So let me begin by saying I’ve never hunted. I have ALWAYS been fascinated by the strict adherence to tradition that many hunts on the east coast practice, think it looks delightful! Now for the kicker- I come from the Hunter/Jumper world, and at 20, being in college, and being broke (ohh the woes of college life!), I am struggling to find a way to stay involved in the horse community without having to shell out $2k+ per month to go to horse shows. While my heart is and always will be in showing my horses, I don’t have the time necessary to put into keeping myself or my horses in show condition.
Is hunting an option? Realistically, is hunting ANY less expensive than showing on the “A” circuit? Of course, the proper appointments for the hunt field would run anyone an arm and a leg, but I’m sure I already have what might be considered appropriate dress for some of the less formal hunts (navy coat, brown coat, white shirts, could probably manage a pair of dress boots if my field boots weren’t acceptable, etc). But as far as the actual costs of hunting a few times a month with the costs of competing at the rated shows in MD/VA/PA, is hunting any MORE affordable?
I’ve been thinking of a good way to keep involved in the horse community in my area (I live in Baltimore), as well as give me and my horse something enjoyable to look foward to off of the farm. He’s a big boned selle francais with great feet, who’s never taken a crooked step in the 5 years I’ve had him. While he can be sensitive, he is a foward, confident mover who enjoys riding out with a group. I’ve never had the oppurtunity to bring him around hounds, so I don’t know about that, but he’s shown in some relatively intimidating conditions. Here he is:
Of course, considering my non-existent experience, I would need to start out borrowing a seasoned horse, but how difficult is this for someone truly interested in beginning in the sport? While I’m on that subject, how difficult would it be to find a hunt willing to let me give it a try? I am willing to travel a good distance to find a nice group of people, and my only criteria is that the particular hunt be dedicated to the preservation and continuation of the sport through individuals like myself interested in getting involved out of a love of the horses. Having been raised taking equitation lessons, is there such thing as a hunt “lesson”? Something for clueless folks like me to get my toes wet? Any and all advice regarding possible clubs to contact, or people to contact, or things to avoid, etc. is truly appreciated.
Well, when I started hunting in 1971, I pretty much recycled the attire I had used for show jumping in France the previous year, and I was not struck by lightning.
I think hunting is considerably more affordable than the A circuit- and many clubs offer generous discounts for starving students.
So yes, go with what you have, and when you make inquiries with any given club just explain to them that you hope to give the sport a try before transitioning to the strictly correct attire.
I would recommend the Carrollton Hounds as a good place to start. I think the web site is www.carrolltonhounds.com. They are a friendly bunch, very welcoming to newcomers to the sport.
I found hunting to be less expensive than eventing (I just did BN/N - not exactly Olympic quality material, here!)
Not knocking eventing at all - I love it and hope to compete again one of these days.
As far as costs though - you probably have everything you "need’ to hunt except a Melton or anything really specific your hunt requires. Your biggest expense would most likely be the subscription.
You’ll probably start hunting, get hooked, and never look back. It’s addictive.
Best of luck to you.
What does a subscription normally run? I am considering how much it cost to go to 1 or 2 rated shows per month, and that number was anywhere from $1500-$2000 per month, plus board, lessons, pro-rides, etc. My horse comes off lease in the next month, and we’re looking at putting him somewhere with a less rigorous program. So here’s a new question:
Are there any boarding barns (small, private facilities that offer board) that cater to field hunters in the baltimore/dc area? I understand the care of a field hunter is considerably different, but also allows a horse to behave more “like a horse”? Am I wrong? As in, more turnout, allowed to grow a bit of hair, no daily hour long rides in the ring? This is the kind of situation I am looking for for my boy, as he deserves some “him” time. And I wold imagine boarding at a facility with some regular hunters would be a good way to get acquainted with the sport…
So finally (I am long-winded today, I apologize), I’m assuming my best bet is to phone a few hunts in my area to gather a bit of information. I don’t want to sound like an idiot, and my horsemanship skills are all there, I just don’t want to waste anyone’s time, and figured this might be a good place to start…
Well - you’re running out of time if you want to start. Opening Meet isn’t far off (at least around here). It might be best if you went out during cubbing a few times to get your horse used to things.
Once the season starts - they get going pretty fast and you don’t want an unfit horse out there.
You’ll want to cap (a fee for being a guest). There is no need to commit immediately. Hunts usually place a limit on caps (like 3 or 4 per season)
Ummmm… maybe you should go to mfha.org and figure out which hunts are closest to you - the site will have contact info. You’ll want to contact the Secretary and ask if you might come out, what attire is acceptable for a guest, that sort of thing.
Subscriptions vary from hunt to hunt - so I don’t feel comfortable commenting.
Final note - don’t expect your horse to act like your horse when he goes out. Hunting brings out the best and worst in horses. (at least that’s my limited experience). It took a couple of seasons for my normally placid horse to stop doing cartwheels at checks, and jigging for 4 hours. Very annoying.
He’s a beautiful animal! Good luck with him! The season started at Labor Day so you’re a bit behind but still go. Just do your homework, research and ask around! Don’t be shy! Yes there are barns that have a lot of fieldhunters at them but you’ll do better if the OWNER hunts IMHO. First go watch a hunt; leaving, hunting and returning by car or on foot accompanied with someone from the hunt. Call the hon sec or MFH and ask if you can. Support that hunts activities, meet people, get involved. It IS afterall, a club, a club of like-minded folks. There’s no competition; it’s all for fun!!!
