The 2005 Western Challenge commenced with the 88th hunt of the 120th season of The Waldingfield Beagles from Charlottesville, VA. Joint Master and Huntsman, Arie Rijke introduced his whippers-in, Von Lennox of The Woodbrook Hounds from Washington and Kathy Tourney of The Arapahoe Hunt from Colorado. Arie introduced the Western Challenge judges, Eleanor Hartwell, huntsman of the Bridlespur Hunt (Missouri) and Betsy Park, retired huntsman of the Millbrook Hunt (NY). Arie thanked Lynn Lloyd, MFH of the Red Rock Hounds, for sharing her Cambell Springs fixture and then started the hunt off with 10 couple of 13 inch Waldingfield beagles at approximately 9:30 am.
The pack started off with white tipped beagle tails the only aspect visible in the Nevada sagebrush... Soon, they scented a jack rabbit line which was viewed by whipper-in Von Lennox. The pack kept this line down to the valley where two wild mustangs were rousted. Everfaithful to their job and huntsman, the Beagles held their line and continued their ferocious pursuit with a velocity that only a beagle pack can attain. Members of the Red Rock Hounds were called forth to drive the mustangs off.
The scenery was spectacular with the Sierra Mountains in the background. At one point, the line was lost and Arie dismounted and circled the pack on foot. They picked up the line about three quarters around the circle and were off again giving vigorous voice to the moment. Arie was remounted and the hunt continued with pace until the line was lost a second time and not picked up again.
The field consisted of aproximately 35 riders from Red Rock, Woodbrook, and Waldingfield. The hunt lasted approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes and, although ended a loss, was very much enjoyed by all.
by Susan Slocum: Member of Red Rock Hounds, North Hills Hunt, The Moingona Hunt, and The Waldingfield Beagles (just joined today).
