Bull Run Hunt

The Pot and Kettle fixture has not been on my list of "The best fixtures at Bull Run Hunt" because it has been too wet, too small and you can't get around very well, due to the lack of trails.

We fixed this last summer by cutting trails through the woods from the "pines" back to the pastures behind Bruce Williams' farm house. We also added over 600 acres of rolling crop and pasture land which is high and dry. On top of that we built a half dozen fences to take us over the barbed wire. This set the stage for some fun yesterday.

About 20 of us met at 9:00 AM and immediately roaded the hounds up the gravel road and down the Williams farm lane, past the house and over the coop at the run. From there Billy cast them across the cattle pastures and hay fields. Nothing much at first, except it was a treat to see the hounds all spread out and working to find scent.

After jumping several of the new coops we came to the one into the Sunflower field. My horse Shannon was first and she took it beautifully. I was in a lovely two point, hoping that Douglas Lees or Jake Carl would be on the other side with a camera. I had forgotten the ditch, one stride after the jump. It was filled with water and Shannon was very surprised! As she landed, she lowered her head to look at it and then stopped dead.

When I got up off the ground (I had just missed landing in the water), I quickly climbed back on and we took off after the hounds who were only a little way ahead. This means that the bottle of Sandeman Vintage Porto 1994 which I was planning to sip with some Stilton in the evening, will now have to be donated to the Hunt Bar. Of course, I'll decant it into a screw cap bottle of Sheffield, so no one will feel that BRH has gotten too aristocratic.

On we went. Charlie Selby and the Second Field viewed in the pasture. It was a big red dog fox without much of a white tip but plenty healthy. Hounds found the fox in the woods and ran him all the way out to the Winston Road where they lost him in the swamp. Billy picked up the hounds and then drew the power line leading into Gordon Kincheloes' farm.

They found another fox behind Hackley's, (whose kenneld coon hounds joined in the chorus from behind their chain linked fence), and ran him through the woods. We galloped through the rocky crossing of Buck Run, down the woods trail, over the log into the field and lickety split up to the School Bus, over the coop and then the rails into the back pasture. There we found the hounds still running in the woods towards the pines. Lots of cry and they were pretty much all together. They put him to ground somewhere in the center of the pines.

The last fox was found near the Winston Road. He ran all the way back to Williams', through the pastures, past the corn, through the soy beans and was headed for Rte. 15 when he decided to go to ground behind the house on the hill. Billy blew him in and we all rode back to the meet feeling proud of our hounds and ourselves. Clyde and his buddies were there at the end with the pick-up truck pointing right where the fox went to ground. A pretty good day.

2005 Virginia Performance Trials
      Rappahannock and Bull Run Hunts teamed up to host the 2005 Performance Hound Trials on March 23rd & 24th. The huntsman for the trial was former huntsman of BRH, Tony Leahy. "What a nice guy" was the most often comment from the field every day. Judges were Dennis Foster, Liz McKnight, Epp Wilson and George Thomas. Participating hunts were Rappahannock, Bull Run, Rockbridge and Deep Run Hunt.
    Bull Run ended up with the most points, followed by Deep Run. What a great bunch of hounds! Bull Run's Michael ended up winning the entire trials, and everyone was trying to take some kind of credit for his prowess. Michael, Ripley, Sheila, Talon, Siren, Farmer and Teasel represented Bull Run and Billy's training very well.
      The trials started off with a bang with a dinner party at the newly furnished Bull Run Hunt Clubhouse. Great food, drinks and good company! What more could you ask for? The trials started at The Hill on a very rainy Wednesday morning. It did not dampen the spirits of all involved, and Tony had the hounds workin' it right away. Got on, got wet and rode hard. The breakfast following was wonderful, and many folks accepted Larry Levy's hospitality and stood around the wood stove for a bit. Thursday, the weather cleared and the hounds and field started from Muckamoor. This was a go! day, and the field was out for over 5 hours. The hounds at one point got on a run and crossed route 15 into territory we haven't seen for ages. Another great breakfast and then all of the tired hounds, horses and riders headed out. Anyone who missed the performance trials really missed a treat!

