So I’m going fox hunting this weekend for the 1st time with Middleburg Hunt. Wanted to see some of the things I will ‘need to know’ or Lessons Learned?
A friend that is a member of the hunt , found a seasoned hunt horse for me to ‘rent’ and borrowing clothes from her as well. I am a show hunter rider normally, but I ride my horse out though the country over logs, coops when we aren’t in a lesson. I’m pretty fit, and comfortable galloping, cantering along. We are planning on going second flight, so no jumping.
Really sounds like you are set up for success with a friend in the hunt and a nice horse. As a perpetual hunting newbie I try to follow the lead of other people. Are they talking and sipping flasks? Good time for a chat, a drink or a photo op. Are they being very quiet? Be quiet too.
I generally find horses are very eager to stay with the others, so if you need to hang back for whatever reason, be prepared for a horse that isn’t totally on board with that.
Pee right before you get on :winkgrin:
My pockets normally have a flask, a cell phone, a tissue and chapstick. If it’s warm you shouldn’t need the tissue.
Have fun!
You can go to youtube and watch the “Anonymous Foxhunter” videos 
Of course there are lots of threads here as well about first times out. Since you have a friend guiding you, she/he will be able to answer as you go along. Look neat & clean, be early. Say good morning to the masters and deliver your capping fee and signed release to the secretary. Don’t talk at checks (although there are times when folks do) and never, ever, pass the master. Thank the staff at the end of the day.
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Generally, follow someone who obviously knows what they are doing and, in particular, knows the country. As your friend is a member either they will be your guide or will know the person who always finds the right place for the best view. But never, ever pass the Master!
(or is that too much a UK, we go anywhere sort of response??)
Have fun! All U.S. hunts are excited for prospective new members! The previous advice given is spot on. Some hunts are sensitive about riding “in order” (colors before buttons, buttons before members, members before guests). I’d ask your friend how Middleburg is about the hierarchy in the field. But definitely never ride in front of a master or between a huntsman and hounds. Be respectful, ask questions (before the hunt or quietly during the hunt), but really, just have fun!
Hounds have right of way.
Ask if MH does a ‘forward reverse’ (most likely) or a back off the trail thing when changing direcctions.
Be aware of when to be quiet! Usually newbies are the ones excitedly chatting about the day as the huntsman has cast hounds and end up getting a “Quiet please”. Anyone offering to do gates always gets a gold star also. Have fun!
I had a really great 1st time hunting! Everyone at the hunt was very friendly and the horse I did a day lease on was a lovely mare in her 5th season hunting. Hear are a few links to some pictures. I’m on the blue roan horse.
http://www.middleburgphoto.com/HorseandHound/Middleburg-Hunt/2016-2017/MH-Spring-Glade-2-25-2017/i-38vsFHG
http://www.middleburgphoto.com/HorseandHound/Middleburg-Hunt/2016-2017/MH-Spring-Glade-2-25-2017/i-vtCDbGK
http://www.middleburgphoto.com/HorseandHound/Middleburg-Hunt/2016-2017/MH-Spring-Glade-2-25-2017/i-gRw4Qng
http://www.middleburgphoto.com/HorseandHound/Middleburg-Hunt/2016-2017/MH-Spring-Glade-2-25-2017/i-jRv6Z7k
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Good for you! Once you’ve been out and had a good time, there’s no turning back
It sounds like you are set up to succeed and have fun. When we have newbies come to hunt we give them a partner to follow in the field. I know when I hunted, I appreciated having someone give me a heads up on terrain (especially when a drop fence was coming up!).
As others have said, it’s hard not to talk because you’ll be seeing so much! Remember that hounds always have right of way. Sometimes you have to hold hard when a hound crosses in front of you. Staff also has right of way. When someone calls “ware staff”, pull of quickly and stand quietly with your horse’s head facing the trail. Keep a reasonable distance from the horse in front of you (think about the hold hard that could happen!).
One of the things I’ve come to appreciate over the years is the beauty of watching the hounds work. There’s so much going on that at first it’s hard to pay attention but it’s amazing to watch.
Have fun!
