There are two Fall events that many people think of as The Hunt, referring to the Genesee Valley Hunt (GVH). The Opening Meet, which marks the beginning of the formal foxhunting season, is traditionally the last Saturday in September, when hunt staff, hounds and subscribers meet on the east lawn of the Wadsworth Homestead at the south end of Geneseo's Main Street at 7:30 a.m. and proceed through town to the Hartford House driveway and on from … [Read more...]
Roscommon Hounds Season Opens with the New Year
To beagle – it’s a verb that refers to the sport of using a pack of beagles to enjoy a tramp about in the outdoors during the winter months observing the diminutive hounds as they attempt to sort out the vagaries of scent in pursuit of the wily wabbit. Rest assured that the bunnies have not only a distinct advantage, they are so adept at eluding any minimal threat to their well-being that one can only wonder why we two-footed 'hunters' even … [Read more...]
Valley Horses: Corky is a Corker in the Masters Cup
The Genesee Valley Hunt (GVH) Masters Cup is the final hurrah of outdoor riding competitions in the Valley for the year. It is designed to recognize and honor an ideal mount that a hunt master would most like to own and ride. In order to claim such a distinction, the top two requirements are a sensible temperament and versatility. Five candidates were presented in the Boone Farm jumping field on Sunday, Nov. 13, a gloriously sunny and mild … [Read more...]
Valley Horses: Rattlesnake Hill Riding Trail Closure Call to Action
I apologize for the short notice, but it has come to my attention that the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYS DEC) is hosting a 'public availability session' on Wednesday, Oct. 26, at the Dansville High School cafeteria at 284 Main Street in Dansville to provide information on a recently finalized habitat management plan for the Rattlesnake Hill Wildlife Management Area (WMA). The meeting will include a presentation and … [Read more...]
Valley Horses: A Fine, Fresh Day at the Races
The Genesee Valley Hunt (GVH) Race Meet enjoyed what those in the know considered nearly ideal weather – a gray day of temps in the low 60's with a passing morning shower. Ideal weather, that is, for horses galloping over a 1 1/2 mile undulating turf course, canines competing in various flavors of competitions or accompanying their owners threading through crowds of strangers in lieu of being left home for the day, and delicious tailgate … [Read more...]
Valley Horses: Keeping Tradition Alive
The last Saturday in September marks the traditional start of the formal foxhunting season here in the Valley with the meet being held on the east lawn of the Wadsworth Homestead at the south end of Geneseo’s Main Street. From there, staff, hounds and subscribers (no guests allowed on opening day) proceed up Main Street past the Court House, down the driveway to the Hartford House, and on to the fields and woodlands north of the village. For … [Read more...]
Valley Horses: The Race Is On! The Hunt Is On!
Apparently there are rumors going around that The Race or The Hunt has been cancelled due to the heat and hard ground from lack of rain. I always have to smile a bit at this time of year when I am asked when The Hunt is. By this, people usually are referring to one of two events. The first is the Genesee Valley Hunt (GVH) Opening Meet on the last Saturday in September at about 7:30 a.m. when staff, hounds, and hunt subscribers process … [Read more...]
Valley Horses: Regional Championships Bring Out the Best
GENESEO – The Genesee Valley Riding and Driving Club (GVRDC) hosted the U.S. Eventing Association Area 1 Regional Championships on Aug. 20 and 21. Being at the far western reaches of the region comprised of New York and all of New England, many of the competitors were introduced to the wonders of The Valley for their first time three years ago when the club first hosted the championships, and found it well worth the time and effort to get … [Read more...]
Valley Horses: Hemlock Fair Mounted Patrol Competition Honors Those Who Serve
LIVONIA — This year’s Mounted Patrol Competition at the Hemlock Fair, sponsored by the Livingston County Sheriff’s Office, paid special tribute to recently fallen law enforcement officers, for whom flags have been at half-staff across the country. Genesee Valley Hunt Master Marion Thorne once again judged the obstacle course, joined this year by Dick O’Connell with Ken Adams as the timer. I have been invited to judge the turnout portion of the … [Read more...]
Valley Horses: GVH Horse Trials Foster Team Spirit
This year’s Genesee Valley Hunt (GVH) Horses Trials on Nations Road in Geneseo added a new element for its 62nd annual competition – the Donald T. Holland Memorial Team Challenge. Donald Holland was a longtime supporter of both the Genesee Valley Hunt and eventing. A man of not just words, but action, he even organized these very horse trials for several years. This year, local Olympian Darren Chiacchia (pronounced Cha-Cha), who earned a team … [Read more...]