The Bull Run Hunt Bottle Report
As is the wont of Bull Run Hunt, we do have fun! In the spirit of fellowship we celebrate all “unintended dismounts” as equal evidence of our own foibles and incredible good fortune! By “celebrate” we mean the gift of a bottle of fine spirits commensurate with the gaffe of the dismount to the Hunt as appreciation that, although dismounted, we may drink to the health of the Dismounted in their presence. It is, however, incumbent on ALL members of the Hunt to properly and accurately account for all who “fall” into this category.
Two fine examples of this tradition occurred at The Hill on Monday the 17th of October, during the Virginia Hunt Week to boot. Our gracious Claire Stinnett, approaching a particularly tricky coop carefully pointed out to our Field and Guests the importance of riding this coop properly, noting the hard right turn after the obstacle. Her expertise unfortunately was better in the Prediction than it was in the Execution; she demonstrated precisely the issue as she dismounted directly after the coop on the right turn, amply demonstrating to the Field precisely against which she warned! Our reporters were not entirely sure what she said upon meeting the ground, but some say it sounded a little like, “Tuaca!” which is always appreciated at the Stirrup Cup. Following suit to some extend was Whigs Brainard, not a stranger to The Hill. Our Host, Hon Lawrence Levy, is known to put the coops uphill heading Home, but downhill heading Away. It was the downhill that claimed Whigs who graciously, and with gratitude for a good day, offered his Bottle.
Opening Meet was an eye opener for many. While we kicked off from Locust Hill we promptly toured Bending River, The Subdivision, Quiet Shade, Horseshoe and some of us feared we were headed for Arrow Point before we realized we might run out of Food at the Breakfast long before we would run out of Country and especially Fox! However, during this brisk four-hour jaunt we noted particular hardship for the Staff. Our own Prodigy Sommers who figured Fox Hunting had to be less stressful than training young Horses to Saddle, exhibited his ability to train horses to swim as well. His horse, however, decided to walk on the river bed rather than swim! Staying in the saddle on a submerged horse is difficult at best – only those trained in England have even gotten close. Dismounting gave Sommers a head start on drying out which he managed to accomplish by Breakfast.
The River also claimed our hearty Travis Toms who, opting out of The Swim, nevertheless was claimed by The Bog. At least it was a soft landing.
Not so, however for our hearty Hunt Fellow Wes Watkins whose horse was suddenly taken with the need to show off for a Lady. As we Gentlemen all know, more often than not this ends awkwardly, and in this case, the Horse emulating the Venerable Trigger, failed to complete the dazzling up rearing and, unfortunately, landed on Wes. Fortunately, Wes’ physician noted that his leg was so well fortified by previous fractures that all that was left to treat was a bruising to the Thigh, but not the Ego. We are thankful for Wes’ deliverance, and will also welcome the Deliverance of Fine Spirit.
The Spirit of the day extended even into our Stately Third Field, as unlikely as that would seem. We offer our congratulations to Bill Tunner whose Horse, undoubtedly inspired by the tales of Old Bull Run offered by our old friend and colleague, Field Master Charlie Selby, saw visions of Grey Glory and bucked in salute. This was surprising to all, not the least but to Bill, who rose to the occasion after finding himself seated in the field. May we drink to his Good Fortune, forbearance, and hearty constitution – from his bottle, of course.
Ample Spirit was to be the downfall of our Amelia Harris whose horse was so taken by the Fine Day, the Fine Hunting, and the Fine Fellowship, it could not contain itself but for throwing up its heels in celebration. This was done, unfortunately, without prior consultation with the Rider who instantly found herself owing a bottle! This family trait is not without precedent as your Humble Correspondent shared a mutual dismount with her Grandfather at the coop at the Dead-end Road. Thankfully this was unobserved, but the Fellowship of the Hunt was not deprived as bottles somehow appeared for the stirrup cup as mysteriously as the unreported dismounts.
We urge all who find themselves suddenly deprived of the Fellowship of their Horse to share at least the Fellowship of their “spirit” with their friends and compatriots. The Charge goes to all who ride in the finest, most enlightened Virginia Hunt to report fully all details concerning the sudden “enlightening” of all Horse and Riders as we Hunt.
Very Obediently Yours,
The Bottle Correspondent.