More than 92 riders thundered across the Misty River Hounds’ hunt country on Oct. 15 to open the season. MFH and Huntsman Dina Del Guercio carried the horn for the Crossbred pack, and riders from Coal Valley (Kan.), Mission Valley (Kan.), Harvard Foxhounds (Okla.), Midland (Ga.), and Cloudline Hounds (Texas) joined the Misty River hunters for a jackets-optional day. Approximately 75 non-riding guests followed the action from the tally-ho wagons along hilltops and through pastures. Hot, dry autumn conditions, while lovely, made scenting difficult for the hounds, which resulted in several short runs accompanied by hound music. Hounds showed immediate interest with a few chirps while crossing the Strawberry Patch. Those chirps turned to baying as the hounds led racing riders down the steep meadow hillside abutting the kennels and through a wooded draw before hounds lost. It wasn’t until the pack pulled along the river bottom that they opened, full-throated, sterns feathering, and every rider felt the adrenaline-pumping excitement common to foxhunters. But the dry heat and a light wind served to ruin the scent, resulting in nothing sustained. As the afternoon wore on, with even the veteran hounds feeling the effects of the heat, the huntsman blew “Going Home.” Riders and non-riding guests retired to cool their sweaty horses, swap tales, and enjoy the traditional spit-roasted pig feast. And, as is customary at Misty River opening meet, Del Guercio awarded colors, this season to four members. In late afternoon, as the shadows grew long, the last of the hunters departed.
