Opening Meet

This past Saturday, November 8, 2008, Sedgefield Hunt held the 2008- 2009 hunt season Opening Meet. Our Plainfield Hunt territory was beautifully decorated with elegant horses and the excited (somewhat awake) faces of their riders. At 8:30 a.m., riders gathered for the stirrup cup and Blessing of the Hounds.

At 9:00 a.m. the SH Foxhounds and Huntsman/Joint Master of Foxhounds, Fred, moved off with the “go ahead” from Joint Masters Martin and Richard. First Flight followed, led by Field Master Kit and Hilltopers led by Field Master Paula. Fred hacked the 11 ½ couple hounds to the first covert, across the field.

The day (sunny and warm, making for pretty pictures, but not excellent scenting conditions) was going slow and blank. As we started up the power line, a couple hours after moving off, a foot follower, Frank, standing up the power line called down that several deer had just crossed the power line above us. Our hounds walked on, right over the hot deer line; yes, we do have an awesome pack of Penn-Marydels!

After coming up the power line, we moved back across Plainfield Road by the Thanksgiving Coop and the hounds lit up! Photographer led the pack down the field, and into the woods as Fred blew “Gone Away.” The pack ran in full cry with all in until they finally stopped in a patch of woods, where they put a grey to ground.

We went on in search of a coyote willing to give us another good run. Walking along the bottom of a small, tall grass patch off the gas line, Kit and Paula instructed their field members to go “Tall Grass Hunting.” In military style, everyone turned where they were, side by side, and moved across the field. We stirred up a deer, but were unable to find our coyote. After another half hour we headed in.

With the hounds put away, horses untacked, and people ready to eat and drink, everyone gathered at the tents for the Masters' Breakfast. We had a wonderful meal, in great company. Awards were given and colors were awarded to Ben, Kaitlyn, and Elizabeth F.