Rockbridge Hunt Newsletter, August 2003

Work Days

I’m sure you can understand if we say that the trails are in terrible condition all over the Mid-Atlantic (foxhunting!) region. Fortunately, as a group, we only have to officially worry about the ones in Rockbridge Hunt territory. So far as I know, most of the needed work is clearing trails but there are also a few panels in need of repair. Probably the most useful piece of equipment to bring with you is a sharp, long-handled pair of pruning sheers. Small chain saws are handy if you can operate them in a safe enough manner with others working around you so that everyone stays intact for the day. Generally one saw can keep two others busy.

Please plan to come and help out. If the scheduled times don’t suit you, let Cindy Morton know - we can find someone to meet you at almost any time. And trimming branches from horseback would definitely help some of the trails, if you prefer that. We’d like to have a few ATVs at each work session to haul saws and gear. That was very helpful last year. Attendance at work sessions has not been outstanding for the last several years and we would really like to see a wider selection of hunt members. Some less strenuous clearing can be found for those less fit.

Introduction to Hunting 101

Rockbridge Hunt is hosting a two-part educational program this year - Foxhunting 101. This program is primarily for new and prospective foxhunters but all interested parties are welcome. The first session will take place on Saturday, August 16 at 2:00 PM at the Tilson Lodge at Hunt, Inc. with no riding involved. Riders and non-riders can expect to benefit from the first session.

We are planning the first session to take about two hours and plan to conclude the day with a kennel tour. Topics to be discussed include: 1) Introduction to mounted foxhunting - Who’s who and what’s what, 2) Attire, 3) The horse - Choosing, training, care and feeding of the fieldhunter, 4) Territory - The nature of the territory influences the hunting, 5) Hounds and Quarry.

The second (mounted) session is scheduled for Saturday, September 13. For this session participants will want to bring their own or borrowed horse for maximum benefit. Certainly non-riders are welcome to come and observe. We’ll introduce procedures and terminology that are specific to riding in the hunt field. We’ll discuss (and practice) riding exercises that focus on controlling the horse in the hunt field. And we hope to end the day with a brief trail ride and mock hunt.

While the mounted exercises will be slow and relaxed, only riders who are able to walk, trot, and canter safely should plan on participating. This session will last about two hours. If you know anyone who is planning to begin hunting, thinking of hunting, or just interested in hunting, please invite them to join us. There will be no charge to attend either or both sessions. Donations will be cheerfully accepted.

Farm and Family Showcase - We are INVITED!

Rockbridge Hunt has been invited to participate in the Virginia Tech Farm and Family Showcase. This is a three-day event (Thursday, September 4, Friday, and Saturday, 10 am - 5pm each day) emphasizing educating both farm types and urban types on the topics of field crops, livestock (livestock including horses), wildlife, hunting, gardening and horticulture. Besides the approximately 20 scheduled seminars and demonstrations per hour, the organizers have invited related vendors for a trade show, and affiliated groups to set up all day exhibits. There is currently on the schedule approximately 18 different equine activities. There is food available on the grounds, of course.

We will be putting on a demonstration at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday afternoon. This should be a prime time for visitors at the Showcase (on Thursday and Friday they basically cater to elementary school children and folks with flexible work schedules). Although this is Labor Day weekend, we need as many members as possible to bring their horses and ride in the demonstration. We’ll turn out in formal attire in spite of the heat!

If you can attend, please do! I need to know how many will be coming and we’ll get directions to you. Basically the grounds are approximately 15 minutes outside of Blacksburg. More information is on the website for the Showcase at http://www.farmandfamily.vt.edu/ You can see that it’s quite an extensive endeavor. If you can come and ride, please let me know: Cindy Morton at 540-463-6025 or mortonc@wlu.edu.

New “Invitational” Meet and First Hunt

Instead of starting the hunting year with a Junior Meet, as we have done the last several years, we’d like to start a new tradition this year and begin our hunting season with an Invitational Meet on Saturday, September 20. Hopefully, this will provide an opportunity early in the season to introduce guests to the Rockbridge Hunt and give them an enjoyable and safe experience. The meet will be followed by a potluck breakfast.

If you wish to invite a guest, please notify Cindy Morton or Carol Atwood. We’d like the name and address of the guest and we’ll mail them a Capping Gift Certificate. When this certificate is presented at the Invitational Meet, the capping fee for that day will be waived.

Our goal for this meet is to provide a good transitional day for guests and prospective members - an opportunity for those who have read and heard about hunting to actually participate. And it’s an opportunity for us to organize one day to make the extra effort to provide a smooth introduction to foxhunting.

