Southern California Fox Hunt November 2009

On Saturday morning, November 7th, the first Southern California Fox Hunt was held deep in the woods above Los Angeles. Most of the hunting party had camped together the day before. It was a beautiful clear day with a brisk morning that warmed up as the sun came over the glen.

The traditional toast to begin the festivities, the Stirrup Cup, was at noon.

The critters, ponies, and hunters were organized and the fox released. A guide went with the fox to mark trail. We were in a National Forest and did not wish to loose people.

At noon, the Hunt began as the dogs and critters were released next to find the fox.

The ponies and "riders" followed the dogs.

The critter to first tag the fox was our vicious Hunter Bunny. All of the critters and puppies barked and yapped to bring the ponies and "riders" to the scene. The fox was de-tailed by Sir Don who arrived first with his pony, Nikki.

Being a social event, the Hunt was followed by a pot luck dinner together. Good eats, terrific fun.

Words from our fox:

It was a blast. My experience of the Fox Hunt: for one it was
a bit hard to turn from my playful cat mode to the sneaky fox, but once I
was in the fox suit and at the location my mind was at ease to be the one who
everyone was looking for, knowing that was me they wanted.

To find the places to put the ties and flags was fun, trying to be the sneaky
fox. Then to find just the right place to hide and wait, trying not to giggle,
knowing that where I put the flags might throw the puppy, bunny, and ponies off my
track.

I had so much fun that I want to do it again. It was a super high, just like
sub space when it was all said and done. The drop off was the same, or I
would think it was, due to the fact I never felt it before. But knowing what I
have been told by others who have felt it, it was just as they said,
feeling on top of the world one minute and then wanting to just sleep and be held
by your Owner or Handler.

Again thank you, submissann and Madoc, for hosting this event and I look forward
to the next one.

persia