Wiles Meet November 14th, 2011

November 14th, 2011
Meet: Wiles
Couples: 23 1/2
Staff:
Huntsman -James Paxson MFH
Whippers-In -Fred VonCzoernig MFH
-Priscilla Godsoe
-Hoppy Stearns
Field Master -Gary Kennedy
Hound Truck -Karen Kennedy

Start 10:00am
Finish 12:45pm

Wonderful foxes grace the country side of the Wiles meet. As the foxes cris-crossed the woods and wheat fields the hounds pressed on and ran for nearly two hours. Early into the first draw of the corn field the hounds picked up a line and ran through the corn and into the woods, crossed the rail road bed and went up through the vegetable farm where the fox was headed back towards the meet paralleling the Puseyville Rd and towards the bridge. The hounds followed the line through the corn field again and back into the woods by the dump and did the same loops again. Some where the foxes crossed paths and the hounds struck a line toward the Ram, and then they took a direct line back through the woods, this fox was much darker and was headed back in the direction of the meet. Another fox was viewed coming out of the woods near the meet almost head on to the hunted fox. Hounds struggled a bit to stay on the line as puppies didnt know which line to take. Drummer, Cyndy, Darla, and Dawn took the line back down to the creek and then the pack blasted one out of the park toward the Saw Mill, bending towards the Chicken House and ran hard until they put the fox to ground above the Chicken Houses. We hunted the hounds back to the meet and loaded up after a great day.

Wednesday meet was canceled due to rain.

Plan is to hunt Down Patrick - Friday and Red Pump - Saturday

*Dont forget - Next week is the last week of hunting before the two week break of deer season. Next week we will be hunting Mon-Wed-Thur (Thanksgiving)-Fri-Sat!!!

Belated Update From RHF - November 13th, 2011

Hello Friends,

I will start by first giving my regrets to those of you who regularly followed the River Hills Blog on hunting and other such 'hound like' activities. Reason being for the lack of 'blogging' has more or less been a lack of time on my behalf. I started this summer galloping horses for trainer Tim Woolley at the Fair Hill Training Center in Fair Hill, Maryland along with the regular activities of training my show and sales horses and running my farm and working at the kennels and whipping-in. Its a full time job keeping up with me.... trust me I know!

The reason for jumping back into the blog was due to the sudden death of two dear hound friends Dutch and Daniel. Age and hard hunting finally caught up with our dear boys and with in a two week time we lost one and then the other. I suppose I regret not writing about them in the blogs, not listing there part in what we do out there. I felt lost heading into the kennels the other morning and not seeing them, and even more so not hearing them while we were hunting. I hate to start everyone off with such sad news but I do want everyone to remember that the hounds are why we go out, and its because of them we enjoy our sport. I think its very important we remember them, love them, and respect them for all they do for us.

On a lighter note I can happily report that our hunting season, along with last years nine puppies have been coming along tremendously well. We had a few weeks that set us back here and there due to the rain but for the most part we've been going along just great. Our Opening Day was re-scheduled; due to SNOW, to yesterday, November 12th. The fixture was at the King's Mount Rocky Meet were we started off to a good view almost right from the first draw. Opening Day crowd drew out about 40 some riders and many well wishers on foot and car followers. Its great to start the formal season with so much support from our hunting friends. After the hunt we were grateful to share the Mount Rocky Carriage Shed and Barn to enjoy a lovely meal prepared by Laura Brophy and Vikki King.

Many thanks to all those who continue to support the River Hills Foxhounds. Please check back and be sure that I will be posting about our beloved hounds!

Cheers - Priscilla



We will be hunting tomorrow at Wiles at 10:00am

Cubbing Re-Cap Days 2-7 (Aug 20th-Sept 3rd)

Day 2 - August 20th
Meet: Red Pump

Temps: high 60's

Couples: 15.5

Staff: Huntsman- James Paxson MFH, Whippers-in- Priscilla Godsoe, Dr.Carl Mease, Dott Cochran, Hoppy Stearns, Field Master- Gary Kennedy



Day 3 - August 24th
Meet: Herr's Stone Lane

Temps: 70's

Couples: 19.5

Staff: Huntsman- James Paxson MFH, Whippers-in- Priscilla Godsoe, Dott Cochran, Hoppy Stearns, Field Master- Saran Singh Hound Trucks- Winter Paxson



