The Chagrin Valley Hunt’s Western Day was a huge success!
We Dudes could tell, as the trailers rolled in to our wonderful HavenSafe fixture when the morning sky was still pink and purple. It was a perfectly crisp hunt morning filled with riders sporting denim and leather. Huntsman Headdon had 13.5 couple of seasoned hounds and puppies, and his whippers-in were out and about, and our 3 fields had approximately 28 cowfolk – led by Dick Desberg (1st flight – over fences), Solange Rian (2nd flight - optional fences) and Marilyn Harwood (3rd flight – walk. trot, canter) - And though, some were riders and horses who had never hunted before - everyone did City-slicker super!
Moving through the fixture listening to the yipes and squeaks from excited hounds, and “Making way” for staff was a great part of the morning -- and the fields of riders were impeccable! However, without any rain of late, the woods and fields held little moisture -- and therefore, no matter how hard our hounds worked, holding a line was near impossible. But did the fields move on? You bet -- two and a half hours of Yippeee–a-chy–yi–yo ! (or something like that!!) we moved through the fixture from South to North and back again.
After bringing back all hounds and riders in great shape we were ready for the sweetest tailgate picnic of all times! Our group was probably on a sugar high for the rest of the day from this feast! All in all, there were smiles all around and I think everyone from regular hunters to first timers (both 2 and four legged sorts) had a great morning.
AND – on Halloween, Saturday, October 31st – there will be Western Day 2!
So mark your calendars - polish your conchos, shine your leather, plan a dish or casserole to share with the rest of the ranch gang.......and let’s do it all again!!!
As with most equine-based activities, participants are required to sign a release form before taking part in the hunt. A helmet with a safety strap is required at all times while mounted.
