See the Calendar of Events
Hunt Ball
The February 23rd hunt ball will be here sooner than you think. All members should have gotten their printed invitations by this time. If you want to invite a friend and need another invitation, please call Pam Moskal at swert22@home.com.
Carol Atwood had 400 invitations printed this year; 50 more than last year. For donations of items for the silent auction, you need to contact Nancy Conner. Nancy likes to get the bid sheets for donations filled out before hand if at all possible. If you can not actually deliver the item before the auction, do contact Nancy to tell her what you are bringing. Last minute contributions will be accepted if you have a sudden inspiration Friday night. Items related to foxhunting are always a big success but all kinds of things have been "on the block" in the past including lightly used tack, barn hardware, delectable edibles, jewelry and riding clothes.
A comment for folks new at this idea of a hunt ball. Those cryptic words at the bottom of the invitation "scarlet if convenient" is the traditional way of stating that any male hunt members that wishes to can wear a 'scarlet' to the hunt ball. This item of apparel actually looks more like a shad belly to me than a tuxedo, but that might be splitting hairs. (Cindy tells me it is actually a cutaway style and is most suitable for 'white tie').
The band this year is the Dee Roberts Orchestra, and all 15 of them promise to play highly danceable music, so you might consider shoes with a little traction.
And don't forget, if you feel the need to exercise those shoes some more, Bedford's hunt ball is March 16th, and Glenmore's is March 23rd. Also, Princess Anne Hunt is inviting everyone to help them celebrate their 75th anniversary on March 16th Commonwealth Club (downtown Richmond). Contact Cindy Morton for more details.
New Members
We have had three members rejoin this year (Lisa Hedrick, Teresa McDonald, and Katie Wick), one new social member joined (Gerald Carter), and a total of ten new riding members havejoined (Beverly Burks, Heather Hamilton, Kimberly Smith, Brenda Simmons, Doreen Tansey, Jean Taylor, Bobbie VanNess, JoAnne VanSiclen, Wendy Orrison and Cameron York). We will print Beverly Burks' address when we can get it! Sorry!
Hunting News
Members have been lucky to be invited to ride as guests at two different hunts in the last 30 days. The hunt in January was at Yadkin Valley Hounds in NC near Statesville. Although the weather was not the best (the first thing everyone says when I talk to them about this day is "RAIN") we had about 8 Rockbridge Hunt members brave the elements and show up. Fred Burks reports that the hounds did get on a chase (thought to be a coyote) and they stayed out for about 3 hours. Fred also commented that the terrain was almost completely flat, and they spent a lot of the hunt in wooded territory. For those hunt members that had dried out sufficiently by 7 pm, there was a buffet with entertainment provided by our very own David Conner, along with Will McEntyre on the bass. David reports the other musicians were 'excellent'.
On February 2 we were invited to hunt with Bedford County at Willow Springs, just east and north of the town of Bedford. About 15 Rockbridge Hunt members/staff showed up. The weather turned out to be wonderful and the expected strong winds just did not materialize. We stayed for about 4 hours and got to listen to the distinctly different voice of their pack of Penn-MaryDel hounds. To me, the hounds looked like the canine equivalent of a warmblood/appaloosa cross (if you would consider our own hounds to be Thoroughbred crosses) but have very pretty voices. Apparently along about 1 pm the hounds came upon 2 foxes in a very thick overgrowth and the field got to view one of the foxes departing rapidly. Not long thereafter we were in pursuit of number two, after the hounds had thoroughly checked out fox number one who must have stayed behind. The chase ended beside a small lake on a very steep slope with the hounds enthusiastically checking out the foxes' front door. A! ll this action just about caused me to misplace the cheddar cheese on rye bread sandwich I was trying to consume at the time.
When we returned to our trailers we were greeted by a tailgate with very welcome hot potato soup and various baked items. --Erica Jones
MFHA
The MFHA is basically the national organization for recognized hunts (as opposed to unrecognized packs, also known somewhat crudely as 'farmer' packs). The MFHA only accepts as full members MFHs from recognized fox hunts, but recently has added a non-voting associate membership category to welcome any 'field' member who might want to support the organization.
Associate members receive the MFHA publication "Covert Side" and another intrigueing benefit. Every other year they put on a biennial hunt seminar to help educate members about hunting, and this year's seminar happens to be in Chantilly, Virginia on Sunday April 21st. This years schedule includes four separate sessions 1) riding safely to hounds: preparation and implementation 2) attributes of the American English, crossbred and Penn-Marydel (hounds) 3) a session of techniques for being a field master, and 4) a session for "new masters 101". There is also a party Friday night.
