Once again, the 2009 RIDESTRONG Hunter Pace benefiting the hounds of the Chagrin Valley Hunt was held on the beautiful grounds of White North Stable in Hunting Valley on Sunday, October 18th.

Three divisions rode across this historic property looking to match the ideal time over the course. The Jumping division include approximately 24 natural obstacles; the Hilltopping division chose to jump or not to jump the obstacles; and the Trail Rider division moved at a more leisurely walk and trot pace.

And weren’t we lucky? All week long the weather was wet and cold…but Hunter Paceline Sunday was crisp and cool, with damp but near-perfect footing.

By noon, over 100 riders were enthusiastically ready to roll over the well-planned and “seasonally-accessorized” hunter pace at North White Stables. Colorful pumpkins, mums, cornstalks and even a scarecrow decorating the jumps that were strategically placed over the 4 mile course echoed the fiery red, hunter green and golden maples, oaks and pines of the magnificent Hunting Valley setting.

Many thanks to all the Teams of Hunter Pacers who came from far and near to enjoy the fun! Even Southern Ohio, and Pennsylvania were represented!

Pick a breed or size of horse and it was probably there: ponies, Haflingers, Percherons, Lusitanos, Apps, The European Nations (Dutch, Oldenburgs, Holsteiners), Paints, Quarterhorses, Draft-Crosses, Fjords, Standardbreds, ….oh, and did I mention a Thoroughbred or two? And pick a costume and it was there as well – everything from Kmart Kouture to Chicer-than-thou-matching-esprit-de-corps outfits. All shapes, sizes, colors and ages were having a grand time.

And speaking of Time – the ideal time for the three divisions:

• Over Fences at 25 minutes 22 seconds
• Hilltopping at 27 minutes 10 seconds
• Trail riding at 35 minutes 15 seconds.

After riding, the competitors wandered back to the finish line to enjoy the grand lunch available: everything from grilled brauts, pulled pork sandwiches and chili to cupcakes (too pretty to eat) and a bountiful bevy of bubbly –and less bubbly - beverages!

The Chagrin Valley Hunt folks were out in full force to make the Hunter Paceline such a success: from jump setters and spotters, to timers and time riders, to the food concession crew!

And of course, many, many thanks to….White North Stables and the Western Reserve Land Conservancy!

Winning Teams:

• Over Fences
• Hilltoppers
• Trail Rider

Again, many thanks….See you next year…………!!