On November 25th over 100 equestrians came together to join the Bull Run Hunt (Mitchells, Va) in
their annual Junior Meet, where young riders are “given the reins” to lead the foxhunt. This year, out of all the juniors present, three were chosen to lead the groups of riders called “flights”. All three just so happen to be BRVGS students as well as accomplished equestrians! Autumn Rogers (OCHS 2018), Newlin Humphrey (FCHS 2018), and Nika Ackenbom (FCHS 2021).
From Newlin Humphrey:
It was a huge honor to lead first flight at the Bull Run Hunt Junior Meet. Though I have hunted before, I learned so much more about fox hunting and got to see some of Virginia's most beautiful land along the way. The meet was fantastic and I think everyone who came had a blast. I was thrilled to see so many juniors out and it gives me hope that the tradition of fox hunting will continue into the future. Bull Run is a wonderful group of people and it was also an honor to represent the club at Warrenton Horse Show in the hunt teams and hunt pairs classes as well as at the Pennsylvania National Horse Show.
Balancing riding, FFA, 4-H, IEA, music, and school can be very difficult at times but the tactic that has helped me the most has been prioritizing what I need to do and staying focused. BRVGS has taught me how to stay on top of all of my schoolwork all while still being able to put forth 110% into my other activities.
From Autumn Rogers:
I have had to balance my schoolwork with my riding. It's not easy! Horses take up a good 2-3 hours per day. In order to complete all of my school work, I have to use each minute of my day wisely. I use my lunch as a study hall and work instead of socializing to give me free time to ride.
Today I am able to ride almost anything. I even have a Southwest Spanish Mustang that I have trained to perform many tasks such as fox hunting, a traditional horseback sport, originating from Europe. I am a member of the Bull Run Hunt Club. This past weekend was the annual Junior Meet, where children under 18 are allowed to take charge of their group, ask questions, and ultimately learn to love the sport. The adults chose a responsible junior member to lead alongside the normal staff for each flight. I got to lead 2nd flight, a group that is able to walk, trot, and canter but no jumping. 2nd flight is slower than 1st but also faster than 3rd.
In September and October of each year, there are horse shows that recognize and test the skills of each hunt club. This year I was fortunate enough to be asked to represent Bull Run Hunt and compete in the National Horse Show’s Hunt Night in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. It was nerve-racking but I was super excited. I worked for weeks to prepare! I rode in the “35 and Under” class. I was one of the youngest riders there. I went in the ring determined not to embarrass myself or my hunt club. My course was not perfect but it was consistent and pleasant. I won my class and because of the win, I was also awarded “Leading Lady Rider”. With the points I had earned added to the points my team had won, Bull Run Hunt was reserve champion for the night.
How can a high school junior get close enough to see how the politics REALLY work at the national level? For BRVGS/Nelson junior Sinead Nardi-White, upcoming service as a United States Senate Page for Virginia Senator Tim Kaine will be her window into the halls of power in Washington. One of only 30 students from different states to be selected to this competitive appointment, Sinead will serve as page from January 28th June 8th of this year.
