Why We Have an Annual Hunt Ball →
Colors, Buttons, Anniversaries,
(Photo courtesy of Jim Mertz, Suddenly Still Photography)
Every year on the Saturday before Thanksgiving, Wentworth Hunt members and guests change out of their stock ties and hunt coats and into their ball gowns and tuxedos for a night of dinner, dancing and revelry! Our annual hunt ball gives members a chance to socialize, exchange fun and often very funny hunting (and just sometimes, non-hunting) stories, and bid for items in the silent auction whose proceeds go to our hunt and hounds.
Click here to learn about Hunt colors, buttons, anniversaries, awards, and trophies.
Each year our Masters confer colors and buttons, celebrate hunt anniversaries, and together with our Huntsman present awards and trophies to our members. And of course many thank-yous are spoken to our wonderful masters, staff, and volunteers.
Our Hunt Ball is a cherished event that brings us together as a community and reminds us of the joy of this wonderful sport and the camaraderie and friendships it brings!
(Photo courtesy of Jim Mertz, Suddenly Still Photography)
You’ve heard it before: No hounds, no hunt. While we all LOVE our hunt horses, it’s the hounds not the horses that make this such a spectacular sport.
To keep our hounds happy, healthy, and well set in kibble, each year Wentworth Hunt hosts a Silent Auction at the Hunt Ball. 100% of our Silent Auction proceeds go to support our hunt and our beloved hounds.
Thank you members and supporters of Wentworth Hunt for your bids and contributions over the years!
As an all-volunteer, non-profit organization, we could not continue without all of you!
From the bottom of our human, canine, and equine hearts, we thank you!
(Photo courtesy of Jim Mertz, Suddenly Still Photography)
Each year, the Wentworth Hunt Masters confer Hunt colors and buttons to our wonderful members, and celebrate anniversaries with lapel pins or gifts.
Our Masters and along with our Huntsman then present awards and trophies to acknowledge the efforts, accomplishments, and contributions of our members, volunteers, and staff. Please see below for the descriptions colors, button, and anniversaries, and for the list of Hunt awards and trophies.
Colors
Colors are awarded to members who have ridden with Wentworth Hunt for several years, actively participate in hunt activities, and generously volunteer their time to the club. Colors give the bearers the right to ride toward the front of the field and assign them the responsibility to help and problem solve when needed.
Our masters Marilyn, Sue, and Linda
awarding colors in 2023 to WWH Juniors
Merrie Hurwitch, Isabelle Gilbert,
and Calleigh Robinson
(Photo courtesy of Jim Mertz, Suddenly Still Photography)
Buttons
Buttons are conferred upon members who have previously earned their colors, and continue to help whenever needed by volunteering, participating in club events, and displaying exemplary leadership qualities.
Anniversaries
Anniversaries and the awarding of lapel pins are celebrated for those members who have been riding with Wentworth Hunt for 10 years, 20 years, 30 years, 40 years (as has the inimitable Diane Kane in 2022!!), and more!
Trophies Trophies support the deep tradition of honoring members, horses, and hounds who personify the spirit of the hunt.
The Master’s Trophy (In honor of Joey Amirian)
Awarded to an outstanding Hunt Horse. Excels in the Hunt Field and potentially other equine disciplines, proudly representing Wentworth Hunt.
The Brindle Memorial Trophy
Awarded to an outstanding Hunt Horse. A versatile and fun horse that everyone would love to ride in the Hunt Field.
2023 Brindle Memorial Trophy awarded to
Calvin Clyde, owned by Leila Hanna
(Photo courtesy of Jim Mertz, Suddenly Still Photography)
The Hound Trophy
Awarded to the Hound of the Year, in honor of the Dundee Terriers. This trophy is held for the year by someone who is recognized for their work and attention to
the Hounds.
The Silver Helmet Trophy
Awarded to that Member who represents Wentworth well, the person who is always impeccably turned out and an ambassador for the Wentworth Hunt.
2023 Silver Helmet Trophy
Awarded to Lauren Atherton
(Photo courtesy of Jim Mertz, Suddenly Still Photography)
Pony Hunter Trophy
Awarded to the outstanding Hunt Pony that best demonstrates the attributes desired in a Fox Hunter: surefooted, confident, and brave. Has a level head, possesses stamina, has the ability to jump over a variety of obstacles and to handle a range of terrain.
2023 Pony Hunter Trophy
Awarded to Lulu, owned by Lillias Mooers
(Photo courtesy of Jim Mertz, Suddenly Still Photography)
Future of Foxhunting Trophy
Awarded to a special Junior Member (under 26 years old) who represents the Future of Foxhunting. This Junior Member takes an active interest in all that is Fox Hunting, rides well, and learns and practices correct etiquette in the Hunt Field.
2023 Future of Foxhunting Trophy winner Ali Stapley
(Photo courtesy of Jim Mertz, Suddenly Still Photography)
Volunteer of the Year Award
Awarded to the person who goes above and beyond with volunteering for the Hunt. Whether it is for administrative tasks, caring for Hounds, running events, territory work, etc. – all types of volunteering are considered.
The Ed Fritz Award
This award is in Honor of Ed Fritz. The winner of this award is voted on by members, who vote for the member with whom they would most enjoy riding, sharing a flask, and simply having fun in the Hunt Field.
2023 Ed Fritz Award winners in a 3-way tie
Ann Pembroke, Susan Hanna, and Fred Klein–McNeil
(Photo courtesy of Jim Mertz, Suddenly Still Photography)
MVP Fox Hunter Award
This award is in Honor of Brenda Feely, and goes to that person who is always there, helping out. Often behind the scenes, this is the person we can count on to be there to help in small and big ways.
2023 MVP Fox Hunter Award winner
Kerry Rodgers
(Photo courtesy of Jim Mertz, Suddenly Still Photography)
Silver Fox Award
This award is presented to a distinguished, seasoned Fox Hunter. This person knows the ropes and serves as a role model and inspiration to those newer to Fox Hunting.
Involuntary Dismount Award
Awarded to the Fox Hunter who best demonstrated the centuries-old tradition of dismounting dramatically and unexpectedly during a foxhunt, without injury.
Huntsman’s Trophy
This trophy is awarded by the Huntsman, to the Member who showed great interest in the Hounds.
Thoroughbred Trophy
The Kourtezan Plate is awarded to the Outstanding Thoroughbred Hunter, in honor of Diane Kane’s Gal (Kourtezan).
Stephanie Stapley passing on the
2023 Thoroughbred Trophy to Rose
Owned by Isabelle Gilbert
(Photo courtesy of Jim Mertz, Suddenly Still Photography)