Tally Slo – The Leisure Field Debuts at Ridgecrest Joint Meet

Great ideas are sometimes borne out of desperation.

In my case, the desperation was to get back on a horse after a lumbar fracture at the beginning
of the hunt season. Having already sat out much of the season, I just couldn’t see myself not riding at the annual joint meet in Ridgecrest, CA. Hounds and members of Red Rock Hounds, Kingsbury Harriers, Santa Ynez Hounds, Grand Canyon Hounds, Paradise Valley Beagles, as well as members of several eastern hunts all come together for three days of hunting, eating, drinking and mingling with great friends and fantastic animals.

Riding was definitely not on my list of “can do” activities but give me a quiet horse and a promise to only walk then no harm can be done, right?

Normally, I ride in First Field and love nothing more than to gallop fast behind the pack so this idea of walking was a tremendous compromise. But at least I'd be on a horse.

The concept of leading a field of others who may not want to run, gallop or navigate steep ravines and rocky mountains started to formulate. In fact, I have three friends who wanted to try hunting but were apprehensive about riding fast and furious. Two of the three had actually joined Red Rock Hounds for the 2011-12 season but hadn’t yet ventured out to the hunt field. The timing was right for the opportunity to introduce them to the excitement of following the hounds.

The Ridgecrest fixtures are ideal to start out in fox hunting. The country has terrific footing, gentle terrain with wide open spaces and the weather is usually very non-January-like. It couldn’t be better to introduce my friends to the excitement of riding to the hounds. And, maybe some others would want to join us.

Red Rock MFH, Lynn Lloyd gave me her blessing to add a field for people who wanted to join the hunt but at a slower pace. A much slower pace. In fact, at a leisurely pace.

The inaugural outing of the Leisure Field was at the Robbers Roost fixture in Ridgecrest. To minimize the mayhem surrounding the first day of a large joint meet we waited to mount up until the dual packs of Red Rock and Santa Ynez, along with riders from all the hunts, had ridden off in search of the elusive coyote trail.

Our Leisure Field of about ten embarked on our journey at a decidedly un-brisk pace. Best described as an ambling walk, we had only gone several yards when we had our first viewing – a very fast jackrabbit!

Tally-Slo!

Because I knew we’d be traveling long distances over unfamiliar hunt country I brought along my GPS BackTrack D-Tour to track our distance, elevation and, most importantly, to find our way back to the fixture. Our sauntering pace gave us opportunity to discuss hunting protocol, etiquette and principals to help our rookie hunt enthusiasts become knowledgeable about their new activity. We had some great conversations but I did inform everyone that once they graduated to First or Second Fields their chatting ways would be silenced in respect of the hounds and huntsmen.

Our first check occurred when my field mentioned the need for a break. A quick glance at my GPS declared we had gone about 569 yards – yes, perfect timing for check. We were met by the “Whoopie Wagon”, piloted by Ron Crossley, completely stocked with water, power bars and courage-inducing liquids for flask refills. Ron also provided horse holding and mounting assistance for riders who had a need to take a walk behind a bush.

After re-mounting, we continued our journey to the top of Robbers’ Roost – 2.1 miles from the fixture where, of course, we had another check!

Scout Valentine, an apprentice falconer and wildlife expert riding in the Leisure Field, treated the field to an enlightening mini-lecture on the birds and wildlife indigenous to Robbers’ Roost, a nesting ground for birds of prey.

As we descended Robbers' Roost we used our GPS to point us in the right direction for the fixture. Of course, we could see the horse trailers way off in the distance but it was more fun to use the GPS. Frankly, we didn't need our eyesight or techie tools to find our way back. As soon as we turned towards the fixture our field hunters accelerated from their sluggish, dawdling pace to a brisk march. Where does their inner GPS come from?

The Leisure Field arrived back at the fixture after a two hour hunt where we viewed four or more jackrabbits, a burrowing owl and numerous birds. We observed several dens, nests and tracks of the wildlife that call Robbers’ Roost home. We even came back with a partial jawbone from a bobcat. While we didn’t view a coyote that day we surely did see plenty of evidence of the clever animals’ existence.

During the three days of the joint meet the Leisure Field gained popularity. Not limited to riders that were new to hunting, we were joined by others that desired a quiet day or had horses being introduced to hunting or were fractious in First or Second Fields. This enjoyable, non-fearful introduction to fox-hunting proved addictive to my three rookie friends. At the close of the meet one of the new-but-not-yet-hunted members had purchased a new horse, the other is contemplating a new mount or some hunt training for her current one and the non-member is now a member of Red Rock Hounds.

What started out as a lark and in my own self-interest to getting back in the saddle may well have started a new idea for introducing and recruiting new participants to the joys of riding to the hounds. Several members of other hunts mentioned they wanted to take the idea of a Leisure Field to their hunt management to consider the idea.