Huntin’ Tradition
(words by Judy Berger, performed in earnest by
Billy, Carl, Rosie & Judy
sung to the music of “Family Tradition” by Hank, Jr.)

Vir-gin-i-a Tech Hokies
Include a few guys named Joe
But there’s no Hokie out there
Quite like Kincheloe.
Sit back ‘n listen up
Control your an-ti-ci-pation
For all we know this could become
An ole Bull Run tradition.

We wanna know, Uncle, why do you hunt?
Why do you chase fox?
Why must you run your horse to the nearest mountain top?
Over and over, you tell of ditches in I-re-land.
Now we gotta hear
Of your partying time in the Aiken sun and sand.

I am very proud of my daddy’s name,
Although his kinda ridin’ and mine aren’t exactly the same.
He thinks I’m just a loser
Pullin’ olives from my belly button
But what he don’t know is I’m a real estate pro
On a mansion-sellin’ mission.

So tell us Joe, oh, why do you drink?
Why ya hate the ‘hoos?
Why do all the women ride your horses better than you?
Bring out your finest Early Times
‘Cause we know you like the brown liquor.
Let’s raise a toast to your cribbin’ ole horse that
We all know as Vicker.

Now Joe kisses all the ladies, but won’t let ‘em hunt in red.
And don’t expect a change ‘til ole Uncle is cold and dead!
And when my horse looses traction
Don’t blame it on weather conditions.
It’s the goose shit coming from out of the sky from the
Birmingham militia.

So tell us Joe, why do you raise goats?
Why do you shoot skeet?
Why must you wear dressage queen boots to every meet?
Stop and think it over
How your ways affect our position.
It’s a serious thing what you’re doin’ to huntin’
With your Kincheloe traditions!

THE BULL RUN HUNT - HUNTER PACE
12 NOON Sunday February 20th, 2005
Birmingham Farm, Culpeper Virginia
Races include:
            The Bull Run Hunt Trotting Cup
            The Durant Pace
            The Culpeper Open Pace
            The Devil's Run Flat Pace.
Entries for the Durant Pace close at 11 am Monday, Fenruary 14th. Others may be entered on race day. Fees are $15 for the trotting Cup, others, $30 per pair. For information, call:
        Travis White at 703-866-0507.
            To enter the Durant Pace, call
        Central Entry at 703-777-2575.
Directions to Birmingham Farm:
          From Culpeper, take Route 29 South for about 4 miles. Take a right onto Route 740 (Birmingham Road - Look for the Reva Volunteer Fire Department) and follow all the way back until you see the 2 pillars, marked Birmingham Farm. Cross over two cattle guards and continue on the driveway until you see the trailers.
     Everyone is welcome! Come out watch, ride, coach, and cheer.