This year Rockbridge Hunt is sending David and Nancy Conner, and is offering to pay the seminar fee ($150) for any staff person that desires to go. If you are interested in attending the party or the seminars, please contact Cindy Morton at 540-463-6025 or you can contact the MFH at 703-771-7442. There is a separate fee for the party ($65) Saturday night (the 20th). You also must be a member with MFHA to attend the seminar. Their web site is at http://www.mfha.com/).
(More) News from the Executive Committee
Besides the comments on the MFHA seminar above, Carol Atwood reports that the steps going down to the lodge are finished and there will be a railing installed in the near future. The building and design of this big improvement was orchestrated by Fred Burks.
Carol also commented to me that we have had 5 members seek medical treatment from hunt related accidents this year, and would like to request that anyone parting with their horse in an un-planned manner to please take someone in with you if you go in early. Sometimes it takes a while to realize that you have done some bodily damage, and this is no time to be out wandering around hunt territory by yourself. And yes the hunt makes an annual donation to all the local rescue squads every year, and then another donation if that rescue squad was actually called for a hunt member. There was talk of starting a medical alert card system for hunt members. Of particular interest would be the work phone of the hunting spouse.
Christmas presents to the landowners were distributed again in 2001. If the landowner lives out of town the hunt usually mails them a present of jam and/or jelly. Landowners living in the area get a personal delivery of a significant quantity of apples. The delivery team usually consists of current and past MFHs but sometimes supplemental help is drafted from other board members. Rockbridge pays for the presents out of the general funds.
The nominating committee for the spring elections is in the process of being formed and has a head person - Kathy Eichelberger. Please call her if you might be interested in serving or if you want to ask any questions about the election process. There are no stewards up for election this year - will just be the annual vote on MFH(s), president, secretary and treasurer.
The landowners luncheon is scheduled for Sunday March 24th and members are more than welcome to attend and met the landowners but please make a reservation with Carol by Thursday.
There is talk of resurrecting the idea of summer trail rides for the summer of 2002; probably off hunt territory. If you are interested talk to Wilson Shepard.
There was discussion at the last executive meeting concerning the need for another membership list. Wilson is going to work on this. The best time to send out a membership list is actually spring since we generally are not getting new members, and all the membership renewals are in.
Plans for the hound show at Glenmore, our hunter pace, and our June hunter show are underway.
And, there are three new registered packs in Virginia!
Hunt Member Passes On
George Moore had his life of 78 years come to a tragic end on last December 20th when the automobile he was driving was struck by a train. He is survived by his wife, Emily Jane, daughters Ellen and Jenny, and a son, Chris.
Although George has not ridden with the Hunt for a while, he is a long time member. He was there when the Hunt became a Recognized Hunt by the Masters of Fox Hounds Association. He served as Field Master for many years, and he also served on the Executive Committee. Throughout the years George vigorously supported the Hunt by contributing generously of his time, his talents and his resources to hunt activities and projects. He opened his farm for point-to-point races and he also hosted pre- hunt ball parties.
George had a very interesting life, to say the least. He had a distinguished military service during World War II. He served as a glider pilot delivering troops behind enemy lines following the D-Day invasion. This was very dangerous, since after landing the glider he had very little help with a safe return. This corps had a 55% mortality rate. He continued his love of flying throughout his life. He had a number of aircraft, including several vintage planes, and he also had an FAA approved landing strip on his farm.
Whatever could be said about George, all who knew him well would agree that he never did anything half way- he was always brim full of enthusiasm and committed 110%. Whether you knew him as a horseman and fox hunter, a business man, a restaurateur, a farmer, an aviator or as a friend, he will be sadly missed. --Gene Clapsaddle
"Kitchen Committee"
Several folks at the wonderful breakfast we had after New Years hunt asked for the recipe of the beans brought by Lisa Hedrick. Here is the original recipe with comments.
1 15 oz can pork and beansBrown sausage in skillet. Crumble and drain well. Mix all ingredients in crock pot on low for 4-5 hours.
1 15 oz green can lima beans drained
1 15 oz can kidney beans (dark or light)
1 15 oz can stewed tomatoes
2 med onions diced
2 small green peppers diced
1 lb. hot sausage
1 cup catsup
3/4 cup brown sugar
I do not put lima beans in mine. Instead, I add black-eyed peas, black beans, etc. and increase the stewed tomatoes. I also put some orzo pasta in, and maybe some spinach just to change things around a little. Enjoy!
