by Rockbridge Clown. Hunting season is over and trail about foxhunting and for riders with riding has started. Rockbridge Hunt green horses. Be sure to check the That is the future of has permission from many huntline for possible changes due Rockbridge Hounds. generous landowners to HUNT on to bad weather. The first ride is Thanks to David for all their property. This does not entitle scheduled for Saturday, April 7 at his work with the any individuals to trail ride on Hunt, Inc. Be on your horse and breeding of our hounds. private property! ready to ride at 2:30. Additional 30 years of excellence rides are tentatively scheduled for and counting! Rockbridge Hunt members can ride Saturday, May 5 and Saturday, on much of the property at Hunt, June 9. How could you NOT love Inc. but you must know where the those mugs? boundaries are and respect them. If you'd like to suggest a location for a trail ride, notify Cindy Morton. Many of our landowners do allow trail riding but not all of them do. If you don't absolutely know for certain where you can ride and where you can't, 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. On another subject, please keep in mind that motorized vehicles are not allowed off- at Hunt, Inc. except for the purpose of trail maintenance. We will be having organized trail rides this year. We'll try to have at least two groups at each ride so that we can do one slower ride and one faster ride. And we'll plan on a simple tailgate after each ride. We will charge a fee of 20 dollars to nonmembers in order to cover our insurance costs. The fee will be paid once for the year. If you are bringing guests, you may want to EHV-1 Outbreak Disrupts Hunting

On February 23 we received a request from Dennis Foster, the Executive Director of the national governing body for foxhunting (the Masters of Association or MFHA) to cancel any event where horses would congregate and co-mingle, in accord with a request from the State Veterinarian, Dr. Richard Wilkes. In other words, hunting. Although we were scheduled for a joint meet at Bull Run Hunt on the very next day, we canceled hunting. The Hunt’s staff (all local and all horses stabled in close proximity to each other and to the Kennels) continued to exercise hounds. We resumed hunting when the State Veterinarian indicated that it was appropriate: March 14. The following information was provided by Dr. Fairfield T. Bain, DVM, MBA, Diplomate, ACVIM, ACVP, ACVECC. I recommend that you visit his website for the Woodside Equine Clinic for some very clear information on this disease., http://www.woodsideequineclinic.com/ His original article is too long to include here but it’s excellent. If you’d like to see the entire article, contact Cindy Morton or Dr. Lauren Keating.