The Down South Trip 05- January 30th thru February 7th proved to be lots of fun and very well attended. Members from Mississippi and Texas as well as Virginia met for the annual down south joint meet. At least 16 hardy Bull Run Hunters attended, and were met at Belle Meade by Bull Runners from Mississippi, Gayden Parker, Robin Lee and David Fortenberry. The weather was great and at our first stop, George and Jeanne were their (un)usual charming selves. It is always a fun time hunting with Why Worry Hounds. Bull Run was accused of needing nothing more than a fender to have a party and we sure had plenty of fenders on all of the horse trailers used to transport horses to the meets. As the name suggests there is nothing to worry about while hunting. The food was great, especially Susan and Chris's Mom's cheese coffeecake and everything Mary Wade brought - Barbecue, shrimp, oyster stew, coleslaw and much more. After a late night with George and other bad influences, Jerrie Wade was heard to comment about Joe Kincheloe: "Can he possibly feel as bad as he looks?" There were many stories about the dancing going around, including Carl Kincheloe's flips of Judy, Rosie, Kristin and Terry (at the same time Carl?) on the dance floor, and Billy and Carl's "Rocky Top Stomp," a must see for next year. Joe was very glad to have the revelers wake him to read him a bedtime story so that he got a good night's sleep.
       There was a minor catastrophe, as Nicolle and Spencer were thought to have lost their $3,000,000+ cow dog, "Hank". All was well after help from the local hot rod car enthusiasts, and a few tender calls from Nicolle.
          The Aiken Drag is a charming group of folks that hunt a very special fixture called the Hitchcock Woods. Extremely well groomed trails and jumps that could be jumped two or more abreast. Chris Allen looked a bit out of breath after chasing Rosie and Judy around the course.   After a quick bite to eat at the Track Kitchen, the hack over to the meet on sand roads with traffic lights is a good way to start a hunt. I don't believe my horse stepped in mud over his horseshoes the entire time while in Aiken, even with a rain day. Joe and Paul attempted to impress all with their accounts of the ditches they jumped in Ireland by pointing to various ditches along the way. 30 feet wide by about 30 feet deep was about right they said. You won't believe what happened at Belle Meade Hunt, very gracious folks, and, on our first time out, a coyote run for 1 hour and 5 minutes over terrain sculpted by an earlier ice storm. Pine trees bent over swollen creeks provided jumping opportunities for only the handiest of hunters. Judy could have said finding a coyote there is definitely not anything like "finding a needle in a haystack." Jean Dearing was heard to say that Joe Kincheloe's grey horse was a "great coyote horse, but must not be much for foxes." An armadillo chased Carl down the trail, but he was saved by the alert Belle Meade staff. I am not sure what significance the Baptist church sign read "Church Parking Only - violators will be baptized" could have been useful for any of us. Even those with made horses. Jerrie Wade truly had the perfect horse for Belle Meade as his horse is named "Thompson Street." Billy and Rosie and Judy impressed all with their hunting skills.
         Billy was able to trade a few hounds. He was heard to mention that he was " just glad someone wanted one of his hounds", and of course was very modest about his hound Sailor leading the way for a good run.
         Cathy and Carmen had to head back to VA to get ready for the Bull Run Hunt Point to Point kickoff meeting. We appreciate their sacrifice for going back early as well as everything else they do! Next year they promise to stay the whole time, so we will have to schedule the trip earlier.
         The last two hunts at Belle Meade were amazing! Each day ended with a hot meal at their fancy clubhouse. Even Sandra Worsham's horse was tired after several days in a row of hunting.
            The Belle Meaders may be making a trip up to Bull Run in March. (Better start working on our manners now!). Jerrie Wade made Irish coffees for the whole group while we watched the Super Bowl before everyone got a good nite's rest before the trip home. The Irish coffees were much better than the Super Bowl. What a great trip, and can't wait till next year!
       This report represents what happened during the day..... Check with anyone else that made the trip for the adventures after 10:00 PM until 3:00 or sometimes 4:00 in the morning. You can be proud your hunt was well represented and had great hounds too!

