A Review of 2024
Wellington-Waterloo Hunt Club
Letter to Members and Supporters
December 31st, 2024
Dear Members and Supporters,
The Wellington-Waterloo Hunt enjoyed a remarkable 2024, marked by significant achievements made possible through the tireless dedication of our members. I am pleased to share some of our most notable accomplishments:
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Hunt Ball
Our Hunt Ball brought friends together from near and far to celebrate, party and dance. We also recognized three exceptional long-time contributors: Carl and Carol Cook, Jock and Virginia Buchanan-Smith, and Anne Peace. Their ongoing passion and support for Wellington-Waterloo Hunt continue to inspire us all.
Fixtures
While 2024 presented seemingly insurmountable challenges with our Fixture Card, the determined leadership of ex-MFH Judy Barr and Kris Baker, MFH, along with their dedicated team, secured wonderful new locations for our Hunt Seasons and future Hunts. Their persistent efforts in building relationships with generous landowners have expanded our fixtures significantly.
Hunter Pace Series
The Hunter Pace Series continues to flourish under Master Robin Hall's exceptional leadership. In her 26th consecutive year managing and building this event, Robin has transformed it into a well-attended tradition. Her meticulous attention to detail and respect for landowners' properties has been instrumental in its growing success. We are grateful to Robin and her support team for their tireless efforts in delivering an outstanding experience for all participants.
Masters of Fox Hounds
Robin Hall, MFH, Kris Baker, MFH, and Paul Sherman, MFH bring nearly a century of combined hunting experience to their roles. Their seamless collaboration ensures smooth operations across all aspects of the Hunt, though much of their essential work occurs behind the scenes they are crucial to the Hunts we enjoy.
Huntsman Team and Hounds
As Huntsman, Kris Baker, MFH continues to strengthen relationships among our hounds, kennel man, hound walkers, whipper-ins, road whips, hosts and more, while enhancing the hunting experience for members and guests. Her long-standing commitment to the Club exemplifies the dedication that makes Wellington-Waterloo Hunt exceptional.
Administration
Paul Sherman, MFH serves multiple crucial roles, including Master of Fox Hounds and Club Registrar. Until September 2024, he also held the position of Honorary Treasurer. His attention to detail ensures smooth registration processes for all events, while his broader contributions continue to support various operational aspects of the Hunt. The countless hours and emails have him working late into the night.
Progress Through Change
In 2024, our Board of Directors and Masters prioritized operational improvements across the Club. Breaking from the traditional "Things Take Time" approach, we quickly adopted and implemented innovative member suggestions that yielded impressive results throughout the year.
While this summary highlights some of our achievements, countless other contributions from members deserve recognition — that will come in due time.
As a volunteer-based organization, we deeply appreciate every member who steps forward asking, "How can I help?" This willingness to contribute makes my role as President particularly rewarding and ensures our Club's continued success.
Although we are a Drag Hunting Club, our true strength lies in our members and supporters who generously volunteer their time and talents to enhance the experience for all.
It is my distinct privilege to serve.
2025 is looking great and believe me, it is difficult to contain the excitement I feel to get started. The Best is yet to come!
We shall see you in the New Year – May yours be filled with love, joy and prosperity.
With sincere gratitude,
Patrick Le Blanc
President
Wellington-Waterloo Hunt Club
The Scarlet Line
The Scarlet Line: A Wellington-Waterloo Hunt Story
A Day In The Hunt
The misty morning hangs low over the rolling farmlands of Wellington County, where tradition and horsemanship run as deep as the county's rich soil. Huntsman Kris adjusts her scarlet hunt coat, her breath visible in the crisp autumn air, scanning the landscape that has hosted many joy-filled, well-attended hunts over the years. Today, they add one more.
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The Wellington-Waterloo Hunt Club is more than an equestrian association—it is a living, breathing community that celebrates an age-old equestrian tradition. Today's drag hunt traces a carefully laid line across nearly 20 kilometers of breathtaking countryside, weaving through farmsteads, woodlots, and sweeping meadows.
Her mount, Gracie, a spirited mare, prances with anticipation. Beside her, Joint Masters Robin and Paul review the day's route, pointing out key landmarks on the hand-drawn map.
"The drag today," Kris explains to the assembled riders, "starts here at Pitcaple Farm, hosted by our dear members Jock and Virginia. It crosses over the fields, into the woods before emerging at the Donkey Sanctuary, and then leads us onto the Forestell land. We have six and a half couple with us today. We count hounds in couples, so that is that is 13 hounds in total."
Forty riders assemble—a mix of seasoned hunters and enthusiastic newcomers, their horses a beautiful tableau of breeds and colors. Every rider is turned out smartly in their hunting attire. It is truly a thing of beauty. The drag hunt is a delicate dance of skill, strategy, and respect for both horse and land.
The artificial scent lines, carefully planned and skillfully laid earlier by the "foxes," Vixens Judy and Katherine, will challenge the hounds’ and riders’ collective skills with their clever as a fox persona. Following the line requires more than mere riding—it demands a deep understanding of terrain, horse, and the subtle art of reading the landscape.
As the huntsman's horn sounds, a ripple of excitement passes through the mounted riders. The hounds surge forward, their melodic baying cutting through the morning silence. Gracie’s ears prick forward, sensing the collective energy of the hunt.
Kris remembers the words of her mentor: "A true hunt is not about the chase, but the connection—between rider, horse, and hound, between landscape and passionate friends enjoying the values of tradition in the present moment."
The hounds' white sterns show above the tall grass as they start to speak, approaching the first jump—a classic post and rail fence bordering an old maple grove. First the hounds go through the fence, and Kris follows closely behind. Gracie and Kris move as one, a fluid motion of muscle and instinct, clearing the obstacle with ease that speaks of countless hours of riding and mutual trust.
Through woodlands and open fields, they ride, following the hounds as they work on the scent. What a sight. That’s why they do it! The drag hunt reveals the stunning vista of Wellington County. Each rider has a story, each horse a personality, united in this timeless ritual that is part sport, part art, all deeply connected with nature. Now in unison, they all write new chapters in their story—new memories to share.
As the hunt concludes back at Pitcaple, the staff, Robin, Paula, Hunter, and Tamara celebrate and cheer as they hear the words, “The hounds are all on! Well done everybody. Thank you!” The sound of cheering riders supports those who made it a successful hunt. Another great hunt for the books.
The riders exchange stories over breakfast, a celebratory drink, and hearty laughter. They aren't just a hunt club—they are a community bound by passion, skill, and deep respect for an equestrian tradition that continues to evolve. A bond only experienced by riding to hounds.
For Kris, and for every rider today, it is never just about following the hounds and the scent; it is about honoring a legacy, celebrating the partnership between human and horse, and writing another chapter in the rich tapestry of Wellington-Waterloo's hunting heritage and the folks who turn up for every adventure. It’s exciting, thrilling, and fun! Making memories and friendships to last a lifetime.
Now the drag hunt season is done for the year. The hounds will continue to train through the winter for the spring until the club mounts up for another season to make more friends and more memories with the Wellington-Waterloo Hunt.
Wellington-Waterloo Hunt
Where lasting friendships begin and the Hunt never ends
12-17-2024