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TPH Newsletter “Movin’ On”
Hunt News
October 3, 2009—Hunter Trials The Hunter Trials were a great success with about thirteen trailers full of horses plus a number of horses who hacked to the event. The highlight of the event was our partnership with Morning Dove Therapeutic Riding Inc. What a treat it was to see the kids, all smiles, “dressed to the nines,” horses and ponies groomed to their best, competing in their special events, along side THP Hunt members and guests each in their respective classes. The whole affair was beautifully orchestrated by Tom Santelli and masterfully judged by MFH Phyllis Heck. Kris Crossley, Randy Lamberjack, and Bob Gresham grilled burgers and brats. And, Susie Fairchild did her usual fine job as ring steward and “ribbon girl.”
October 11—Blessing of the Hounds This year’s Blessing was another successful event with about 25 -30 riders and a beautiful day for a ride. As usual, the party after the hunt was a gala affair.
November 14—75th Anniversary Traders Point Hunt Ball The 2009 75th Anniversary TPH Charity Hunt Ball was a huge success! The venue was changed this year to Meridian Hills Country Club which proved to be a nice variety from years past. The music, provided by the Wendy Reed Band, had the dance floor hopping throughout the night. The Silent Auction, provided by Ovar’coming Together, included many wonderful items and netted Ovar a profit of approximately $13,000. Pam and her crew at Ovar were thrilled at the outcome. We had 140 attendees this year, a combination of members and many guests, to share the special 75th anniversary celebration. A special thanks to all involved… Pam Faerber , Kris Crossley, Susie Fairchild , Jenny Glore, Missy Roetter, Bob Gresham and to all of you who so graciously donated items for the silent auction. Hunting This year has been a great hunt season so far. The hounds have settled into a fine core group that keeps their noses to the scent, while flying at great speed and with beautiful voice. As the season progressed, we have had a lot of rain creating few days of sloppy footing that have either caused a cancellation or conditions resulting in mud encrusted horses and riders. These conditions have also contributed to not only a King and Queen Cropper, but also an attending court as well. The first to go during cubbing was Queen Jen Glore . While clearly concentrating on the hounds to her left, her horse saw a break in the hedge row to her right and thought, at last minute, a duck into the break would be nice—you know, get into the shade sand all. Jen however, continued on straight. Later King Bob Gresham bought the farm while trying to negotiate two fallen trees. He thought Nick would take two strides between, Nick thought one monster stride and a leap would do just fine. Bob did a face plant into Nick’s neck and in the course of seeing stars, slid off to the right as the trail turned sharply left—ironically, in the same place where Joe Paul had had a serious fall some years ago. Then TJ Cole trying not to be out done took a dive as well, taking a piece out of his knee. Then the mud caught Bob and TJ again later in the season, so a pair of two time losers! But, perhaps in sympathy, Tom Santelli, Holly Banta, and Kirsten Wiley bit the dust, or rather mud as well.
Hound Notes: Lu Hamilton , Honorary Huntsman The field has been treated to some great viewing as the hounds continue to run true and hunt hard. The cooler weather and open harvested fields really inspire the pack. New Years Day marked the beginning of two months of great hunting. At the kennels, there are a grand total of 18 puppies to be entered into the pack next spring. This total will be reduced by at least two as we return favors to our friends at Cornwall and Wayne-DuPage hunts by drafting a puppy to them. Regardless, it promises to be an active spring for the Staff and volunteers as we start walking the new entry. There are several older hounds that will be changing careers as they move into semi-retirement with some coon hunting friends in Kentucky . In response to several questions from members, I will make this offer. There are several hounds in the kennels that could be retired into members homes. I have taken a number home over the years and, once they learned the new routine, made great pets, even getting along with current resident dogs. If you are interested in a hound, please contact me. Hounds looking for homes are: Fizz, Flirt, Sam, Zorro. and Duke. Although Duke, I would want back to train puppies next summer and fall. |