A Leisure Field, or whatever you chose to label it, is an idea for every hunt in need of new members to consider. We have all been new to fox hunting at some point and could've benefitted from a mentoring program to learn all about our new pursuit. Experienced members may have had a horse that needs a gentle introduction to their job of field hunter or, like myself, have an injury where we’ve been banned from the saddle by our medical providers but in need a “hunting fix”. I truly had a delightful time teaching my rookie field members and encouraging them to join us in following the hounds in the future.

Fox Hunting has so many misconceptions. We’re thought of as crazy, running fast, jumping high and traversing through all sorts of treacherous country on a horse that can jump anything. So maybe the “crazy” and “run fast” part is true for some of us. If you want to jump then, yes, your horse would best have that skill. Yet, following the hounds CAN be for the faint of heart! As evidenced by the debut of the Leisure Field we can engage new membership for a whole faction of horse, nature and hound-loving people by offering an introduction that is not overwhelming (ie, frightening!). The Leisure Field is also a superb way to introduce a green horse to the hounds and the hunt or to re-introduce a seasoned horse who is unfit or returning to work after an injury layup.

It just makes so much sense! Too bad I had to break my back to think of it!

It’ll be several more weeks until I can ride again (yes, Ridgecrest was strictly in violation of doctor’s recommendations) but once I’m back in the saddle for good it’ll be even more weeks until I can move back up to First Field. You can be sure during that time I’ll be leading out the Leisure Field every chance I can.

And, even after I'm back up in First Field I’ll happily be the Leisure Field Master occasionally to introduce newcomers to the fun world of Red Rock Hounds. Besides, I like those frequent checks with the Whoopie Wagon!

Tally-Slo!

Photos and Videos:

Pictures from the Leisure Field: http://fieldhaven.phanfare.com/5441275

(photos courtesy of Scout Valentine, Shawn Lloyd and Joy Smith)

Video of our recap of Day 1 at Friday Night's Dinner: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yLJGR1PDoF4&feature=share

Video by Shawn Lloyd: : http://vimeo.com/35175130

The Day That Changed My Life

It really was just meant to be a fun weekend in September 2007 with my sister Jann, good friend, Bev and our horses. We hauled our horses up to Red Rock Hounds north of Reno, NV to participate in a hunter pace – basically a timed trail ride with some fences to jump enroute.

I had no idea how Preston's and my life would change after that weekend. Actually, Preston had no idea his life was changing until about 4 months later......

Jann and I had recently re-connected with a childhood friend from back east. Lynn Lloyd had been in the Reno area for close to 30 years where she had started the “world-famous” Red Rock Hounds in 1980.

We weren’t sure about the actual hunt part, especially me. I didn’t know how my show hunter would take to the exuberance of the hunt field. But what harm could come from a hunter pace?

Well, none actually, unless you consider the radical 180-degree turn my life took at the end of that 8 mile loop up and over the sandy hills and sage brush and through the meadows and streams of the breathtaking Ross Creek Ranch in the Red Rock valley north of Reno. As we galloped across the finish line we could’ve been winning the Triple Crown for all the smiles we had on our faces and the thrill we felt. No, we didn’t win anything in the hunter pace. But we won something much more important that day; the renewing of an old friendship and the introduction to a stunningly exhilarting sport and a group of people that truly feed my soul and heart.

We did join the hunt the next day and, no, my show hunter didn’t grasp the concept very well – or, to be honest, not at all. But in spite of the whirling dervish of a ride Nathan gave me, I knew I had found something I wanted to pursue.

Imagine the indescribable feeling of being one with your horse as you gallop across the landscape (non-horsepeople, you have no idea what you're missing!) that is wide open and virtually free of human habitation. You mingle with wildlife as you go up and down the hills and valleys. The hounds that accompany you are amazing to watch as they work together to cover every inch of ground with their noses looking for that special scent. There’s the sound of horn that is used by huntsman to communicate to the hounds – one person in complete unison with dozens of hounds. Then there’s the coyote that flirts with the hounds – daring them to spot him or catch his scent. And, if they do – the merry chase is on! The hounds break into full bay in pursuit of the clever coyote until he gets bored with the chase and ducks into a hole or leaps to a high perch to lose his scent to the hounds. The “field” of people and horses follow as closely as possible to the hounds. All the while you are sharing this invigorating experience in the company of your closest friends and family.

At the end of the run we all stop to take a breath. The hounds happily gather around the huntsman with big grinning smiles and lolling tongues. The horses catch their breath and take a cool drink. The humans refresh from the flasks we all carry. The camaraderie between the people, horses, hounds, the wildlife and the beauty of the open space is unsurpassed. We love this sport, the wildlife, the hounds and horses and the land that is so special. We are all conscious of the sensitivity to the balance of nature – always careful to minimize our impact where we hunt. Always respectful to the wildlife whose home we are passing through for the day.

