So when a friend invited me to join the local casual fox chasing group, I 'jumped' at the chance! My gelding, Rascal, had already been trained to ride, canter, and jump and had the personality of 'Mellow Yellow', so I thought, "what the heck... let's do it!" Fox chasing or formerly known as fox hunting is an excuse to enjoy the countryside, listen to the hounds do their job and enjoy a tailgate party with friends. The hounds very rarely catch up to the fox and even rarely harm one. If one did, there would be no fun the next week!
The first time for me was exhilarating and scary all at the same time. I asked to join the 'slow' flight but unfortunately, we were too small of a group of riders, so we all rode together. Thus, when the first 'tallyho' was cried, off we all went.. at a hand gallop! YIKES! After about an hour riding at a much faster pace than I had expected or personally thought I was capable of riding, my hostess announced her horse was favoring an injury and thought she should 'hill-top' awhile, resting her horse from possible future injury. I was quick to join her and we enjoyed a leisurely walk on a beautiful day, listening to the hounds track and then pursue. Suddenly, the master of the hounds radio'ed Barb and reported ... "they're heading for the point, can you cut them off???" Barb answered a quick yes, turned to me and said, " are you ready?" She took off at a gallop!! WHEW! WHAT A BLAST!
I've been out with this group now three times and each time we both get better and better!
Mark off another item from my 'bucket list of life achievements :-)