What is EHV-1? EHV-1 is known to occur as a respiratory infection, cause abortions, and most recently, cause neurologic disease. In all forms, the entry of the virus is through the respiratory tract. Usually this occurs from aerosol transmission of infective respiratory secretions. Indirect transmission may occur via contaminated hands, feed, water sources, or tools. The incubation period is around 2 to 5 days with peak viral shedding occurring during the time the animal has a fever (the first few days of infection). The clinical signs usually include – nasal discharge, high fever (up to 106 F) cough, enlargment of the lymph nodes beneath the jaw, discharge from the eyes, lethargy, loss of appetite, (appetite generally improves with control of the fever). The single important feature of the lifestyle of EHV-1 is that guarantees its success as a agent of illness is “latency.” Latency is a characteristic of all herpesviruses and is a situation where clinically recovered horses carry virus in a quiet (asymptomatic) form for extended periods of time. This is a way the virus can maintain itself in the population. Some stress event can cause the virus to reactivate and begin to be shed by the animal carrying it. Periodic reactivation episodes may occur with shedding of infectious virus in respiratory secretions – with potential for infecting other horses. Reactivation has been observed following transport, handling, re-housing, and weaning. The animal shedding the virus is often asymptomatic. It is suspected that a very high percentage of horses may be latently infected with EHV-1. This is what makes it so hard to control even with vaccination. How is it transmitted? Environmental transmission (on clothing, utensils, feed, water buckets, etc) can be important during outbreaks in a particular barn, especially where horses are kept in close confinement. Infected horses shed large quantities of virus and can be contagious by direct contact (horse-to-horse, nose-to-nose, or aerosol of respiratory secretions) or indirect contact. The virus does not last long in the environment – probably no more than 7 days in most practical situations. But… 7 days during an outbreak may be long enough for someone to transmit it by indirect contact (sharing water buckets, etc). The almost universal reservoir of virus is the latently infected adult horse. Management. EHV-1 is controlled by management and hygiene measures, supplemented by vaccination. There are three aims of control programs: 1 – prevention of disease entry on a premises 2 – limiting the extent of spread and severity of clinical disease once EHV-1 enters a premises 3 – limiting spread of disease to adjacent premises during an outbreak So, what can we do? Limiting traffic of horses is always best, but we have grown accustomed to a variety of events where multiple horses participate. Being aware of how the virus is transmitted is important, limiting horse-to- horse contact, following the biosecurity protocols (see the program from the American Association of Equine Practitioners available on the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services web site - http:// www.vdacs.virginia.gov/animals/ehv.shtml Just like they tell us in the human hospital world, handwashing is important. It is a good idea for all horse handlers to wash their hands with soap and water as well as to use one of the hand sanitizers like Purell between horses. Same things for utensils, etc. Vaccination can be helpful, but it needs to be emphasized that there is no product that specifically protects against the neurologic form of the virus. This appears to be a new form of virus... actually a single amino acid mutation from the Equine herpesvirus type 1 that causes the respiratory form of disease. At the moment, there is no vaccine available that specifically protects against the neurologic form of disease. Cindy Morton David Conner Celebrates his 30th Year as Rockbridge Huntsman As a relative newcomer to foxhunting and Rockbridge Hunt, I wanted to “earn my keep” by volunteering to produce the newsletter. Cindy has for every production, provided me the majority of the text and Blair has produced and mailed the hardcopies. To that end, my job has been made very easy. For this my third production, I decided to actually write a tribute to our Huntsman for his 30 year anniversary. Perhaps I could have started with something a bit less harrowing, but OH WELL!! So, I asked myself, who is this great man David Conner, and why do we love and respect him so? I decided to put the question out to YOU, who have hunted and worked with him far longer than I. Well, I certainly know why we love him...unequivocally, his humor.

I had my own brush with his humor at a foxhunting clinic early on in my experience with Rockbridge when he gave a tour of the kennels. I’ve always considered myself quick witted, but I must say, he got me good! As the girl who wants to rescue anything four legged, David must have sensed I would be a relatively easy target whereupon he told me that a hound (that I just happen to be cooing over) needed a home. When I asked him what would happen to this hound if he weren’t adopted, he looked my straight in the eye and replied matter of factly “I’ll just take him out back and shoot him.” Well, my eyes must have become as big as saucers and only then did I see the slightly evil grin draw across his face telling me I’d just been punked! I made a mental note to “sharpen my senses around this fellow” because he was GOOD! Well, I was glad to learn that I’m not the only one who has been fooled by this man and we all seem to love him all the more for teasing us; it must make us feel worthy in some sense. Kathy and Stan tell the story of World Gold Medalist endurance rider Valerie Kanavy falling prey to David’s rapier wit when her horse threw a shoe at the Rockbridge Hunt Endurance ride where she was in contention to win. She had four minutes before her out-time at a vet check when she approached David for a replacement. When told of the time limit, David replied, "Four minutes to put on a shoe? I can't even get my apron on in four minutes." Amid Valerie's panic, David had the horse ready to go in the four minutes. As Valerie left, on time, she said, "I thought you said you couldn't shoe a horse in four minutes!" whereupon David replied, "No, I said I CAN'T GET MY APRON ON IN FOUR MINUTES!" Diane Long tells the story of helping a member of our hunt, Sue, who was having trouble getting her horse Rosie to jump coops. After Diane rode Rosie over a number of coops armed with spurs and a stick and giving many a spanking, Rosie decided to succumb and jump the coops with ease. Diane returned to the tail gate afterwards where the party was in full swing. David Conner promptly asks Diane in front of everyone if she would consider giving a clinic sometime soon. Diane was a little surprised at this and answered yes, but felt it a little odd that he would ask. She didn't think many people would come. David answered was that it didn't matter much as it would only be a clinic on "Spankings." Diane turned crimson while everyone, including her, laughed. Well, I certainly believe that we could go on with such stories, including the “Fat Lady Slide” and many others that would make us all remember why we love his wit. I believe it is not within our budget to print and mail such thick copy. These stories are, as Ann Layman said, crying to be put on paper and I think it would be a great and fun project to complete some day.