2004 Stories

Christmas Inside Judy's Head!
T’was the night before Christmas, and all through the kennel
The hounds were all screaming, making Billy go mental.
The bridles were hung next to saddles with mud,
As the hunt day’s slop fell off with a thud.
The fox cubs were nestled all snug in their dens,
Dreaming of the hounds they’d like to offend.
But all were quite tired from the day’s endless race,
Horse, hound and fox had a grand winter chase.
When out of the kitchen Sara thought she smelled smoke
She ran through the house only to find three dopes...
It was Carl and Walter and Billy makes three.
They’d come home drunk from the hunt Christmas party.
“Get out of my house!” Sara raised her voice
“You’ll wake up the baby with all this noise!”
She sent them away, leaving Billy to reflect
And that’s when he saw it… what he’ll never forget!
Screeching through the sky in four wheel drive
Was a tan Chevrolet driven by St. Clyde.
It was pulled by a biddable screaming pack of hounds
As is circled the sky and made its rounds.
“Now Warlord, now Michael,
Now Sailor and Midnight
Hunt closer together and keep the pack tight!”
“On Lilac, on Music,
On Hilda and Hazel
Keep your nose down, ‘cause this sport is nasal!”
“To the top of the coop and clear the stone wall,
Now Tally Ho! Tally Ho! Tally Ho all!”
Now Billy boy just couldn’t believe his eyes
As he watched Clyde and his hounds race through the sky.
They’d never hunted so skillfully before.
What was Clyde’s trick if he didn’t drive a Ford?
The back of Clyde’s truck started moving and shaking
From the raucous inside that someone was making.
Then out poked a head; it was Joe Kincheloe…
St. Clyde’s little elf, helping the show!
Suddenly Clyde’s truck came to a halt
And a pit crew appeared as if there was asphalt.
It was Rosie, Katie, Judy, Greg and Dick,
Changing tires, gassing up and cracking their whips.
Then off and running, the hounds would chase more,
After all, in this dream there were foxes galore!
There were so many, the chase would never end.
As one fox went to ground another came in.
Just when he thought he had lost it all
The squelch on his radio started to call.
He was awakened from his dream by a crackling below
It was Charlie on the radio, saying “where are you Joe?”
He tossed the damn thing out into the yard,
And thought he heard something in the sky afar.
It sounded like Clyde, and Joe Kincheloe, too…
“Happy Hunting to all and to all a good view.”
Respectfully written and submitted by Judy Berger

It is Joe's Birthday...... Again!

Folks at Joe's age begin to receive monthly checks from the government. As you can imagine, not even the government expected to be paying Joe simply for returning the same air that he just inhaled.
Speaking of exhaling, Joe was breathing a little easier last Saturday after Nicholle Villers towed his truck and trailer out of the mud at Muckamore. Yeah, Joe apparently parked uphill and not even his four wheel drive truck could overcome his poor planning. Joe was able to keep it a secret for about as long as it took for someone to get cell service. Planning seems to be the key to foxhunting. Happy Birthday Joe! (Joe's birthday is December 23).

December 6th - The Kennels - 10:00 AM
By Gordon Smith: Every day out hunting is a good day. But some days are very special and today was one of them. We met at the kennels in the drizzle and light rain. This quickly stopped and the sky remained overcast with the footing a little slippery but not too bad. After crossing the road in front of the kennels, we drew in and around the Peacock Barns, then into the cornfield and then into the Pines. Hounds were spread out and all had their noses down. Lots of scent but no fox. Suddenly a holler from Judy B. who viewed a big red leaving the Pines from the bottom and running out across the pasture toward the Rifle Range. We followed Billy at a gallop, through the Pines, over the coop at the end and then right handed into the pasture, over Cedar Run with huge splashes of water everywhere. I jumped the coop going out onto the farm road, followed by Bridget. We were in too much of a hurry to take the rider down, so it was a rather big jump. Carla's horse hit the rider with his front leg, lost his balance and fell on the other side. As he was getting up he managed to step on Carla a little. We pulled up, caught the horse and went back to where Carla was getting up from the muddy ground. She hadn't hit her head and was ok except for a bruised arm and ribs. We ponied her horse back to the Kennels and picked her up in Billy's truck. In the meantime the hounds had followed the fox past the Rifle Range and out into the corn/bean fields which had mostly been picked. After several loops he headed across the Kennel Road and over into Dr. Gilbert's fields. From there he ran down the run by the Thin Horse Farm and the hounds lost him in the stickers behind the Kennels. Bridget and I rejoined during the check after sending Carla home in her truck. It was quite a good run but the best was yet to come. We set out again, across the road, through the Peacock Barns and this time went up the hill above the Pines and through Clyde's gate. We cast south along the Mountain above Kobeg's and on to Cedar Mountain Farm. We were in the woods above Kraus's when Rosie's whoop signaled a view at the top of the Mountain. Billy picked the hounds up and rode for the top. They soon struck the line and took off down the west side of the Mountain toward the Bone Yard. All hounds on and making the most wonderful cry you've ever heard. We followed at a gallop, slithering down the steep trail and then at the bottom, turning left toward Maple Lawn. We were able to keep by staying in the field while the hounds were running through the woods. It was a wonderful sight to see them with their noses down, screaming through the trees. On we went. Past the Maple Lawn corn fields, through the fence and into Mike Long's Preserve. Mike has done a wonderful job of bush hogging and opening up the old hay fields. The fox made two circles here and then headed South toward the Robinson River. We were now galloping over old bean and corn fields which had been harvested. We treated it like a race course in order to keep up. Down the farm lane, past the house and barns (Mr. Peacock?) and out over more corn fields. Now we were approaching Horse Shoe Farm where we have permission to retrieve hounds but not to hunt there. We all turned into Whips trying to stop hounds. Actually, there was truth to this as Billy wanted to stop them before they got into Horse Shoe and their cattle. Fortunately, that tired fox found an earth in a little covert just this side of Horse Shoe and we were able gather them up with no trouble. Now that was a foxhunt. Gordon

