The rain held off just long enough for a wonderful ride at Bright’s Creek.  Complimentary comments from riders finishing abounded: “Great ride!”, “Fantastic!”, “The trails were super!” All were good to hear. The weather was perfect, although breezy and rain coming. While the field was full of trailers, there was room to have gotten several more in, and we missed you! Being the eighth ride in this season’s Hunter Pace Series, the trails were wonderful, and very nicely marked. The creek crossings were gentle access with clear running water for thirsty mounts.

Thank you to Bright’s Creek folks for their friendly hospitality and for the use of the trails and facilities.

It takes a good team to put on a Hunter Pace Event and the following group of people gave great effort:

Dr. Edward Lilly owns the property that we had the pleasure to ride on. Andy Foster and Jason Sama guided the trailers into safe parking spaces. It was wonderful to have the nice ladies at registration, Gretchen Verbonic, Julie Gordon, and Elise Murphy. Thank you for making sure riders signed everything. The starters were great. Joey Cabiniss and his assistant Madeline Clas were a welcome sight. Directions are given with a smile and the riders knew that the light would be left on!

The Check Point was manned in shifts by Harry and Martha Love in the morning and Addison Sama and Becca Drumgool in the afternoon. The Check Point was set up on the top of a nice hill with a view and a lovely breeze. The short rest, large beverages, and cookies were delightful!

A special thanks to Brian Kerr, Bright’s Creek chef, for doing a fantastic job on lunch. Lunch was served in the Bright’s Creek Stable, offering delicious soups, chili, salad and big homemade cookies with lemonade and tea.

The trail was about seven miles in length with both divisions running the same trails.

Now here are the results:

For the Field Hunters there were a total of 26 riders with 14 teams riding for the blue. The Optimum time for the Field Hunters was one hour and 20 minutes. The First Place Blue Ribbon in the Field Hunter Division went to Ann Fratcher of Greer, who came in 15 seconds off the Optimum Time. Second Place had two teams tie. The Second Place Ribbons are awarded to Amanda Aiello from Bostic, Claire Moore from Tryon, Irene Backer from Greer, and Paula Moore from Landrum who were all 28 seconds off the Optimum. Fourth Place Ribbon goes to the Team of Mary Jane Rice from Landrum and Sherry Wyatt from Seneca with a time of one hour, 18 minutes, 36 seconds. The Fifth Place Ribbon goes to the Team of Sara Riggins and Donna Schwind with a time of one hour, 18 minute, 36 seconds. The Sixth Place Green went to Jan Ellis with a time of one hour, 14 minutes, 23 seconds.

Other Field Hunters out to enjoy the weather, trail and obstacles were: Baiba Bourbeau, Karen Brockway, Sylvia Brown, Bryton and Melissa Champion, Spencer Chriss, Sarah Davis, Rebecca Drumgool, Stephanie Easler, Beth Goldizen, Kelly Hart, Beatrice Lamb, Nancy Mason, April Pauley Mink, Anne and Richard Pierce, and Addison Sama.

The Trail Riders were vying for the Calculated Optimum Time of one hour, forty-five minutes, 34 seconds. There were 29 riders and 15 teams in this division. The Blue Ribbon was awarded to Missy Bright from Campobello and Jan Smith from Columbus, with a time just 16 seconds off the Optimum. The Second Place Red went to Kristen Hughes from Laurens and Jennifer Smith from Simpsonville with a time of one hour, 44 minutes, 10 seconds. The Third Place Yellow ribbon went to Nancy Hasselbring from Columbus and Donna Searby of Tryon with a time of one hour, 42 minutes, 35 seconds. The Fourth Place White Ribbon went to Edwards and Melissa Van Doren from Landrum with a time of one hour, 48 minutes, 39 seconds. The Fifth Place Pink went to Carolyn Groves and Rachael Suave from Simpsonville with a time of one hour, 41 minutes, 48 seconds. The Sixth Place Green went to Donna and David Taylor from Bostic with a time of one hour, 49 minutes, 33 seconds.

Other Trail Rides enjoying the day were: David and Jeanne Ahrenholz, Holly Bacola, Alaina Brooks, Tevis Cazedessus, Samuel Crain, Judy England, Russell Hunsinger, Karen and Richard Peterson, Anne and Richard Pierce, Kathy Powell, Jamie Price, Valerie Quinn, Bobby Simpson, Lisa Trojan, Bobby Turner and Kris Yon.

Coming up next on the Western Carolina Hunter Pace Schedule was the FENCE Spring Hunter Pace and Trail Ride on Sunday, Feb. 8. Then comes the Windridge Hunter Pace on Sunday, Feb. 22.  Be sure to check the schedule and come join the fun! Remember to check the website WCHPace.org for all upcoming events, news, articles, photos, placements and contact information.

Thank you to our photographer, Lou Smith and his assistant Emma Arcularius for being at the events to capture the riders and their mounts as they fly over jumps, canter through the fields and enjoy the beautiful area trails. Hit “Store” on the website to view the pictures. If you like, you can place an order online.

-Reported by Missy Bright