Can you say perfection! Tryon Hounds Fall Hunter Pace on Oct. 19 was perfection with a capital “P.” From beginning to end the weather was blue skies and falling leaves. The trail traversed over many wooden bridges and the historic Iron Bridge. It had directional arrows for “jumpers” and “non-jumpers.” It meandered from open mountain vistas, to long trot lanes along three ponds, to single wooded lanes covered in pine needles, past old vineyards, beautiful houses, and long canter lanes along cornfields. It seemed like every turn was a new adventure.

For those driving, there were directional signs at every turn. Two large fields housed the many trailers, and Long Shadow Farms is just stunning with its outdoor jump courses, jumping arena, water features and beautiful barn. Michael and Kia Atkins did a great job setting up tables, chairs, trashcans and just getting their place show-stopping ready for this event. Co-Chairman Louise Hughston and Nelson Minnick did a fabulous job organizing and producing a successful pace event.

Registration was front and center as you drove in. It was nice to be immediately greeted by glowing smiles.

Joey Cabaniss and his assistants were under a tent, next to the woods, and he teased riders as they made the first turn correctly onto the trail. He also “left the light on” for everybody. Another nice added gesture was he would give you a number to call in case you needed assistance out on the trail.

The halfway point is now called “Check Points” since they are not always exactly halfway. They offered a water, apple juice and port. They, too, had a nice spot under a tent at the edge of Pacolet Rd.

Lunch was next to the barn and they did a fantastic job preparing fresh, off the grill sirloin burgers and hot dogs. They also served beans, coleslaw, chips, cookies and a variety of drinks.

The team of workers included Susan Hartley, Jordan Hicks, Dean and Roberta McKinney, Pam Minnick, Anne and Richard Pierce, Jim Sumrell, Joan Wes-Cott Sweet, Donald V. West and Anita Williamson. Thank you to all NPA landowners and Bob Pileo’s Caroland Farms, Slater Family Farm and the North Pacolet Association.

Now, let’s get to the results:

The ride was just short of 10 miles. The turnout was spectacular with a total of 114 riders in 57 teams.

A total of 52 riders in 25 teams for the Field Hunter Division vied for the pre-set optimum time of one hour, 36 minutes, 31 seconds. First place in the Field Division went to Sara Riggins of Piney Flats, Tenn. and Donna Schwind of Johnson City, Tenn. with a time of one hour, 36 minutes, eight seconds. The Red Ribbon went to Irene Backer of Greer, Baylis Mitchell of Travelers Rest and Paula Moore of Landrum with a time of one hour, 37 minutes, 21 seconds. Third place was awarded to Beth Goldizen of Roebuck with a time of one hour, 38 minutes, 22 seconds. Fourth place went to Amanda Aiello of Ellenboro with a time of one hour, 33 minutes, 18