The Day we Outran the Train.
     Muckamoor November 20, 2004 seemed like a normal day. A bit warm for the locals and looked like rain... So Joe Kinceloe decided that rain gear was appropriate as he has been fighting a cold for several days and would not let us forget it. Some wet days prior to the meet caused very wet mud. I guess wet mud is still mud only deeper.
         Before I go any further please be advised that the ABC store is located in the South Gate shopping center next to Safeway in Culpeper. This little tidbit of information will be useful later in this report.
          Enough of that thought for now. Several distinguished guests joined the regulars including Shack Shackerford, a well known attorney, and David Chewning, brother of Emily Chewning. Wigs and Rosalie were passing thru from Connecticut on their way to North Carolina and decided to stop and view the spectacle. The list can go on forever. Charlie Selby arrived as Joe began the list of announcements so he got to ride in the first field on a beautiful grey horse. Judy Berger was remanded to car topping because of some lame excuse from her doctor. Kristin Ford had a red leg wrap over her boot on her left knee which everyone noticed. She alleges it had something to do with deer hunting protection. And boy did it work we rode up on some deer hunters and they surrendered immediately. We are still waiting for her to confess exactly what happened at the hill on Thursday to cause her to have a red leg wrap on her knee. Suffice it to say that she arrived at this meet toting a fresh bottle of Baileys Irish Cream.
      Foot steps to cover the pasterns of a large horse is not news at Muckamoor. When the horse sinks in the mud to the hocks it would be of concern to the inexperienced foxhunter, but not this hearty crowd. After working the corn fields and pastures, Billy took the hounds across the railroad tracks to the fox hotel and into the area that had been timbered recently. Note: When Joe asks if everyone has paid their dues before announcing that a train is coming, you may want to kick on as they say.
After successfully negotiating the railroad tracks and galloping past the fox hotel. the going got deep. With horses sinking to belly depth in the thick mud, it was a real challenge to keep one's horse from tipping over. Judy Berger was seen attempting to capture some of the jumps on film. As we are all aware, especially David Chewning , with anyone watching it is especially difficult to prevent accidents. Not to mention taking pictures while jumping.
      One of the fellows from Texas found the going so deep that an involuntary dismount was necessary as we galloped down a trail. No other explanation is available at this time. Hence the reference to the ABC above.
     Spencer thought that falling off looked like so much fun he tried a fall himself and found that it is more fun to watch than to participate. Nicole was heard saying to Spencer " What kind of bronc rider are you anyway????". We can only assume this is a term of endearment in Arizona.
     Martha Thompson was a lifesaver. Upon return to the trailers, Martha had hot beef stew and biscuits ready to soothe the wounded feeling as well as the derrière of certain riders.
        Travis Toms returned with the hounds and some how lost control of his horse. Travis was seen leading his horse by the tail. The horse did not seem to understand this new method of leading so he dragged Travis by the field hoping for an explanation. We had no explanation to offer the horse except to say keep on walking and run if necessary to stay ahead of your master.
      A list of those who owe to the cropper's fund will be published here and there will be no hostages! Suffice it to say there will be a great Christmas party so far. The elite group of those that have fallen off has exceeded those that that have not this season.

