The fall cubhunting season was hot and dusty but magically at the end of each hunt a very welcome cooler of soft drinks and other fluids would appear. Numerous members contributed to this cause and official thanks to all that contributed are quite overdue. Thirsty riding members hope the tradition continues next year; better yet maybe next year's cubhunting will not be quite so hot and dry. The chips, dip, and peanuts were also very popular during the earlier part of the season but the munching has been somewhat curtailed now that winter has finally arrived. Belated thanks
The Kitchen Committee would like to thank those who have provided the wonderful breakfasts during the fall season. In reverse chronological order the cooks, decorators, and shoppers have been: Committee Reports
New Year's Day: Pam Moskal, Noel and Dan Johnson, Diane Long, Joe Allen Conner, Nancy Conner, Brenda Baird, Fred Burke, Judy Mundy, Lauren Keating.
Christmas: Gene and Mary Clapsaddle, and Judy Mundy.
Opening Hunt and the Saturday pre-season breakfasts: Amy Guthrie, Jeannie Jeffer, David Bolen, Viola Wise, Kim Volpe, Lee and Laura Jarvis, Dorsey Davis, Beverly Bowring, Frank Beirman, Sharon Peebles, Richard Ford, Jan Keener, and Kathy and Stan Eichelberger.
President - Frank Farmer
MFH - David Bolen
Newsletter:
Blair Jones
(Abjones@bev.net)Erica Jones
(Emjones@vt.edu)Cindy Morton
(cmorton@wlu.edu)Sharon Ford
(faerewnd@cfw.com)
Web site:
Cubhunting Breakfasts: Kay Morton and Cindy Morton treated members of the field to fine repast after a morning of cubhunting leaving from the Morton farm. Carol Atwood, Kitty, Jim, Alan and Grace Tilson, hosted a "barn party" after a Wednesday afternoon hunt leaving from Broadview.
The News Year's Day breakfast was enjoyed by a good contingent of folks and it was nice not to have to worry about whether one's gelding had gotten loose and was cruising the parking lot sampling other hay nets. Members stayed and talked for over 4 hours and some supposedly adults tested out their skills with the noise makers thoughtfully provided.
*We will need to charge $3.00 per person for the remaining pot luck breakfasts to help pay for Alice Hance, paperware and drinks.*
Nancy Conner is organizing the donations for the Hunt Ball Committee's silent auction this year so please give it some thought and give her a call and leave a message if you would like to donate. Used goodies (tack, clothing) gladly accepted and often are very popular. The Committee also reports that the dinner will be a buffet this year due to popular demand and (hopefully) post-hunting appetites. Invitations should have gone out a week before you receive this newsletter: if you have not received one or you know someone else who would like one give Buster Lewis a call at xxx-xxxx. Remember, the party starts at 6pm. Come and dance to the music of "Encore".
Carol Atwood's name was accidentally left out of the list for the Hound Show Committee. She's one of the main organizers so weíre doubly embarrassed about leaving her off the list.
Although this space is intended for providing brief introductions of new members we'd also like to welcome back another long-time member, Mary Lynn Camper. Mary Lynn has recently rejoined the hunt after a hiatus of almost ten years. She definitely qualifies as an experienced foxhunter! More on New Members
Pam Moskal is yet another new foxhunter who's been brought along by Frank Farmer. Although Pam's only been riding for a year and this is her first year of hunting, she's starting off right: two of her three children are taking riding lessons.
Any new or not so new member who would like to learn more about the sport of foxhunting can pick up information by reading Fox Hunting in North America by Alexander Mackay-Smith or check out a web site maintained by Doug Morris of Bull Run Hunt ( http://members.xoom.com/culpeper/index.html).
Cindy Morton
This year so far has been dominated by the weather. The early season hunting was hot and dry and the footing hard, but saw a few runs after coyote and gray fox. Recently the weather has turned more seasonal and actual mud has been spotted underfoot but the foxes have not been out to play. Hunting Report
Our annual two-day excursion to Bath County had a good turnout in the field for both informal days. Friday the hounds started on a scent but could not follow it for terribly long in spite of the overcast and drizzle. Several members of the field spotted a fox loping across the next knoll taking his/her time for sure. Saturday we were joined by an enthusiastic contingent from Glenmore for a total of about 35 riders. Really informal attire occurred when a good number of folks shed their jackets due to the unseasonably warm conditions. The huntsman took the hounds back to Friday's covert that had yielded the fox the day before. We did not have any more luck although the hounds tried hard and ran back and forth over what trail they could find.
For Opening Hunt the following weekend we had a great turnout with about 55 riders in the field. The blessing of the hounds was given by retired Episcopal Bishop, Dr. Bob Varley. He was very impressed with our friendliness and really enjoyed himself. Bailey Jeffer received her colors after the traditional blessing of the hounds. Huntsman David Conner tried hard but scenting was anything but ideal.