I believe that David is the most respected man in our hunt for reasons that reach beyond his beloved wit. Cindy states that: “We cannot adequately thank David for his years of hard work and dedication to the job. He has done more, with less, than we'll ever know. Through the years, he's done well with every hunt-related activity he's tried including hound shows, performance trials, hunter trials and paces. He's an outstanding ambassador for our sport, a wonderful representative for our Hunt, and a good person. We're extremely fortunate to have him as huntsman and I'm sure we all hope he'll continue for another 30 years. Fred Burks turns the tables on one of David’s pet sayings: “He just gets ‘more better’ each year”!

So how do we show our appreciation for a job so equisitely done for thirty years? Impossible. We did our best by passing the hat to give David a nice bonus and presenting him with a tray engraved to commemorate the occassion at the Closing Hunt cook-out where several guests and former members attended. The gifts are merely a token and we can only hope he knows the hearts and minds of his followers. Thank you for your committment and hard work. We adore you; don’t ever leave us; and keep the hounds working and us laughing. What more can we ask?

And Thank You!

David and Nancy Conner would like to thank all of the donors for the gifts they received at the Closing Meet. David received enough cash to replace his saddle (which broke recently) and to pay for repairs to his horn case.

Thanks to the Band Silent Auction Donors Sponsors! HUNT BALL!!

A friend Rockbridge Farmers Co- The Hunt Ball was of course a A Place in Thyme op, Lexington Alberti, Joan Rockbridge Hunt HUGE success! The food was Alberti, Nick Rockbridge Interiors, Thanks go out to the fabulous, the band entertaining and following folks who Anderson, Sandy Lexington the company outstanding! Many Animal Medical Associates Rolston, Lucy helped sponsor the thanks go out to ALL who helped (Stan & Kathy Eichelberger) Rowe, Barbara fabulous band, Class Arnold, Laura Rowe, Fran make it happen, especially Ann Atwood, Carol Saddles N Stuff Act, at the Hunt Ball. Layman and Charlotte Sandy. Forgiveness goes out Bare, Olin Sandy, Charlotte Thanks too Pam Moskal for Bingham, Shelby Schoultz, John & Monica to anyone we may heading up the wine glass sale Blair, Carol Secker, Terry & Cynthia have missed on this which was so successful that she Bowring, Chris Sheperd's Saddle Shop list! Bryant, Mary Buck Simmons, Brenda had to order another batch. Bull Run Hunt Southern Inn, Lexington Buster Lewis of the Jefferson Burks, Fred & Barbara Stegall & Brown Florist came through for us again Carey, Dawn Studio Metalworks Sandy Anderson Conner, Joe & Katharine Sweet, Jan this year with not only gorgeous Conner, Nancy Tack Room Laura Arnold centerpieces, but with the wine Debevoise, Tom & Barb This Is It glasses as well. We couldn’t do it Dooley, Lu Troutville Southern States Susan Bailey Elmes, Jenny Virginia Born & Bred, without you! Without the wonderful Fabricare Center, Roanoke Lexington Steve & Betty Beck donations for the silent auction Farm Store, Troutville Watkins, Joy & Andy from all of the members and Farmer, Lois Whitmore, Terry Fred & Barbara Burks Fashion Gallery various retail establishements, we Golian, Louise could not have turned a profit...so Nick & Nancy Haas, Cheryl thank you, thank you, thank you! Harry, Zeb & Liz Cuzzimano Henning, Barkley And a profit we did turn! We had Jarvis, Laura Stan & Kathy roughly 140 folks in attendance Jones, Blair & Erica Keating, Lauren and we sold 115 items at the silent Eichelberger Kirlin, Tom & Dawn Carey auction (including 6 Table center Lanning, Karen Lois Farmer pieces). Layman, Ann Lee Lazarus Cheryl Haas Our expenses: Long, Diane Macbride, Leslie Zeb & Liz Harry Martinique McDonald, Sherry -$665 Invitations Ann Layman Moore, Emily & Jenny -$9650 Facility + Food + Drink Moskal, Pam Pam Moskal -$935 Table Center Piece Offermann, Elizabeth decorations Pink Cadillac, Fancy Hill Gary & Kathy Ponder Provisions/RSVP Ltd -$2500 Band Purswell, Beverly Charlotte Sandy -$580 Wine Glasses Queen Victoria Fine English ------$14330 Antiques Quinn, Susanna RHPC Our income: Richardson, Bob & Susan Roanoke Valley Equine Clinic

