Rolling Rock Hunt to host Hunter Pace in Ligonier

Rolling Rock Hunt plans to host a May 18 hunter pace that it hopes will become an annual event at a farm off of Route 711 in Ligonier Township.

A group including huntsman Sam Clifton, Stewart Burkland and a small crew of volunteers, has been working to build a three- to five-mile-long course of open fields, woods and jumps — lots of jumps.

Last week, they spent days sawing logs and telephone poles to build jumps that would typically be found within hunt country and building portable coop-style jumps to place along the course.

A hunter pace is a competition where riders try to simulate the amount of time it would take the hunt field to travel a certain distance while following the huntsman as he works his fox hounds. Riders go into the day not knowing the exact distance, or how much time it should take to finish the ride. They race against a clock, aiming for the optimum time established by a pace setter.

“We wanted to promote equestrian activities in Ligonier, while hosting a friendly equestrian competition in the Ligonier Valley and generate interest in the Rolling Rock Hunt,” said Marcie Turjan, hunt member and co-organizer. “The hunter pace will have a first flight class for advanced riders, a second flight where the jumps are optional, and a hill topper route that is shorter and avoids the jumps.”

Cost is $35 for pre-registration, $45 day of the event.

For more information, visit www.rollingrockhunt.org.