This year has been marked with significant growth for PFHCF. We have focused on broadening our support of multiple equestrian disciplines, beginning with our donation to the Piedmont Point-to-Point Races and setting up a Bourbon and Champagne Bar on the course that brought supporters and newcomers together. Over Memorial Day Weekend we engaged with hundreds of visitors during the Hunt Country Stable Tour. Over the summer months, we partnered with the OCH Conservation Foundation to sponsor the Irish Hunter Divisions at the Upperville Colt and Horse Show and Warrenton Horse Shows. Both historic competitions are US Equestrian Federation Heritage Shows which are run by independent, non-profit organizations.
April witnessed two sold-out trail rides featuring stunning views of our protected countryside and discussed the preservation struggle to save our territory. George Grayson graciously led our annual Good Friday trail ride from Milan Silos on a blustery day full of good cheer and over 50 participants. Later in April, PFHCF partnered with the Virginia Piedmont Heritage Area (VPHA) for the historic trail ride through the Unison Battlefield Historic District and took riders through 11 farms, totaling over 2,200 acres under conservation easement. VPHA historians brought the Battle of Unison to life at key locations and told the history of several historic homes within the district.
In June we hosted a group of students from Middleburg Montessori for a tour of the Piedmont Kennels. These extremely engaged children were abuzz with questions relating to hound care, their names and how they learn to hunt. Huntsman Jordan Hicks and Whipper-In Johnny Dean were well prepared for this engaging audience, and the hound puppies were more than ready to commence exuberant playtime with their visitors!
As thoughts turned to the beginning of hunting season, 12 horse and rider pairs joined us at Anita Antenucci’s Arden Farm in Uppervile for the second annual Jumping Safely in the Hunt Field Clinic with Juliet Graham. Everyone came ready to learn and made tremendous strides, all while having fun!
PFHCF has even more in store for the community this Autumn, so click here for more information or click here to sign up for our Newsletter to stay up to date on all we have in store!