Let me clarify something about the term “hunt”. I often receive quizzical and sometimes disapproving looks when I mention that I am an active fox/coyote hunter. Let me be very clear. The term “hunt” is not to be mistaken for “kill”. Perhaps we should modify the terminology to be “chasing” rather than “hunting” as that is much more descriptive and typical of what the sport entails. We are hunting for a scent and the actual physical presence of a coyote (or fox if in other geographical regions) – not with the intention to kill. So, please do not judge my sport by what your assumptions are. Keep an open mind and I think you will find that fox hunters are a group of people whose goals are very much in unison with environmentalists and animal welfare advocates.

Llynn Lloyd, Master of Red Rock Hounds addresses the Fox Hunting naysayers quite eloquently in a recent interview published in The Chronical of the Horse. When asked "If you could sit down with an anti-hunting representative, what's the one thing about your sport you'd want to try and make them understand?" Lynn replied, "That hunting is actually a huge part of our soul as a human being. In general, no matter how deeply it's buried in the mind, we are hunters. And that the fun thing about mounted hunting is that we have all the fun of the chase without necessarily ending the life of the quarry."

This sport that grabbed me has also drawn in my sister Jann, my husband, Preston and several other friends. We are now a family of fox/coyote hunters.

Preston became "hooked" several months later when we went with Red Rock to a joint meet in Ridgecrest, CA. He went along for the ride without a horse. As we were driving home after a fun-filled 4 days he told me that he didn't want to be standing on the ground any longer. It didn't take me long to find him a great mount in Baxter. Less than 6 weeks later he joined his first hunt.

During the past 2 years we have had the priveledge of hunting on some of the most beautiful land in Nevada and California as well as a memorable trip to the traditional hunting territory of Virginia last year.

We are just starting our 3rd year as members of Red Rock Hounds. At the commencement of our 3rd season I found myself on the ground due to a riding injury several days before Opening Day. It's been a long 6 weeks but next week I should be back in the saddle. I can already feel the wind on my face as we take off in pursuit of the hounds......

Tally Ho!!

Red Rock Hounds Triples the Population of Belmont, NV

On December 11 Preston and I and about 15 other members of the Red Rock Hounds from New Jersey to California arrived in Belmont, Nevada. The caravan of 5 horse trailers carrying about 20 horses and more than 40 hounds arrived on Thursday afternoon to warm weather and sunny skies. How the weather can change in just a few short days!

Belmont is a mostly abandoned ghost town right smack in the middle of Nevada. In the late 1800’s Belmont was a booming silver mining with several thousand residents. Today it boasts a whopping population of 7! The town has no phones or electricity. Everything is powered by propane or diesel generator. A satellite phone is available for emergencies. And, I now know firsthand that not even the highest mountain top in the vicinity will produce a cell signal! Talk about getting away from it all.

Amidst the fascinating ruins of stone, brick and wood buildings sits the Belmont Inn and Saloon owned and operated by Henry and Bertie Berg. Henry and Bertie (and everyone else in town for that matter) are wonderful hosts and made us all feel like part of the Belmont Family.

The horses spent the weekend at the Belmont Pack Station. Nick, the owner, has a great lodge and plenty of pasture for the horses. We hunted 2 days right out of the pack station.

The first day we hauled the horses about 10 miles down the dirt roads and hunted our way back to the pack station. The weather was sunny and cool but not cold. We started out by following Master and Huntsman Lynn Lloyd straight up the side of a rocky mountain! Maybe this was Lynn’s way to have everyone “bond” with their horses? After all, we had to put our trust in our mountain goats….er, horses. Grab mane and hang on as we climbed!

The second day we had a Tally Ho just as the hounds were cast. For the better part of the next 2 hours the hounds circled that line around and up and over several mountains. The weather was definitely turning so the game was out and active.

On Saturday evening we had the Red Rock white elephant gift exchange. Lots of great presents with much “swapping” going on but 2 things definitely got the most attention. A wine bottle stopper that featured…..well….legs – let me leave it at that. Then there were those great holiday boxer shorts complete with belled tassels that John Schaefer and Grosvenor Merle-Smith fought over all evening! Grosvenor won out and modeled them quite nicely in the saloon later that night (see the pictures).

Day 3 started at a brisk 7 degrees. But it had warmed up to a relatively balmy 20 by the time we headed out. It was a short hunt that day.

On Monday morning we woke to a beautiful blanket of snow and only 4 degrees. Preston and I were staying in our living quarter trailer which, in spite of running the generator and several heaters non-stop, had ice on some of the inside walls.

After a final hearty breakfast from Bertie we headed out to the pack station to load up the horses and begin the long drive back to Reno. And electricity and cell phones and internet…..oh, yes, back to reality….sigghhh.

Here are links to 2 photo albums from the weekend. The first one is the “full” album of nearly 500 pictures. The second one is a shortened version with pictures mostly of Preston, myself and our wonderful horses, Baxter and Devon. Many of the pictures were taken by Gretchen Pelham, Red Rock member from Knoxville, TN and part-time professional photographer. Please visit Gretchen’s website, Pelham Ponies, for more pictures from the Belmont weekend and other hunting days.

Large album

Smaller album (Preston and Joy)