A traditional fox hunt, Sonoita style

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_{The Grass Ridge Hounds take to the hills.}

The group was known as the Grass Ridge Hounds and the prey they stalked was more likely to be a coyote or a jackrabbit than a fox. But, the dogs and riders were just as devoted to the sport as their English brethren. There were weekly live hunts as well as drag hunts at the Grass Ridge Farm owned by Mr. and Mrs. George Masek.

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_{Master of the Hunt, George Masek}

When asked about the success of the hunts, one rider said that in two seasons of rides, she had only seen two rabbits killed. And apparently one javelina had met his demise in an earlier hunt. They seemed to concur that although considered a ‘blood sport,’ most of the blood shed was that of the riders. “It’s much more hazardous to the hunters,” one said.

Proper hunting attire was worn by the participants, including the high black boots, light colored breeches and scarlet coats. A hard hat served as protection for the riders heads.

In addition to the riders, spectators would line the hills to watch the happenings, often enjoying a picnic lunch while making a day of it.

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_{A team of three horses in the hunter class competition. The riders were Laura Udall, Jane Sibley and Ingrid Irbinskas.}

The Grass Ridge Hounds also held Olympic-style horse trials. The meets included several divisions and attracted as many as 50 entries. In 1973, Mason Phelps Jr., former memeber of the U.S. Equestrian Team was one of the judges.

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_{The 1971 Hunt Ball at Skyline Country Club, from left are Mrs. Henry Quinto, Jack Goodman, Arthur Pollard, Mrs. Masek and Mrs. Pollard.}

The hunt season concluded with the annual Hunt Ball. Honored at the ball were any new members of the Barbed Wire Club, a distinction for those who had jumped their horses over barbed wire during the past season.