When I describe the red coats, the sound of the hunting horn, exhilarating gallops, and howling hounds, folks tend to look at me like I’ve joined a cult. And honestly, from the dress code to the unique and peculiar traditions, it could be a cult, except that our religion is the rush of the ride and the thrill of the chase, our huntsman is our priest, and whether we ride through enchanting forests or wide-open prairie, those hours in the saddle each week are our church.
For those who have heard of foxhunting but never tried it, the impression is often that of a wild and hell-bent ride, over giant fences and across gaping ditches. This is the scene depicted in old hunting prints and lore, but far from the reality.
What is Foxhunting really all about?
Every hunt is different, from the terrain, the speed, the jumps, the particular style of each huntsman and the training of every pack of hounds. However, there are certain characteristics they all have in common.
The people are truly the heart and soul of foxhunting. “I’ve never been to a church as welcoming as fox hunters,” says Brazos Valley Hounds’ Whipper-In, Tara Tibbets. Removed from the ambition and ruthless competition of the show ring, riders can share and enjoy their love for horses, riding, and jumping, free from the pressures of rankings and ribbons.
What about the Foxes?
Some hunts are drag hunts, meaning the hounds track a scent that has been artificially laid for them. These hunts tend to be fast for shorter periods of time, with breaks in between “lines.” Live hunts are usually longer and they do chase a “quarry,” which varies from hunt to hunt. Some still hunt foxes, but more and more hunts in the US are pursuing coyotes, deemed a pest in many areas, whereas in France they hunt stag, roe buck, and wild boar. Overall, in both in drag and live hunts, the emphasis is on the hounds working and the enjoyment of the ride.
First Time Foxhunting?
If foxhunting sounds like something you might enjoy, here are some tips and resources to point you in the right direction.
Find a Local Hunt
Foxhunting is probably more common than you might think, with hundreds of hunts around the US, several in Canada, and many more in Europe, especially England, Ireland, and France. There are even hunt clubs to be found in faraway places like South Africa, Argentina, Australia, and New Zealand. Since each hunt is different, the Master or Secretary of your local hunt can tell you about their hunt - how fast they ride, how much ground the cover, how high the jumps are, and what the rules are. Some hunts readily welcome guests, and some require guests to be invited by an accompanying member, or only allow guests on certain days.
Worldwide
Baily’s Hunting Directory
United States and Canada
MFHA (Masters of Foxhounds Association of North America)
Index of Foxhound Packs by State
United Kingdom
MFHA (Masters of Foxhounds Association - UK) Hunting Office
Find a Pack
France
Venerie Society
Find a Pack
Get Started
For your first hunt, it is advisable to lease a seasoned horse, rather than bring your own. The horse will already know what it’s doing, and you can just enjoy the ride. That way, next time when you bring yours, you will know what to expect.
When you’re ready to bring your horse, many hunts offer introductory days which ride at a slower pace, hunting clinics, or the opportunity to join the hunt to exercise hounds, and expose your horse to the hounds and terrain without diving right into a full hunt right away.
Choose your Speed
Hunting is not balls-to-the-wall, all the time. Each hunt will have different groups, called fields, which move at different speeds. First Field, or First Flight, will be the fast group, keeping up with the hounds and going over all the jumps. If it’s your first time foxhunting, it is not advisable to ride with the first field, since you will not know the rules. Stay with second or third field to get a feel for how everything works, and chat with other members about their traditions and etiquette. (You can’t chat in first field because it distracts the hounds, so you can’t ask questions.) For a very mellow ride, join the Hilltoppers, the slowest field.
What to Wear
Dressing the part is part of the fun! Check out What to Wear on a Foxhunt for a full list of proper attire, but if it’s your first time, don’t worry, just do the best you can. Most foxhunts are flexible when it’s your first time, and you shouldn’t have to go out and buy a whole new setup just to try something once. Some hunts are bigger sticklers than others, so consult with the local hunt before showing up, to find out what’s appropriate. Be sure not to wear red - that’s only for the Masters - and read up on the rules before you go. The MFHA has a great list of resources to get you started.
What would you like to know before going foxhunting for the first time? Leave your questions in the comments below!
