Heard a rumor that Pickering is/has “disbanded due to inability to pay for a big chunk of of land they purchased” and that they have 5 years to regroup?
Also heard a rumor of a shakeup with Bellwood’s staff?
As with all rumors, most of this info is hopefully grossly inaccurate.
What is going on in northern Chester County these days?
Sad to hear…
Always hate to hear news like this. Sometimes hunts can’t handle either internal or external forces at play. And sometimes hunt staffs can self destruct or can’t handle the forces either.
Locally Snickersville recently replaced their huntsman Todd Kerns. Beth Opitz is taking the horn as an “interim” huntsman. Don’t know what that means exactly but good luck to both.
Lucky are we with stable hunts with stable staffs, masters, territory, members etc. Truly lucky.
Pickering has gotten rid of all their hounds (except) 3 and also their huntsman and professional whipper-in both of 36 years … it was very sad for everyone involved. Pickering had a great pack of PMD hounds. You can go to their web site www.pickeringhunt.org and they had an explanation of what happen and what they are trying to do now.
I am a social member with Bellwood. At the begining of the hunt season Frank and Barbara Spera both retired from their staff positions as they found they no longer had the time and energy required.
Kimber, who was one of the whips for Bellwood and previously for Kimberton, is now the Huntsman.
We have picked up a few new members from Pickering due to their issues. I was also just received a communication to the members there we have two new hounds in our pack.
We are having a Children’s Day hunt on Dec 29th. Capping fee is waived for juniors and for a parent or trainer escort. If anybody needs more information please let me know and I can get you details.
Bellwood has been a very welcoming hunt for me and my horse as we were both newbies to this wonderful sport.
Please feel free to come join us. We love new riders.
Bellwood is also a great place for professionals to start young and green horses . Eden Valley Farm is a great fixture !
[QUOTE=redfoxyloxy;6713460]
Bellwood is also a great place for professionals to start young and green horses . Eden Valley Farm is a great fixture ![/QUOTE]
That is true too. They are small enough to be able to accommodate young riders and green horses. The challenge trail is always a fun trip through the woods and our field master is normally willing to take a lark through there if the fox and hounds don’t take you that way a few times.
By submitting your email, you agree to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. You may also receive promotional emails from The Chronicle of the Horse. You can opt out at any time.
For Customers
Company
Terms of Use
