Photos by WLS Photography
Casanova Master Joyce Fendley and huntsman Tommy Lee Jones were honored by the Virginia House of Delegates in Richmond. On February 1, 2019, Representatives of The Virginia State Legislature approved a Resolution commending the Casanova Hunt in Fauquier County on its 110th anniversary. Casanova’s history and contributions to the land and the community were noted.
A second Resolution recognized Casanova’s professional huntsman of forty-nine years, Tommy Lee Jones, for his contributions to hunting and showing in his Fauquier County community as well. Tommy Lee is the show manager for both the Upperville Colt and Horse Show and the Warrenton Horse Show.
Huntsman John Harrison, staff, foxhounds of the Deep Run Hunt, supporters from other Virginia hunts, and officials gather for the occasion.
Members and Masters from several Virginia hunts, including Deep Run, Keswick, Farmington, Piedmont, Casanova, and Red Oak met in support of the Resolutions with their delegates and senators before the session. They were assisted by Mike Pearson who represents many of the hunts on legislative matters. The hunts were recognized on the floor of the House of Delegates, after which participants came outside to see the Deep Run foxhounds, the closest pack to Richmond. In addition to the representatives from the various hunts, the assembled crowd included David Twiggs, Executive Director of the MFHA; representatives from the The Hunting Dog Alliance; and legislative aids for delegates supporting hunting in Virginia.
John Harrison, professional huntsman of the Deep Run Hunt; Brian Groves, first whipper-in and kennelman; Chelsea Kellerhouse, second whipper-in and manager of staff horses; and Deep Run members and Masters were there, staff in hunting kit, with four couple of hounds on leads to greet the assembled audience. Too cold for the long drive in their hound truck, the foxhounds had arrived like rock stars in a shiny Chevrolet Suburban. Possibly spoiled, they performed on and off lead to demonstrate their social skills and happy obedience. More photos by Bill Sigafoos may be seen here.
Tommy Lee’s Resolution reads as follows:
COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA
GENERAL ASSEMBLY
HOUSE RESOLUTION 238
Commending Tommy Lee Jones
Agreed to by the House of Delegates
January 31, 2019
WHEREAS, Tommy Lee Jones has been a resident of Fauquier County for almost 50 years; and
WHEREAS, Tommy Lee Jones is a former rider and trainer of show horses, as well as a huntsman; and
WHEREAS, Tommy Lee Jones manages horse shows and pony shows, including the Upperville Colt and Horse Show and the Warrenton Horse Show; and
WHEREAS, Tommy Lee Jones currently serves as president of the advisory board for the Warrenton Pony Show; and
WHEREAS, Tommy Lee Jones has been a beloved member of the Casanova area for several decades; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, That Tommy Lee Jones hereby be commended for his contributions to the Fauquier County community; and, be it
RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Tommy Lee Jones as an expression of the House of Delegates’ admiration for his legacy of service.
House Patrons: Guzman, Cole, and Webert
G. Paul Nardo
Clerk of the House of Delegates
Posted March 5, 2019