By Nancy Jaffer
November 22, 2018
It was 23 degrees this morning when the Essex Fox Hounds started assembling for their Thanksgiving hunt. I expected a small field of riders and figured only a few spectators would show up. Wrong and wrong.
The folks who drove out to Ellistan in Peapack to watch appeared in their usual number; there were several hundred on hand.
Here’s another view.
The riders came out in force, though several wore scarves over their faces to ward off the chill.
Watching the hunt is a tradition that started decades ago when Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis was a member of Essex, and people gathered to catch a glimpse of her. She has been gone for decades, but habits are hard to break. For many people in the area, a visit to the Essex meet is as much a part of the day as the turkey and stuffing. As for the cold? “It’s fine when you’re in the sun,” one bundled woman told me.
And then there were the hot toddies, with folks lined up to get a cup of the steaming beverage. For the kids, there was hot chocolate, and they took advantage of it.
Many of those who attend don’t have a chance to spend time with horses. Some may never have even been close to a horse. So it’s a nice opportunity to reach out and touch a friendly equine. Essex works with the Countryside Alliance of the Somerset Hills, which encourages conservation and an appreciation of nature.
The hunt moved off, led by Huntsman Bart Poole and a pack of eager hounds. Although the area is less than an hour from New York City, it is beautifully preserved, with lovely fields, stunning homes that fit into the landscape and plenty of places to gallop.
There’s always a four-in-hand as part of the festivities. It adds to the elegance of the occasion.
Starting off with a little jump gives bystanders an opportunity to take out their cellphones and catch the moment on video.
Look at this horse’s breath. You can tell it’s a frosty day.
Wild turkeys have made a comeback in the Northeast. This one was spending a peaceful Thanksgiving, nowhere near cranberry sauce or stuffing.
