by Sue Blackmore, Professional Whipper-in
Fourteen Virginia hunts enthusiastically agreed to host a meet, in their home countries, for this annual event of consecutive days of hunting – and technically it was two weeks - with the final meet being November 7th.
Unfortunately, PAH huntsman, Martyn Blackmore, had incurred a most debilitating torn hamstring injury whilst hunting two weeks prior to our meet. He made a few phone calls and secured Tim Michel, Bull Run Huntsman, as a substitute to hunt the PAH hounds off of staff horse, Windsor.
Tim rose to the challenge and did an outstanding job! It was a testament to Martyn’s dedicated training and care of his hounds which allowed them to easily and seamlessly accept, listen, and adhere to an unknown huntsman’s leadership and guidance.
They found on the first draw, opening on a coyote, which ran out of country, crossing Route 5 after giving the field a good run. The warm, dry day, with heavy leaf fall, led to a challenging scenting day, but 12½ couple of hounds worked extremely well, and hounds (and staff) diligently persevered. After all available country was drawn, and with the temperature fast rising, hounds were soon at a loss and the decision to end the day was nearly called when they found again. Either a fresh coyote or the original one caught on his way home, and the entire pack ran this one all the way back to the mighty James river. A great end to the over 3-hour day. All hounds were on before arriving back at the trailers, for which Tim was most thankful! This allowed every participant to partake of a fabulous breakfast in the cool cellar of Dogham Farm.
Visitors from other hunts greatly enjoyed our scenic territory on the river, and getting to stay close to hounds to see them work. According to a hardcore group of Virginia hunters who attended every meet, Princess Anne had the best hospitality, friendliest people, and best post-hunt socializing!