Day 4 - August 27th
Meet: Red Pump

Temps: 70's

Couples: 15.5

Staff: Huntsman- James Paxson MFH, Whippers-in- Priscilla Godsoe, Dott Cochran, Hoppy Stearns, Field Master- Gary Kennedy Hound Trucks- Winter Paxson




Day 5 - August 31st
Meet: Herr's Stone Lane

Temps: 70's

Couples: 15

Staff: Huntsman- James Paxson MFH, Whippers-in- Priscilla Godsoe, Dott Cochran, Hoppy Stearns, Field Master- Gary Kennedy Hound Trucks- Winter Paxson



Day 6 - September 2nd
Meet: Down Patrick

Temps: high 60's

Couples: 16

Staff: Huntsman- James Paxson MFH, Whippers-in- Priscilla Godsoe, Dott Cochran, Hoppy Stearns,Fred VonC MFH, Field Master- Gary Kennedy, Hound Trucks- Winter Paxson



Day 7 - September 3rd
Meet: Red Pump

Temps: 70's

Couples: 15.5

Staff: Huntsman- James Paxson MFH, Whippers-in- Priscilla Godsoe, Dott Cochran, Hoppy Stearns, Field Master- Sarah Gartland Hound Trucks- Winter Paxson

FIRST DAY of the Cubbing Season - August 17th, 2011

Day 1 of the Cubbing Season - August 17th, 2011

Meet: Herr's Stone Lane

Temps: 70's

Couples: 19 (puppy - Kia)

Staff: Huntsman- James Paxson MFH, Whippers-in- MFH Fred VonC, Priscilla Godsoe, Hoppy Stearns, Field Master- Gary Kennedy, Hound Trucks- Winter Paxson

Start: 8:00am
End: 9:45am


Today was the first day back in the hunt field for the River Hills Foxhounds. It was a good, steady morning. Nothing too fast, yet not too boring.

We started out around Peirsons and into the woods toward the Park Road, came up high along Ed's house and then dropped through the horse pasture and up into the Stump Woods. The hounds cast out into the cattle field and picked up pieces of the line all the way to the grove of trees near the West Ridge Road.

They dropped down into the wet part of the woods and then moved in towards the old barn foundation and picked up a fast line through the clear woods and in behind Jim's ring. From here they worked an old log and seemed to lose what was left of the line but then they hit again and went back in the direction of the Old House foundation and the stream. At this point MFH Jimmy started hunting the hounds back to the meet. Not much on the way in but the hounds did get a good dunk in the pond as we went by.

Fridays hunt has been canceled due to the wet footing at the Mt. Rocky meet.
Saturday we will be hunting at Red Pump - 9:00am

Many Thanks! Plus a re-cap of the River Hills 2010-2011 Season!

THANK YOU!

There is no hunt that can go without recognizing the generous support first and foremost from its landowners. Not a hunt out there can be successful with out this support by the ability to 'get out and hunt'! Great hounds, a great huntsman, and fast horse's are nothing without the rolling hills of farm lands like that at Wiles and the Tree Farm, the deep ravines of the River Hills at Ankrum's and Down Patrick, the thick coverts at Herr's Stone Lane and Mt. Rocky, the healthy fox population growing at Red Pump, and relationships with farmers like that at Funnel Lake.

Our hunting country stretches over thousands acres of landowner permitted hunting ground. Some of our meets individually having over 200 landowners to visit yearly, along with keeping track of farming, livestock and construction being done at farms proves to be an on going, daily job to making sure we respect and keep good connections with the very people who make hunting possible. There should be no greater voice than that of a happy landowner who gives permission to 50 or more hounds hunting through their woods and over their fields! To that we are extremely grateful.

A special thanks to the Gibson Family for so graciously opening up their property as a meeting place for us throughout the Cubbing Season, Opening Day, Children's Hunt, Joint Meets, Blessing Of The Hounds, New Years and including many, many other days of great hunting. In addition the Gibson's hospitality spills over by their opening up the 'Pigery' to us at anytime. This has become a place where we have enjoyed many after hunting lunches with all of our hunting friends.

