14 SIDELINES JUNE 2012
FOR HORSE PEOPLE • ABOUT HORSE PEOPLE
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By Lauren R. Giannini
George Hundt, Jr. enjoys a legacy
of rural sporting interests and rides
as often as possible with Piedmont
Foxhounds (VA), whose country is
near where his horses are stabled with
trainer Richard Valentine, also a hunting
enthusiast. In 2009, George won his
frst start in the prestigious Maryland
Hunt Cup with Michele Marieschi (GB)
and immediately retired his gorgeous
timber horse, gifting him to good friend
Robert Bonnie who hunts Michele with
Piedmont. In 2011, George and his
horses won three timber point-to-point
races; partnering with Justpourit (IRE)
in amateur high weight timber contests,
the duo won at My Lady’s Manor,
fnishing second at Maryland Grand
National and Willowdale. George and
his wife Alex (Malvern, PA) are very
involved in the Bryn Mawr Hound Show
held each June at Radnor Hunt.
What are some of the most important
lessons you learned from your
father? [George S. Hundt, Sr. passed
away in early March at the age of 81.]
Never look back! He was feld master
and Master of Foxhounds at Radnor
for 22 years and he would never look
back. He had a sense of humor about
the horse world. He knew what he
wanted to do in life and was able to
juggle being a stockbroker, taking the
train into Philadelphia every day, with
running the hunt. I think I’ve learned
how to do that with the amateur timber
riding - fgure out a way to pursue my passion with some other
irons in the fre as well.
What is your biggest challenge as chairman of Bryn Mawr,
one of the oldest hound shows in America?
To keep up the tradition. With the economy’s struggles, it
becomes more of an effort for packs to bring their hounds. I
try to make it as enjoyable an experience as possible for the
exhibitors and I’m constantly acting as a good will ambassador
to encourage people about the merits of the show. It’s a tough
day for huntsmen because they have to work their tails off,
although they do enjoy the camaraderie. Basically, it’s about
the tradition and making everyone feel it’s worth the effort after
Virginia to come to Bryn Mawr.
Who was your favorite pony growing up and why?
A mare I named Snickerpops, after my two favorite foods.
She was bought for $30 from New Holland sales. She was
testy – she could fy a panel fence and on any given day she
could put on the brakes, too, so I really learned to ride from her.
When did you start racing? Your best timber horse?
I stopped riding when I was 18, basically: I worked in New
York City for about 20 years, mostly for J. P. Morgan. I had
my frst timber race when I was 42. I’ve been very fortunate
to have a number of horses very suited for amateur riders. My
Hunt Cup horse, Michele Marieschi, could just take over a race
and was extremely careful and very bold. Justpourit is a clever
old ‘chaser and he really enjoys the racing. They’ve all done
something great for me and I hunt most of them. I enjoy them
all.
How do people react when you talk about jump-racing for
fun?
Some people think it’s a little crazy, because I’m working
on being 50, that I have a bit of a screw loose, which might
not be far from the truth. I enjoy hunting, but racing is such
a dramatic event to participate in. In a race, it can be a little
frantic although you want it to be as smooth as possible. It’s
diffcult to describe what it’s like. I really enjoy the thrill and the
special bond you have with the horse.
George Hundt, Jr. grew up foxhunting and couldn’t quite shake his roots: he got hooked
on racing with his feld hunter via the Foxhunters series at point-to-points and has never
looked back. Shown here, running his frst ever Hunter Pace, Fast Time, at the Piedmont
Foxhounds on March 24 with Westbound Road, feld hunter and partner in two owner/rider
timber wins in 2011.
Photo by Richard Clay Photography