[RC] re: Info on Foxcatcher ride in Elkton MD on April 5th - Flora Hillman
I've ridden the Foxcatcher
endurance ride from it's first year, and it has become my favorite ride to
begin the season -- as it will this year, once again. Their website
address is http://www.fairhillinternational.com/endurance/fcendurance.htm
where they can give you all the information you need on both the 25 LD and
the 50 mile ride.
Almost 100% of the ride takes
place on the stunningly beautiful, and well-groomed, rolling pasture land (and
former foxhunting grounds) of the Fair Hill International Equestrian
Center. The footing is deliciously perfect -- smooth grassy
turf 99% of the way (no rocks!!), with a few short spaces of gravel roads, and
one yucky boggy area down near a major creek. Water is abundant along the
way, and the streams are sparkling clean, fast-flowing, wide and spacious,
with plenty of room to pass. There are beautiful, level gallops interspersed
enroute that beg for a canter... or more... and lovely scenery everywhere you
look.
The campground is very nice
-- level, private, and grassy-- serviced with a gravel road, directly off a
paved road and only 2 miles or so off the main highway. It is also within
hearing distance of the main staging area for the eventing crowd -- so if there
is a horse trails or 3-day going on the same weekend, you can hear the action,
and even see some of the competitors out hacking. The endurance ride only
passes a few of the x-country jumps (mostly intermediate to advanced level), at
the start/finish line, but is staged during the dressage/stadium jumping day,
not during cross-country, so you won't get to see any eventers "in action" over
the big fences.
While this ride is all on
grassy turf, and is not a tough mountainous one on the level of the OD,
Leatherwood, or No Frills, it isn't a walk-over either. The perpetually
rolling terrain can be deceiving, and may take more out of the horse than you
realize. Also, you DO have to pay attention to the trail
and to the ribbons. There are many trails intersecting the grounds -- since Fair
Hill is used by a great number of riders out hacking throughout the season --
and every year I've personally seen endurance riders hare off at a
gallop done unmarked trails without bothering to look up and notice the ribbons
(in plain view!) going elsewhere. Of course, afterwards those that got lost
scream and yell and blame it on management -- but I've never had a problem
following the ribbons, or the trail, which is very well
marked.
So ... whether you want
to compete seriously, or just take your time and ride to enjoy the lovely
grounds and beautiful views of the Maryland countryside, this ride is well
worth the entry fee. :-)