Veterans Day is a Holiday!
      But you could not prove it by Gordon Smith's attire on Thursday Nov. 11, 2004 at Indian Trace. This day will go down in history as a day to remember. Gordon arrived improperly attired and failed to bring any sort of back up garb! After untold hours of lectures by Bull Run president and part time Field master Gordon Smith, it was payback time. Mr. Smith along with Judy Allen arrive at least thirty minutes early in their smart looking tweed jackets and freshly polished brown boots. Gordon was even sporting a sober looking tie when he was greeted by a crowd of on lookers. Everything was correct except the calendar! It didn't take Gordon long to realize what had gone terribly wrong. After scrambling to find words to explain his predicament and considering what he may have in his trailer, Gordon conceded "Ok you got me!" No further explanation was necessary as the crowd of thirty or so cheered.
      Joe Kincheloe, MFH and Field master graciously excused Gordon's attire. And after considering the predicament that his good friend Gordon was in, instructed all other members of the field and staff to don a tweed coat and brown boots if possible. Heeding the masters appeal, people hastily retreated to their trailers to change outfit. The word spread quickly. And even the people that arrived after Gordon were in ratcatcher dress. Joe could see the shame on Gordon's face. The utter embarrassment was enough to cause Joe to put on a tweed coat and help Gordon feel more comfortable in his moment of humiliation.
          For all of the slobs that just show up to gallop across the countryside and chase after hounds it was a moment to remember. If dressing for a foxhunt was an Olympic event, this would be the day David beat Goliath.
         The field of fifty or so clambered over the first coop to leave the pasture where trailers were parked. Down some trails and over to the back of Rosie's the field proceeded orderly. The field master was quoted as saying he had never been in this area before. Translated that means that he was lost. From the back of the field a person could hear the hounds open and the chase was on. It was fast and over varied terrain including fields, hills, trails and asphalt paving. The chase continued for quite a while with no mishaps to report. At the end of the long gallop Joe stopped to take inventory of his field and declared that all present were true foxhunters as that is as fast and furious as it gets. The field was busy gasping for air as everyone knew that Joe would be off and running again if the hounds struck.

They had a bartender in a tuxedo at the breakfast on Saturday the 6th of November. Jerry and Merideth Wade talked Joanne Norman and Sandra Worsham into forming a group to host a breakfast at the new clubhouse. Offerings included crab soup, fried oysters, boiled shrimp, deviled eggs, and a whole assortments of desserts. One person stopped by and asked what we were doing just to get an invite to the feast.

