2009-2010 SEASON, ISSUE 2
New Market Middletown Valley Hounds NOVEMBER 2009 FROM THE CHAIRMAN’S DESK
How quickly this next issue working diligently to exceed served at 7:30 pm. As last Inside this issue: of Kennel Notes has snuck up our spring success with an year, I’ll be providing the foun- on me, didn’t we just start even better Fall Hunter Pace dation of the meal, supple- Master’s Message 2 cubbing a couple of weeks mid-October; Mother Nature mented with a ham by Chuck ago!? There has been so had different plans as we got Hedges, with snacks, side Voice of the Horn 3 much Hunt Committee activity dumped on with much needed dishes and desserts being in the Club over the last cou- rain. Jennifer Webster, MFH, provided by members. Since ple of months, I and Jackie 100% of the proceeds will go Work Day News 3 guess it’s no won- There has been so Hoffman, your directly to the Club’s treasury, der that the time much Hunt“‘New’ seemsCo-Chairs, to are this is a very important fund Club Contacts 3 has so quickly tending to all raising event. Please plan on Committee activitybe the in operative flown by. I thought I the prepara- attending and bring a friend or New Heights 4 would provide you the Club overword the last in sotion many for our neighbor along. couple of months… with a recap of ways; especiallyrain date of Holiday Shopping Spree Hunt Night 4 some of our activi- as we headNovember into and Wine Social – Before you ties over the last 14th at 11 am. know it the holidays will be couple of months and a brief Keepthe your 2009-2010fingers crossed for here, and to help you with glimpse of what is yet to come cooperatingseason…” weather and your holiday shopping we will in the future. come on out, bring a friend be planning this event at the Membership – With Open- and have a fun-packed fall Club House one evening in ing Hunt around the corner, day. upcoming December. We are we are tracking very well with Landowner Party and Chili going to try a different format our membership renewals. Cook Off – Held October 25th, this year and hold it during a However, I think the secret this popular annual event was weekday evening instead of a Mike Moreland, Hunt must be getting out about very well attended. We had Saturday afternoon, and cou- Committee Chairman what a great hunt club we are. some of our generous Land- ple it with a wine social and We have had 13 new/former owners attending, which we some yummy snacks. If you ues to break our fund raising members join our ranks in the haven’t seen in a while, and have goodies you want to sell, records. It’s not too early to past two months, which must everyone enjoyed the camara- start to get them ready now. If reserve the date on your cal- be a record! Specifically derie and the cooking. In typi- you have shopping to do for endar and start to think about (forgive me in advance if I cal NM-MVH style, the food that hard to find foxhunter, this what sort of donations you can have left someone out) they tables were overflowing to the will be the event; there are make to the Silent Auction. are: Lauren Poisal and Hunter point where we had to use always lots of great and inter- And yet with all these Wilson, Christopher Rocca, fours tables just to hold every- esting things for sale. Keep a things being planned and exe- and Michael Capps as family thing! We had eight great en- look out in our email for an- cuted, we still have more members; Molly Moran, Jason tries in the Chili Cook Off with nouncement of a date in De- things in store for you coming Daisey, Kristin Nesbitt Silon prizes from the NM-MVH Logo cember. soon, like a newly developed and Nancy Kropetz as individ- Shop for the winners (Michael Hunt Ball – Although it web site, a 2009-2010 Hunt ual members; Mackensie Moreland 1st, Bob Kepner seems like light years away, Directory and the list goes on; Smith, Kelsey Decker and 2nd, and Dan Bennett and once the holidays have come after all it is our job to serve Carin Janet as student mem- Ken Jacobsen tied for 3rd). and gone we will be kicking you as our members, a re- bers; and Beverly Sheehy and Opening Hunt Breakfast – into high gear preparing for sponsibility that we take quite Susan Snider as limited mem- Our traditional evening Open- THE event of the season, the seriously. See you at Opening bers. ing Hunt Breakfast will be held NM-MVH Hunt Ball, which will Hunt! Hunter Pace – Following at the Club House on Sunday be held on March 6th! The Ball our hugely successful Spring November 8th at 6:30 pm for gets better and better every Mike Moreland Hunter Pace, everyone was drinks and snacks, and dinner year; the silent auction contin- Hunt Committee Chairman
NEW MARKET-MIDDLETOWN VALLEY HOUNDS NM-MVH.COM NOVEMBER 2009
