The weather changed from Day 1 with its 80 degrees. A windy and cold morning awaited the hardy participants that travelled to the Imogene, Iowa area for the second leg of this years WCT. The temperatures started in the low 40's with 30 MPH winds gusting to 40, temps were dropping during the hunt ( And day 3 dawned at 20 degrees ) .
Participants this day were treated to a few screaming runs across the Iowa farmland, with coyotes in full view. The hunt lasted about 4 hours after going out at 1000. At the end of the day horses and riders seemed eager to dismount and enjoy a hot bowl of soup and the cameraderie of conversation about the day's hunt. Hopefully we can get a report from a mounted hunt participant as your webmaster here was car following. The group appeared to have a good ride and the days hunting provided them with enough challenge. There were participants from the local area as well as visitors from ( hope I have them all correct ) : Mission Valley ( KS) , Harvard Fox Hounds ( OK ), Bijou Springs Hunt ( CO ) , Long Lake Hounds ( Minn. ) , Iroquois Hunt ( Ky ) , The Moingona Hunt ( Ia )
Edith from Kentucky tacking up in anticipation of the days hunt
Mack from HFH in Oklahoma getting Owen ready
Judges Patricia and Grosvenor before the meet, no doubt wondering about how their borrowed horses will work out!
Pack at a break in the action
Drawing a covert
Huntsman / MFH Jaymes bringing the hounds along
Break time - check your tack
MFH Sue of GHH and her girls meet Elizabeth's dog, Riker. Too cute!
GHH staff getting ready to go out
The field gathers and enjoys a stirrup cup prior to going out
More of the field
And more
Field master Bill on his 18H mare ( and he fits that horse ! ) will lead the participants today
Chatting at a refreshment break mid-hunt. Ex-MFH Jeff of GHH talking to Grovenor
Judges discussing the action
Huntsman Jaymes 'serenading ' the hounds