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Bedford County Hunt Races on May 9th to Support Poplar Forest -

A portion of the proceeds to benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Virginia and Thomas Jefferson’s Poplar Forest

Forest, VA – The Bedford County Hunt Club will present the 19th Annual Hunter Pace and Point-to-Point Races on Saturday, May 9 at Wolf Branch farm in Forest, Virginia. A portion of the proceeds from this event will benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Virginia and Thomas Jefferson’s Poplar Forest.

Bring your family, friends, terriers, and horses to enjoy an exciting day in beautiful Bedford County. Competitors will ride the cross country Hunter Pace that morning and then race in the afternoon. Junior Trotting Race and Team Relay Jumping Competition are also sure to provide lots of thrills. Family and friends can pack a “tailgate” picnic or support various community groups offering food services. Then stretch out your lawn chairs and cheer on the racers.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Virginia (BBBSCVA) will take part in this year’s event by facilitating activities that show the magic of a Big and Little in action. BBBSCVA will also have a tailgating spot that will host its participants and provide information on the organization. Please stop by the BBBSCVA tent to learn how you can make a difference in the life of a deserving child.  

Staff from Thomas Jefferson’s Poplar Forest will share artifacts from recent excavations at Poplar Forest. Kids can visit the Poplar Forest table to play colonial games, just like children in Thomas Jefferson’s time.

The Bedford County Hunt was organized in 1940. The roots of foxhunting in the Lynchburg area go back to 1887 when the club was organized under the name of Oak Ridge Hunt Club. BCH was inactive during the WWII years but was re-activated in 1946. In 1966 a controlled pack of hounds was developed by Huntsman Claire Mansfield Noyes and the pack was recognized by the MFHA.

BCH hunting territory is primarily in the north area of Bedford County but extends to Sweet Briar College in Amherst County. The territory is composed of woodlands, mountains and rolling terrain. Jumps are post and rail, coops and natural obstacles. Without the consent and goodwill of area landowners BCH could not exist. We chase native foxes, both red and grey, and the occasional bobcat and coyote. Since 1972 professional huntsman William R. (Bill) King (Joint Master since 1989) has hunted the hounds. The pack of Penn-Marydels that he has developed is well suited to our territory.

BCH season begins in September and lasts through late March. September and October are cubbing and informal. Formal season begins in November. Hunts are scheduled three times a week, weather permitting. BCH colors are gold and brown

BCH sponsors two horse shows annually, a hunt ball, several hunter paces and a Point- to-Point in May that is part of the Virginia Point-to-Point Association. Since 1969 BCH has been proud to sponsor the Bedford Hunt Pony Club.

Visit http://www.bedfordcountyhunt.com/ptp.html or call (540) 297-3419 for more information.

About Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Virginia
The mission of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Virginia is to make a positive impact on the lives of children and youth and to assist them in becoming confident, competent and caring individuals by providing them with caring and responsible adult mentors. For more information please visit http://www.bigcva.org.

About Thomas Jefferson’s Poplar Forest
Poplar Forest is Thomas Jefferson's secluded plantation and retreat home, now a National Historic Landmark. Undergoing award-winning restoration and archaeology, Poplar Forest offers tours and special events. Poplar Forest is open April through November, Wednesday through Monday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.  Call (434) 525-1806 or visit www.poplarforest.org for additional information.

Poplar Forest is open to the public seven days a week, March 15 through December 15 (closed Thanksgiving Day). Group tours are available year-round by appointment.