Page 2
2009-2010 SEASON, ISSUE 2 MASTER’S MESSAGE Opening Days and Foxhunting There are stories of the gen- in West Virginia erations who hunted together. Many families belonged to both If I am figuring correctly, Antietam Hunt and the Shenan- there hasn’t been an Opening doah Valley Pony Club. SVPC Day in West Virginia since fall juniors were often invited to 1983 or so. At the time, Anti- hunt, which meant they rode etam Hunt opened at Swan alongside their parents. The Pond, which is about half way, Hammans of Springdale Farm, as the crow flies, between Shepherdstown, The Moylans of Windward and Hunter Wil- Hagerstown (riding horses who son’s Margaux Tip. I can’t had begun their careers at the remember when the last Boutelles’ Pleasant Valley Opening Day actually was at Farm), the Kearses, Spunichs, Windward, but there have As the crow flies, Windward and Margaux Tip are only about 5 been several in the past. Most miles from each other. The territory in between is the area of Antietam Hunt’s Opening referred to as Swan Pond Days were held at BelleVue, then home of Henry, Claire, that hunt territory ran above AH member. He is jumping an Gay and Sallie Shepherd. the Potomac River, almost all old coop replaced in nearly the the way to Steamboat Run. same spot by our barn and pad- Once out Shepherd Grade, dock. the territory crossed back over While the Byrons began to John and Georgia Stewart’s hunting with New Market, along farm, to Wild Goose, back to with the Weddles and Boutelles, Dr. Bennett’s farm, across they joined Antietam when Clay- NMH at Hunting Lotte, Fre- Scrabble Road to Rowan ton Doing reorganized it and derick County, MD Opening Gaither’s (now the Collis’s), sought them out. Jamie’s father, Day 1960s—James Byron on Nip Parkinson’s (now the Co- William D. Byron II, had been a Black Jack and Lynne Byron gan’s), Windward, the Hox- founding member of Antietam on Brier Rabbit Katharine Byron, MFH ton’s Fruit Hill and the present Hunt in the 30s when it hunted and her mount, Paddy Willowdale development. territory northeast of Hagers- Some of the local landown- town where the Antietam Creek VanMetres, and the Sensen- Many of you know Sallie and ers hunted, while others were runs near Smithsburg. Jamie neys (family of present NM-MVH her wonderful ponies from kind enough to allow the use Byron was field master and hon- member, Renee Lowe), and NM-MVH trail rides. of their land. John Stewart orary secretary for the reorgan- many, many others. When foxhunting in Shep- hunted with Antietam for many ized Antietam Hunt, Lynne And speaking of generations, herdstown, the territory ran years, after he moved to chaired various committees, and though there has never been a from BelleVue, all through Old Shepherdstown due to his Sally Byron whipped-in to Mas- NM-MVH Opening Day at Wind- Willowdale, which is now position with the IRS when it ter Doing for a number of sea- ward, there was a festive Bless- Cress Creek. The Shepherd moved to Martinsburg, cour- sons. ing of Hounds on New Years family owned the land, which tesy of Senator Byrd. Captain Day 1997 when Jamie and rolled from woods to beautiful and Mrs. John Schley did not Lynne Byron hosted a stirrup meadows. A lovely stream hunt, but afforded the opportu- cup prior to, and a hunt break- traveled through, and at it’s nity to hunt Windward and fast afterward for a hungry fox- banks was a wonderful house gave the Byrons their introduc- hunting crowd. And today all the where Henry was born in tion to Windward by horse- Byrons welcome horses, 1920. At the end of Wind- back. In fact, the jumping hounds, riders and guests for ward’s lane, across the street, photo is of Limestone (who the NM-MVH 2009-2010 Open- now leading in to Fernbank, later belonged to Lynne ing Day! there was a steep coop which Byron) ridden by Dick Weddle, Dick Weddle and Limestone led to the Headley Farm. All who was a long time NMH and cubbing at Windward Katharine Byron, MFH NEW MARKET-MIDDLETOWN VALLEY HOUNDS NM-MVH.COM NOVEMBER 2009
Page 3
