Erin Bartle and her field hunter Firestorm are ranked ninth in the country in the Novice Division by the U.S. Eventing Association. / Beth Sutton photoErin Bartle rode her USEA nationally ranked Novice horse Firestorm to the First Flight Championship, the Melvin Poe Cup, and boosted the Rockbridge Hunt to the Clifford Hunt Championship—most points by a hunt—at the Maury River Hunter Trials, Virginia Horse Center, Lexington on April 7, 2012.
The trials—the third annual sponsored by the Farmington, Glenmore and Rockbridge Hunts—on this perfect spring day before Easter attracted forty-seven riders of all ages representing hunt clubs, colleges, and farms from the local area and as far away as Lynchburg. Horses competed in eleven field hunter divisions, with championships awarded in eight categories. This popular hunter trial is designed to encourage foxhunting through friendly competition over an inviting cross-country course well planned by committee members Donald Clark, Brooks Cushman, Henley Gabeau, Brent and Liz Hall, Brian and Penny Ross.
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Lily Warmington (Middlebrook Hunt) and Killian (owned by Dr. Hallam Hurt) won the Second Flight Championship and the Junior Championship. / Beth Sutton photoSandy Rives from the Keswick Hunt judged the event, which was organized by professional organizers Penny and Brian Ross. The course was laid out in the outside area used for Virginia Horse Trials events with both permanent and temporary obstacles created to simulate jumps and natural obstacles typically found in the hunting field: logs, rails, coops, a bank, a gate, and an interesting water element at the end of the course that resembled a small pond. Foxhunters were put to the test over the gently rolling field with a stunning backdrop of mountains, sloping toward the Maury River that borders the property—hence the name Maury River Hunter Trials.
This annual event is a special favorite for Farmington riders who make it an annual spring outing. Dr. Kelly Giunta, Carolyn Chapman, Grace McGowan, and Mary Buford Hitz contributed toward Farmington’s success in winning the Reserve Championship for most points by a hunt.
Posted May 10, 2012
Mollie Duncan and Syrah (owned by Mason Fogg) won the Hunt Teams Class, Open Adult Reserve Championship, and helped the Farmington Hunt win Reserve Championship in the Clifford Hunt Cup. Muffin Barnes photo