Tally Ho!
Unbelievably this was our last hunt of the season-where did the year go?! We started with a new Huntsman, David Kruger. So many questions hung in the air. Could he ride well enough? Could he hunt? Would the hounds listen to him? Huntsman Tyce had built a very keen pack of hounds, could Huntsman Dave keep that intensity? The answer is YES! He can RIDE! Hard, fast, jumping and keeping up with the hounds. The hounds listen well, are still keen and after today’s hunt-proved that Huntsman Dave was the man for the job! He is always polite to the staff, friendly and approachable to all the Members. He’s kind, funny, and intent on doing a great job. THANK YOU to the entire membership for your financial support for this super fun year! All the fund raisers, your many donations in so many different ways- many that we don’t know about- all the members that brought in new members, growing our hunt. Saturday we hunted from Joan and Henry’s ranch. Henry’s Hurdle has been removed-the new owners took that coop and another one out- so sad. We started with a bang when MFH Dave K viewed a coyote running south, taking four hounds hot on his tail. The rest of the pack were on a coyote heading north. The coyote headed towards the borrow pit-where he was viewed by whipper-in Nancy E. We had some fun little runs as we stayed with the hounds. We did have one rider take an involuntary dismount. The rider was fine-a tad sore-Keith R. traded horses with her and we continued hunting. There are so many cedar trees that the going can be difficult. Huntsman Dave collected the hounds in the borrow pit and we headed for home. It was warm and all the water tanks that we came upon were empty. We had lunch at the Sandstone-my FAVORITE! Beef and noodles, green beans, salad and pie. We met at MFH Luke and Sam’s lovely home for appetizers: salmon, eggs, olives, veggies, the BEST ribs. I ate so much I had a stomachache. Great fellowship talking with everyone there, about 35-40 people. Sunday we met at Packards and about all I can tell you is that since I was in the gate group: I saw everyone jump the first coop-the hounds were on line and AWAY THEY ALL WENT! It was fun watching everyone jumping the coops-so many nice riders and wonderful horses. Jenny N, Julie K and I were the gate group and we had a nice time riding across the country letting down about 8 fences and trying to stay within visual of Huntsman Dave and the hounds. The radios are such a plus! Thank you to MFH Dave K., Whipper-in’s Bre and Helen (reminding me that West meant the sun was at my back) for radio contact so we could stay in the chase. Three coyotes were viewed, the hounds were HOT and the field had a banner day flying across the Sandhills.
Huntsman Dave gathered the hounds and we returned to the trailers for a boxed lunch provided by the Sandstone. One final and most IMPORTANT note: The Whoopee Wagon, manned by Sam M this weekend. Cookies, donuts, cupcakes, LOTS of beer and other beverages. The Whoopee Wagon is crucial to ensuring that the hunt is successful!
Thank you, again for a fun season and we’ll see you at the Annual Meeting!
Carine and Indie
NHH Honorary Secretary
Thank you to to Jenny Nguyen, Kristen Welch and Diane Antisdel for allowing me to use all your wonderful pictures!
