What a successful day! We had a great turnout with about 45 people. Some arrived late, some left early, but it was a great group. David Conner gave his usual stellar performance talking about hounds and, as usual, people really responded to him. Every year we forget something and this year it was the horn -- no horn calls at all! But the riders were very competent and we hope to see many of them in the huntfield where they'll hear the horn in action.

I wish someone had gotten a picture of the potluck lunch. We already knew that foxhunters love their meals but it seems to be true of the wannabes, too. The food was varied and delicious and there was plenty of it, including chocolate! Who could ask for anything more.

About 20 people rode in the afternoon session and they did an outstanding job. We split up into three groups. David Conner led the run-and-jump group. Carol Atwood led the walk-only group. I led the in-between group. I think some experienced riders forget how challenging our hills can be. It's not just a physical challenge to the horses; it's a mental challenge to both horse and rider. Everyone who rode was pretty competent and a few of them gained considerable confidence on the hills. Most were pretty relaxed and obviously comfortable riding across country in a group. That's a great start for foxhunting.

A few of the horses and people would benefit from more experience in group trail rides. While it's difficult to find a group to ride with and to find the time to do it, it's an invaluable background for future foxhunters. It would be nice to coordinate with some of these groups and try to schedule some rides in different areas next year.

Everyone who was involved with the program deserves a round of thanks, and that includes the participants! If people didn't attend, there wouldn't be a program! And this group was so cheerful and positive, what little work was involved was a pleasure. I'd especially like to thank Barbara Rowe and Julie Georges. They showed up and handled all the clean-up without ever being asked. That kind of volunteer spirit and pitch-in attitude make it a pleasure to put on events of all kinds.

We're asking for comments, suggestions, feedback on an anonymous form. If that doesn't work for you, feel free to send me (Cindy Morton) an email: mortonc@wlu.edu. And, just to have everything in one place, you may want to read the original announcement of the program.

	Introduction to Foxhunting Sept 3, 2006 Hunt, Inc.
	Introduction to Foxhunting Sept 3, 2006 Hunt, Inc.
	Introduction to Foxhunting Sept 3, 2006 Hunt, Inc.
	Introduction to Foxhunting Sept 3, 2006 Hunt, Inc.
	Introduction to Foxhunting Sept 3, 2006 Hunt, Inc.
	Introduction to Foxhunting Sept 3, 2006 Hunt, Inc.