Sunday, February 22, 2009

Foxhunting

Landscape artist extraordinaire Linda Blondheim and moi hung out with Misty Morning Foxhounds yesterday, a recognized drag hunt originating from Gainesville. Drag meaning no critters are harmed in the sport.

Think of 28 degrees on Saturday morning in Boston, 30 degrees in Ocala, Florida. We started late.

Misty Morning HoundsHuntswoman Alexis MacCauley with her wonderful hounds.

foxhoundThis club doesn't mind at all if you show a bit of love to the hounds. These doggies are endearingly affectionate yet professionally dedicated to their business.

sinkholeOne of the "kills" took place in an ancient sinkhole. Because this organization is a humane drag hunt, scent is dragged through the woods using a leather sheaf doused with anisette. With their amazing sense of smell, the hounds follow the trail to specified "kills", a paper bag filled with biscuits.

baying houndsThe enthusiasm and excitement of the hounds and riders is adrenaline charging. Their baying howl is the stuff of 1930's British film. In the far distance, the sound is eerily nostalgic and mysterious.

huntThe hunt relaxes on a break.

Linda Blondheim is a nationally renown Florida landscape painter. Her perception was intriguing to me. Landscape by her definition is shimmering light, tactile texture, distance, subtle color palettes and unusual shapes. I saw horses and hounds speeding at full tilt through the woods. Art for every need, taste and preference.

"And those who were seen dancing were thought to be insane by those who could not hear the music." - Friedrich Nietzsche

5 comments:

Linda Blondheim said...

Sharon, I learned so much from you about horse stuff. You are a great teacher.
Love,
Linda

Karen McLain said...

What fun pics! My "Boy's" get shoes this Thursday, I can't wait!

Jan Blawat said...

Wow! Happy dogs, happy riders, happy horses. And happy foxes, too probably. What a great way to continue a great sport.

Sharon Crute said...

Linda: and I learned so much just watching you "work it". You are amazing.

Karen: New shoes! No excuse not to go riding now. Thanks for stopping by.

Jan: Happy foxes indeed! Or around these parts, coyotes.

Nancy Moskovitz, artist said...

You and Linda have both been tweeting foxhunts. So glad you posted and explained for the uninitiated