+$9520 Receipts +$2000 Donations for band +$700 Sale of Wine Glasses +$5285 Silent Auction ------+$17505

+$3175 Total for 2007 Rockbridge Hunt Ball

Calendar of Events

Sat, April 7 Rockbridge Hunt Trail Ride Sun, April 22 Glenmore Hunt Spring Hunter Pace Sat, April 28 Foxfield Spring Race Meet Sat, April 28 Roanoke Valley Therapeutic Riding Program Galloping Gala: A night of and Monte Carlo Sat, May 5 Rockbridge Hunt Trail Ride Sat, May 5 Glenmore Hunt Junior Sat, May 12 Bedford County Hunt Hunter Pace and Point-to-Point Races Sat, May 19 Rockbridge Hunt Spring Hunter Pace at Windward Farm May 25-28 Equine Adventure at Oak Ridge Estate May 28 Oak Ridge Fox Hunt Club Hunter Pace at Oak Ridge Estate May 25-27 MFHA "Centennial May Madness" (art show & sale, hound show, hunter trials, stable tour, etc.) May 26 Virginia Hound Show Mon, May 28 Oak Ridge Fox Hunt Hunter Pace Sat, June 9 Rockbridge Hunt Trail Ride at Broadview (tentative) July TBA Rockbridge Hunt Trail Ride Sun, Aug 5 Rockbridge Hunt work session Sun, Aug 12 Rockbridge Hunt work session Sun, Aug 19 Rockbridge Hunt work session Sat, Aug 25 Rockbridge Hunt hosts End-of-Season Trail Ride Sun, Sept 9 Rockbridge Hunt work session

As always, please check the hunt line before every Rockbridge Hunt event: 540-462-1113.

CLOSING MEET

This certainly wasn't the best hunting season we've ever had. Although it stayed warm well into the winter, hunting conditions were far from ideal. More important, game was scarce. When the weather finally turned, it was brutally cold. Just as the hunting started to improve, we were shut down by the EHV-1 situation. Fortunately, the staff all keep their horses in the vicinity of the kennels and we were able to keep hounds exercised with minimal risk. When the EHV-1 situation was resolved and we resumed hunting, it was very late in the season. The few days we had left were quite good but frustrating. We had several excellent chases but had to stop hounds because of the extreme heat! Seventy-five or eighty degrees is not a normal temperature for late winter. On the next-to-last day of the season we came across a bear at Broadview. He was up a tree and many in the field got a good view. On the last day of the season we met at 2:30. It was extremely warm and we had a good crowd. We had a good chase on a pair of red foxes but had to stop the hounds. Indeed, one of the young hounds was suffering from heat stress but he was given some liquids and recovered quickly. At that point we decided to quit hunting for the day. The warm weather was great for our Closing Meet cook-out. We also celebrated David Conner's thirtieth year as huntsman! Thank you, David!