I’m sure we can count on the membership to do its usual wonderful job of hosting these guests. There will be multiple field masters. We’ll be asking for volunteers to provide extra help with gates. We’ll need volunteers to accompany anyone who needs to go in early. We need to plan ahead so that we can be prepared for most situations and minimize chatter on the radio.

Insurance and Liability

Recent changes in the state laws have clarified and improved the protection of everyone participating in equestrian pursuits with regard to liability status. This is a wonderful change. Rockbridge Hunt will be using new waivers this year as a result of these changes. The changes to the waiver are minor but the law is very specific with regard to required language.

We also are using a different company for liability insurance. The insurance industry is dealing with many changes and complex problems. The company we’ve used for many years has simply stopped writing any sports coverage! As a result we will be using the coverage that is made available by the Masters of Fox Hounds Association (MFHA). This will result in several changes in our daily operations.

At the beginning of the year we have to estimate how many riders will be participating in the various functions organized by the Rockbridge Hunt. These include hunting and cubbing, organized trail rides, hunter paces, horse shows, and any other organized riding functions. In order to make accurate (participant and cost) estimates we will have to keep very careful records. It’s also more important than ever to get waivers filled out accurately. Make sure the handwriting is legible! Plan ahead!

The new waiver will be in the annual membership packets which will arrive late this summer. We strongly suggest you make several copies if there is any chance you will be bringing any guests out capping this year - having it ready to go will make for a smoother pre-hunt period for your guest. The new waiver is also available on the website. Go to the home page and click on “Archives” and then click on “Waiver” or go directly to http://home.wlu.edu/~mortonc/archive/archive/waiver.pdf

Rockbridge Looses Another Long Time Member

Betty Farmer Baird, 65, of Fincastle, passed away Wednesday, May 21, 2003. She was born July 28, 1937 in Roanoke. Mrs. Baird graduated from Jefferson High School in Roanoke and attended Westhampton College in Richmond and Roanoke College. She obtained a Registered Nurse diploma from Surry Community College in Dobson, N.C. Betty is predeceased by her father, Dr. Frank A. Farmer; mother, Lola Daniel Farmer Noftsinger; husband, David Lee Baird; and son, David Lee Baird, Jr. Surviving are her daughter, Pamela Baird of Fincastle; son and daughter-in-law, Kevin and Dr. Brenda Baird of Salem; brother and sister-in-law, Frank and Lois Farmer of Fincastle; granddaughter, Jessica Baird of Bassett; aunt, Helen Daniel of Lexington; cousins, Annie Laurie Olsen of Cloverdale, Winfield Daniel of Staunton, Tina Cunningham of Jacksonville, Fla.; nieces, Dr. Susan Farmer of Topeka, Kan., Linda Farmer Furches of Oley, Pa.; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Robert and Marjorie Baird Caldwell of Dallas, Texas; special friends, Terry Moore of Roanoke and Kelly Mallen of Canton, Ohio. Betty was an accomplished horsewoman who was very active in endurance riding and foxhunting. She counted among her dear friends many members of the Rockbridge Hunt, the Old Dominion 100 Mile Ride, Inc. and the American Endurance Ride Conference. She was also a bird enthusiast in later years, and had many friends in the Roanoke area who shared in her love of her pet birds. Betty's family would like to extend a heartfelt "thank you" to many fellow nurses who were Betty's friends during her nursing career at the Salem VAMC, and who volunteered their time to help care for Betty during her final illness.

Spring Hunter Pace Report

Saturday, May 17th turned out to be a rather wet day but the forecast for Sunday was even worse. In spite of the wet, the Pace brought out 42 apparently non-melting riding participants. The committee wishes to thank Dick Ford for laying out a course everyone enjoyed and for clearing trail; Jean Taylor for helping to flag, and de-flag the coarse, and for the many signs and posts; Joanne VanSiclen for providing the numbers and clearing trails; Katharine Conner for the many hours of advising, marking trails, and getting paths mowed; Laura Jarvis for getting our volunteer help, riding and setting the trail riders course, and for her support and enthusiasm, and Lee Jarvis for helping in the Lodge.

Thank you to Susan Conner for riding and setting the Optimum course time; Fred Burks for donating Jefferson Cups for 1st place trophies in all four divisions; Paula Ursoy for donating bottled water; Cindy Morton for all her support and direction, and the many email sessions. A huge thank you to Erica and Blair Jones for planning, preparing, and serving up lunch, and hot coffee (and tea!) to wet volunteers. Thank you to Wilson and Lola Shepherd for being start and finish timers; Carole Atwood for being a start timer; Louise Dooley for being check point person and unfortunately getting drenched in the process. Thank you to Sara Wood’s friend Sharon Hypes and Joanne VanSiclen’s friend Mary Dealy for being our registration personnel.

