Fox Hunting, how to get started? Where to get info?

[Kodiak]

It’s definitely going to vary by the hunt.

That said, a lot of people add more than a few inches to the height of jumps. I’ve seen a 20" split log become a 3’ oxer by the tea. On the other hand, if hunts are bold enough to claim 4’ jumps, I’d be ready for something vertical and north of 3’. It’s also important to keep in mind how much bigger jumps get when the approach is poor, the footing is ankle-deep mud, and you’ve been out for a couple of hours…

Ditto distance and speed. If someone is claiming either, they should be able to show you GPS logs.

All of that said, you and your horse need to be conditioning outside the ring. A lot, and in all sorts of footing. Otherwise, foxhunting will kick both of your butts.

[Ponyclubrocks]

Hunts definitely vary…much depends on the size of the fixtures. All our jumps are optional so even in first field you can go around anything. Jump sizes range from small logs to 3’ 6" coops and some stone walls that are probably 3’ at most. Again, all the fences are optional. Our smallest fixture is beautiful with great variety of terrain but due to the small size hunts rarely exceed 2 hours. Our biggest fixture also has lovely terrain but very few jumps (again all optional) and our longest ever hunt was about 3.5-4 hours. Most of our hunts are in the 7 to 10 mile range and take about 2 hours. (verified by GPS)