Foxes Win Tight Fox/Hound Riding Competition

The Foxes started off on the right hoof by being named champion of the Lead Line Class after earning two of the top three ribbons. All of the Lead Line riders were dressed to the nines and did an excellent job putting their heels down and looking confident and poised on their mounts. For their overall win in this class, the Foxes earned a one-second advantage for their best Big Team rider's score. This advantage was secured by Foxes Clare T. ’22 along with Elizabeth S. ’22 and Adair S. ’22 who were awarded first, third and sixth places by judge E. Robyn Anderson, of Unison, VA.

As the competition shifted into the riding phase, the Hounds disrupted the Foxes' momentum when they took the win in the Little Team competition. With the pressure on, the riders from both teams performed quite well as they battled for top honors in the Middle and Big Team competitions. When it was all said and done, the Foxes were victorious over the Hounds in those final two competitions. In these riding classes, Anderson awarded a Style Award — also worth a one-second time advantage — to the rider who best demonstrated a correct position, safe and smart decision-making skills, and proper technique. Hound Mimi W. ’24 won this honor for the Little Team and Foxes Lexi H. ’23 and Sage W. ’23 earned it in the Middle and Big Team competitions, further aiding their Team’s quest for victory.

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, 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 without exceeding it. This format encourages safe and effective riding and good horsemanship.

Last year’s tie-breaker foot race was such a hit that, even though a tie-breaker wasn’t needed this year, the girls decided to run the foot race anyway! The relay-style event was run on Big Track with the Foxes coming out on top. After the quiet finger-snaps of appreciation during the indoor events, the loud and enthusiastic cheers during the foot race seemed a fitting end to an afternoon of Fox/Hound events!