2009-2010 SEASON, ISSUE 2 VOICE OF THE HORN WORK DAY NEWS Reflections on Cubbing time. We discuss who is to go by Chuck Hedges and who did well last time to- Taking on a new pack is gether. I record who goes each Kennel Notes salutes the never a simple affair. It is like a time and have notes on who men, women, and young peo- principal starting at a new performs well together. ple who have volunteered their school—I should know as I have So, when you come across a time, energy, and tools to been there. Yes, there was a life shy hound out there, it is most make our fixtures safe and for Robert before and during likely it's first or second time enjoyable. Opening Cub was a hunting. It is always challenging hunting. Some really do take a huge success due in no small but never daunting; certainly considerable time to come good. part to the efforts of our volun- exciting would be an appropriate My father always gave a hound teers. Guillermo Warley, Chris word also. We are on the heels three seasons to find it's feet. Rocca, Heidi Hallein, Mike of cubbing season, and that Feed bills etc. do not allow us to Bailey, Chuck Hedges, Mi- excitement is still to the fore. Robert Taylor, Huntsman be so generous these days, but chelle Currey, Nancy Kropetz, You will notice that we tend to rewarding hounds for a job well we will give all hounds every Danielle Spare, Richard Leo- move on more, now that done, with Whips Marcia Brody opportunity to prove themselves nard, Michele McKenna, Rick hounds, for the most, under- and Andy Curran nearby without setting a time line. Two Jones, and Mike Farber put in stand what I want—this not just weeks to open season at the a total of 86 hours of hard the hunting but the manner in more efficient, fitter and adven- time of writing this. I am de- work at Station Road. They which we hunt. From drawing turous, we will find these fixtures lighted with the pack and my opened two new trails and the hounds at the kennels, load- rewarding but frustrating as the staff. unearthed a stone jump that ing, unloading, waiting at the staff continually have to help had not been used for years! meet, to moving to the first orchestrate not going places Robert Taylor, Huntsman The Curran MEN attacked the draw, all have a significant influ- where we do not have permis- foliage at Monocacy Park. ence on how the day is going to sion. Now, whilst the older NMNMNM-NM ---MVHMVH Kevin Curran, MFH and Sam proceed. If there is focus, disci- hounds understand the "no go" Club Contacts McGrath expanded parking at pline and method of procedure system fairly well, the young MONITOR Doctor Belt Road. Windward from the Huntsman and staff, ones do not and we, the staff, 301.371.4081 Farm received some 66 hours then one can expect the same have the juggling act of wanting of attention by Mike Bailey, from the hounds. This is why the hounds to hunt and thrust Joint Masters Heather McCarthy, Jackie you will not see me, at this forward, but to return to us when of Fox Hounds Hoffman, Devon Hoffman, stage, chatting with many, other we are in uncharted territory. Kate Byron Richard Leonard, Kevin than the Masters and staff at the We must not get into the habit of Kevin Curran Curran, MFH, Andy Curran, Jennifer Webster meet. I remind all of my helpers checking the young hounds too Luke Curran, Tim McGrath, and supporters that we have a readily or they will simply not Hunt Committee Sam McGrath, Tim Stark, Kate very inexperienced pack in that hunt because they have been Chairman Byron, MFH, Chuck Hedges, there are often as many pups stopped at times when they Michael Moreland and Barry Brown. Trails were out as there are seasoned are in full cry on the correct [email protected] cleared, coops were repaired hounds, simply because that is quarry. Do they then associate 410.507.1878 and built and a gate was the make up of our pack. To this stopping with the same added. Joe Michael worked Honorary Secretary take out 10 couple or less has stopping which happens when many hours to make his farm Bonnie Kepner never been a way of doing busi- they run riot? Do they then stop welcoming for both horse and [email protected] ness for me. That being the hunting altogether? More terri- rider. Pat Chlop, Richard Leo- 301.582.2686 case, 13-16 couple is the norm, tory we say—not so easy; an- nard, and Chuck Hedges put especially in the open season. It other ongoing dilemma for all of Treasurer in a day’s work at Stonemetz. makes for more work for the us. Our way of dealing with the Guillermo Warley Remember good hunting re- Whips, but it is a challenge I situation is simple. Knowing our [email protected] quires efforts by many people. take on and expect them to do hounds and choosing the cor- 301.514.5851 Please contact Mike Farber or the same. rect combination on each hunt- Newsletter Editor Chuck Hedges to contribute Hunting small fixtures has ing day for a particular fixture is Heather McCarthy your labor to maintaining and greatly helped in putting the the way to go. Quite the chal- [email protected] enhancing YOUR hunt fix- pack together. As we become lenge, requiring tweaking every 301.676.6142 tures. NEW MARKET-MIDDLETOWN VALLEY HOUNDS NM-MVH.COM NOVEMBER 2009
Page 4
