March 11, 2023 dawned chilly and breezy, but the sun was shining and excitement was high as dozens of horses and riders, as well as spectators gathered at Sherwood Forest for the Closing Meet of Princess Anne Hunt’s 96th season. This date was also the 90th birthday of the late Mrs. Paynie Tyler, a life-long patroness of our Hunt, to whom we will be forever grateful for her generosity and enduring, passionate support. The Tyler family continues to be a vital and treasured part of Princess Anne Hunt and we are so appreciative of their hosting us for Closing Meet. A prayer of remembrance and thanksgiving was offered and a wreath placed in Paynie’s honor.

The morning started with a wonderful Stirrup Cup at the Overseers’ Cottage, featuring delicious savory and sweet canapés, mimosas and port wine. Bonnie Smallwood, Brad Smallwood, Jaime Reid, Dennis and Liz Elwell, Kris Goekeritz, Nijole Bailey, and Brian Gealey passed refreshments to riders and guests, which were much enjoyed.

Two awards for exemplary service to the Hunt were given that morning. The Whitehurst Award, which is given annually to the member who has shown dedication and service to the Hunt over a period of many years, was presented to Katherine Mitchell, our brilliant and hard working President.

The newly christened Mausteller Award commemorates our own retiring MFH, Dee Dee Mausteller, who was an invaluable leader for our hunt for over two decades. This award will be given annually to a staff member who has shown consistent dedication and excellent service to the Huntsman, hounds, and the sport. This year it was presented to Mrs. Allison Harcourt, who has been a member of PAH since the 1970’s and is an irreplaceable asset with her vast experience and knowledge of all things hunting and hounds.

Two riding members were awarded their colors that morning: Mrs. Kris Goeckeritz and Mr. Steve Musso. Well done, and well deserved! Last, but not least, three junior members were presented the MFHA’s Fairly Hunted Award, which is recognizes achievement of youth 16 years old and under, in participating in mounted hunting with hounds at least 5 times during the season. Congratulations to Aly Corbett, Keira Courtney, and John Savage!

Hunting Report:

For the hounds, scenting on this windy day was difficult, and for the staff, hearing the hounds and the huntsman’s horn, was a challenge. As has become customary, when leaving the meet from Sherwood Forest, respects were paid to Paynie Tyler in the family cemetery. Martyn worked the hounds towards Lyon’s Den, and after about 45 minutes, was drawing through the recently cutover timber at Lyon’s Den working the lower ground that was more sheltered from the wind. The hounds found just south of the cutover and were quickly in full cry. But within seconds, the music had been drowned out by the wind – all we could hear was the sound of the tree tops thrashing in the winds. After a false start towards the river, we realized that the quarry – a coyote - had crossed Tyler’s Creek and was headed east towards Fort Pocahontas with the hounds in pursuit. It would be a 3 mile gallop for the field to double back to the crossing and try catch up. By noon, Martyn and staff had checked at Fort P. to collect hounds up together. A couple of hounds were able to stay on the coyote’s trail and were eventually picked up seven miles east at Sandy Point!

Second Flight and Mounted Hilltoppers made their way to the large and sumptuous Tailgate at the entrance to Lions Den where our hunt supporters greeted the field with smiles and refreshments. There were close to 50 spectators braving the wind and enjoying the pageantry. Kudos and many thanks to the organizers and volunteers for that: Sean and Therese O’Grady, Kris Goeckeritz, Vanessa Roselli, Mark Wenger, and so many others.

Meanwhile, back at Fort P., by 12:30, hounds had been gathered, and Martyn hunted back towards home. The hounds found between Sturgeon Point Road and Tyler’s Creek in heavy cover. But again, the wind made it impossible to hear the hounds, and with the thick cover, the quarry soon slipped away. With the wind still blowing hard and conditions difficult, the Masters called it a day and hounds were taken back to the kennels and First flight hacked back to the trailers. A busy day with many miles covered and at least two coyotes viewed.

