GREEN CREEK – This week members of the Green Creek Hunt are brushing their formal red or black coats, polishing their tack and braiding manes and tails. Green Creek’s opening hunt for the 2017-2018 formal hunting season is Saturday, Nov. 11.

The ceremonies begin with a blessing of the hounds starting at 9:30 am. Nearly 60 tri-colored American and Crossbred hounds will roll on the grass, shake floppy ears and beg treats from their huntsman, Tot Goodwin MFH, turned out in scarlet coat and bright white breeches. Horses will rattle shiny bits as riders check girths or sip from their stirrup cups.

Spectators and well wishers, gathered about either on foot or mounted in the Tally Ho wagon, will bow their heads as the priest asks for good sport and festivity, safety and blessings for riders, horses, hounds and staff, permission and friendship from the landowners and that the “. . . wiley fox, without whom this sport would not exist, runs to live and give good chase another day.” Then, with short sharp notes on the horn, Goodwin and staff will gather the hounds and head for the best covert.

Peg Secor started the Green Creek Hounds in 1988 and her husband, Dick Secor, joined the effort in 1989. Along with Goodwin, today’s joint masters include Deborah Bundy MFH, Christi Fowler MFH and Kem Ketcham MFH. The hunt has approximately 50 riding members and approximately 100 social members who participate in the many fun non-hunting or non-riding activities throughout the year such as the Tally Ho wagon.

There will be two Tally Ho wagons this year. Those choosing not to ride in the hunt can view the hounds and staff working from the comfort and fun of horse-drawn wagons. If fortune shines, a lucky few may even catch a glimpse of red or gray and have the privilege of shouting the traditional “Tally Ho!”

For more information about the Green Creek Hounds and their opening hunter ceremonies visit www.greencreekhounds.com.