A Foxy Victory for the Fox/Hound Riding Competition 

The Foxes and Hounds both presented stylish and smiling Lead Line riders who embraced their moment in the saddle on some of Foxcroft’s most trustworthy school horses. While all of the participants in this class, riders and handlers alike, were dressed the part and presented themselves well to the judge, the Foxes earned more points with their ribbon placings and earned a one-second advantage for their best Big Team rider's score. This advantage was secured by Foxes who were awarded 1st, 4th, and 5th places by judge E. Robyn Anderson, of Unison, VA. 

The format and course for Fox/Hound Riding are based on the showjumping style of riding. There is a single round over a course consisting of verticals and oxers with areas where riders have inside turn options which can be used to create an efficient line between jumps. The course is timed, and an Optimum Time, which rewards a tidy track, a quick but safe pace, and an accurate plan, is posted for each competition. The winner of each group is the rider who gets closest to the Optimum Time. This format encourages safe and effective riding and good horsemanship.

Supported by the many students and faculty in attendance, the riders on the Big Teams for both the Foxes and the Hounds gave the audience a good show with efficient tracks and solid skills on display. Throughout the rounds, the times remained tight and it was a close call as to which team would average a time closest to the Optimum Time and emerge as the winner. In these riding classes, Anderson gave a Style Award (also worth a one-second time advantage) to the rider on the Big Team rosters who best demonstrated a correct position, safe and smart decision-making skills, and proper technique. Fox Charlotte N. ’26 won this honor and this advantage, combined with that from the Lead Line victory, gave the Foxes the edge they needed to be declared the overall winner! 

After celebrating the success of all the riders and cheering in appreciation of the horses, the riders went back to the stable to tuck their horses in for the day, and the other students went to sports practices to further hone their skills for upcoming spring athletic games.

Complete results follow.

Lead Line Team

Winner: Foxes

Big Team 

Winning Team Time: Foxes 52.44 seconds with the Optimum Time being 55.5 seconds

Style Award: Charlotte N. ’26

From Director of Riding Kate Worsham