After returning to the trailers at Sherwood Forest and making the horses warm and comfortable, Jen Martin and Master Travis kept an eye on our horses, so riders could head down the road to Breakfast at Indian Fields Tavern for a lovely catered breakfast. Kris Goeckeritz greeted us at the door; Debbie and Doug Hackman provided a fabulous musical duo, Featherstone and Tiller, that we enjoyed while chatting around the fire pit; drinking libations from the Indian Fields Bar Wagon; and enjoying the delicious buffet provided by owners Debbie and Pat Weller. All in all, it was a wonderful day of good sport and good friends! Here’s to another season!

Please enjoy the photos of Closing Meet and others taken all year long by Joe Svetina and Julia Bowman found at commonwealthartists.net under “Events”.

Thank you Joe and Julia!

On a beautiful day for hunting; riders, horses, hounds and guests gathered on the front field of Evelynton Plantation for a delightful stirrup cup to start the day off.  All moved off as Huntsman Martyn Blackmore hunted some of Evelynton Plantation and continued on to the Ruffins Big Buckland. Car followers witnessed with perfect views of the days hunt from the topside of all the rolling fields of Big Buckland.

An abundant tailgate with lavish foods and drink adorned in silver was set up by the amazing event team of Steve and Merri Musso, Katherine Mitchell, Brett Whitsitt, Kim and Mark Burnett, Natasha and Brian Gaeley, Emily and Ed Pease, Vanessa Roselli, Brett, Gen Hahn, Kathy Huntsinger, Mary Stuart and "Leroy" the fox, Mary Pugh, and Amy and Kenzie Zydel. Many thanks for such a great team effort making the day delightful.

The hunt joined the tailgate on their way home . Then back to Evelynton for another extravagant potluck breakfast to top the wonderful day. No one went home hungry or thirsty.

Thanks to PAH and Cedarview farm for sponsoring the stirrup cup and tailgate. Much gratitude extended to our landowners Jeanine Hinson and the Ruffins.

And the Tyler family for sharing their family history with Princess Anne Hunt members and guests. Each tour was at capacity and all guests were thrilled to learn anecdotes about President Tyler; stories about  the enslaved who supported the family; information about an 1842 foxhunt and breakfast; a view from the back patio that used to be of the river a mile away; information about Fannie, the enslaved woman who took care of the president's 15 children, beautiful portraits of the president, and our own Harrison, Paynie, William and Kay;  a good ghost story; and more.

Thank you William and Kay Tyler for inviting us in!

The Tally Ho Ho Ho on December 10th was a huge success!

Ninety attendees either on horseback, walking, side by sides, horse drawn carriages, and cars followed along Christmas caroling at five homes and the Vineyard. We started out at Doug & Debbie Hackman’s home then made our way through the trail to Jim & Mandy Peterson’s, Bill and Diane Nordt’s, Tom & Julie Waitman’s served Hot Chocolate, Shirley Plantation where Charles & Lauren Carter served hot cider & cookies, and lastly Upper Shirley Vineyard where Santa Clause, patrons, and Suzy Dameron came out to greet us while we sang Christmas carols to them.

Back to the Hackman’s home for a wonderful breakfast river side. The Eggnog contest was tasty. Doug & Debbie’s recipe from Venezuela won first place, Robin Daniel’s came in second, and Ed Mitchell’s third place.

We had a little incident with Hackman’s horse carriage and an attendees car but Farm Bureau Insurance taking care of everything.

This was one of the best attended events and fun was had by all!! Thank you all for attending and for making the holidays so much more fun!!!

See more pictures from the festivities here: Tally Ho Ho Ho Gallery

The puppies had a great day of training Saturday at the Beechland Preserve. Many in attendance witnessed our hounds and puppies chasing foxes up close and personal, as we spent the morning foxhunting on foot. Thank you to our puppy sponsors who donated more than $1800 for the hounds: Mary Finney, Lisa Langenhennig, Kathy and Mark Giewant, Jeanine Hinson, Ed and Katherine Mitchell, Merri and Steve Musso, Christel and Doug Stanley, Tim Watson, and, of course, Jerel Johnson who sponsored the "best in show" for the day, Mischief.

