The general duties of a Master are outlined in Wadsworth’s invaluable pamphlet. A thumbnail sketch is that a Master is responsible for all aspects of the hunt, including landowner relations, keeping the country open and paneled, seeing that county and state laws concerning kennels are in order, and most importantly and often most trying, keeping the hunt financially afloat. Oak Ridge Masters share these responsibilities, but each Master has specific areas of focus as well, as described below.

Rita Mae Brown

• Everything to do with hounds, including hunting them, feeding and caring for them, training them, breeding new ones, and drafting them in and out as needs dictate.
• Providing a home for the kennels and all associated storage buildings. Also, providing for the various deliveries of food and other supplies needed for the hounds.
• Providing transportation for hounds and staff horses to and from meets.
• Construction and maintenance of main kennels, including hound runs and fencing.
• Hiring and firing of all hunt staff, professional and amateur, including the training of same.
• Work closely with the Hunt Secretary on club business.
• Rita Mae as Huntsman is always busy before and after meets with the hounds. Please wait until the tail gate to chat with her.

Bob Satterfield

• Make sure that there are appropriate flight leaders for each hunt and have the fields ready to move off when hounds arrive.
• Recruit and develop new Field Masters for each of the flights.
• Help Masters and members recruit new members – this is everybody’s job.
• Work with David to coordinate trail clearing, jump building, and fixture development.
• Work with David and club members to coordinate social activities, including the Hunt Ball, Opening Hunt Breakfast, and other special hunt breakfasts, as appropriate.
• Organize and lead Summer Rides to keep members involved and horses and riders fit.
• Coordinate fund-raising activities to help support the annual operating budget.
• Serve as a contact person for members and guests with questions or issues with an attempt to reduce RMB’s load in this area.

David Wheeler

• Manage all of the club’s financial matters.
• Develop with the other Masters an annual budget.
• Pay the bills for hounds and staff and other club needs.
• Prepare and track the bills for club member dues.
• Collect and account for all club-related revenues.
• All dues payments should be sent to David at 211 4th Street, Charlottesville, Va., 22902.
• Coordinate and disseminate information to club members about hunt safety and hunt etiquette and attire.
• Work with Bob to coordinate trail clearing, jump building, and fixture development.
• Work with Bob and club members to coordinate social activities, including the Hunt Ball, Opening Hunt Breakfast, and other special hunt breakfasts, as appropriate.