Dates:

September - April
Dates vary by hunt

Duration:

Single-Day or Multi-Day

Riding Level:

Intermediate/Advanced
(non-riding option available)

With 24 hunts to choose from in Virginia alone, foxhunting takes place just about every day of the week. Go shopping in Middleburg, take a scenic drive through hunt country, and meet the lively characters who put the style in this lifestyle.

Bring your own horse (stabling can be arranged) or lease one, and choose from a menu of hunt meets.

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.

Attire

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

Hunts typically take place on private farms and estates, and each hunt is unique. Rolling hills, small forests, wooded areas, stream crossings, etc. are all typical of Virginia’s hunt country.

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.

Planning and Packing

Rider Resources:

• Proper Hunting Attire and Etiquette

• First Time Foxhunting? How to Get Started

• Taking Your Horse to Their First Hunt

• Foxhunting Vocabulary and Terminology

• 10 Things to Pack for a Foxhunting Trip

Dates

Autumn Hunting takes place in the fall (September/October) before the hunt season actually begins (October/November). Different hunts will have different Opening Meet dates, and different days of the week on which they hunt.

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