188 EQUINE JOURNAL | November 2012

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THE NORFOLK HUNT CLUB’S FALL season kicked into gear on Labor Day weekend, with a foxhunting clinic and field hunter show; informal hunting started Tuesday, September 4.

Foxhunting ClinicIn anticipation of a fun season ahead, 20 riders attended the mounted foxhunting clinic, led by Norfolk member, Richard Wood, who was ably assisted by Norfolk member, Julie Wheeler. The clinic, which took place at the Norfolk Hunt Steeplechase Course, drew experienced riders on green horses and those who were completely new to the sport.

Rich began the clinic with a brief overview of hunting etiquette and safety, including qualifications for a suitable hunt horse. He then reviewed proper hunt attire and conduct when near foxhounds, with help from Norfolk member and whipper-in, Mary Marks. Julie Wheeler looked straight from the pages of a foxhunting catalog as she modeled informal (ratcatcher) attire.

The group then spent the rest of the morning working on riding exer-cises designed to mimic experiences one might encounter in the hunt field. Everyone attending enjoyed the clinic.

Field Hunter ShowThe following day, the Norfolk Hunt Field Hunter Show, which was chaired by Norfolk member, Carol Mayo, took place on the lower field of the Steeplechase Course. Norfolk member, Patrick Keane, designed and built a gorgeous course, which was both inviting and challenging for horse and rider.

The show drew several Norfolk members who had not previously competed, including Tom Lewis, John Decembrele, and Cami Jamerson—all of whom went home with ribbons. The junior division featured champion and reserve champion wins by the daughters of Norfolk member, Sandy Niles—Abby Niles on Atticus, and Didi Niles on Sabrina, respectively—to great cheers and applause from the crowd.

Informal Hunting Gets Off to a Great StartFollowing a jam-packed Labor Day weekend, informal foxhunting season began on Tuesday, September 4, at beautiful Green Hills Farm in Sherborn. The Tuesday and Saturday hunts during

September witnessed large fields of enthusiastic riders. Many newcomers were among the Norfolk members who were happy to be out hunting over gorgeous private farms and conservation land. Norfolk is very grateful to the landowners who open their prop-erty to the hunt and to all the land preservation partners who support the tradition of drag foxhunting.

The first Saturday fixture of the informal season started from Adam’s Farm in Walpole, which is a perennial favorite. Beautiful trails, inviting jumps, and gorgeous scenery served as a backdrop for the Norfolk hounds, who thoroughly enjoyed a morning of sport. The hunt concluded with a delicious breakfast generously

hosted by Norfolk members, Lisa Lewis, Tom Lewis, and David Breslin.

Polo in the Country a Huge HitSunday, September 16, brought sunny skies, temperatures in the low 70s, and over 1,000 attendees at the tenth annual Polo in the Country, the Norfolk Hunt Club’s largest community outreach event.

Prior to the six-chukker polo match, the Norfolk County Sheriff’s Department shared a K-9 Unit demon-stration using one of its highly-trained German Shepherds. As gourmet food and special beverages were being shared at tailgates and on tables under tents, competition for the best tail-gate began. Winners this year were an Olympic-themed tailgate, in support of promoting polo as an Olympic sport; a Puppy Party (including four eight-week-old Irish Terrier pups) created by Norfolk members, Erica Foley and Erin Fitzgerald; and, a football theme (in honor of the Patriots’ opening day), hosted by Norfolk member, George Fiske, which included green Astroturf tablecloths and a team of two- and three-year-old football cheerleaders.

A large crowd of family and friends, who really impressed the tailgate contest judges, Norfolk members, Lee McCloskey, Jess Macho, and Nancy Harrod, attended George’s football tailgate. George’s guests included his daughter, Abby Fiske; Kirke Hall and her daughters, Merritt and Caroline (George’s daughter and two granddaughters); Tyler and Amanda Hoffman and their daugh-ters, Charlotte and Lilly (George’s son, daughter-in-law and two granddaughters); Abby Silk and her daughter, Camilla; Norfolk member, Katherine Northern, and her daughters, Emma and Grace; and, John and Julia Hauck and their children, Sloane, Jack, and Reid.

Halftime entertainment was provided by dressage professional, David Thind,

Norfolk Hunt ClubJumps Into Fall Season with Great Events and Big FieldsSUBMITTED BY D.A. HAYDEN

continued on page 192

The Norfolk and Dedham polo teams battle for the ball at Polo in the Country.

