IN THE FIELD: Riding To The Hounds

I was revisiting my film archives, as I do from time to time, to select images to scan and capture as electronic files. I came across this image, and while I recall taking the shot and the situation surrounding the event, it sparked my imagination.

I envisioned this gentleman had just mounted his hunter on an early fall day, and was headed to greet his guests for the fox hunt. They would all gather in the great hall for a traditional hunt breakfast and then head out for a ride to the hounds. The group of mounted riders and packs of fox hounds would traverse the estate through the woods and fields. Eventually making their way back to the manor, they would celebrate with champagne cordials.

In reality, this is one of the officials at the Radnor Hunt Races which take place in Malvern Pennsylvania. It’s a annual multi-race steeplechase event. The course covers several miles of countryside with jumps, puddles, hedges, fences, and other obstacles for horse and rider to navigate. And all proceeds from the Radnor Hunt Races benefit the land and water preservation programs of the Brandywine Conservancy in Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania.

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