And thank you, Jerel, for sharing your winnings with PAH! Kris G donated a delicious homemade breakfast buffet of soups and entrees with help from The Awesome Event Committee which included coordinator Merri Musso, Helen Bingham, Kathy Giewant, Lisa Langenhennig, Allison Harcourt, Theresa Gregory, Jeanine Hinson, Tim Watson. Thank you all for your hard work! Out of 8 total entries, the flask contest was won resoundingly by Sue Blackmore (Recipe coming next week). Anne Wilson Gregory won 2nd place with her Thanksgiving Margarita, and will end our enews with that recipe.

Thanksgiving Margarita,  Anne Wilson Gregory

To make ONE single margarita:

2 ounces apple cider

1.5 ounces pear nectar

1.5 ounces gold tequila

1 ounce triple sec

Cinnamon stick garnish (Pete Sweet discovered that it enhances flavor if cinnamon stick steeps a bit)

Coat rim of glass in simple sugar liquid first; then press into cinnamon sugar.

 Click on the image to see more photos!

For more info on the VA Fall Hunter Pace Series:

Princess Anne Hunt loves the landowners who make the tradition of foxhunting possible in this region. As an enthusiastic partner in helping to preserve the historic character of Charles City, we are sharing with you some of the events that these special properties offer year-round. We hope these experiences will give you an even deeper appreciation for where we are privileged to ride.

Rivers Rest Marina & Resort--Visit Yogi Singh and team's resort where you can spend the weekend at the Inn; dine at the Blue Heron Restaurant; or enjoy the marina and amenities--all on the Chickahominy River.

Sherwood Forest--Plan to join us for a PAH member tour of Sherwood Forest led by Kay and William Tyler's daughter Frances on the afternoon of Sunday, January 8th. This tour will be inclusive of stories, recently researched by Frances, of the enslaved who lived there.

Historic Shirley-Check out their website HERE for a full calendar of of unique themed tours that Charles and Lauren Carter have put together, including Haunted Tours until Halloween; a Veterans Day tour; Sunset Tours, Holiday Candlelight tours, and more.

Upper Shirley Vineyard- Enjoy delicious wine at Suzy Dameron and son Tayloe's Upper Shirley Vineyard while listening to live music on Saturdays and Sundays through the end of the year from 12-3 pm. Special events will include an Artisan Market on Black Friday and Santa Brunch on 12/17 and 12/18. Event details and info about their new wine club are on the website HERE.

Historic Westover- You've perhaps enjoyed the grounds at Westover for Boxing Day and other hunts with Rob and Andrea Erda and Fred and Muschi Fisher. Consider bringing guests year-round to enjoy the grounds and gardens. They are open daily, 10am – 4:30pm. Admission is a small donation at the entry gate. Tours are Thursday, Oct 27 at 12:30pm and Friday, Oct 28 at 11am or you can schedule an interior tour by emailing Andrea at aerda@historicwestover.com.

The Festival of Foxhunting was a terrific success with almost 100 members and guests in attendance.

The morning began cool and bright then warmed up for all to enjoy the beginnings of autumn and a lively hound walk with Huntsman Martyn Blackmore and Sue Blackmore sharing with many of us who joined for their morning constitutional! Entertaining and educating us with facts about the history of foxhounds, training and introducing us to many of the super friendly hounds all wagging their sterns eagerly to engage with their supporters! Members were invited to join them for a hound walk (with or without their horse) on most days at 8 am. They just need 24 hour notice that you are coming.

Not only was this a fun and festive day, but an educational one as well! Merri Musso of Cedarview Farms and Allison Harcourt shared tips and help on getting both your horse and the rider ready for the season. She’s published a recent article outlining much of what was covered, you can read the full article on the  PAH website.

Several vendors participated this year. Special thanks to Dreamshine, Greyhorse Tack, Fox Chasers and Ascent Equine Therapies for bringing their best deals to the Festival and helping get us all fitted and ready for the season! And a shout out to new PAH primary vendor Company Casuals who debuted their PAH logo apparel  –all of which can be found on our website.

The highlight of the afternoon was our guest Huntsmen and Hounds! Martyn Blackmore shared insights and history, answered questions with humor and wisdom! Special guests and fellow breeders highlighted other hound breeds. We all enjoyed meeting Kami Bitting of De La Brooke Foxhounds with her Penn-Marydel Foxhounds; Charlotte Buttrick of Farminton Beagles and Jeff Eickler with his wonderful Bassett Hounds.

