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Fox Chasing in Amwell Valley
The
popularity of foxhunting continues to grow. Currently there are over 150
organized clubs in North America. There
are many reasons for its popularity. There is an old adage that says, some
people ride to hunt, others hunt to ride. Certainly the thrill of riding
over the countryside on a fine horse who meets his fences well, is a thrill
for anyone. Also, the sight of a pack of hounds in full cry is
breathtaking. Today's hunters have a special reward, the permission to ride
over private land. No group of individuals is more aware of this privilege,
nor is there a group more outspoken in their desire to protect quarry and
preserve their environment. It is enjoyed by people from all walks of life
and any age. It is a wonderful recreation for the whole family that can be
enjoy for a lifetime.
The exciting
sport of foxhunting is really “fox chasing.” The hounds locate the scent of a fox and
follow it, “speaking”, or barking, until the scent dissipates or the fox
becomes tired and goes “to ground” in his den. The field of riders follows
the hounds as closely as possible without interfering with the hounds or
the fox.
Hunting is
different every day as the fox and scent determine the pace of the day.
Riders may jump fences or find a way around, follow a cleared path or go
through the woods, always led by the “field master” familiar with the
territory and the hounds.
The Members
of The Amwell Valley Hunt come from New Jersey,
New York, and Pennsylvania, and all share this outdoor
activity regardless of their varied, diverse backgrounds. There are also members,
known as patrons or supporters who do not hunt but partake in the various
social functions such as the Hunt Ball, Hunt Breakfast, Hunter pace, and
opening day activities.
Fox Hunting
can involve the entire family, couples, or “one of a pair”, or singles. It
is by no means a competitive event, but simply a means of having fun with
other people who share in the common bond of horses, hounds and the great
outdoors. Visitors are always welcome to join with us in this fine
traditional sport.
About
The Amwell Valley Hounds
1961
- Twenty would-be fox
hunters met in "Dede" Bull's kitchen in Kingwood to discuss
forming a hunt.
1962 - February 5, 350 dollars is pledged to buy a pack of hounds
that will be kenneled at Kingwood Stables. Bill Read and Donald Jones are
elected Joint Masters. An outbreak of leptospirosis necessitated putting
down the entire pack. The kennels are moved to Old Fox Farm in Clover Hill.
1963 - Kingwood Foxhounds registers with Masters of Foxhounds
Association. On December 21, the first official meeting of the Pony Club
takes place with Joan Toigo as DC.
1965 - Kingwood Foxhounds recognized by the Masters of Foxhounds.
1968 - First Hunters Trials are held at Olyphants' Cluaran Farm.
1970 - The kennels are destroyed by fire. Hounds are moved to Pine
Twig Farm. On September 27, the name is changed to Amwell Valley Hounds in
recognition of the support given the Hunt by the farmers of the valley.
1971 - The first AVH horse show is held at Pine Twig Farm. Donald
Jones retires as Joint Master and Lutt Maclin and Jim Rikhoff are
appointed.
1975 - Lutt Maclin and Jim Rikhoff retire as Joint Masters and
Richard Hudnut becomes Joint Master. The kennels move to Dutch Lane. The Hunter Trials takes
place at Bryce Thompson's Sourland Farm.
1980 - Richard Hudnut resigns as Joint Master, leaving Bill Read as
sole Master for the next two years.
1982 - Hal Denton is elected as Joint Master by the subscribers.
1986 - Bill Read resigns as Joint Master and Huntsman. The kennels
move to Golden's on Route 5l8. Donna Vandermark and Trish Buckwalter are
elected Joint Masters. Trish Buckwalter becomes the Huntsman.
1989 - Hal Denton resigns as Joint Master and Gordon Smith is
elected. The kennels move to Edge of the Woods Farm and the Hunter Trials
are held at Maclin's Amwell Farm.
1990 - Bill Read returns as Huntsman and is elected Joint Master.
The Hunter Trials are held at Hillsborough Country Club.
1991 - The Hunter Trials are held at Hillsborough Country Club.
1992 - The Hunter Trials are held at Plumbroke Farm, hosted by
Tiffany Teeter and Jim Rigney.
1993 - The Team Chase is revived in New Jersey. due to the efforts of an
enthusiastic group of Amwell Valley Hounds Hunt subscribers. It is combined
with the Hunter Trials and is hosted at Bryce Thompson's Sourland Farm.
Bryce Thompson's team wins fastest time.
1994 - AVH Legal awarded 1st Placed Stallion Hound at the Virginia
Hound Show, also awarded Reserve Champion for Crossbred Division. Sourland
Farm again hosts the Hunter Trials & Team Chase. Pony Chase introduced.
1995 - Bill Read retires as Joint Master and Huntsman after 31 years
of dedicated service and leadership. John Ike is elected both as Huntsman
and Joint Master. John was Master and Huntsman of the Tewksbury Foot
Bassets for 20 years.
1996 - AVH Talbot awarded Champion Foxhound at the Bryn Mawr Hound
Show. Exercise yard for hounds enlarged at kennels.
1998 - Gordon Smith retires as Joint Master after 26 years as a
subscriber. Philip Jacoby is elected Joint Master. Bryce Thompson becomes
Honorary Joint Master.
2000 - John Ike serves his last year as Joint Master and Huntsman.
Victoria Logan is elected Joint Master.
2001 - Stephen Hunt is appointed Huntsman.
2003 - Ronald Kulczynski and Victoria Wilmdering are elected Joint
Masters. Michael Harper is appointed Huntsman.
2005
– AVH Happy awarded Champion Old
English Foxhound at the Bryn Mawr Hound Show, and Champion Hound at New
Jersey Inter-hunt Puppy show. Gary Wingar joins as Professional Kennel
Huntsmen assisting Huntsmen Michael Harper.
2006 Dr. Ralph
Reilly elected Joint Master with Vicky
and Ron. Paula Mann and Pete Freundlich become the new landlords for the
AVH Kennels. Tiffany Teeter is appointed Honorary MFH by the AVH board.
Tiffany joins Bryce Thompson IV as Honorary MFH of Amwell Valley Hounds.
AVH Player wins Champion at New Jersey Inter-Hunt Puppy show. The exercise
yard is significantly expanded at the Kennels.
2007 Vicky Wilmerding steps down as joint MFH, in preparation for her move to Vermont. Dr. Ralph Reilly, Ron Kulczynski remain as Joint Masters with Honorary MFHs Bryce Thompson and Tiffany Teeter. Professional Huntsman Stephen Farrin joins the Amwell Valley Hounds staff. AVH Legend is Champion Old English Foxhound, 1st Best Old English Dog; and AVH Prosy wins 1st Best Old English Bitch at the Bryn Mawr Hound Show. AVH wins the Old English Pack Class at the Centennial celebration of the Virginia Hound Show.
2008 Ron Kulczynski retires as joint MFH and Joanne Possumato is elected Joint Master, serving with Dr. Ralph Reilly, MFH and Honorary Masters Bryce Thompson and Tiffany Teeter. Steven Farrin accepts AVH offer to serve as huntsman for the 2008-2009 season. Record hot temperatures of nearly 100 degress F do not stop the intrepid entries in the Spring Hunter Pace. |