The December 6th (Sunday) invitation to hunt with Oak Ridge was well attended by approximately ten members. The MFH invited everyone to shed their jackets and hunt in their vests and the invitation was accepted thankfully by more than a few due to the almost unbelievably warm morning for December. The Oak Ridge hounds got a whiff of something good early on, but as the day progressed scenting deteriorated rather rapidly. The territory we hunted that day was a good portion of the Oak Ridge estate and is intersected by a well-used set of train tracks. When an approaching train is detected, the hounds are gathered up & everyone waits until it has passed.
The hunt immediately following Christmas held at Bolenís farm had a large turnout that included three generations of Frank Farmerís family. It was great fun in spite of extremely cold temperatures. Most of us (especially those on ponies, Iím sure) were extremely glad that the hounds and huntsman managed to avoid crossing Buffalo Creek that day.
The December 28th (Monday) joint hunt with Bedford was cancelled as their hounds were still getting over a case of kennel cough.
Although RH did not hunt New Year's, congratulations are in order for Diana Bunting who received her colors on that day.
Erica Jones
If you have any need to upgrade your or your horse's wardrobe, you might consider checking out the following local and not so local tack stores. The Jones's, high endurance shoppers (and newsletter editors) stopped inat the following shops during a wild tour over Thanksgiving. Shopping Report
I'd seen ads for "Saddlery Liquidators" (6612 James Madison Hwy, Haymarket VA) (888-723-3554) for quite a while. This place turned out to be a very large, very poorly lighted and poorly ventilated warehouse type affair. Surprisingly we found prices to be anything but warehouse-esk, although I've heard others say they had better luck than we did. You had best know your prices before you go here, as a lot of the stuff is priced significantly more than what you can do at a real tack store, and at a real store you get some customer service. The place is HUGH and youíd best be willing to dig & root. Don't visit on an empty stomach. Their strong suit is probably the large selection of new & second run breeches. We got a cheap pair of bell boots (pink!), too. Forget the saddle idea though, especially used - the prices were laughable. Blanket prices (for your equine) seemed very reasonable, too.
Horse Country in Warrenton is the standard place to scope out what is proper & current for you and your trusty field hunter. They carry the whole gamut from hacking jackets to pinks with an eyepopping assortment of accessories. Plan on some time to drool. Although they don't stock a mountain of tack, I know of a fair number of people who have bought saddles there, new and used. They do seem to know their saddles. I bought one over the phone from them sight unseen and their advice was right on. They have the biggest assortment of proper hunting bridles (i.e. flat & not skinny) I've seen anywhere. Expect to pay for it, so to speak.
The Old Habit in Marshall, VA (Main Street downtown next to the post office in a converted residence) is another Mecca for hunting types (human mostly, though). As their name implies they have an impressive selection of used garments. Especially fun is the Wednesday jacket selection if you are in the market for a $40-50 (previously owned) improvement in your informal day's turnout. They also stock new stuff (pinks through hacking jackets). The clothes are divided into the men's room, the ladies room, and a third room for the smaller types.
Blacksburg has a new tack store, too, called Virginia Tack (open Tuesday ñ Saturday, 10-6, North Main Street on the edge of town). Owner Ellen Oliver is stocking a lot of Miller's items and has a small but growing consignment corner. The store is clean, neat & orderly and has excellent customer service.
Happy shopping!
Erica Jones
Sherry Guynn, of Mitchell's Formal Wear at Valley View Mall (Roanoke) is having a special for folks attending the Hunt Ball. Tell the staff working there that you are attending the Rockbridge Hunt Ball and you will get a complete tux rental for $59.99. Please place your order by February 13th or Mitchell's may not be able to fill your order. They will also give a 30 % discount to anyone wanting to purchase a new items such as a shirt, tie, cummerbund etc. Special Offer for RH (male) Members
Alice Hance's husband has had a stroke and has been (and still is?) in the hospital. We hear he is doing fairly well but his loss of mobility has been a blow to the family. Alice helps out in the kitchen during breakfasts and other lodge functions. Tid-bits
Wilson Shepard is trying to write a history of Rockbridge Hunt before all the folks who know this stuff memories get dimmer. If you want to reminisce, please give him a call so he does not have to track YOU down.
Erica Jones gave a talk to the Va Tech Equestrian Club on "Hunting Etiquette" and fielded a lot of intelligent questions afterwards.
