It was seven o’clock in the morning when I walked into the stables excited and nervous at the same time. I was not exactly sure what to expect from this internship and I was simultaneously hoping to work in the kennels but also, desperately wanting to ride out as well. It turned out, we spent the first morning walking out with the hounds and I got to ride three sets of horses. After that, I knew that I was going to have an exciting and productive summer.

I was introduced to hunting, first by Haley Walsh and Nina Fout riding out with MOC Beagles. I loved getting to see new country and watching the beagles work but after a few seasons I was craving a faster pace and moved on to foxhunting. There is nothing better than riding out on a cold morning, when the sun streams through the leaves and catches the steam rising off the horses. All is quiet and then the first cry and we are off.
This love of hound, open countryside and the chase led me to The Andrew Donovan Looney “Passion and Dreams” Scholarship. I am so thankful to Mrs. Looney for encouraging me to apply. I already knew Huntsman Jordan Hicks to be the funniest man in any room, so I knew I would have a good time one way or another. I was right!

I spent most of my time working with Barn Manager and Whipper-In Rain Leahy in the stables. Each morning, we rode one set before walking out, then returned to ride several more before the heat set in. I also helped with feeding, bathing, grooming, and other chores. Along the way, I learned how to treat fungal infections, wrap horses’ feet, and administer intravenous injections. Rain is an experienced horsewoman who taught me to stay calm regardless of a horse’s behavior and to adapt my riding to each horse’s individual personality. Although Mrs. Walsh had introduced me to this approach, riding many horses each day at the Piedmont stables taught me to adjust quickly to their different needs.

I also had the opportunity to help in the kennels. I will never cease to be impressed at how Jordan and Cillian Cox, First Whipper-In, know every hound by name and I made it my mission to do the same. I helped with various chores like building coop frames, weed eating, sanitizing the puppy kennels and moving the young puppies. I was so thankful for time with the hounds. Some people hunt to ride and others ride to hunt. I am the latter and the hunt is nothing without the hounds. I love watching them work and how they give Jordan everything they have.

The summer went by too quickly for my liking, I wished it would never end. Knowing that I would have to spend my school year in a classroom after working outside for the entire summer was depressing. I often catch myself daydreaming about my time working with Piedmont and I will miss it. I will forever be grateful for all I learned and experienced because of this opportunity.