The Martha’s Vineyard Horse Council saw a record number of entrants in its sixth annual fall hunter pace, held in the Manuel F. Correllus State Forest on Sunday, Sept. 11.

A total of 31 riders in either English or Western tack traveled over 7.4 miles of marked trail, including 12 jumps (all optional).

The youngest rider was 10 years old; the oldest was 74.

The first-place team was Elizabeth Packer and Evonne Kelley; a close second was the team of Laura Marshard and Jennifer Weiland. The third team consisted of Blackthorn stablemates Joan Mancuso, Nina McMann and Amy Reece.

Raffle items were abundant, and Tom Rancich prepared a chili worthy of many miles in the saddle, while John Mancuso treated riders to freshly steamed hot dogs.

As special guests, Lieut. Susan Murphy and ranger Sarah Whitman joined on their mounts from the DCR park ranger unit. They were welcomed at Tashmoo Farm for the horses to have a good roll and wash down before heading back to the Steamship Authority.

The event is organized by Stephanie W. Dreyer and Tara J. Whiting. Sponsors included L & W Tree Farm, Lawrence Hill Horseshoeing, Yered Trailers and all of our raffle donors.

Volunteers were paramount in making the event happen — special thanks to Clare Harrington, Judy Bernstein-Gaeta, Suzanne Sprayregan, Vicki Thurber and Michael D’Eramo, among others.

All proceeds will go to the MVHC William Honey scholarship award fund.