August, 2025
Former MFH Ginny Perrin leads out a flight at Fox Hunting Camp.
Photo Marshie Davis
President's Report
-Col. Frank Huber
We have had an exciting summer at Deep Run Hunt Club, the milder weather through much of the early summer made our many trail rides, Happy Hour with the Hounds, and other events much more pleasant to conduct outdoors. Partaking of the myriad of activities the Club has to offer with so many like-minded people is part of the camaraderie that makes fox hunting a unique, enjoyable sport and makes our Club so special.
The pool has been extremely popular this summer. Our staff has worked hard to keep it clean and pleasant for your enjoyment and it appears to have paid off for many members based upon my observations of attendance. Please continue to be courteous to all members when using the pool and remember that absolutely no glass is permitted on the concrete apron around the pool or in the pool. We will not have a lifeguard on duty for the remainder of the season so always swim with a buddy and practice safety around the pool. We are also extending the pool season a small amount as Virginia remains warmer longer, but we do need to cover the pool before the leaves start falling with a vengeance. I encourage all you pool lovers out there to take advantage of the additional time. We do not plan to have a “puppy party” this year, but we will announce the final date before pool closing and invite you to bring your canines for a dip in the pool should you chose to do so.
With fall approaching, we have begun roading of the hounds and have held our wonderful hunt camp. Soon the Masters will be announcing the dates for early fall hunting. Please pay close attention to emails and the hunt recording, as dates and venues sometimes change at the last minute due to unforeseen circumstances.
Finally, I encourage you to make every effort to attend our annual meeting on Thursday, September 25. This is your opportunity to hear what your Board is doing for you, and for members to make decisions regarding who represents you on the board. It is also a great time to hang out with the wonderful members of our Club in a lovely setting. I look forward to seeing all of you there.
Organizers Marshie Davis,MFH, and Steve Thurston, MFH
John and Micah demonstrate hound work
Fox Hunting Camp 2025
- Marsh Davis, MFH
Fox Hunting Camp 2025 was an outstanding success, thanks to the incredible volunteers who helped make the day both educational and fun for the 29 participants (9 were members and 20 prospective members and guests.) Riders of all abilities were divided into groups, including Green Horses and Riders, Second Flight Riders, Cross-Country Jumping Riders, and Junior Riders. Throughout the day, they learned essential fox hunting skills on horseback, from crossing creeks and ditches to opening gates and riding quietly in a group.
The morning session featured an insightful lecture on the huntsman’s role, including a demonstration of horn calls and foxhound conformation. Campers then participated in a variety of hands-on educational sessions: Whip Etiquette with Caroline Eichler, Hunt Button Braiding with Micah Lici, Proper Turnout of Your Hunt Horse with Courtney Cohen, Winter Care and Nutrition with Leslie Williams and Evergrow Feed, Tying a Four-Fold Stock with Sophie Golusus, Hunting Rules and Landowner Etiquette with Polly Bance and Steve Thurston, Proper Tack for Your Horse with Ginny Perrin, and Appropriate Hunt Attire for the Rider with Marshie Davis.
Special thanks goes to Pam Ottley, as one of the instructors. Huge thanks to Sue Holcomb as well, who was truly the volunteer of the day, providing tremendous support and ensuring that everything ran smoothly.
Polly Bance, MFH, and Angie Pell tack up
The day concluded with an exciting one-and-a-half-hour cross-country ride, giving participants the chance to put all their new skills into practice. Upon returning, everyone enjoyed ice cream treats and refreshments, a perfect ending to a full and rewarding day.
Special thanks also go to Marshie Davis’s sister, Laurie Birchfield, who helped model all the riding attire. Fox Hunting Camp 2025 was a fantastic event, full of learning, fun, and community spirit, and it would not have been possible without the help and dedication of all involved.
Caroline Eichler, MFH, and Dee Phillips survey the fun
Scenes from a Day of Doggy Fun at the DRHC Terrier Races
- Marshie Davis, MFH
The Terrier Races at DRHC on August 16 brought out dogs of all colors, shapes and sizes to mix and mingle with their two-legged friends. It was a delightful evening out on the back lawn at Deep Run Hunt Club for the annual Terrier Races. The weather was cool and pleasant, setting the perfect stage for an evening of lively competition and community fun.
John Harrison and Micah Lici designed and set up a beautiful course for the races, and their efforts were met with enthusiastic participation. More than 120 spectators and participants gathered, filling the evening with energy, laughter, and cheer. Unusual breeds and spirited dogs took to the course, giving everyone a show filled with excitement and enjoyment. The highlight of the evening was the Barn Hunt Tunnel Race, skillfully set up by John Broadhurst. This special event featured a maze of tunnels for the terriers to navigate, testing their determination and drive to reach the quarry at the end. The intensity and focus of the terriers brought thrills to the crowd, as each dog raced to be the fastest to find their way through.
It was truly a lovely evening at the Hunt Club—one that combined camaraderie, competition, and plenty of joyful moments. The Terrier Races once again proved to be a favorite tradition.
Pool House Gets A Glow Up
A big shout-out to Sue and Bernie Holcomb and David Wilson for their hard work and dedication to improving our Club facilities. This team of volunteers transformed the ladies’ bathroom in the pool house into a fully ADA-accessible restroom, making it more welcoming and inclusive for all members and guests. In addition, they removed the broken screen door and rebuilt a brand-new one, ensuring both functionality and a fresh look for the space. It’s volunteers like Sue, Bernie, and David who make our club such a special place. Their time, talent, and effort truly make a difference. Thank you to the three of you for a job so well done!
Molly and Martini Dry