On August 1, riders from across the region gathered at Jim and Shannon Davis’ beautiful Little River Farm for an unforgettable day of learning, conservation, and community in support of the OCH Conservation Foundation. Organized by the Orange County Hounds, Eleanor Morison, and Helen Bretell as a benefit event for the Foundation, the foxhunting clinic brought together an extraordinary lineup of Olympians and lifelong foxhunters: Bruce Davidson, Lynn Symansky, Lauren Nicholson, and Juliet Graham.
Their combined experience offered participants a rare opportunity to learn from riders who have excelled both in international competition and in the traditions of the hunt field. While each has competed at the highest levels of equestrian sport, what made the clinic especially meaningful was their shared passion for foxhunting and their generosity in passing that knowledge on to others.

Twenty-three mounted participants, ranging from tweens to 73, spent the day working in small groups of just four to six riders. This format gave every participant the opportunity to receive individualized instruction tailored to their horse, experience level, and personal goals.

Instruction focused on the practical skills that make safer, more confident foxhunters. Working over natural obstacles commonly found in the hunt field—including coops, stone walls, and logs—participants learned techniques for riding safely in company, navigating varied terrain, and building confidence through thoughtful horsemanship.

Throughout the day, the atmosphere reflected what makes foxhunting such a special community: experienced riders encouraging newcomers, instructors offering thoughtful guidance, and a shared appreciation for horses, hounds, and the countryside that brings the sport together. The conversation continued over lunch as Jacqueline B. Mars, Helen Bretell, and the four instructors shared stories from their years in the saddle, answered questions from participants, and offered thoughtful insights into horsemanship, hunting, and the lessons they’ve learned throughout their remarkable careers. It was a rare opportunity for attendees to engage in conversations with some of the sport’s most accomplished riders in an informal setting. As a benefit for the OCH Conservation Foundation, the clinic also highlighted an important truth: foxhunting depends on more than skilled riders and well-trained horses. Protecting the open countryside and wildlife habitat that sustain the sport is equally essential. Rae Stone shared the Foundation’s mission and encouraged participants to support its ongoing conservation efforts. The OCH Conservation Foundation extends its sincere gratitude to the Orange County Hounds and Helen Bretell for organizing this exceptional event, Jim and Shannon Davis for opening the gates of Little River Farm, the instructors for generously sharing their time and expertise, and everyone whose participation helped support the Foundation’s mission. Events like this demonstrate that education, community, and conservation go hand in hand. By investing in better horsemanship and supporting the conservation of open lands, we’re helping preserve not only the traditions of foxhunting but also the farms, forests, wildlife habitat, and rural landscapes that define our sporting heritage for generations to come.

— The OCH Conservation Foundation Team