On Saturday, August 9, the Piedmont Fox Hounds Conservation Fund gathered riders and friends for a fun and educational afternoon at Mill Run Farm in Upperville, generously hosted by Glenn and Natalie Epstein. Olympian Juliet Graham led the Jumping Safely in the Hunt Field Clinic, sharing her wealth of knowledge with a series of exercises on the flat and over fences aimed at solidifying the skills necessary to navigate our sport. Riders of all levels had the chance to learn from her expertise, ask questions, and practice techniques that will help keep both horse and rider confident and safe in the field.

“We focused on ‘simple’ riding,” said Piedmont landowner and subscriber Heather Heider. “It’s not about the jumps and the height, it’s about softness, ratability, and balance in prepping your horses for the hunt field.”

“My young horse and I connected so much more, and he felt effortless at the end of the clinic,” she continued. “Riding with an instructor is one thing, but riding with Juliet is riding with a horseman.”

Beyond the top-notch instruction, the day was about community, conservation, and enjoying the beautiful Virginia countryside. Mill Run Farm offered a stunning backdrop for the clinic, and participants left feeling more prepared for the upcoming season while also appreciating the chance to connect with fellow foxhunters and preservationists. The PFH Conservation Fund continues to blend education and tradition with land stewardship, making events like this both valuable and memorable for everyone involved!

If you missed this year’s clinic, fear not! Juliet will return next summer for another day of fun and learning.