Along with the Gibson's we would like to thank Tim Hanks for allowing us to hunt through his property which is better known to as the Ankrum's Dog Box. Tim also hunts with us regularly and has become very active in keep trails clear, at helping to keep hunting land open for fox hunting.In addition a big thank you to Jim and Louis Herr and Herr Foods Inc. for all of their support with opening up the Red Pump and Holy View Meets, as well as Herr's Stone Lane. Their support has been tremendous throughout the years. Jim who also hunts with us has been out many other occasions to help improve the trails, adding new jumps, and giving us full access to hunting through out the Cubbing and Regular Season.

Another Thank you to Wilson and Vikki King as well as John and Lea Reynolds for opening and maintaining the Fox Mill and Mt. Rocky Meets. Both adjoining meets are comprised of  hundreds of acres, lots of trails, and many great jumps.

Lastly a thank you to our Amish farmers and friends, too many to list, but all of their support and kindness cannot go without mention. To the Amish, land and livestock, and way of life is everything. They farm, hunt, and fish off the land to help keep and feed their families, so, understanding the Amish way of life and respecting their traditions has helped River Hills to grow great relationships and respect from our Amish landowners.

Amish landowners have educated themselves over that last 10 years to fox hunting through the efforts of our masters. Because fox hunting is seen by some Amish as a 'worldly' past time it is very important to us that we have been given the support from our Amish landowners in keeping the Southern Lancaster County and parts of Chest County open to fox hunting. Many of our Amish landowners can be seen on Saturdays and holidays enjoying the hunting day with us and their families by watching the hunt off and enjoying the hounds work.

Because of our landowners support and interest in what we do, they have helped to educate their neighbors, friends and family about American Fox Hunting.

In addition to thanking our landowners a very special thank you goes out to our members. It is rare to find so many people who are truly passionate about hounds, and horses. On a slow day when the scenting is not there you can always look and no matter what see that we are surrounded and supported by fox hunters.

It also, cannot go without saying, a great BIG thank you to our River Hills Staff. Our staff has become like family, and we embrace them under our wings. The tireless commitment to hunting four days a week, along with keeping 'real' jobs, waking up to go Cubbing at 3:30am to hunt at 5:30 in the mornings of August or what seems like negative temperatures of January, no matter what they are always there. This particular thank you goes out to James Paxson, Fred VonCzoering, Duncan Patterson, Leo & Flora Erb, Gregory & Winter Paxson, Gary, Karen, & Alyse Kennedy, Dott Cochran, Dr. Carl Mease, Hoppy Stearns, and Priscilla Godsoe.

We would not be where we are without you!



SEASON OF ADVENTURES

For the River Hills Foxhounds the Cubbing Season started August 9th, 2010 with the addition of 14 puppies, and last years 5 new entries. Although the Cubbing Season started in August we had been out hound walking, and leash training the puppies throughout the month of July. 'Pre- Season' is always a lot of fun around the River Hills Kennels as we try to include as many children, parents, and members to get out with us, learn the hounds names, socialize with the puppies, walk the hounds on the loop around Funnel Lake, take the hounds for a swim in the creeks and pond near the kennels and just plan have fun!

Through the Cubbing season we had a lot of terrific hunting. The puppies were brought out slowly and worked into the pack really swell. In the midst of Cubbing season we were able to attend the Kimberton Hound Show on September 19th, 2010. We had three 2nd place finishers and a 4th.The ending of October was the finishing up of the Cubbing season and start to the Opening Season. In the middle of October two teams represented the River Hills Foxhounds at the Pennsylvania National Horse Shows Hunt Night. Gregory Paxson MFH, placed 6th, Kelly Conner placed 6th, and Wilson King placed 7th.

Also, our very own Master & Huntsman was featured in an article about his 'Heart to jump 7'3" walls' on his thoroughbred horse Ilion. Lastly, our Opening Day Meet, October 30th, 2010 held at the Gibson's Down Patrick which was a great success.

November's Hunting was just a blast and filled with probably the most fun tails! November 13th we had a Joint Meet with the Warwick Village Hounds at Gibson's Down Patrick. 22 1/2 Couples of fast hounds and foxes that just ran everywhere from all different directions. It was a great day, with great people!

Hounds were prime this season, and as hard as it is to admit but we have a great story about loosing the hounds on a fantastic run at the Ankrum's Dog Box Meet November 22, 2010. The saying of that day was, 'The hunting gods were with us!'.