Yeah, It was raining when we arrived at the hill on 11/4/2005.....
   Knowing that Bull Run Hunt goes out in any kind of weather, it was no surprise that folks in two wheel drive trucks were sliding in with wheels spinning thru the heavy rain and across the slick grass at the Hill. Kathy Marco arrived horseless. Some question was raised, as teams of strategists huddled in trucks, as to the concern that people driving by may believe we could be mentally challenged. Kelly Corbin ended the discussion stating "Anybody not out today. is done huntin anyway" That, being the definitive answer to hunting in the rain, was enough for me.
    With less than five minutes to "ground zero", the rain stopped and some said the sun was about to come out. Did I mention it was a bit cold as well? I could just imagine how nice it would be if the sun came out and I was caught on horseback at the best fixture in the best place in the world.
     Not even Joe Kincheloe had much hope for this day. But he was determined to make us have fun and maintain our lead in the race for the record for going out more than any other hunt in the world.
    Now that the scene has been set, we crossed the main drive and headed over "yonder". Joe explained to the first field in excruciating detail exactly what "over yonder" meant while the hounds canvassed the area below the trailer parking. Billy brought only his best hounds and still they did not open in the wet grass. Down the hill and along the river no luck. Billy decided to hunt toward the picnic area when a fox fell out of the sky. Really from nowhere, the hounds opened reminiscent of Hunt Week. Of course, Master Kincheloe knew the drill. He took the field of 11 riders including the second field master on a fast gallop to the best vantage point. Before anybody could catch their breath and ask why are we running it was obvious the hounds ran the fox to ground right in front of both fields. What a day!
Expecting we had seen the best this day had to offer both fields joined to one and headed to the hills. Riders had a chance to reflect on the fact that the rain had stopped and maybe the clouds would dissipate and the sun would come out later in the day. Even the field master relented and allowed for a gate at Larry Levy's famous jump.
        Now the hounds were beginning to make a little noise after some time of complete silence. With Warlord in the lead and the entire pack of 13 couple following, the greatest chase of this writers career began. The pursuit took the riders up and down trails that twisted thru thick cedars and over rocky creeks. Jumps The original field of eleven was now divided into more than two fields. The big red fox darted within twenty feet of my group. He did not appear to want to have his picture taken. He had the appearance of a deer in the headlights. At this point he was looking for a means to escape as the pack was right on his tail. Less than 30 yards separated the hounds from their target. At one point Billy was heard to remark that there must be two foxes because this one has been running for a long time. As we stood near "wait a minute hill" the hounds ran the fox to ground in front of both field. I was informed that areas of this kind are referred to as Riparian Buffers. What ever you call the fenced area with trees it was the place that a great chase had ended with the fox going to ground under a sycamore tree. Billy was off his horse to congratulate the hounds. Joe was so excited his grey gelding seemed to be calm. Joe rode to each member of the field to relive the entire day. What a day. Anybody that missed this day for a little rain must have been mentally challenged. Rosie thought there would be her Joe and Billy so she brought some hot butternut soup that she shared with all of us. Joe paid his debt from last week with a very nice bottle of brown liquor. For no obvious reason Kristin brought an almost full jar of bread and butter pickles to help celebrate what is arguably the best day of hunting the hill has seen this year.

Forget the Hunt, what about that breakfast! (10/28/04)
Lots of new faces were on hand for a great afternoon at Locust Hill. Several car loads of car toppers followed the hunt from the Long's fancy new massive barn. Quite a trick it seems for some of the riders just leaving the driveway at the Long's residence. Joe Kicheloe led the first field over a small coop from the driveway into a paddock surrounded by some of the nicest white fencing to be found in Virginia. The fence must have been built by the same person that built the barn. As we circled around the barn across a "ranch road" into another paddock it was clear that we were supposed to follow Joe and Mike over some stadium jumps across a wooden bridge and into another white fenced paddock. Although the jumps were not big, some found it a challenge as it was not the kind of thing you would find in the jump field. Most made it all right and we were off to a great day's hunting. Three fields of riders provided something for everyone and a great time for all. All three fields met from time to time with the car toppers for social hour. At one check the field was treated to champagne courtesy of Betty Long. She actually had several people serving the field on horseback.
Upon our return to the meet, hors d'ouvres were waiting. Followed by a great mea of Jambaliaha and everything you could imagine to drink. Mike and Betty Long sure set a new standard for hunt breakfasts at Bull Run Hunt!

