Though the Woodbrook Hunt Club (WHC) was only officially registered in 1926 with the Masters of Foxhounds Association of America, huntsmen have been hunting in this area for more than a century.

The WHC credits its military neighbor, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, for its existence, since its members' ability to conduct rides and hunts is dependent upon a permit and licensing system through the Army. As such, anyone who rides with the club must sign a release-of-liability form freeing JBLM from responsibility of any mishaps.

"We have a good working relationship with the military which makes all of this possible," said Cathy Elledge, who also pointed out that there are hunt clubs adjacent to other bases, such as Ft. Carson in Colorado and Ft. Leavenworth in Kansas. "We are thankful that JBLM allows us to use the land and that our members can benefit."

Ellen Leckrone, whose husband Derek is a pilot in the Air Force Reserves, has lived in Steilacoom for close to 10 years and is able to keep horses on her property. Since she has ridden horses for years, she passed the love of that pastime onto her daughters, aged 9 and 6.

"I first looked into having my oldest daughter, Addison, join the Woodbrook Hunt Pony Club about 18 months ago," Leckrone said. "People there were really welcoming and down to earth, there was no pretentiousness. Now my younger daughter is asking to join."

The Pony Club is for younger riders (ages 6 to 25) and like with any other club function, riders must provide their own horses to participate - there are no horses available for rent or lease at WHC. Furthermore, there are no stables available for those looking to keep their horse on the club's property. The eight horses that do reside there belong to the staff.

"This is not an elitist sport, which is a big misconception many people have about riding and fox hunting," said Elledge, who serves as the WHC vice-president.

Jean Brooks, who has been the Master of the Hounds since 2004, runs all of the WHC's hunts - which are the premiere events - along with a crew of volunteers. It is important to note that the only dogs permitted to hunt are led by Brooks and belong to the club. While visitors are allowed to bring dogs with them, those outside dogs will not be part of the hunt. Since live fox hunting is illegal in Washington, the trail is marked with a variety of things that cast a strong enough scent to attract the hounds.

Currently, there are 27 American Foxhounds at WHC, all of which Brooks and Elledge know by name. Often, foxhounds at Woodbrook are available for adoption; Brooks was quick to point out that 7-year-old Clint is in need of a loving home. If interested, contact the club at (253) 588-1522.

The next event for the club is the Closing Hunt, which will take place May 7 at 11 a.m. Those interested in coming out to ride must first contact Brooks at (253) 230-5910 so she can evaluate the rider's level of expertise. Guests are also encouraged to come earlier than the start time (about 10 a.m.) so that they may be connected with a sponsor who belongs to the club.

Spectators are also welcome, though there are important safety measures that need to be followed.

WHC is located in Lakewood at 6206 150th Street SW. For a calendar of events, fee structure and further rules and regulations, visit http://woodbrookhuntclub.com.