Tri-State Region US Pony Clubs Winter Weekend

              The Tri-State Region Winter Weekend United States Pony Clubs in Carrollton, Ohio was a tremendous success! There were 39 pony clubbers in attendance, and their enthusiasm for fox hunting and nature was thrilling. The first group was older pony clubbers who are going for their HB rating this summer. They are required to understand and contribute to land conservation in their area. Tri-State region encompasses western Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and eastern Ohio.  I did a power point that explained that the colors of the rainbow (and why Tristate is called the Rainbow region) illustrated the original foxhunts in the region. Only two of those foxhunts exist today: RFHH and Rolling Rock Hunt. The pony clubs that were affiliated with the hunts that no longer are active have also folded. We discussed the major reasons are due to land loss to development.

              The two younger groups mostly enjoyed seeing the photos of the hounds and hearing about how we train them! Of course, they couldn’t believe that it IS possible that one can know all 45 hounds’ names!!! The boys in particular liked the GPS gear and wire cutters as I had my saddle decked out with what a whipper-in would carry. The GIRLS spent a half hour cracking the whips and blowing the horn. It was hilarious. One nine year old boy dropped a handout on his mom’s lap and said “I’m SO going to do this!” Bath PC and Hunters Run PC are very interested in experiencing hunting with us.

              It was so worth the time and drive to see the concern and enthusiasm young riders still have for nature and the environment. The facility was exceptional, with multiple taxidermy animal from field mice to an adult bear! Of course, there were many foxes and coyotes, including pelts. I am so encouraged about our mission.