Thank you also to all the Rockbridge Hunt members who came to ride - your support was much appreciated. A special thank you to all the landowners who graciously allowed the Hunter Pace to go through their beautiful properties. Without their support we would not be able to enjoy our sport of fox chasing and enjoying activities like the Pace.

From: Laura Jarvis, Brenda Simmons, Joanne VanSiclen and Sara Wood, organizers.

Adjacent Hunts Spring Hunter Pace Series Championship Results

Series Champions were T. Stewart (Glenmore) and Sara Wood (Rockbridge) with 24 points. Their third place finish at the Glenmore Hunt Spring Hunter Pace was worth 8 points, second place at the Oak Ridge Fox Hunt Club Spring Hunter pace earned them 9 points, and fourth place at the Rockbridge Hunt Spring Hunter Pace gave them another 7 points.

Reserve Champions were Louise Golian (Rockbridge) and Fred Burks (Rockbridge). They showed remarkable consistency placing fifth at all three paces to earn 18 points. Congratulations to the Champions and Reserve Champions and to everyone who placed.

Rockbridge Hunt Annual Horse Show Finances

Income	1,753		Expenses	1,417		Profit	336
Entries	1,483		Awards	171
Sponsorships	270		Food	87
			Postage	109
			Printing	190
			Staff	850
			SWVHJA fees	10

Opening Meet is during Virginia Hunt Week 2003
(Sunday, October 26)

Virginia Hunt Week certainly has been quite the success since it’s conception. This year fourteen hunt clubs which are all within the Virginia District of the MFHA, are participating. It’s extremely valuable for the members of all of these clubs to get to know one another. It is great for the sport to have a body of participants who have hunted with a variety of clubs and have widened their horizons a bit. It is a good opportunity for positive publicity about the sport. And last but not least, it’s great fun.

The schedule for Virginia Hunt Week 2003 is listed in the Calendar. You’ll notice that Rockbridge Hunt’s Opening Meet will take place during VHW this year on Sunday, October 26. It should be easier to combine these two events (our opening meet and our VHW meet) rather than try to organize two large functions on back-to-back weekends. Last year more Rockbridge Hunt members rode at our VHW meet than at our Opening Meet!

The drawback for us this year is that no one will be able to cap during opening hunt since VHW requests no capping at all of the scheduled meets. We have not had an opening hunt during hunt week before, but we can live with it for this year!

Executive Committee News

Well, it is like pulling teeth to find out what is going on up there for those of use who live ‘down south’ so to speak, but here goes.

Committees (fund raising, breakfasts, grounds, outside activities) have not yet been organized but these are in the process of being formed.

The Lodge is having a face lift, as we speak, and it is hoped that it will be finished enough to have light refreshments there after the first of two sessions of the “Foxhunting 101” on August 16th. The kitchen is getting the most work done with the cabinets being painted, a dish washer installed, and flooring installed over the concrete which should be more foot friendly. One member’s request to have the outside door permanently locked and barred was politely declined.

Speaking of the Lodge, Lee Jarvis has volunteered to be the official Lodge coordinator. He will be in charge of Lodge rentals, requests for equiptment/supplies, tailgate parties, making sure Alice has enough help in the kitchen, and generally keeping the kitchen stocked with necessary items. He will also take an inventory of applicances and the more pricier pots and pans so to encourage these things not to wander off. Please continue to contact Carol or another Executive Committee member with Lodge and kitchen concerns as we do not want to "burn out" Lee.

The restrooms are also getting some attention with new vanities, sinks, and toilets. Work is progressing as I write, so to speak.

The improvements to the Conner’s former residence should be finished the first of August and the Hunt is hoping to rent (the house only) for approximately $800 a month. If you know of anyone interested give Carol Atwood a call (463-1000). Mostly this property got a face lift - redo floors and painting, but there may have been more extensive interior improvements.

Alice Hance’s house burned down this spring (she helps in the kitchen with food-related functions when we need her) and luckily she had good fire insurance to cover the financial side, anyway. The hunt sent her a donation after this happened but she certainly would appreciate a card. Her address is: 106 North Randolph Street, Lexington, 24450. She is hoping to be back at home by December.

Rockbridge Hunt pins are still available for sale. Contact Paula Ursoy (540 966-1001).

Apparently the hounds have been behaving and quiet.

