So much that we enjoyed sadly has fallen by the wayside during the Covid era, but those who found a way to adapt have kept precious customs alive.
The Thanksgiving meet of the Essex Foxhounds for decades has drawn hundreds to watch horses and hounds gather at Ellistan in Peapack. The ritual started when Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis and her children would ride out, and it grew even after they no longer were a part of it.
But this year, state Covid restrictions that limit outdoor gatherings to 150 people meant the public could not be invited to the great estate, where they always enjoyed tailgating, seeing old friends and watching the riders depart.
The Essex members were determined to continue the tradition for themselves; they just had to do it in a different way today.
“Some things are just too valuable not to do; it’s just been tradition,” said Jim Gordon, who is the Essex treasurer.
So 27 Essex riders met at the hunt club, then hacked over to the “backyard” of Ellistan for the traditional stirrup cup before starting their ride, not discouraged by mist, occasional drizzle and a bit of rain.
Riders met for a stirrup cup behind Ellistan, rather than in front of the house, where the public usually gathers. (Photo © 2020 by Nancy Jaffer)
Dennis Sargenti is served a stirrup cup. (Photo © 2020 by Nancy Jaffer)
Smiles seemed broader than usual this time around, underlining the meaning of getting together and giving thanks for being able to do it.
Sarah and Hank Slack, owners of Ellistan. (Photo © 2020 by Lawrence J. Nagy)
Essex Joint Master Jazz Johnson Merton and her niece, Rose Biedron. (Photo © 2020 by Lawrence J. Nagy)
The Johnson family always brings a carriage to the meet. (Photo © 2020 by Lawrence J. Nagy)
Smiling in the rain, Essex Joint Master Karen Murphy gives Reagan Price her first ride. (Photo © 2020 by Nancy Jaffer)
Lizzy Chesson, the U.S. Equestrian Federation’s managing director for jumping, looks good in the saddle herself. (Photo © 2020 by Nancy Jaffer)