Current Calendar
Always check the Huntline for up to date developments
Day Date Time Event Dress Saturday Jan. 30 2:30 pm Hunting at Hunt, Inc. Pot Luck breakfast follows the hunt. Please bring something to share. Formal Wednesday Feb. 3 2:30 pm Hunting at Swink Farm. Informal Saturday Feb. 6 10:00 am Hunting at West Airslie. Formal Wednesday Feb. 10 2:30 pm Hunting at Broadview. Informal Saturday Feb. 13 2:30 pm Hunting at Hunt, Inc. Pot Luck breakfast follows the hunt. Please bring something to share. Formal Wednesday Feb. 17 2:30 pm Hunting at Zollman's. Informal Saturday Feb. 20 10:00 am Hunting at Hunt, Inc. Then clean up! Its Party Time Formal Saturday Feb. 20 6:00 pm Hunt Ball at Washington and Lee.
Exquisite Wednesday Feb. 24 2:30 pm Hunting at Pollock Farm. Informal Saturday Feb. 27 2:30 pm Hunting at Hunt, Inc. Pot Luck breakfast follows the hunt. Please bring something to share. Formal Wednesday Mar. 3 2:30 pm Hunting at Bolen's. Informal Saturday Mar. 6 10:00 am Hunting at West Airslie. Formal Wednesday Mar. 10 2:30 pm Hunting at Broadview. Informal Saturday Mar. 13 2:30 pm Hunting at Hunt, Inc. Pot Luck breakfast follows the hunt. Please bring something to share. Formal Wednesday Mar. 17 2:30 pm Hunting at Zollman's. Informal Saturday Mar. 20 10:00 am Hunting at West Airslie. Formal Wednesday Mar. 24 2:30 pm Hunting at Swink Farm. Informal Saturday Mar. 27 2:30 pm Hunting at Hunt, Inc. Closing Hunt. Cook-out follows the hunt, bring your own steak! Formal Wednesday Mar. 31 2:30 pm Hunting at Bolen's. Informal Sunday May 2 TBA RH Derby Day & Hound Show. Casual Saturday June 12 TBA RH Horse Show (hunter) Riding clothes Weekend Labor Day 1999 TBA RH Endurance ride (25 and 50 mile). Riding clothes
The Rockbridge Hunt Executive Committee met at the Tex Tilson Lodge on Wednesday, January 13, 1999 at 7:30pm. The following members were present: Frank Farmer, Jeanne Jeffer, Blair Jones, Viola Wise, Jay Moore, Kathy Eichelberger, Lauren Keating, Carol Atwood and David Bolen. Frank opened the meeting welcoming all who attended. He asked for a reading of the minutes from the last meeting. Jeanne Jeffer read the minutes; there were two corrections. Rockbridge Hunt Social Members may cap a total of three times and Inactive Members may cap twice. Blair also pointed out that the last meeting at the old hunt lodge was an executive committee meeting not a general meeting. A motion was made to accept the minutes with the corrections. It was seconded and passed. Minutes Executive Committee Meeting Jan 13, 1999
Frank asked for the treasurer's report. Jay Moore stated that we have approximately $11,000 in the bank. This puts the Hunt $5000.00 ahead compared to last year, however, the true amount when compared to the $3000.00 shortage last year is only $2000.00. We are in the black. Jay attributed this positive cash balance to the new membership, good capping fees and terrific fund raisers. Blair asked what is the balance on the bank note. Jay stated that it was around $30,000, but was unsure of an accurate amount. The Tex Tilson Fund has $7000.00 which has not been touched in two years. It would be nice to have donations to increase this amount. Overall, Jay estimated that the Rockbridge Hunt has a $2000.00 to $3000.00 surplus to spend. A motion was made to accept the Treasurer's Report as read. It was seconded and passed.
Frank announced that our membership drive has gone extremely well. Not only did we have new people join, but we had a lot of the inactive members reactivate their membership. Frank proposed two new riders for membership: Sherri Guynn and Sandy Showalter. Both of these people have hunted once with Rockbridge. David Bolen stated that they needed to hunt once more before we can vote on their membership. It was agreed to extend to these potential members the waived initiation fee, as long as they plan to join before the end of this hunt season.
Jeanne Jeffer read a faxed report from Dick Ford, chair of the Property Committee. We need a volunteer to fix the screen door on the Hunt Lodge; the cost would be approximately $25.00. It was recommended that we continue to employ Jimmy Meyers as the general handyman of the Hunt. Dick also thanked the volunteers who have dedicated their time to assist in sprucing up the area around the lodge and the barn. Carol Atwood stated that David Conner's roof is leaking and needs immediate attention. Also, one of the front windows fell out, and while it is patched up, does need replacing. Other areas of attention: the floors in the Huntsman's home need refinishing. It was decided that the roof was of utmost importance. Viola Wise will contact Jessee Smith to get an estimate on fixing the roof.
