Princess Anne Hunt's 97th formal season began with Opening Meet on Saturday, November 11th at Sherwood Forest, home of President John Tyler. Veterans were honored by Colonel Claudia Sands, USAF (retired) and Chaplain Tim Porter who gave the Blessing of the Hounds before mounting his horse to enjoy the day's hunt. Riders wore poppy lapel pins in honor of veterans present, as well as past.

The cold early morning and the forecast high temperature in the 60’s, promised for a good day of hunting. Special occasion meets don’t usually yield great sport; however, eventually a fox was viewed, and hollered away, across Mariwood drive, away from the river and towards Mapsico creek. All the hounds opened on the line and a chase ensued. Unfortunately, field members were not able to follow the fast disappearing pack and headed back to the Lyon’s Den tailgate.

Our hosts William and Kay Tyler joined us for the day, along with Harrison Tyler, the grandson of President Tyler, for his 95th birthday.  About 45 riders hunted that day and 100 guests attended the Stirrup Cup and Tailgate.  Breakfast was catered by Defazio's Catering and an almond amaretto birthday cake was made by Robin Daniels. All were organized by the Opening Meet event team: Bonnie and Brad Smallwood; Terri Shiffer and David Howard; Elaine Honeycutt; Christine Sweet; Cynthia and Tim Porter and the Sherwood Forest team. Many thanks to them!

Photographs of the day were taken by Julia Bowman and Joe Svetina of Commonwealth Artists who have some posted in the gallery at princessannehunt.com and have posted professional quality photos for purchase on their website HERE.