Ride with the Arapahoe Hunt
Dates:
October - April
Sundays and Wednesdays
+ special events (see dates below)
Duration:
Single-Day or Multi-Day
Riding Level:
Intermediate/Advanced
(non-riding option available)
When the rest of the equestrian community tucks in for the winter, foxhunting comes alive. Ride cross-country in pursuit of enthusiastic hounds across the prairie at the foot of the Rocky Mountains, and enjoy the welcoming community of the Arapahoe Hunt, which has been participating in the sport here in Colorado for over 100 years.
Sunday Hunts
Formal attire
11:00am start
Wednesday Hunts
Ratcatcher attire
2:00pm start
Horses
Lease a Horse or Bring your Own
Seasoned hunt horses are available to lease for the day, subject to availability. All tack and care of the horse will be provided. If you are new to foxhunting, it is highly recommended to experience your first hunt on a leased, seasoned mount rather than bring your own.
If bringing your own, please review the Guest Horse Guidelines.
Riding
Intermediate-Advanced
Riders should be comfortable at the walk, trot, and canter in English tack. Jumping is not required unless riding in first field (sometimes second field as well, depending on the hunt).
Choose Your Speed - First field is fast-paced with plenty of jumping, second field is moderate-paced and jumps are optional, third field or hilltopping will be mostly walking and trotting with no jumping. Whether you’re an adrenaline junkie with a need for speed who wants to keep up with the hounds, or a casual rider who wants to take it easy and take in the scenery, there is something for everyone.
Don’t forget to bring a dish to share for the potluck Hunt Breakfast afterwards!
Attire
Proper foxhunting attire is an important part of foxhunting tradition (and part of the fun!).
Sunday Hunts - Formal Attire
Wednesday Hunts - Ratcatcher attire
Don’t know what this means? Learn more about proper attire and etiquette.
Tack
English Tack - jumping or general-purpose saddles
If you are leasing a horse, you will be outfitted in English tack. If you are bringing your own horse and you ride dressage, endurance, Western, or another discipline, check with your local hunt before attending to see what is allowed.
Terrain
The hunt takes place on the plains east of Denver. Ride across tens of thousands of acres of prairie - a former bombing range - through gullies, hills, and creeks.
Since the hunt rides in fall, winter, and spring, weather can vary greatly and terrain can be snowy or slick. Consult the weather forecast to assess the terrain.
Accommodation and Stabling
For multi-day foxhunting trips, Equescapes can arrange accommodation if needed and stabling, if bringing your own horse. Rates and availability by request.
Planning and Packing
Dates and Events
The Arapahoe Hunt meets from October to April on Sundays and Wednesdays.
Sunday Hunts
Formal attire
11:00am start
Wednesday Hunts
Ratcatcher attire
2:00pm start
Special Hunts and Events - 2024-2025 Hunt Season
October 13, 2024 - Opening Hunt
December 26, 2024 - Boxing Day Hunt
Book Now
Includes:
Capping fee
Hunt breakfast (bring a dish to share)
Horse and tack (if leasing a horse)
Does not include:
Hunt attire
Tack and equipment
Horse transportation
Accommodation or stabling
Travel insurance