2009-2010 SEASON, ISSUE 2 NEW HEIGHTS HUNT NIGHT by Leo Rocca enterprise must go, but even ple, landowners and members NM-MVH Has Good Night at more important, the energy to alike. Joint Masters Frank Penn National Horse Show A leader or manager is see that vision through to ac- Becker and John Ward served by Bonnie Kepner someone who gets things complishment. our Hunt well. Frank worked done through other people. A Dick Moran hard to build our Originally, the three major manager of industry may be displayed Together with our successful out- indoor horse shows— responsible for a factory or a great vision reach to encourage Harrisburg, Washington and division, or for a general man- and energy outstanding and bring along New York all featured Hunt ager or C.E.O., there is re- when he Huntsman, Robert junior riders. To the Nights, which brought the vari- sponsibility for the entire en- started Middle- Taylor, our new great benefit of the ous hunts together for camara- terprise. A Master of Fox- town Valley Joint Masters are members, Frank derie and competition. The hounds is a leader/manger. Hounds from eminently qualified substantially in- Pennsylvania National Horse A Master of Foxhounds, or scratch, as did creased the num- Show is now the only remaining a team of Joint Masters, are Gilmore Flautt to lead NM-MVH ber and scope of showcase for field hunters and responsible for the success of when he to new heights. our joint meets. foxhunters at the fall indoor the hunt. Their work is accom- started New John was the leg- horse shows. On October 12, plished through the Huntsman, M a r k e t endary and inde- 2009, 16 teams representing hunt staff, and various com- Hounds. Bob Monahan and fatigable constructor of jumps, nine hunts traveled to Harris- mittees. The Masters and Jim Farber, Sr. had the vision hunter pace courses, and ken- burg, some coming hundreds of Hunt Committee are elected to see that joining the two nel improvements. When miles to participate in this by the members, and are re- Hunts would provide the syn- George Harne became Hunts- unique night of sport and tradi- sponsible to them for manag- ergy and economy of mass man, he had already been tion. ing the Hunt in keeping with needed for success in the Kennelman and Assistant There are classes for men, the by-laws, as well as the future. NMH had been dor- Huntsman for several women, and teams. Exhibits expenses and capital budgets. mant for several years. Others years. He was perfectly posi- include the always popular Ter- Certainly, a had tried to take tioned to take over our breed- rier Races and the North Ameri- critical task its place and ing program, and take our can Foxhunting Horn Blowing for the Mas- failed. Antietam hounds to new levels. Our Championship, won again this ters and Hunt went dor- sport improved every year that year by Deep Run’s, Adrian hunt staff is mant about the George was Huntsman. Smith. Rose Tree Hunt exhib- providing time Pat Carter Looking back, it is gratify- ited their pack of fine good sport took over the reins ing to see the progress our Pennmarydels. for the from Bob Hunt has made over the past The day starts early for par- members, Monahan and Phil 45 years or so. The potential ticipants, with horses to braid but just as Leo Rocca, exMFH now has Pearce. Pat had for the future is enormous. We and haul to the show grounds important at the vision to see have never had a more tal- where we circle the wagons, so NM - MVH more time to enjoy his two- the long term im- ented, better organized Hunt to speak, and set up the tailgate is the task wheeled mounts portance of the Committee. Together with our tables and camp chairs. Next, of providing Antietam territory outstanding Huntsman, Robert we get horses into the practice an atmosphere of friendliness, to NM-MVH. This was not Taylor, our new Joint Masters ring, and later the main ring for inclusiveness and respect for simple. Other hunts were in- are eminently qualified to a look around that huge scary all members. Thus, Mas- terested in the WV country, lead NM-MVH to new heights. ring for horse and rider alike. ters should be expected to but Pat mustered the energy As our success in Then back to the trailer com- demonstrate good interper- to push it through. the past has been due to the pound for more grooming tail sonal relations as well. In my 12 years as a Mas- work of many, our future will braiding, etc. There were eight Along with these important ter, I had the pleasure of work- depend on working together NM-MVH Members to ride, and criteria, a successful Master/ ing with Jean Roberts, former towards our common goals of an equal number of support leader/manager will display at Huntsman and Joint Master. good sport and good fun for crew. least two other essential quali- Jean got a new breeding pro- the membership. This year, our teams con- ties: vision and energy. The gram off to a good start, and sisted of Team One: Kate vision to see where the hunt or had a wonderful way with peo- Leo Rocca, exMFH Byron, MFH on Welton Limerick
