The Orange County Hounds annual Team Chase Event was held on Sunday October 27th at Old Whitewood Farm in The Plains. Blue skies and brisk temperatures created the perfect fall day for the 120 foxhunters that galloped over fences in the heart of Orange County's territory. Spectators crowded the hillside to watch and enjoy tailgates amongst fellow foxhunting enthusiasts.

With a new format of just two divisions this year, the Hilltopper Pairs and First Flight Hunt Teams, awards were given for Best Turned Out, Best Hilltopper Pairs, Ideal Time and Best Hunt Teams. Riders from neighboring hunts such as Piedmont, Casanova, Loudoun Fairfax, Warrenton, MOC Beagles and Farmington competed for awards and trophies including the coveted individual Junior and Adult First Flight Championships.

After all teams completed the course, the judges gathered to test the best juniors of the day. Hailing from Piedmont Hounds, the Alcock family had ridden in the First Flight Teams division, and sixteen year old Haley riding Dad's Doing were selected as one of nine juniors to compete for the coveted championship and the George L. Ohrstrom trophy. After a polished test that showcased her family's passion for foxhunting Haley bested the field. The Junior Reserve Championship went to Sophia Vella on Curious George representing Warrenton Hunt.

The final event of the day was the ride-off for the First Flight Adult Championship and Alfred Hunt Trophy. Daphrie Vander Woude of Warrenton Hunt riding her classic bay Secret Adios went first in the final test. Setting a high standard with their flawless round against a strong field of competitors, she emerged the victor. The First Flight Reserve Champion went to Eduardo Coria on Denali representing Casanova Hunt.

The Best First Flight Team was awarded to Piedmont Hunt's "Wisecrackers" with Alexa Lowe Wiseman, Tom Wiseman, Katherine Berger and Barbara Batterton.

For the second year in a row The Best Hilltopper Pair award went to the Coria Team of Kathleen Lyons on Luke and Lorena Coria riding Wilhemina Star.