Spring Hunter Pace 2002
The committee for the Rockbridge Hunt Spring Hunter Pace has met and approved a date and started organizing. Carol Atwood and her extended family have generously agreed to host the pace at Broadview. It's beautiful territory and a pace has not been held there for many years. There aren't many jumps at Broadview but that is scheduled to change. Blair and Erica Jones have volunteered (more or less) to grill chicken for the main course. Hmm . . . which is more important - the food or the course?
Once the committee finalizes their plans they'll be calling around to recruit volunteers. Food has to be prepared for about 150 people and that's a job that needs to be shared. A few people will be needed to watch gates. Several people will be needed to help with hospitality that day. Score-keeping and secretarial help are always needed. Talk to someone on the committee to volunteer.
The Rockbridge Hunt will again participate with Glenmore Hunt Club (on April 20) and Oak Ridge Fox Hunt Club (on April 13th) in the Adjacent Hunts Series. The organizers are working toward a combined mailing which will help us maximize publicity while minimizing costs.
Representatives from each of the participating hunts are also working on rules for the series. It's likely that the following rules will apply but they should be considered subject to change.
1. High point pair will win the series Championship and be awarded the perpetual trophy. The second high point pair will be the series Reserve Champions.-- Cindy Morton
2. To be eligible for the trophy, participants must enter at least 2 out of the 3 paces.
3. Participants in the series must enter the Hunter Optimum division.
4. Points: 1st place at any of the paces - 15 points; 2nd - 10 points; 3rd - 7 points; 4th - 5 points; 5th - 3 points; 6th - 1 point.
5. Teams will consist of the same two riders in order to qualify for the series championship.
Head Injuries
Several hunt members have lately done unplanned real estate 'purchases' lately and I thought some discussion of problems relating to brain injured might be in order, although not necessarily a cheery topic.
People suffering concussions do need to talk to a physician soon after the injury. I've heard plumb scary stories of spouses refusing to take the formerly mounted-spouse off to see a doctor ("Oh, he/she has done this before, and will be alright!"). Denial of the existence of brain injuries happening is NOT going to get you anywhere! What appears to be a 'simple' concussion can turn into something much more serious such as convulsions, stroke, and vision problems; sometimes immediately and sometimes after considerable time has passed. You do not have to be knocked out to have a concussion; and some people look pretty normal until you try to talk to them. The test for 'normal', at least in south west Virginia, commonly seems to be to ask "what day is it?" and "who is the president"? I flunked the presidential quiz 10 days after I fell off; although I knew Jimmy Carter was not the right answer I just could not fish out anything approaching "Bush".
Most people I have talked to who have had a concussion generally do not remember actually hitting the ground (and actually often several seconds before, too) and some folks will enthusiastically deny ever parting with their horse!
Types of symptoms can vary according to which part of your brain got the most damage. Common problems with a right side injury include problems with visual-spatial perception, altered creativity, loss of the 'big picture' and visual memory defects. Left side problems can include difficulties in language - speaking and understanding, depression, anxiety, impaired logic and sequencing difficulties. Both left and right side injuries can lead to decreased control over moving body parts on the opposite side of your injury (my right foot is still a little funky). A diffuse injury can result in reduced thinking speed, increased confusion and fatigue and decreased ability to concentrate. Yes, a lot of these sound like things that can happen to you about anytime, but believe you me, trying to cheer someone up by saying "oh, you are just getting older" may not be a good tact to take! If that is what it is like to be 55 I just might pass, thank you.
Prognosis apparently is often pretty good but it does take some time to get your wiring back in order in your head. Certainly some people will suffer permanent damage given a large number of impacts or a severe enough one. -- Erica Jones
Spring Hunter Pace Committee
Carol Atwood (cftatwood@yahoo.com)
Fred Burks (montafon@cfw.com)
Louise Golian (Louisegolian@aol.com)
Laura Jarvis (domino@cfw.com)
Cindy Morton, W 463-8109, H 463-6025 (mortonc@wlu.edu)
Jean Taylor (stoneskeep@msn.com)
Paula Ursoy (millcreekfarm@earthlink.net)
Rockbridge Hunt Executive Committee
Jt-MFH: David Bolen (bolendw@vmi.edu)
Jt-MFH: Cindy Morton, W 463-8109, H 463-6025 (mortonc@wlu.edu)
President: Carol Atwood (cftatwood@yahoo.com)
Treasurer: Katharine Conner
Honorary Secretary: Wilson Shepherd (shepL@rockbridge.net)
Steward: Fred Burks (montafon@cfw.com)
Steward: Kathy Eichelberger (bergrbnch@aol.com)
Steward: Paula Ursoy (millcreekfarm@earthlink.net)
Steward: Sandra Worthy (CWorthy380@aol.com)
Rockbridge Hunt
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