February, 2025
Boxing Day Hunt at Dover Green Photo Credit: Bill Sigafoos
President's Report
-Richard Michael
I hope everyone has finally thawed out from the January cold spell. The snow seemed to stay forever. My horse went 19 days without exercise (besides some downhill skiing in the pasture!) Adam Walker, the contractor for the new barn at the Showgrounds, had some trouble digging the holes for the uprights even with an 81 horsepower, PTO-driven auger. He said the ground was frozen to a depth of 8-12 inches, and therefore the snow was resting on a freezer. Regardless, the barn is coming along nicely and I expect it will be finished by publication time.
The Equine Activities Committee, including Bennett Camp-Crowder, Sandra Dawson, Gretel Mangigian, and their many helpers, have accomplished another popular first: a holiday hunter pace. Riders and horses decked out in their festive livery, traversed over new and existing trails, almost exclusively on Deep Run property. When walking the trails around our house, we are still finding a jingle bell here, a ribbon there, and even a stocking full of candy!
Nancy and I followed the Boxing Day Hunt from Dover Green, which was quite remarkable. The hounds hit on a red fox north of Dover Road, crossing Shallow Well near John McGuire’s home. We saw hounds in full cry moving through the tall pines at the corner of Millers Lane and Shallow Well – a thing of beauty, both audibly and visually. We followed down Flat Rock and viewed the hunted fox crossing the road, followed closely by the hounds. The pack had split with a majority of them following a coyote which eventually sought refuge in a culvert which just happened to be between the properties of Diane and Michael Luczkovich and their next door neighbors. The neighbors were in a bit of an uproar because of the fracas in their yard; however, Diane, being the consummate diplomat, was able to explain what was happening and ease their concerns. Some of the hounds had followed the coyote into the culvert from each end, and remained for more than 4 hours. Riders were coming and going; however, kennel assistant John Rothell patiently remained, awaiting the hounds to exit the culvert. He was fortunate to be where he was, because Diane provided him with food and drink as the hours passed. Many thanks to Diane for her accommodating spirit!
The New Year’s Day hunt also provided great sport. It would have been a good day for second horses, as the field followed the pack all the way to Cardwell Road and back! The hunt was followed by a hearty tailgate at the Clubhouse. Thank you to all who participated and provided the wonderful array of food. This potluck tailgate has become another great Deep Run tradition.
Some upcoming events to look forward to include Fox Lore by the Fire: An Evening of Deep Run Tales from the Field on Feb. 28 and the Oyster Roast and Silent Auction on March 15. We are accepting donations for the Silent Auction and volunteers are always welcome.
Hunt Contribution Campaign Exceeds Goal
-Wendy Woods
Congratulations to our members! The Club has received an outstanding response to the contribution request that went out in September. To date, 65% of our 250 members have made a payment or pledge to help us exceed our fundraising goal of $165,000. The result is that there will be no dues assessment in the next fiscal cycle. Let’s give each other a well deserved pat on the back and a salute to the efforts of our Contribution Chairperson, Diego Vizcaino, and his committee.
As you know, every September the Club asks for a contribution to augment the dues that keep our club running and hounds hunting. This current fiscal year (July, 2024-July, 2025) we experienced an unanticipated need for repairs and replacement of some of our aging infrastructure, including critical propane tank and well pump replacement, fencing repair, and sadly, the need to purchase a huntsman’s horse along with emergency veterinary care for hounds. All of this in the face of higher insurance and tax bills.
Congratulations again to our wonderful family of friends and members. For those who haven’t had an opportunity to contribute yet, pledges are still being gratefully accepted.
Tally ho!
Masters’ Report
Foxhunters Legislative Day - Making Our Voices Heard
-Caroline Eichler, MFH
The Deep Run Hunt Pony Club, along with the Masters, joined seven other hunts from across the Commonwealth on January 24 for our annual legislative day at the state capitol. Deep Run Hunt Club is represented across the territory that we hunt by four delegates and one new first-term senator. It was a great opportunity to share the issues important to the hunting community and discuss other critical topics, such as land conservation and the preservation of open space.
After spending the morning meeting with Delegates Fowler, Owen, and Garrett, along with Senator Cifer, we gathered at the Bell Tower with Department of Wildlife Resources representatives and delegates from counties across the Commonwealth to celebrate the continuing tradition of hunting with hounds in Virginia. We're making our voices heard and it does make a difference. Many thanks to Pony Club members and their parents who turned out!
Notes From the Field: Etiquette and Rules for Safety and Enjoyment of Foxhunting
-Marsh Davis, MFH
On Tuesdays and Thursdays we try to offer two mounted flights for foxhunting to accommodate your hunting experience, riding ability, and fitness of both horse and rider. On Saturdays we offer three flights: first, second, and third. Ride in the field that best suits your and your horse’s abilities. If you are unsure of what field to ride in, don’t hesitate to find a Master and ask.
First flight riders ride behind the Master who is behind the Huntsman. The speed depends on the quarry and hunting conditions, but all riders in first flight are expected to jump obstacles and work in various terrains, crossing creeks and ditches. It is for experienced fox hunters with fit horses.
Second flight rides closely behind first flight. Speed is dependent on the quarry and hunting conditions, but riders are expected to walk, trot, canter, and gallop to keep up with first flight - no jumping .
Third flight’s speed is slower, trying to keep up in view of the hounds and Huntsman. Trotting and maybe a bit of cantering cross country and traversing streams. This flight is for novice or slower riders and horse.
If you leave the field ask permission from the field master
If joining another flight, make your presence known to your new field master
If you were heading back to the trailers, you should go with another person for safety reasons and make sure you go not where the quarry and hunting is headed. Hack back by the road if possible.
Important things to remember:
Horse tail ribbons
Red = may kick
Green = green horseHelmets:
ASTM approved safety helmets are strongly recommended.
All helmet chin straps should be securely fastened at all times while mounted.
Hairnets must be worn if you have long hair - male or female.
Tack
Black or brown leather
Contoured white, buff, or brown saddle pads, not square
No colored pads, wraps or fleece leg bandages
Additional rules for safety and enjoyment of foxhunting
The Masters, hunt staff and hounds should be given the right away at all times
Always turn your horse so that its head is facing the hounds, Master, or staff as they pass.
Be quiet while the hounds are being cast.If you must speak, speak in a low tone of voice, so not to raise the hounds from hunting.
Do not ride over crops and keep off of seeded fields.
Close any gates you open. Do not close any gates you find open.