Many thanks to the Festival of Foxhunting Team--Sue and Martyn Blackmore, Courtenay Cohen, Mary Finney, Theresa Gregory, Allison Harcourt, Merri Musso, Angie Pfeiffer, Claudia Sands, Cynthia Long-Porter, Christine Sweet, Mark Wenger--and for Master Travis Gibson who served as coordinator.

Everyone received a Hunt Season booklet which was put together by Merri Musso and Marcy Molinaro and beautifully designed by Amy Zydel of eXpoBranders. This booklet we hope will serve as a reference for you all year so you can easily access updated contact information for leadership and as well as information about attire, etiquette in the field, membership and more.

A special shout out to the many advertisers! Be sure to thank them and patronize their businesses when you can. Additionally, members received their printed membership directory. If you were not able to join us, Honorary Secretary Cynthia Long-Porter will be mailing out these items to members and landowners soon.

Here are just a few reminders to help  get both you and your horse prepared for the upcoming Hunt Season which begins Saturday, October 1 with Member Cubbing.  When you and horse are properly appointed, it makes for a safer, more enjoyable Hunt and  shows respect for yourself, the landowner, the Masters, and the traditions of foxhunting.  Waiting for the leaves to fall is too late!

Rider

Time to cut down on those summer sweets and umbrella drinks and get some core and cardio-vascular exercise. If we expect our horses to be fit, so should we. Biking,  jogging, and walking out hounds at kennels (8 am most mornings!)  are all a wake-up call to those muscles in summer mode. Yoga and pilates help strengthen the core and improve balance and flexibility. Check your hunt clothes and make sure they are clean, buttons and stitching are good and appropriate to fit your fabulous figure. Check out the attire section of the website HERE for reminders of what attire is appropriate for Cubbing Season beginning October 1, and the Formal Season beginning November 12.

Horse

Time to get those marvelous steeds out of the field and back to work. Think of what problems you may have had last season and address them. Call the vet and get a checkup (teeth, shots, coggins, worming) and a lameness evaluation. Often, those attitude problems can be attributed to pain. Clean them up by pulling mane, trim, and get shoes. You should be riding AT LEAST 2x a week. Best fitness for horse and rider is trotting. Incorporate hills, ditches, water crossings, and jumping gymnastics. Break up your riding routine (whether on trails or ring) into 3 equal portions of warm-up, training and cool down.

Doing these suggestions will make for a more enjoyable hunt season for both horse and rider. Remember: the outside of the horse is good for the inside of the person!

Tack

Time to get that green mold off the tack and check for weak points and stitching. Make sure your saddle and girth fit your horse correctly and make adjustments due to weight changes. Correctly adjust your bridle and bit to your horse's needs. Thoroughly give your tack a good cleaning and oiling before the season starts. Cleaning your tack well now, makes for easier regular cleaning after each hunt. And don’t forget to get a thorough inspection of your horse trailer—where you store your tack to and from each meet!--so that you and your horse are sure to arrive safely.

HUNT SEASON PREP CHECKLIST

Rider:

-Exercise-bike, yoga, jog, walk out hounds

-Hunt clothes-clean, buttons, stitching and fit

-Make sure that your membership dues payment is current. Contact Treasurer Tim Watson with questions at tdwatson2@gmail.com

-Fill out waiver which you can find HERE on the website

-Send waiver to Hunt Secretary Cynthia Long-Porter at cpirate04@yahoo.com or give to her at the Festival of Foxhunting on 9/25.

Horse:

-Vet checkup-teeth, shots, coggins, worming, lameness

-Clean up-mane, trim, shoes

-Exercise-AT LEAST 2x a week trotting hills, water, ditches, jumps

Tack:

-Check weak points, stitching

-Adjust bridle, bit and saddle

-Thoroughly clean and oil

-Inspect horse trailer, check tires, etc.

-Purchase a shiny red ribbon for your horse’s tail, if he/she kicks

Merri Musso is a professional horsewoman, riding instructor and foxhunter of more than 50 years. Based in Mathews, Virginia, she has been a member of PAH since 2018 and currently serves as Vice President on the PAH Board of Directors.