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Hunt for a power-line solution at Old Dominion benefit
FLINT HILL -- When huntsman Gerald Keal and two dozen Old Dominion hounds disappeared into a thicket just north of Windrush Farm Saturday, it was a timeless image of scarlet-clad horseman and hunting dogs traversing the Virginia Piedmont. Though the year is 2008, it could have been 1908: the woodlands, Blue Ridge Mountain backdrop, open fields bordered by stone walls remain unchanged from a century ago. Foxhunting, which was imported to the area with English settlers, persists in the still-rural region.As the pack exited the far side of the covert, however, they re-entered the 21st century. Towering metal pylons and dozens of humming wires stretch from horizon to horizon. The hounds don't seem to notice, intent on casting themselves forward; Keal doesn't look up, his attention riveted ahead to a strike hound who spoke briefly.
The hundred or so liveried riders following the pack certainly noticed.
The power line is why they are here.
More than 100 mounted followers – and nearly as many car-toppers and foot followers – attended a hunt meet hosted by the Old Dominion Hounds Jan. 12, each donating $50 to the Power Line Alliance that was created to fight a Dominion Power Company proposal to increase the height of the existing power towers and widen the right of way. The power line bisects the ODH territory in Rappahannock County; Old Dominion is kenneled in Orlean but they hunt fixtures in both Fauquier and Rappahannock Counties.
All told, adding the hunting fee plus money raised at silent and live auctions after the meet, PLA raised more than $28,000, funds which will go towards lobbying Virginia's General Assembly and for attorneys to represent the association, organizers said.
Saturday's joint meet was co-sponsored by the Warrenton-based Casanova Hunt. Members, staff and masters from the Loudoun Hunt and Blue Ridge Hunt also attended; all four hunts have territory that will be affected by the powerline and its increased size.
"We knew a joint meet would attract the most supporters," explained benefit organizer Gale Johnson, an Old Dominion member whose Saga Farm is bordered by the existing Dominion power line. "It affects the whole area, not just our backyard."
At issue is Dominion Power's plan to double the size of the existing transmission line, in height and right-of-way width, to increase power to the populous northeast corridor.
The widened powerline transects Frederick County and Warren, Rappahannock, Fauquier, Prince William and Loudoun Counties.
In addition to raising vital funds for the PLA and the powerline fight, the hunting day itself was a success, according to Claire Palmer, first whip for ODH. Two braces of foxes were found, with two runs of more than 40 minutes each; both were over a three-mile point.
Photographer Dana Thompson has posted many images of the joint meet on her Web site: www.printroom.com/pro/danathompson. Angelea Kelly of HorseGirlTV conducted a live interview with ODH master Gus Forbush – see it online at www.horsegirltv.com. There are also images on the ODH Web site: www.old-dominion-hounds.org.
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