Annual Meeting

In accordance with the bylaws, the annual meeting of the Rockbridge Hunt shall be held on Wednesday, May 9 at 7:00 p.m. at the Tex Tilson Lodge at Hunt, Inc. Members whose dues have been paid in full for the 2006-2007 year are eligible to vote. Each single hunting membership, each family membership, and each landowner membership have one vote.

The annual budget will be voted on as well as other matters that may come up at the meeting. The officers that are up for election are MFH, President, Secretary, Treasurer, and two stewards. The Nominating Committee includes Dr. Beverly Purswell and Sandra Worthy and is headed by David Bolen. If you are interested in a job or would like to suggest someone, please talk to one of them. David Bolen, 540-463-5574, [email protected] Sandra Worthy, 540-254-3372, [email protected] Beverly Purswell, 552-5264, [email protected]

If you can not attend, please return the proxy (below) to any member who will be attending (and has the right to vote) or to the current Secretary, Laura Jarvis.

Proxy

I, (please print) ______

Give the right to vote for me at the 2007 annual meeting of the Rockbridge Hunt membership to:

(please print) ______

Signed: ______

Date: ______

Condolences

Proposed Budget Our condolences to the Heslep family. Jack Heslep died on Wednesday, April 4, 2007, at his home, West Airslie Farm, in Brownsburg.

Mr. Heslep was an avid horseman and long-term president of the American Saddlebred Horse Associa- tion of Virginia. He also served on the Rockbridge County Planning Commission, the Rockbridge Re- gional Fair Board, the Brownsburg Community Water Association and the Brownsburg Ruritans. He was a member of Bethesda Presbyterian Church/McElwee Chapel. Services were held at the Chapel on Satur- day, April 7.

Memorial contributions can be made to the Alz- heimer’s Association Central & Western Virginia Chapter, 674 Hillsdale Dr., Suite 1, Charlottesville, VA 22901 or to Rockbridge Area Hospice, P.O. Box 948, Lexington, VA 24450.

Parade at the Races

On Saturday, May 12 Rockbridge Hunt’s pack will parade at the Bedford County Hunt Point-to-Point! Normally the BCH pack would do this under the able command of Huntsman and Joint Master Bill King but Bill is scheduled for knee surgery. We were asked to help out and David Conner has cheerfully agreed.

Bedford County will hold their hunter pace in the morning and the races in the afternoon. Hounds will parade some time around 12:30.

If you might be interested in participating, talk to Cindy Morton. Unfortunately this is one week prior to the Rockbridge Hunt Spring Hunter Pace and we’ll need help getting ready for that.

Here Here

Goes Goes

Address Address

Mailing Mailing

The The

Newport, VA 24128 24128 VA Newport,

1171 Happy Hollow Road Road Hollow Happy 1171 Rockbridge Hunt News News Hunt Rockbridge

Rockbridge Hunt Officers

CONDOLENCES MFH, Cindy Morton 463-6025, 458-8109 [email protected]

President, Carol Atwood 463-1000 [email protected]

Our condolences Treasurer, Blair Jones 544-7359 [email protected] go out to Shelby

Bingham for the Honorary Sec., Laura Jarvis 291-3186 [email protected] loss of her

beloved hunt Steward(*07), Fred Burks 258-2828 [email protected] horse Wyatt. She describes him as Steward(*09), K. Eichelberger 947-2966 [email protected] “a great teacher” and our thoughts Steward(*07), Terry Whitmore 291-1861 [email protected] are with her in her

loss. Steward(*09), Sandra Worthy 254-3372 [email protected]

Rockbridge Hunt Spring Hunter Pace flyer is enclosed!