The meet held by the Juan Tomas Hounds began with an excellent welcoming dinner held at the new Sandia Casino northeast of Albuquerque on Thursday night. Hounds moved off at 8:30 the next morning at the Mesa fixture in an attempt to complete the hunt before it became too hot. Although the weather was not uncomfortable at this hour for the Field, it was obvious that scenting would be difficult with the rising temperature and light breeze. Hounds occasionally picked up scent, but never strong enough to give chase. Nevertheless, these instances kept the pack enthused and the hounds worked well together thoroughly covering the route selected by the Huntsman.
Toward the end of the hunt, hounds finally opened on a hot line and an exciting run ensued with the coyote being viewed by those who kept up with the pack. Our pilot was most accommodating as he led the hounds in the general direction of our starting point. After the coyote made his escape, hounds were quickly recovered and we returned to the trailers for a very nice breakfast hosted by the JTH members.
And a PS on Sunday's Hunter Pace from John Auborn:
I'm sure Liza didn't forget to mention that she and John Schafer won their class at the hunter pace (I't must be because John rode my horse). I also won
the first class with Cathy on Jefford's horse snowflake. Final class was won by Willie Leahy.
John.
Pictures to be included when available