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Fraser Valley Hunt: Downpour doesn’t deter hunters

Intermittent showers gave way to steady downpours last Saturday but the seven hounds on the scent persevered, and so did two dozen riders to make the 19th annual Opening Meet for the Fraser Valley Hunt a success.
fox hunt
Despite rainy weather, about 25 riders, seven hounds and several dozen spectators participated in the 19th annual Opening Fox Hunt on Saturday, Nov. 3.

Intermittent showers gave way to steady downpours last Saturday but the seven hounds on the scent persevered, and so did two dozen riders to make the 19th annual Opening Meet for the Fraser Valley Hunt a success.

The hunt, which uses what’s called a “drag scent,” rather than a live animal, took place in Roberts Creek, with about five runs of one kilometre winding through backyards, down logging roads and other trails.

The Sunshine Coast Equestrian Club hosts the Fraser Valley Hunt Club and organizer Kenan MacKenzie said “everybody had a great time despite it being soaking wet. Every one of those riders was beaming.”

Aar Koeman, who has been with the hunt club for 30 years, was the huntsman this year, in charge of the relatively new pack of hounds. This was the hounds’ seventh hunt, which MacKenzie said is “brand new.” Typically older hounds are coupled with novices “so they can learn the ropes,” explained MacKenzie. “But in this particular case they didn’t really have any of the older hounds anymore.” Despite that, he said the hounds did well and the only observation was that they don’t seem to give voice as much.

William Donnellan is the new hunt master who MacKenzie said has been crucial in reviving the hunt. “It was himself that stepped in last year to try to get the hunt going again because it was basically on its knees last year,” MacKenzie said.

If spectators are anything to go by, the hunt remains as popular as ever, with onlookers braving the inclement weather to watch the three fields of riders make their way through the course. “It’s a little bit of craziness to me that people come out for it. Where are you going to see a drag scent hunt in most circumstances?” MacKenzie said.

He said the popularity is due in part to the variation of the course. “There are river crossings, there’s ditches, roadways, lots of jumps – we put out more jumps than they will encounter in any other hunts,” he said.

Before the hunt got underway, Rev. Terri Scallon performed a blessing of the hounds and Virginia Mills, who organizes the luncheon for riders following the hunt, gave a short speech. And as is tradition, prizes of Dom Pérignon were given to attendees who brought the best prepared lunch, served out of the back of their vehicles in the riding ring.

Two groups won this year. One group had an Armistice Day theme, calling their spread of beef Wellington, potatoes Anna and other sides, the adjutant’s lunch. Ann Nelitz presented the award and noted that the WWII era gas mask that was among the artifacts accompanying the spread was the same as what she wore as a five-year-old girl living on the Isle of Wight during the war.