Hawfield Hunt Report for Monday October 25th - It was another barn burner of a day. For some reason everybody including Rosie arrived early..... Joe was awakened by an early phone call so he arrived at least an hour early. People from as far away as Vermont came to witness this great day of hunting. Gordon Smith was leading the first field so you know everyone was turned out properly when the day started. Clyde and someone named "pumpkin head" reported a tally ho before Gordon even started his announcements. Judy Berger looked like she had ants in her pants waiting for Gordon to finish what seemed like the preamble to the Constitution.
   There is a fox that they call the yellow fox that took us thru someone's alfalfa patch where a nice lady greeted us and across the road to a rather large stand of corn. Several laps around the corn and some great hound work later, Joe Kincheloe explained from the back of the field that circles that the fox made were getting smaller indicating that he was getting tired.... as were we. The fox finally gave up and we returned to the trailers only to start over again with his brother who had the same plan. This time we decide to detour around the nice lady's alfalfa and cut thru the trailer parking again. Rosie decided to open the gate for no apparent reason as the huntsman, all of the staff (except Rosie) and most of the first field jumped the logs on one side of the gate. Using the same logic as the gate incident she next decided to turn her horse loose in order to un-chain the gate. This time we let the staff chase the yellow fox's brother around the corn while Clyde, pumpkin head and now Richard narrated. Richard had been out earlier to introduce the owner of the alfalfa field. Joe was happy to finally meet the Alfalfa field owner.
      Once the staff collected themselves and the hounds we returned to the trailers for the third time this day and began the serious foxhunting. Billy Fredrick took his pack of 15 1/2 couple of mostly first and second year hounds to the mountain....... Billy was quoted as saying he wanted to see what the young hounds would do without the assistance of the seasoned veterans. The yellow fox brothers sure found out what the young entries could do!
Once on the mountain Gordon Smith took the field around the bottom until the hounds opened literally in front of the first field. After running up a rather rough trail (the hounds were screaming) the first field met with what was left of the second field led by Charlie Selby. Charlie always seems to be in the right place a the right time. The meeting at the top of Clark mountain was more like a reunion. The only exception was Richard was missing. We surmised that he must be consoling the alfalfa lady. From our vantage point, the hounds seem to be chasing the fox all over the west side of Clark mountain as we listened from our great vantage point on the paved road.
   Billy held a short roll call and found all of the hounds and most of the whips and we started our ride down. Upon returning to the meet, the best surprise of the day was Betty Long had prepared sandwiches. Betty saved the day as no one had planned for the breakfast except for the milk tart and a small slice of cheese.
         Clark mountain saw some real excitement this day.

Bull Run Hunt sponsored Hunt week on Thursday October 21, 2004 at the Hill. The hunt began at 9:00 AM sharp. With few exceptions, most of the 70 plus folks were attired in rain gear. Gordon Smith of course was well turned-out in his tweed coat and brown boots. He was heard saying that wool breathes better than rain gear. The light mist and later rain proved he was right. The wool jacket was great at absorbing the rain.
   Carl Kincheloe was assigned the job of parking logistics director. In his normal calm, composed, unruffled, relaxed, and well planned manner, he assured his dad that he could accommodate all of the trucks and trailers including the out of state people that did not have four wheel drive.
Judy Berger must have arrived the night before to get everything set up so well. She had several selections of port, coffee, apple cider, and a full bar ready when the first person arrived at 7:30 AM. The early buffet consisted of pastries, cinnamon rolls, cookies, tarts, and an assortment of breads. The only thing missing was eggs to order! After Carl got Joe Kincheloe mounted and the hunt was called to order, Judy served a fine Port to the mounted riders.
   Billy Fredrick had a plan for the day and did it work well. I will insert Gordon's report here when I receive it. But for now, let's just say it was a great hunt with several runs for the history book. The field forgot it was misting rain.
Charlie Selby was in command of the second field. Unless he paid them for compliments, he did a great job. Everybody in the second field was very pleased with his leadership. Later in the evening, (yes we were celebrating later and yes it was evening) riders from New York and Georgia were busy praising Charlie's field mastering.
Captain John Smith assisted by Emily led the third field and received more praise than you can believe. Everything from "seeing more foxes than in the zoo" to "he had us in the right place at the right time and it was safe". Good job Captain John!
When we returned to the trailers, for the second time, Judy Berger had a super spread. The decorations were great and the food was perfect. Judy thought of everything. Even the huge carrot cake (my favorite) provided by Rosie Forte and Jill Hay that had the Bull Run Hunt logo and said welcome to Hunt Week. We were there most of the afternoon. After Carl took care of the horses he joined us for some great reminiscing of the day's hunt and a little insight into what it is like to grow up in the shadow of Joe Kincheloe.
      Even Larry Levy was heard bragging about Billy Fredrick's super hounds and the day's hunt. I think it is safe to say "this is the best fixture in Virginia". The refreshments and food led the list followed by friendly people and great hunting. "This is the best day of foxhunting for the Virginia Hunt Week so far!" was heard several times during the day. If you missed this day be sure you will hear about it for some time to come.
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