Oak Grove Hunt Club held its annual Hunter pace a timed trail ride on April 2, 2011 at Blackwater creek Ranch Near Laws Hill Mississippi. Fox hunters and trail riders used to riding on open terrain were joined by some riders who said they never got a chance to ride outside of an arena. Blackwater Creek Ranch is a working cattle ranch with some of the prettiest country around, rolling pastures interspersed with woods. Many of the horses were quite fit as many riders had just finished a full season of fox hunting. Separate courses were flagged for jumpers and non-jumpers. There were several disciplines of riding represented, Hunter jumper, western pleasure, Tennessee walking horses and even medieval jousters in period garb complete with jangling bells attached to the horses. Indeed most of the 81 teams of riders were in costumes. The riders were encouraged to choose a team name and to costume themselves accordingly. There were some very creative themes. One team dressed as honey bees, one as Southern Bells, another as colorful tie dyed “Hippies”. The costume winners were dressed in Hospital scrubs of the delivery room, one as the obstetrician and the other as the expectant mother. There were several family teams, Spouses, sisters, and children as young as four.
The Hunter Pace is a timed trail ride over a flagged course. The idea is to simulate what may happen on an actual foxhunt. At beginning of the ride, riders get a story line, telling the tale of a hunt: where the hounds, huntsman, whips and field members go and what they see in a day of sport. The story sets the stage for the pace of several miles, which varies from slow walk to brisk trot to a fast hand gallop down the valley known as “Armadillo Alley.” Riders must follow the flagged trail. At places, the trail may double back, just as a fox would do to elude the hounds. An aerial photo map of the course was provided for each team.
After the pace everyone gathered for dinner on the grounds. A bluegrass band provided entertainment from the porch of the Oak Grove club house and Dickie Watson, master and huntsman brought several adorable fox hound puppies for everyone to pet. Awards were given to the winning teams whose ride times were closest to the ideal, predetermined time on both the jumping and non-jumping courses. Other awards were given for best theme, slowest team, and fastest team.
For more information about Oak Grove Hunt club visit www.oakgrovehuntclub.com or on Facebook Oak Grove hunt Club(OGHC)
Longreen Foxhounds will host a hunter pace Sunday May 1 2011 at Birdlands Plantation, Como, Ms. Contact Susan Walker 901-833-1010.
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The Hunter Pace is a timed trail ride over a flagged course. The idea is to simulate what may happen on an actual foxhunt. At beginning of the ride, riders get a story line, telling the tale of a hunt: where the hounds, huntsman, whips and field members go and what they see in a day of sport. The story sets the stage for the pace of several miles, which varies from slow walk to brisk trot to a fast hand gallop down the valley known as “Armadillo Alley.” Riders must follow the flagged trail. At places, the trail may double back, just as a fox would do to elude the hounds. An aerial photo map of the course was provided for each team.
After the pace everyone gathered for dinner on the grounds. A bluegrass band provided entertainment from the porch of the Oak Grove club house and Dickie Watson, master and huntsman brought several adorable fox hound puppies for everyone to pet. Awards were given to the winning teams whose ride times were closest to the ideal, predetermined time on both the jumping and non-jumping courses. Other awards were given for best theme, slowest team, and fastest team.
For more information about Oak Grove Hunt club visit www.oakgrovehuntclub.com or on Facebook Oak Grove hunt Club(OGHC)
Longreen Foxhounds will host a hunter pace Sunday May 1 2011 at Birdlands Plantation, Como, Ms. Contact Susan Walker 901-833-1010.
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