David Thind, of Cutler Farm, performed a musical freestyle during halftime at Polo in the Country.

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192 EQUINE JOURNAL | November 2012

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EVERY MONTH THE VIRGINIA HORSE Council (VHC) receives several inqui-ries from people who want to move to Virginia to be near or adjacent to areas where there are public trails that are open to horse use. Presently, there are about 3,600 miles of trails and forest roads available for riding in the state. Riders in Virginia are fortunate to be able to select from trails in national parks, national forests, state parks, state forests, wildlife management areas, battlefield parks, and local parks. While the majority of Virginia’s trails are located in the mountains, there are many others around the state to choose from.

The VHC published an informative guide to public trails earlier this year; Keep the Ride Alive! can be found on the website or ordered from the VHC office: virginiahorsecouncil.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/VHC_trails_brochure_webversion_FINAL.pdf.

Not only does Virginia boast many miles of public trails, there are also many trail rides hosted across the state that give equestrians access to private properties that would not otherwise be available. On any given weekend during the spring and fall, riders can select from at least four or five trail rides and campouts around the state. Various types of sanctioned trail compe-

titions are also popular. Information on VHC-sponsored trail rides can be found on the Council’s website, virginia-horsecouncil.org.

The horse community has enjoyed a particularly good relationship with Virginia State Parks. In 2002, Virginia voters approved a $119 million bond package. Included in this package was about $4.45 million for new horse camping facilities in the following parks: Douthat State Park, Fairy Stone State Park, James River State Park, Occoneechee State Park, and Staunton River State Park. Collectively, there are 89 campsites for horse trailers in these parks. In addition, an equestrian center with two arenas was built in Pocahontas State Park.

The last two equestrian camps to be finished, Staunton River State Park and Fairy Stone State Park, will open by the end of 2012. At Staunton River, there are 13 water and electric sites, 13 covered stalls, picnic shelter, and a bathhouse. The camp will complement the 12 miles of multi-use trails. At Fairy Stone State Park, there are 10 electric and water sites and 10 covered stalls. There are two common areas with picnic tables and fire rings for group gatherings and primitive restrooms. The park has eight miles of equestrian/multi-use trails. For more informa-

tion about all of the Virginia state park facilities, visit dcr.virginia.gov/state_parks/state_park.shtml. Reservations are required for all of the state park campsites and stalls.

For more informa-tion on trail riding and the Virginia Horse Council, visit virginiahorsecouncil.org; contact the VHC Office at 888-467-7382; email info@virginiahorsecouncil.org; or visit us on Facebook.

Virginia Horse CouncilInvites Equestrians to Explore the TrailsSUBMITTED BY SALLY AUNGIER

of Cutler Farm in Medfield, who performed a musical freestyle to the delight of the crowd. His performance was followed by commentary from Norfolk member, Donna Cameron, owner of Cutler Farm, who explained some of the dressage movements David performed, as David and his horse demonstrated. Another highlight of half-time was the parade of Norfolk hounds, which was led by Norfolk huntsman, John Elliott; Owen Hughes; Master of Foxhounds; and members and whip-pers-in, Mary Marks and Bill Miller. At the conclusion of the parade, children were invited center field to pat and get to know the hounds.

Norfolk member, Ted Eayrs, announced the game, with color commentary provided by Norfolk member, Gil Rodgers. The Norfolk Hunt Club team of Walter Eayrs, Wayne Kant, Terri Campbell, and Jenny Elkus vs. the Dedham Polo Club, with Yaz Grotnick, C.J. Brown, Christina Micek, Robin Wallace, and Laurel Howe, was exciting from start to finish. Norfolk jumped out to an early lead but was hotly and continually challenged by Dedham throughout the game. Norfolk ended up with the win, 11 to 9. Mark Tashjian served as umpire.

The day concluded with a parade of Range Rovers, the automotive sponsor of the event. Tremendous credit goes to Norfolk member, Greg Sandomirsky, who has chaired Polo in the Country for the past ten years. This year, Greg was assisted by future chair and Norfolk member, Tee Chambers, along with a large group of volunteers from the Norfolk membership. The 11th annual event is already in the planning stages!

One of the barns at James River State Park in Buckingham County, VA. The same units are available in all of the new campgrounds.

Norfolk Hunt Clubcontinued from page 188

Norfolk members, Julie Wheeler and Rich Wood, ran a successful Foxhunting Clinic.

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