NEW MARKET-MIDDLETOWN VALLEY HOUNDS NM-MVH.COM NOVEMBER 2009
Page 5
2009-2010 SEASON, ISSUE 2 HUNT NIGHT CONT’ out in the spring. And by the had a very good trip. Yorkie way, she asked to be remem- had not been able to get bered to Jean Roberts, around in the practice, so we exMFH and former NM Hunts- were all holding our collective man. Another featured book, breath but, bless his big Bright Hunting Morn, the 125th Cleveland Bay heart, he just Anniversary of Radnor Hunt, is went around like he was out in a beautifully written and pre- the hunt field. sented anthology replete with When all was said and rare photos from 1906. The done, NM-MVH Team One author Collin McNeil was there placed a very respectable 5th, signing copies as well. preceded in the order by Mr. The competition evening Stewarts Cheshire Fox began with the Field Hunters Hounds, Elkridge Harford, under 35 (no NM-MVH folks Radnor Hunt, the second Mr. qualified there) and moved Stewarts Cheshire Fox- next to 35 and over, with the hounds—stiff company. I did Craig Rockwell on Destiny Kristin Nebsitt Silon on Harley course of natural fences set at not get a look at the call order Hall and Kate Byron, MFH aboard Paddy 3’3”; 29 horses entered. Kristin but NM-MVH Team Two Nesbitt Silon had a lovely trip should have been 8th or 9th. A (the incredibly versatile Jones, Mary Fowler, Cat Rin- and brought home a well- very creditable evening for Paddy), Kristin Nesbitt Silon gus, Leo Rocca, exMFH and earned 3rd on Harley. Next to NM-MVH, with a ribbon in “To catch the reader's attention, place an on Harley Hall and Craig Michele McKenna. Other go was Gentlemen’s Hunter everyinteresting class sentence entered.or quote from the story here.” Rockwell on Destiny. On members and friends seen Under Saddle, where Craig This is about the 12th Hunt Team Two was Marcia Brody cheering the team were Randy Rockwell was second on the Night at Harrisburg that it has on Christina, a horse loaned and Cathie Medd, Guillermo lovely and tall gray mare, Des- been my privilege to be in- by Dickcy (a substitute at the and Marianne Warley, Mary tiny. Next up, Ladies Hack. volved in—sometimes as a last minute as Marcia’s geld- Ellen Bailey (who also braided Both Chris Rocca on Haley’s team member, sometimes as ing, Alaskan Trail was lame), a number of beautiful tails at Comet and Mary Ann a coach and sometimes as Marilyn Webster and her the last min- Jacobsen on both—and it never escapes
Cleveland Bay stallion York- ute), Meredith This is about the 12th Chicks Dashing me what truly great fun it is. town and Mary Ann Jacobsen Paulsen, Mary Doll were held in Kristin said it best when she on the very flashy Chicks Alice Brown Hunt Night at for a final look and said, “That is the most fun I Dashing Doll. To hack only, and Mary Harrisburg that it has finished 6th and have ever had showing we had Chris Rocca on Ha- Miller. been my privilege to 7th respectively. horses!” I am proud of NM- ley’s Comet and Richard Leo- For all hunt be involved in… Next was the horn MVH’s record at this event, nard with his new elegant members, Kristin said it best blowing, terrier where we compete so admira- hunter, Exotic Tap, who unfor- there was a when she said, “That races and parade bly with some of the largest tunately clipped a heel and wonderful re- is the most fun I’ve of hounds with hunts in America. despite a couple of hours with ception in the ever had showing Rose Tree Hunt, Put the Penn National his foot in a bucket of ice, was Pennsylvania horses!” and then the Horse Show on your calendar just a touch off and we had to Banquet Hall much-anticipated for next October as a must pull him. The support teams with a cash bar Hunt Teams were do—everyone there this year consisted of Tim Stark, Shel- and hors up next. left the show grounds making ley Herlihy, Cindy Lytle, Cindy d'oeuvres, followed by a din- NM-MVH’s Team One plans for next year; come join Rockwell, the incredibly versa- ner of turkey and stuffing. (Kate, Kristin and Craig) went us. tile Jennifer Webster, MFH On hand was Rita Mae seventh in order and had a (Master Mommy—who man- Brown signing her current very pretty and smooth round, Bonnie Kepner, Hon. Sec. aged to braid about five book, Animal Magnetism. For hitting the triple very well and NM-MVH horses and six tails with the Sister Jane Mystery fans, Rita in stride. Team Two (Marcia, help of Marlene Allen), Rick Mae said the next one will be Marilyn and Mary Ann), also
NEW MARKET-MIDDLETOWN VALLEY HOUNDS NM-MVH.COM NOVEMBER 2009