I’ll take a stab at costs. Speaking strictly for the Northern Virginia area. Cap fees are running $100-$150 a day for formal season. :eek: Less for cubbing which is winding down. Weekends are most expensive. Memberships in some hunts involve an initiation fee (to kinda make sure you are a SERIOUS potential member) that can run from $500 on up. I think the cheapest hunt locally is $950/year for a single adult membership. Most are around $1100/year and up to $1600/year for a single. A family membership is much more. Clearly a full membership is the most economical. The DC area hunts are most expensive- the further you are out; the cheaper the hunt!
Some hunts have membership requirements ie: you must be sponsored by a member or 3 members who will theoretically vouch for you, mentor you, propose you as a fine, upstanding potential member. Or you must have hunted with them a minimum # of times. Or you must live or board within their territory. Or you must own land in their territory(some even specify like 150 acres!). Hunts prefer members with ties to their community but nowadays that’s just not always possible. All hunts wanna see a high level of enthusiasm, interest and demonstrate good horsemanship. Some hunts LOVE potential members that bring good food to the tailgates!! :winkgrin: Basically…they wanna like you!!! :yes: Make yourself lovable and you’re a shoo in! Go for it! You’ll never go back or at least you’ll add it to your repertoire of horse fun! Keep in mind you’ll need to spend a lot more time with fitness training for both you & your horse tho.
Thanks so much for all of the wonderful advice given here! My boy is quite “ring fit” at the moment, though would need significant conditioning riding out before anything. And I could be fitter as well :c). It looks like Goshen Hounds, Elkridge-Harford Hounds, and Howard County-Iron Bridge Hounds are in very reasonable traveling distance from me- any input on these two clubs would be super (and also welcomed/encouraged via PM). I would love to watch them one day, and think my father would quite enjoy it as well, and think this might be a great way to start before I worry about my horse being suited to the field (used to ride quite frequently, but is reaching an age where he’s much more content to share a drink and pull up a chair). Once again, thank you all very much.
Hunting is a blast! And the comaraderie, seeing good hounds do their thing, riding over hill and dale, priceless. And your horse will probably love you for it.
yes, hunting will end up being less expensive than showing on the A circuit, although you will need to work something out for trailering, as that can add up. Maybe you can braid or clean tack or clean horses or exercise horses for someone in partial exchange for trailering ?
Some hunts have a discount for Jr members. And you should be able to find a hunt willing to let you “cap” ie come as a guest, most hunts do want new members and the only way to join is to go as a guest. Get the COTH, it has the hunt roster issue and call the hunt secretaries in your area. Different hunts have very different, ummmm personalities, so consider trying more than one.
You can hire a horse to hunt the first time, but you might just try hilltopping with yours. Just be sure you have plenty of bit and MAKE SURE someone is with you who is going to baby-sit you AND fully support you if you need to turn back. Dont allow anyone to pressure you to keep on if its not going well. There is always another day. And be forewarned that sometimes horses dont wake up and fully start testing you when hunting until their 3rd or so time. You might want to work with a trainer, as there are trainers that hunt and would help someone learn the ropes.
You will be fine with your show clothes. Dont let that stop you. Once you are “hooked” you can get a black wool coat and dress boots. Or kept an eye out on Ebay 
As far as hunts in your area… I know Elkridge Harford is a very fast moving hunt, with lots of jumping…Goshen is a nice hunt, havent been out with them since I was a kid… I’ve hunted with Howard-Iron Bridge (grew up hunting w/ Iron Bridge before they merged with HC)…very nice hunt w/very nice people…
Re: Advice…
You better watch out… I came from the A circuit, as well, and now I don’t care if I EVER enter a show ring again! 
You’re going to love it and your horse will, too. See if you can get the hunt you visit to send you their handbook. It will fill you in on all the nitty gritty details of “the rules” and you will have an idea of what to expect when certain things happen. Everyone I’ve ever met in this sport is super nice and welcoming. Have fun!
J. R. Fieldhunters
J. R. Fieldhunters in Loudon county, Midleburg/Purcellville, VA.Though Jan is sadly no longer with us:cry:, make yourself , and your horse known to Meridith, now running the ;program; :yes:That farm has brought many people and horses safely and successfully into the hunt field.They are used to answering questions like yours:winkgrin:
Are there any boarding barns (small, private facilities that offer board) that cater to field hunters in the baltimore/dc area? I understand the care of a field hunter is considerably different, but also allows a horse to behave more “like a horse”? Am I wrong? As in, more turnout, allowed to grow a bit of hair, no daily hour long rides in the ring? This is the kind of situation I am looking for for my boy, as he deserves some “him” time. And I wold imagine boarding at a facility with some regular hunters would be a good way to get acquainted with the
I sent you a PM with more details.
But try Green Spring Valley as well. They are considerably closer to Baltimore than Goshen or HCIBH.
I second JR Field Hunters, although I don’t know how it is NOW I was once fortunate enough to have Jan bring me a horse to hunt and it was an absolute blast.
I would also definitely suggest to check out Mount Carmel Hounds. They are not a recognized pack, but hunt around Green Spring territory but do have a second field that is good for introducing horses (and riders, for that matter) to how things happen in the hunt field. Seems to me that they move just as fast as Green Spring’s hounds do from what I have heard. If you want more info, PM me, I can get you the contact info.
