Raja: Story of a Racehorse
Raja: Story of a Racehorse, Anne Hambleton, Old Bow Publishing, 2011, 250 pages, illustrated by Peggy Kaufmann, $14.95The fictional adventures and travails of a well-bred Thoroughbred foal are chronicled from the early days by his dam’s side to a Grade 1 Stakes win, to the jumpers in the “A” circuit, to the New York City Mounted Police, to foxhunting with Mr. Stewart’s Cheshire Foxhounds, to the Blue Ridge Hunt point-to-point, and finally to the Maryland Hunt Cup. As a foal, Raja is cursed with a phobia for lightning—the recurring source of his many troubles along the way in achieving his potential.
This may be Anne Hambleton’s first novel, but she has had plenty of practice honing her writing skills in the business side of her life. On the equine side, Hambleton is a horsewoman who knows all the disciplines intimately, and Raja’s adventures unfold believably and with authority. The characters in the story—both animal and human—are well-crafted, and we care about them.
Autumn Foxhunting in Maryland
Members of the Carrollton Hounds joined members of the Howard County-Iron Bridge Hounds on Sunday, September 18 for a day of autumn foxhunting in the open rolling hills of Frederick County, Maryland. Photographer Susan Bloom captured the action and color of a busy day with hounds.
Who Carries the White Whip?
Huntsman John Tabachka“Are MFHs supposed to carry white whips?” asks John Tabachka, huntsman for the Sewickely Hunt (PA).
While there are slight differences in the answers from our experts, the common thread seems to place the white whip properly in the hands of those who deal with hounds in the field, either as huntsman or whipper-in. That said, as always, the Master may do anything he or she likes!
One thing you can always count on from Foxhunting Life‘s Panel of Experts: they speak their minds!
Puddle of Puppies
This photo was taken by Rebecca Harris the morning after Hurricane Irene hit Pennsylvania. The puppies had been kept awake all night by howling winds and torrential downpours that flooded one side of their kennel. With morning came the sun, a big breakfast, and, finally, blessed sleep.
Huntland Kennels at One Hundred
1914 photograph of Huntsman Charlie Carver (front), Master Joe Thomas, and hounds / Courtesy of Karen L. MyersThis year marks the one hundredth anniversary of the completion by Joseph B. Thomas of the stables and kennels at his historic estate in Middleburg, Virginia, aptly named Huntland.
On September 18, 2011, current owner Dr. Betsee Parker marked the anniversary with a luncheon for members of both the Piedmont and Middleburg Hunts. Newly uncovered photographs of the original structure were displayed, and people were free to wander through the stables and kennels.
Foxhound Raises Litter of Foxes
Putting a foxhound and four foxes in a room together is not a situation you would expect to end well. But as the case was at LEO Zoological Center in Greenwich [CT] last month, nature doesn’t always follow the rules. In a most unlikely pairing of animals, an American foxhound rescue dog named Mama nursed […]
EHV-1 Case in Tennessee Confirmed
A horse that tested positive for equine herpesvirus-1 (EHV-1) was admitted to the University of Tennessee Veterinary Medical Center and euthanized on Thursday, September 15. Although no new cases have been reported in that state, the Tennessee Valley Hunt has cancelled hunting for Thursday and Saturday, September 22 and 24. The equine hospital is under […]
The Cottesmore at Bisbrooke
Here’s a gallery of excellent photographs of the Cottesmore foxhounds shot by Nico Morgan at Bisbrooke in the English Shires. The Cottesmore is a venerable pack, having been established in 1666 by Viscount Lowther. Perhaps the most colorful Master was Hugh Lowther, fifth Earl of Lonsdale, known to history as The Yellow Earl. Born in 1857, “his name was readily associated with the highest echelons of sport and scandal.”
Season Is in Maxim-um Overdrive at Tennesee Valley
First-year entry Maxim hits walkup homer in the ninth with two out. / Alivia Cotter photoNew huntsman, new members, and new hound entries made for a memorable season’s start for the Tennessee Valley Hunt. The first cubhunt open to subscribers and guests took place on Saturday, September 17, from Frank and Cyndie Niceley’s Riverplains Farm. It was Andy Bozdan‘s first open hunt with Tennessee Valley as huntsman, and the morning was filled with warm greetings from all who have anxiously awaited his arrival all summer.
Des McCheane, Hunting Photographer
When photo-journalist Noel Mullins attended the Clifden Pony Show in Connemara, County Galway, Ireland this summer, he immediately missed seeing his photographer friend Des McCheane. Mullins learned sadly that Des had passed away the previous week—a loss surely for Des’s family, friends, and for Irish country sport, but a rich historical legacy left behind.