A sunny morning in June, a lovely ride throughout the countryside with good friends, followed by lunch at a local restaurant or a barbecue at the home of one of the riders – Eglinton and Caledon Hound Club officials say it can be a great way to spend a summer day.
Every year, the club offers a summer rides program, after the spring season ends for following the hounds.
Members go out from a different location each week for two or three hours on a Saturday or Wednesday morning.
They ride through Wellington County, as well over the Caledon Hills and around Mono, Mulmur and Dufferin Counties.
Members take turns organizing the rides on trails, back roads and across the fields where they have the landowners’ permission.
People enjoy the opportunity to relax and chat about their horses, officials say.
The pace is varied, as there are usually two groups, a faster group who enjoy moving on with a brisk canter or two, as well as a group who likes to ride at a slower pace.
It’s a great way to get to know the countryside, watch the crops growing in the fields and appreciate nature, club officials state.
For those who have never ridden to hounds, it’s a good way to introduce a horse to riding in a group and to meet the members of the Eglinton and Caledon Hound Club.
One of the farms which will be hosting a ride this year is Weybread Hill Farm, located between Fergus and Orangeville. Priscilla Reeve, farm owner and president of the club, has been an enthusiastic follower, riding to hounds for many years.
“I really enjoy the summer rides program, when the more formal part of our activities comes to an end,” she said.
“I like riding with a group of knowledgeable horse people in a non-competitive environment, when I can enjoy my horse and get out and about.”
Weybread Hill Farm offers personal coaching in riding to hounds, as well as lessons for beginners and those getting back into riding after a break.
Non members of the Eglinton and Caledon Hound Club are invited to come out on the summer rides program. The cost is $25.
Contact secretary Tina Walker at secretaryech@gmail.com or visit www.eglintoncaledonhounds.com.