In addition to some great hunting we had a very memorable Children's Hunt that was coupled with the Huntsman For The Day. The Children's Hunt included two Pony Clubs, and the Work To Ride program out of Philadelphia.Also in November the River Hills Staff could be seen out riding at the Pennsylvania Hunt Cup on our fleet of greys.

December hunting was a bit shorter with only 9 hunts,the time off from the Deer Hunting season slowed us down a little but we went out of 2010 with some good times on December 31st New Years Eve Hunt. December also included the addition of Gregory and Winter's healthy baby boy Clayton.

January, March and February were the hardest months on all of us as fox hunters. We were plagued with two good snow storms and lots and lots of ice! The Blessing Of The Hounds on New Years Day at the Gibson's Down Patrick meet was just wonderful. Reverend Jo-an Glass blessed the hounds, horses, riders, and the hunting land. The day of hunting was fast, and we enjoyed a great lunch afterward at the Gibson's 'Pigery'.

January 24th, 2011 we hunted on a day with the temperature well below freezing, more like the single digits, we had just enough snow to ride around, but boy was it cold. The going joke that day was that we were hunting with Arctic Hounds, no longer Penn Marydels!

February hit us the hardest in two ways: we only hunted twice because of the crazy ice and snow that we got, and our hardest hit was the loss of our dear Beazie. She was a wonderful hound, and she will be missed terribly.March weather cleared up a little, we went from ice - to mud - to rain!

We finished March by getting out 9 times. The hunting was good when we did get out. Funnel Lake, Herr's Stone Lane, and Red Pump were pretty much thrillers!To highlight a couple, there was a hunt March 2nd, 2011 at Herr's Stone Lane, the fox was very fun, he would go in and out of different holes, and just a pleasure to watch and enjoy with the hounds. That day left us jumping in and out of more pastures, over logs and coops than any other day this whole season.

One particular hunt at Funnel Lake, March 4th 2011, we ran out of horses just keeping up with the hounds. It was a fast day and we covered A LOT of country. We cannot forget to add the March 19th Hunt at Red Pump and the hunt over the 'extended' Red Pump hunting country through the Barrens! Not many pictures were taken that day due to the sheer amount of galloping to keep up with the blistering speed of the hounds into country we are not overly familiar with. Perhaps this summer we can open up new trails in this section of our country? Hint - hint!

In the closing of our season we were very thankful to Alex Brown in benefiting $5.00 from each book sold at the 1st Barbaro Book Signing held at the Kennedy's Puddle Duck Creek Tack Shop in Quarryville, PA. Alex was very generous in supporting River Hills in our efforts to saving and re-started off the track thoroughbreds into new careers as fox hunters, and show horses.

In the middle of writing his book Greatness and Goodness: Barbaro and his Legacy, Alex was out hound walking, cubbing, and hunting on many occasions (as long as it wasn't too cold) as a bit of a mental break. We were very pleased to be a part of the journey and watching the book unfold!

Our very last day of hunting was March 30th, 2011, at Herr's Stone Lane. We had planned three more hunts but the weather and farmers planting and proved to get the better of us. We were able to finish out strong, safe, and healthy with no bumps or bruises along the way we enjoyed a terrific season of hunting!

Tally ho!



Just a reminder...

You will see us at:

Plumsted Races Out Riding - April 24th
Winterthur Point to Point Out Riding along with the Parade of the River Hills Foxhounds - May 8th
Willowdale Races Out Riding - May 15th
Radnor Races Out Riding - May 21st
Fairhill Races Out Riding - May 28th

Day 77 of the Hunting Season - March 30th, 2011

Day 77 of the Hunting Season - March 30th, 2011

Meet: Herr's Stone Lane

Temps: 30's

Couples: 17.5

Staff: Huntsman- James Paxson MFH, Whippers-in- MFH Fred VonC, Priscilla Godsoe, Hoppy Stearns, Field Master- MFH Duncan Patterson, Gary Kennedy, Hound Trucks- Karen Kennedy

Start: 10:00am
End: 1:00 pm



The video should explain it all! We had a really fun day and the hounds did a GREAT job.

