As the Chagrin Valley Hunt galloped into its 101st season of continuous hunting, there were over 100 (could we have had 101?) people at the wonderful luncheon celebrating the Blessing of the Hunt on Saturday, September 26, 2009. Oh yes, the weather was a bit “iffy” but the spirits inside the Chagrin Valley Hunt Club were high and most enthusiastic. It is always so gratifying to see so many of our hunters who still enjoy the excitement of Hunt events – and they are always so interested in hearing about the hounds. To that end, our Huntsman Phillip Headdon brought the newest pups to the festivities, for showing, telling and name selling! Four gorgeous (these tri-colored boys are “beauts” and are sons of our CVH hound, Judge) are now named Jupiter (by that star-gazing Carol Donaldson), Jukebox (by former MFH Shirley Morgan – who always has hound music in her heart), Julius (by Katherine Merkel - as in Julius “I think I SEES HER!”), and Juggernaut (meaning “Lord of the Universe” and referring to an unstoppable, crushing force -- by Tom Barrat and Kim McConnell.)
After the traditional horse cookie dessert, 35 formal attired hunters with braided and shined horses paraded to the St. Christopher-by-the River Churchyard to be blessed (yes, in hopes of keeping the Black Plague away from our little village – and lately it’s been working well!)
Then off on a two-hour drag hunt. Phillip with a lively mix of first year pups and seasoned hounds trotted down Chagrin River Road and turned in to the fixture at Fairmount Blvd. The Chagrin Valley Hunt is a live hunt pack - not a drag hunt – but do we drag in Hunting Valley twice a year for the fun of hunting traditional lands. Saturday, our hounds were not particularly interested in the drag and picked up on the real thing at one point - and our able staff quickly and efficiently took them off the scent (though the charming young Coco hound thought she would be a “Fashionatta” and lead the others in “a more traditional direction.”) But, oh, the weather was still with us as the first flight traveled through the Valley over a dozen or so jumps- at not a speed for the faint-of heart. But thankfully, Solange Rian led the second flight and Marilyn Harwood the third flight in fine pace - and everyone was brought home to the grey barns at South Woodland both safe and sound! Just as we arrived at the finality of the day, did the cooling “Irish Mist” begin. We finished the day, duly damp with a field of tired, but smiling riders - who I think were very proud of their horses! I know I was. Happy Riders & horses!
Many thanks to the Chagrin Valley Hounds, Phillip Headdon - our grand huntsman, our terrific staff, and our devoted Masters. The Blessing 2009 was an Outstanding Day. Does a Blessing get any better than this?
