The second day of the Western Challenge 2005 was overcast and cool. St. Patrick Day's pins were handed out by members of the Woodbrook Hunt along with a rather strong stirrup cup. At 9:00, MFH Jean Brooks introduced The Woodbrook Hunt, the oldest hunt west of the Mississippi, with an origin at the MFHA dating back to 1923. This hunt is a drag hunt (though hunting live today) that is based at Fort. Lewis, Washington. Whippers-in were Dick Secor, Jennifer Hansen, Kathleen Vanzwol, and Mike Wager. MFH Jean dedicated the day's hunt to her late husband, MFH John Brooks.
The hounds moved off and roaded to the point of casting. There was a light scent but it proved difficult conditions with winds at our backs. The hounds worked territory for about an hour before scent was truly picked up. From there, the hounds were tracking the scent for a number of miles with periodic hits. At one point, the pack got hot on a mountainside with a lot of voice but nothing materialized.
The pack checked at a water tank briefly. They picked up scent quickly after the check, giving strong voice for about a half a mile across the valley. This point was particularly picturesque as it began to lightly snow so the Sierra Mountains were providing a misty backdrop to the moment. From that point, the hounds were disappointed as the wind was so strong that the scent was gone. Thus, although the day ended a loss, much fun was had all.
Did those horses get into the green beer early?
Jean Brooks and the hounds
Team Woodbrook
Further explanation at: http://www.redrockhounds.com/news.html