We started out on Pierson's side, moved around under the power lines, and then into the Stump Woods where the hounds picked up a good line through all the briers. They worked the line over logs and stumps which was a pretty cool sight. Fox finally went to ground in the Clear Woods near the park and McPherson's Lake.

MFH Jimmy took the hounds back through the Park and the hounds were able to pick up an awesome run through the thick briers in the woods behind the blue building and then came flying from out of the briers onto the trail that comes down from the brick house. For about 45 mins hounds ran through the park and then finally put the fox to ground above the monument and below the burn in the woods.

With a good day and the hounds all accounted for we hunted back to the meet. Hounds didn't really pick up anything that they could go on with so we called it a day!



No Hunting Friday

Saturday - Red Pump - 10:00am

Day 76 of the Hunting Season - March 26th, 2011

Day 76 of the Hunting Season - March 26th, 2011

Meet: Red Pump

Temps: 30's

Couples: 17.5

Staff: Huntsman- James Paxson MFH, Whippers-in- Priscilla Godsoe, Hoppy Stearns, Dott Cochran, Field Master- Gary Kennedy, Hound Trucks- Leo & Flora Erb, Karen Kennedy

Start: 10:00am
End: 12:50 pm

What about this crazy weather... Rain? Snow? Hail? I thought this was S p R i N g ?
30 degree difference from last Saturday to this Saturday.

Scenting was a little bit tough but we ended up with a nice fox, great views, and some good gallops! Hounds went together great and you could barely tell the little puppies were there.



I'm sad the season is coming to an end because I really enjoy these puppies this year. They try so hard, and just love to hunt like there mom Cyndy. Hoping to get out Wednesday at Herr's Stone Lane, and Saturday at Red Pump.



Cheers!

1st Book Signing from Alex Browns - Greatness & Goodness: Barbaro & His Legacy

Puddle Duck Creek Tack & Apparel - hosted the VERY FIRST BOOK SIGNING of Alex Brown's fantastic new book Greatness & Goodness: BARBARO & His Legacy in Quarryville, PA on March 20th, 2011



$5.00 of every book purchased at the book signing went to the benefit of the River Hills Foxhounds for the efforts in rescuing off the track thoroughbreds and helping them start new careers as fox hunters, show horses, or pleasure riding horses.



Thoroughbreds are the preferred horse to the River Hills Staff. These horses are fast enough to keep up with the hounds, quick thinking, smart and careful enough to handle the hilly rocky terrain of some of the hunting country, and have the stamina to handle a hunt lasting several hours.


Above Picture: River Hills 'Eden' reading about the hound name Barbaro from Greatness & Goodness: Barbaro and his Legacy!


Above Picture: several OTTB that River Hills helped to 're-start'


Above Picture: River Hills Lynden Godsoe signing her illustrations from the book!


Above Picture: River Hills very own Karen Kennedy & Alex Brown


Above Picture: Lynden Godsoe (illustrator) sitting with the 'left overs' of the 5000 first edition books in Alex's garage!


Above Picture: Alex Brown signing one of the 80 books signed and sold at the first book signing!!!


Above Picture: Full house outside the tack shop!


Above Picture: One of the four River Hills Penn Marydel Foxhounds that came to the book signing to help kick off their support for Alex Brown! 'Diva' ... she was quite the crowd pleaser and of course - A DIVA!!!

We were very lucky to have Alex take a 'break' from writing his book (note the iphone in hand) to come out to the kennels to play with puppies and also enjoy fox hunting and riding with us!





In addition to Alex's great depiction of Barbaro's life and legacy, our sweet 16 year old Lynden Godsoe did the illustrations for the entire book.




And last but not least River Hills Whipper-In Priscilla Godsoe were apart of the wonderful addition that Alex added to his book called the photo essay (picture 136)- Priscilla's horse Judge Beautiful was showcased as an OTTB that had a very unsuccessful time at the racetrack but was 're-started' and shown in the book in her career as a show horse/fox hunter.



From all of us at River Hills - We wish Alex the very best!