Blair Jones reported on the Newsletter Committee. He stated that Erica is doing a great job at heading up this committee. Cindy Morton is handling all of the written text for the newsletter. Blair thanked Dick and Sharon Ford for their financial donation to the cost of the production of the newsletter and for maintaining the web site. He stated that the newsletter is in need of an artist to spruce up the look of the newsletter. Jeanne mentioned that if the costs of publishing the newsletter becomes large, we could sell ads to offset this expense. The Glenmore Hunt has the Green Pages which list businesses who purchase ad space in their newsletter. It was suggested to wait a while before we start canvassing businesses for ad purchases.
The Kitchen Committee report was made by Carol Atwood. It has been 25 years since the kitchen at the Hunt Lodge has been updated and there are items which need some help. The refrigerators are fine. The stove top and the ovens are going bad. The thermostats in the ovens are not working. Carol has a brand new special order stove top that she would be willing to donate to the Hunt, $600.00 value, in return for the balance of her hunt dues. She would cover the cost of the installation of this stove top as well. A motion was made to allow Carol Atwood exchange her hunt dues for 1998-1999 for the stove top and its installation. It was seconded and passed. Carol also reported on the estimates she received for the updating of the kitchen cabinetry. Painting the cabinets and replacing the hardware $2000.00. Refinishing the cabinets and replacing the hardware $2900.00. Refacing the kitchen cabinets $5900.00. She stated that we do need to at least paint the kitchen, bathrooms and the hall. The next meeting of the Kitchen Committee will be Thursday, January 21, 1999 at the hunt lodge.
David Bolen said he still needed to get together with Bill Streaker and David Conner concerning the gutters at the Hunt Barn. Carol noted that a load of gravel is needed on the road to the kennel area. Feed trucks are having difficulty delivering the feed due to the muddy conditions. Jeanne said she would get Don Jeffer to contact David Conner and find out how much and the size of the stone needed.
Lauren Keating and Pam Moskal will be collecting sponsors for the upcoming Rockbridge Hunt Horse Show in June. Lauren needs to speak with Joan Alberti to get a list of the classes for the show.
The Rockbridge Hunt will host a Hound Show and Derby Day the first Saturday in May. We plan to invite Glenmore Hunt, Oak Ridge Hunt, Smith Mountain Hunt and Farmington Hunt to this event. David Conner will contact Ed Cann about judging the show. We need someone to start preparing the hounds for this upcoming event. We need someone to show the hounds. We will need a television to put in the Hunt Lodge so we can watch the Kentucky Derby that day. It was decided to send an announcement of the Hound Show in the mail the first of April.
Donna Johnson of the Bedford Hunt wanted to know if we offered Barn Membership. The Rockbridge Hunt does offer student membership, but does not have barn membership. The rational behind this decision is we would loose control of who hunts if we were to have a barn membership. David Bolen will speak with Donna and explain the policy of the Rockbridge Hunt.
One fundraising note: David Bolen and Jay Moore are trying to find a equine photographer to take pictures of the Rockbridge Hunt for next fall. Also if anyone has good quality photos of the Hunt and its membership, it would be nice to create a calendar for sale using these pictures.
There was no more new/old business. The next meeting will be February 24, 1999 directly after hunting. It will start at approximately 5:30-6:00. It will be held at the Hunt Lodge.
Respectfully submitted,
Jeanne Jeffer
At Rockbridge, informal attire (or "ratcatcher") is worn during cubhunting season and most Wednesdays after the opening meet. Considerable variation on ratcatcher attire is allowed, primarily in the interests of personal comfort in extreme weather. Informal attire should always be neat and workmanlike. Hunt Attire, Part Two: Informal
Rockbridge has adapted informal attire to ensure comfort in a wide range of weather conditions. During cubhunting season jackets frequently are not worn due to the heat. Polo shirts or any shirt with a collar (and without a tie) will commonly be seen. Many people wear breeches and boots but breeches with leggings and short boots are also common. As the weather gets colder many people wear jeans and chaps with short boots.
Other hunts have other traditions. Usually informal attire implies a tweed coat. The choice of shirt and tie are highly variable. A light-colored shirt with a man's necktie is acceptable. A light-colored ratcatcher shirt with either stock (which may also be light-colored) or choker is also acceptable. Turtleneck shirts are not traditional but are widely accepted.
Beige breeches are always correct but most hunts allow breeches in any "natural" color (tan, canary, rust, gray, brown). Again, brown or tan gloves are always correct but crochet gloves are commonly accepted. Black or brown boots are correct and field boots are a common choice. Boots may be black or brown and both field boots and dress boots are correct.
Please remember that the safety of all riders is a main concern. For this reason safety helmets or hunt caps are required for all but the most formal meets (when a bowler or top hat may be worn). Sturdy boots with a safe heel are also required.
Cindy Morton
Rockbridge Hunt
Home | Newsletters | 1999