Carol Atwood spoke at the Holston Pony Club camp on July 14th. The camp was held on the campus of Virginia Intermont. Holston PC is a member of the Old Dominion Region which basically consists of the southern half of the state of Virginia and has approximately 16 clubs. There were approximately 20 children and 10 adults who listened to her presentation and Carol reports that some of them are very interested in coming up to hunt with us.

Carol Atwood also priced having the hunt ball at a different location next year but the estimates were all decidedly higher. One change on the W & L campus is that the hall we have rented for 2004 will no longer also double as the campus dining facility but is being converted into a meeting and party facility.

Fox Hunting Liscense Plate

The DMV (Division of Motor Vehicles) will let groups or individuals “sponsor” a new license plate design promoting their favorite cause. Mr. Paige Allen is sponsoring a foxhunting license plate. The DMV will only issue these Special Plates in Development after the required 350 paid applications have been received by the sponsor. You can see the plate on the DMV web site at http://www.dmv.state.va.us/exec/vehicle/splates/infoindev.asp?id=296.

To be included in the 350 prepaid applications required for these plates, complete the form VSA-10 (http://www.dmv.state.va.us/webdoc/pdf/vsa10.pdf) and submit fee and application to sponsoring organization. That would be Mr. Allen (telephone 434-372-5375), 1614 Middle School Rd, Skipwith VA 23968. I can e-mail you a copy of this form if you want it or you can find it on the DMV web site. My e-mail address is emjones@vt.edu.

In addition to the usual registration fee, this plate requires an annual Special Plate fee of ten dollars. You can also personalize this plate with up to 6 characters for another ten dollars annually.

Fall Hunter Pace at Broadview
September 28th, 10:00 AM to Noon

DIRECTIONS: from Lexington & further North: I-81 South to I-64 West. Take 1st exit off I-64, Exit 55 to Lexington. Go left on Route 11 South. Proceed through 3 traffic lights. Cross bridge over Maury River. The road forks so stay to left onto Route 11 Bypass. At next light continue straight onto Route 251 (Collierstown Road). Proceed about 4 miles. Cross bridge over Buffalo Creek & turn left on Cedar Hill Church Road (Route 675). At “T” intersection (no stop sign) turn right onto Broadview driveway. Go past stone house, through barnyard & park in field beyond.

DIVISIONS: Hunter Optimum and Junior Hunter Optimum - the course will be approximately 8 - 10 miles over rolling terrain with jumps 3 feet in height or less. The pace should simulate a typical day of hunting with Rockbridge Hunt in first flight. Hilltoppers and Trailriders - The course will be the same length as Hunter & Jr. Hunter Optimum with gates or go-a-rounds. The pace should simulate hunting with Rockbridge Hunt in second flight (hilltopper flight).

INFORMATION: Teams of two riders if possible. Juniors age 12 and under must have adult entry on horse back accompianing them. Ribbons 1st - 6th places. Rain date October 5th. Please check the Hunt Line (462-1113) if weather is questionable.

ENTRY FEES: Adults (over 18) - $30 per horse. Juniors - $20 per horse. LUNCH will be served from 11:30 - 2:30. Entry includes lunch for riders. Lunch for non-riders - $5.00

START TIMES: First team on course 10:00 AM. Last team on course no later than 12:00 Noon. Teams will be sent out by no less than 3-minute intervals.

WINNING TIME: To be set by a member(s) of Rockbridge Hunt. The winning times will be announced after final times are tabulated.

RULES: Virginia State law requires a current negative Coggins test be provided for inspection. Coggins WILL be asked for. Safety helmets or hard hats are required for all jumping entries. Every participant must register and sign a waiver of liability before being mounted. Parent/Guardian must sign for entries under age 18. No dogs permitted without being on leash.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
Sara Wood 540-949-7297 (BladdApartments@aol.com )
Brenda Simmons 540-885-4725
Jean Taylor 540-380-3409
Laura Jarvis 540-291-3186

Contact Sara if you would like an electronic (or paper) version of the hunter pace flyer.

Executive Committee

MFH: Cindy Morton, 463-6025 (mortonc@wlu.edu)
President: Carol Atwood (cftatwood@yahoo.com)
Treasurer: Katharine Conner
Secretary: Blair Jones(abjones@vt.edu)
Steward: Fred Burks (montafon@cfw.com)
Steward: Kathy Eichelberger (bergrbnch@aol.com)
Steward: Paula Ursoy (millcreekfarm@rbnet.com)
Steward: Sandra Worthy (sworthy@millerlong.com)

Newsletter Committee:
Blair Jones, Abjones@vt.edu
Erica Jones, Emjones@vt.edu
Cindy Morton, mortonc@wlu.edu

Rockbridge Hunt
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