The Patient Photographer’s Reward
Sometimes you’re completely thrown out, but persistence has it’s reward! Jim Duggan hit the jackpot with this shot of the hunted coyote. Note the distinctive markings on the coyote’s front paws. They’ll be looking for him again! Jim tells it this way: Photo by Jim DugganThe Golden’s Bridge Hounds (NY) were hunting a North […]
Piedmont Fox Hounds Point-to-Point
Trainer Richard Valentine continued his winning ways by saddling winners in the first two timber races at the Piedmont Fox Hounds Point-to-Point on Saturday, March 26, 2011 near Upperville, Virginia. Valentine-trained horses won two races at Warrenton the previous week.
Gus Brown was first at the wire with Beech Cay in the Maiden Timber for Augustin Stables, and George Hundt, Jr., pictured here, won the Owner-Rider Timber on Westbound Road. This was the second win in two weeks for Hundt, who won the Owner-Rider Timber at Warrenton on Justpourit.
Huntsman and Eventer: “The Happiest Pair in Ireland”
The hunting and eventing world were well represented at the wedding of Mark Ollard, huntsman of The Island Foxhounds and event rider Clare Lambert at Ballymore Church, Killinick, County Wexford, Ireland. The ceremony was performed by Father Murty Byrne and the bridesmaids were event rider Monica Whelan and Correna Bowe. Best men were Irish international […]
Warrenton Hunt Point-to-Point
Julie Gomena owned the hurdle races, and Richard Valentine made his statement in the timber races, as both trainers brought home two winners each in the Warrenton Hunt Point-to-Point on Saturday March 19.
In this photo, Pizarro (left) with Natalie Wales up and Justpourit with George Hundt, Jr. aboard fight for first in the Owner-Rider Timber Race.
Equestrian Sports and Oil Paintings: A Traditional Partnership
Bundled at the Races by Linda Volrath, oilPainting is a poetic visual language. One of the most satisfying aspects of creating my paintings is using this language to translate a fleeting moment in a tangible and permanent way.
I’m endlessly inspired and fascinated by the thrilling sports of steeplechase racing and foxhunting and the beautiful countryside that encompasses them. Incredible sights, sounds, and events unfold. Jockeys and grooms, athletic horses, hounds, and wildlife all have their role to play. I see my job as an artist to be the visual storyteller. The passion I have for these equine traditions and rural way of life seems perfectly paired with my passion to paint. It is a gold mine of images for my artistic vision.
The Scarteen Over the Big Banks at Lattin
Chris Ryan is the eighth generation of Ryans to be Master and huntsman of the Scarteen Hounds. Catherine Power photoThe present spell of hard weather has played havoc with hunting schedules, so the moment a thaw was forecast Scarteen put on a bye day at short notice for Lattin, situated between Tipperary town and the little town of Emly. The shortness of the notice did not deter a large and well mounted field from turning up. The area is almost unique in that most of the farmers in the area are either directly or indirectly involved in the hunt, resulting in unrivaled access to the country—a country of huge banks and almost no wire.
Just One More Chase
Judy Harris yearns for “Just One More Chase” on her favorite mare, Practice. Bonnie Smith photoI remember the pounding of her strong heart
In sync with mine, she was ready to start.
It was our first morning, a dream come true
Out in the hunt field, alert for a view.
Excitement, adventure and thrills abound
Observe and listen and follow the hounds.
So we kicked on for ten years or more
A bond, a friendship a lasting rapport.
Many years later, she’s fought the good fight
but can no longer carry a rider in flight.
She whinnies from pasture upon my return
Eagerly waiting the day’s story to learn.
Oh, how I wish she were a bit stronger
To carry the saddle, just one day longer
To ride to the hounds, the wind in my face
with my very best friend, just one more chase.
The Ballymacad Foxhounds at Castlerahan
Huntsman Kevin Donohue at Carrichavee RockThe area around the Ballymacad Foxhounds meet at Castlerahan on the outskirts of Oldcastle, County Meath in Ireland is steeped in Irish history. It is part of the old Royal Capital of Ireland. There are many hunting references to be found in the area. The entrance to the town of Oldcastle is over Sliamh na Callaigh which looks out on Loughcrew, the five-thousand-year-old site of the Summer Solstice, where one of the most important High Kings of Ireland, King Ollamh Fodhla was buried in 1277 BC. He officiated at the Feis Teamhrach or The Great Fair held on the Hill of Tara, where in addition to legislative affairs of the ancient Brehon Laws, he introduced horse fairs, horse racing, and hunting.
Cambridge University Draghounds (UK)
Jack Day, MFH flies a big Leicestershire hedgeA number of universities in England maintain packs of foxhounds or beagles hunted on horseback or afoot. Students often comprise the staff—Master, huntsman, whippers-in—and this tradition has provided a start for some of the most successful and brilliant Masters and huntsmen that England has produced—the late Ronnie Wallace for just one.
At Cambridge University a pack of foxhounds are maintained that hunt a drag laid by student volunteers, normally from the cross country track team. Hounds usually complete three or four “lines” during a day’s hunting, which might take two to three hours.
Cambridge University Draghounds (UK)
Jack Day, Joint-MFH flies a Leicestershire hedge
A number of universities in England maintain a pack of foxhounds or beagles hunted on horseback or afoot. Students often comprise the staff—Master, huntsman, whippers-in—and this tradition has provided a start for some of the most successful and brilliant Masters and huntsmen that England has produced—Ronnie Wallace for just one.
At Cambridge University a pack of foxhounds are maintained that hunt a drag laid by student volunteers normally from the cross country track team. Hounds usually complete three or four “lines” during a day’s hunting, which might take two to three hours.
At Cambridge, not only undergraduate students serve as Masters but adults who have no connection with the University serve as well. The huntsman is Matt Gingell, a local farmer.