Photos by John Hawkinson
On Saturday October 30, 2021, Tennessee Valley Hunt hosted its 33rd Opening Meet and Blessing of the Hounds at Blackberry Ridge Farm near Greenville, Tenn., hosted by owners Dr. and Mrs. (Debbie) Tracy Dobbs. With a steady rain falling, Rev. Gary Cartwright officiated the Blessing.
After the blessing, hounds moved off, followed by a beautifully turned out field behind despite the less than ideal conditions. Hounds were put in covert at Berry Hill and hunted diligently, working their way down to the Florida Bottoms. They worked their way up the Holiday trail, around the house and down into Coyote Gulch in the relentless rain, without much of a stir.
After a quick mid-hunt champagne toast, hounds were cast towards the Box of Chocolates coop across from the Stud Barn and worked back down to Delta Valley Road. With game hunkered down, the country was given its best and everyone retired to the hunt breakfast.
A wonderful meal was shared under a massive dry tent and Dr. Fran Wheeler was awarded “Best Turned Out” for the day. The crowd raised a glass to toast “Cheers to a great year of sport!”
Carla Hawkinson posted on facebook Oct. 31: “The MOST fun we’ve had in a very long time! Great to be with friends at TVH Opening Meet yesterday.”
On Saturday October 30, 2021, Tennessee Valley Hunt hosted its 33rd Opening Meet and Blessing of the Hounds at Blackberry Ridge Farm near Greenville, Tenn., hosted by owners Dr. and Mrs. (Debbie) Tracy Dobbs. With a steady rain falling, Rev. Gary Cartwright officiated the Blessing.
After the blessing, hounds moved off, followed by a beautifully turned out field behind despite the less than ideal conditions. Hounds were put in covert at Berry Hill and hunted diligently, working their way down to the Florida Bottoms. They worked their way up the Holiday trail, around the house and down into Coyote Gulch in the relentless rain, without much of a stir.
After a quick mid-hunt champagne toast, hounds were cast towards the Box of Chocolates coop across from the Stud Barn and worked back down to Delta Valley Road. With game hunkered down, the country was given its best and everyone retired to the hunt breakfast.
A wonderful meal was shared under a massive dry tent and Dr. Fran Wheeler was awarded “Best Turned Out” for the day. The crowd raised a glass to toast “Cheers to a great year of sport!”
Carla Hawkinson posted on facebook Oct. 31: “The MOST fun we’ve had in a very long time! Great to be with friends at TVH Opening Meet yesterday.”