Book Available on
www.amazon.com
as well as
www.alexbrownracing.com
More information on the River Hills Foxhounds can be found at
www.rhfpa.com

Day 75 of the Hunting Season - March 19th, 2011

Day 75 of the Hunting Season - March 19th, 2011

Meet: Red Pump

Temps: high 60's

Couples: 24

Staff: Huntsman- James Paxson MFH, Whippers-in- MFH Fred VonC, Priscilla Godsoe, Hoppy Stearns, Dr.Carl Mease, Dott Cochran, Field Master- MFH Duncan Patterson, Gary Kennedy, Hound Trucks- Leo & Flora Erb, Karen Kennedy, Winter Paxson

Start: 10:00am
End: 2:00 pm



I'm sorry I dont have more pictures! We had a pretty fast day and there was no time for pictures. Oh well! First fox went out from the coops above Hogs Run, towards Hotel California, around the Pond, and up towards Freemont Road and the Amish Fields. Since the Amish were working we pulled the hounds up and headed back towards the brier patch near the meet.

MFH Jimmy got off and walked through the briers to helps the hounds stay positive about diving into the thick briers. I think they may have been a bit tired after yesterdays hunt, but they quickly got a second wind when they push a fox out of the brier patch heading towards the Deer Stand. I was holding MFH Jimmy's horse the whole time and couldnt get to the Lees Bridge Road in time to stop the hounds from crossing... and wouldnt you believe it. The one time I'm not there the fox crosses and no one was there to stop them... so into the Barrens the hounds flew.



If you look closely at the above picture - the area in red is the 'normal' area of the Red Pump Meet... the area in yellow is the extended version that is three times as big? Yeeha!
All the hounds went great and stayed together perfect. Its a bit rough going in some places... trails are not made or maintained haha! It was a day of 'River Hills Ridin'.

I outlined the different lines and runs we took with the hounds. Covered a lot of country!
All in all it was an adventure! All the hounds, horses and riders made it through the gallops and cat briers... dedication!

Cheers!

Looking like Monday will be rained out...and Wednesday is looking like a wintery mix (and this is what they call the first week of spring?)

Day 74 of the Hunting Season - March 18th, 2011

Day 74 of the Hunting Season - March 18th, 2011

Meet: Funnel Lake

Temps: high 60's

Couples: 25.5

Staff: Huntsman- James Paxson MFH, Whippers-in- MFH Duncan Patterson, Priscilla Godsoe, Hoppy Stearns, Field Master- Gary Kennedy, Hound Trucks- Leo & Flora Erb, Karen Kennedy

Start: 10:00am
End: 2:00 pm



YES!!!

A great day of hunting, and a very wonderful fox!



MFH Jimmy took the hounds in towards the stone pile. Hounds worked a line slowly from the Stone pile to the Red Barn by the Township Woods, then they went! What a sound & what a sight with 51 hounds- it was wonderful. Hounds went along by the new bridge and then up across towards the Hollow Road and the Power lines.

Amish had spread a lot of manure/sludge on the one field by the power lines which made it slow going as the hounds kept the line up through to the next strip of woods. Since the hounds were slowed down they worked through the woods pretty quiet. Fox was waiting for us in the next covert... literally... just waiting and hoping over logs and then would turn around and see how far the hounds were behind him. It was a sight.



The fox played around for a while and then popped out of the woods and flew across the wheat field towards Pumping Station Road with hound right on his trail. If I wasn't galloping towards Pumping Station Road I would have taken a video. Sound again was incredible!

The fox took the hounds along the stream and rocky cliffs around the road and then took out across the open field towards Albrights but crossed the road. We pulled the hounds up before crossing the road, because that country was a whole new day of hunting, and we would have needed new horses!

It was a really great run, and we covered a lot of River Hills Country! Yeeeeha! Ready for tomorrow? (Red Pump - 10:00am)

Day 73 of the Hunting Season - March 12th, 2011

Day 73 of the Hunting Season - March 12th, 2011

Meet: Red Pump

Temps: 40's

Couples: 17

Staff: Huntsman- James Paxson MFH, Whippers-in- MFH Fred VonC, Priscilla Godsoe, Hoppy Stearns, Dott Cochran, Field Master- Gary Kennedy, Hound Trucks- Leo & Flora Erb, Karen Kennedy

Start: 10:00am
End: 1:00 pm



I hate to say it.. but I think hunting days are starting to slow down. This time of year they are either crazy good or short and sweet. Today was short and sweet.



Hounds did good trying but thats all they seemed do. Whatever lines they worked, they worked straight to dens with vixens getting ready to have cubs.