Valley Horses

Another day of beagling draws to a close

The date April 15 has significance in the minds of beaglers, not because of any tax day implications, but because it marks the legal end in New York State for hunting with hounds, drawing an end to Sunday afternoon outings in pursuit of the wily wabbit.

This leaves the furry bunnies free to do what they do best, unencumbered by occasional intrusions by what they must find to be rather dim-witted two and four-legged wanderers.

This perception can be attested to by the fact that nary a single one of them ever found itself in any danger of losing even a hair from its tail, much less any greater part of its anatomy. So why do these silly people do it?

Fresh air, camaraderie, exercise (to varying degrees), the ancient thrill of seeing and hearing hounds earnestly trying to sort out the puzzle, and the occasional glimpse of a rabbit at full speed easily outrunning them.

The year-end Bunny Banquet was held Saturday evening at the Yard of Ale in Piffard. Over 50 beagling enthusiasts were on hand, including one who has made the journey several times this year from the Lockport area after discovering Bill Gamble’s photos and this column online. I say enthusiasts because there are no actual members of the Roscommon Hounds, per se, and attendance at meets is open to all at no charge.

Proceeds from the silent auction of several lovely items, both useful and attractive, and live auction of a hound whip and walking stick made by Bob Heinold, are used to defray veterinary expenses for the pack of 6 small (under 12”) beagle bitches overseen by Joint Masters Randy Kozlowski and Karen Schmidt.

In his remarks at the dinner, Kozlowski expressed gratitude for the contributions of time and energy by whips Stirlin Harris, Jim Watrous, Pat Moran, and Bobby Palkovic, along with Sheila Graves and Monica Stone for organizing the dinner, and Secretary Ann Jensen. He expressed true delight in “the girls” whom he refers to as the Bad News Bears, who provided a wealth of fun and excitement week after week.

The Roscommon Hounds were founded over 30 years ago by Dr. Joseph C. O’Dea, although the first beagle pack in the Valley dates back over 100 years to one established by Sam Wadsworth. Kozlowski will be considering at a few new prospects from other packs in the coming weeks, so many local fans of the sport are already looking ahead to next year.a

Winners of the Week

Plantation Field Horse Trials, Unionville, PA

Ah, the joys and uncertainties of the horse world! Avon trainer and coach Carol Kozlowski traveled south, after coming north in early April from her winter foothold in South Carolina, with her two promising mounts for this season: Mr. Snuffleuffagus at Intermediate level, and Good Earth Bit O’ Honey who successfully moved up to Preliminary level earlier in the year. “Sniff” stood in third by two points in the Open Intermediate division after dressage and stadium phases, but an unfortunate slip cross-country cost them a fall, resulting in mandatory retirement.

With Honey, however, all the stars aligned as they put together another win against a stellar field of competitors in the Open Preliminary division.

Rolelu Stables Excellence in Equitation Combined Test, Dressage Show, and Jumper Derby

Combined Test

Introductory Test 1: 1. Katie Marshall and Lewis; 2. Marylou Boynton and Odin; 3. Julia Mazza and The Ringo Kid

Introductory Test 2: 1. Barbara Havill and Rio Dinero; 2. Lorraine K. Jackson and Pic’s Time to Fly; 3. Kristin Browne and Celestial Energy

Beginner Novice Test 1: 1. Nicky Lund ad Maggie; 2. Christine Pallini and Flight of Fancy; 3. Karen Berger and Lindor

Beginner Novice Test 2: 1. Kelli Rowekamp and Captain Jak; 2. Elizabeth Drake and Chuck; 3. James Watrous and Cavanobles

Novice: 1. Hillary Marshall and Michael

Training: 1. Jannah Matzan and The Jolly; 2. Susan J. Robshaw and Pictou; 3. Lindsay Foxluger and Top Gun

Preliminary: 1. Kristen Monaco and Cassanova; 2. Megan Burke and All That Jazz

Dressage

I love the fact that the Rolelu shows award ribbons in small dressage classes based on the Danish scoring system of rewarding numerical/percentage scores rather than just by how many people are in the class, which explains why a single rider at a certain level may receive a yellow/third place.

Introductory Test B: Owen Wong and Raven (blue and red); Carrie Sweeney and Cypress (red)

Introductory Test C: Carrie Sweeney and Cypress (red)

Beginner Novice A: 1. Barbara Havill and Rio Dinero; 2. Kristin Browne and Celestial Energy; 3. Lorraine K. Jackson and Pic’s Time to Fly

Novice B: Jannah Matzan and The Jolly (red)

Training Level Test 1: 1. Megan Conant and B Champagne Dreams; 2. Krystal Speed and Raku L; 3. Krystal Speed and Raku L

Training Level Test 2: Celena Jo Goodwin and Sunny (blue); Megan Conant and B Champagne Dreams (red)

Training Level Test 3: Celena Jo Goodwin and Sunny (yellow)

Training A: Jannah Matzan and The Jolly (yellow)

First Level Test 1: Kimberly Gurda and Stella Luna (red)

First Level Test 3: Kimberly Gurda and Stella Luna (red)

Fourth Level Test 1: Amy Jones and Pomp (blue)

Fourth Level Test 2: Amy Jones and Pomp (blue); Amy Jones and Aga (blue)

Fourth Level Test 3: Amy Jones and Aga (red)

Jumping Derby

Introductory: 1. Kathy Hiltunen and Peggy; 2. Kathy Barsz and Perfect Timing

Coming Up

April 22 at 1 p.m. – Grooming Clinic with Kelli Kidder

Learn tricks of the trade and best practices from professional event groom Kelli Kidder. She used to work for Mark Weissbecker and now she wants to share her secrets with her hometown horsey folk!

Come learn how to help your horse put his best hoof forward. She’ll teach hands-on techniques for braiding so dress for the weather as you’ll be in a barn.

This seminar is free for GVRDC members and membership forms will be available there for anyone wishing to join. Others are welcome at a cost of $10. FREE for GVRDC members/ $10 for non-members

Mothersfield, 4444 Hogmire Road, Avon, NY 14414-9648

Pre-registration required. For more information visit www.gvrdc.org or contact Liz Muxworthy at 585-573-1470 or carvermuxworthy@juno.com.

April 20 (4–8 p.m.) and 21 (8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.) Tack Sale hosted by the Mane Mustangs 4-H Club to benefit the Livingston County 4-H Horse Program at 8922 Reeds Corners Rd., Dansville.

Non-4-Hers are welcome to bring items for sale. Please be prepared to set up a table from 4-8 p.m. on April 19 and to man it during the sale if possible. Bring your own table.

All items must be marked with a price and your initials. Please be clear if the price is negotiable. Call 335-5444 after 6 p.m. for more information.