I'd like to try hunting-- help me get started?

[cnvh]

I’m an occasional lurker on the Hunting board, and I have to say, you have all inspired me… Fox hunting has fascinated me for years, and through some recent life-changing events, I’ve decided that, sometime in the next year or two, I’d like to give it a try, but I really don’t know much about it, or where/how to get started.

A little background on me-- I’ve been riding for 27 years. I took lessons extensively as a kid and was fortunate to train with an excellent (reserve-team Olympian) instructor for quite a few years as a teenager. I never showed, however, except until recently when I’ve been entering my barn’s monthly schooling shows. My current horse is a coming-6 OTTB; he has excellent group manners, never kicks or pins ears at anything or anyone. He is 99% calm in and out of the ring; he occasionally gets “jiggy” when we’re out on the trails and it’s windy, but for the most part he’s quite calm, in fact I’d say unusually calm for a young OTTB. Our rides are about 50% ring work and 50% trail-riding; we’re currently schooling 2’ courses, and on the trails, he’s perfectly content leading or following. He’ll go over anything-- water, logs, ditches, etc.

So, if anyone has some time to kill and wouldn’t mind giving me a “Fox-hunting 101” tutorial, I would GREATLY appreciate it. Or if you could steer me to a book (or books) that explain things to a newbie, that would be great, too. (Do they have a book like “Fox Hunting for Dummies”? Because that’s exactly what I’d need!)

I do have some specific questions:

1. What sort of training can I do to make sure my horse is “hunting-fit”? In other words, how long is an average hunt; how long would we expect to be trotting/cantering/galloping at a time? And how high should we be jumping?

2. I don’t own any formal attire; I ride in breeches and half-chaps, so I’ll need the proper gear. What are the basics, as far as attire, for me and my horse?

3. Can you explain the basic terminology, like “second flight,” “cubbing,” etc.?

4. I’ve gone on the MFHA website; there are a bunch of hunts listed for PA, one of them has a website for a fairly-local hunt in York. (I’m in the Harrisburg area.) How does one go about going along on a hunt? Must you be sponsored by a member, etc.? How much does it generally cost?

I know the hunting season is fall to spring, so I don’t foresee us giving this a try until this fall at the very earliest, probably longer. But it’s a goal that I’d like to work towards, and I’d like to familiarize myself with things as much as possible beforehand so I don’t embarrass myself or offend anyone.

Thank you in advance for your patience with my complete ignorance about all things hunting. I’m going to continue to read the posts here; I really want to learn more!

[spacehorse]

There is a GREAT book out, it is called Riding To Hounds In America- An Introduction for Foxhunters- by William Wadsworth, MFH.

In a nutshell gives you very good basics on turnout, horse, tack, clothing, etc.

I highly recommend getting it- I think I got my copy for 8 bucks, it is a little paperback thing but it is the best handbook I have ever seen.

I am actually located in York, and also am looking to get my own membership- I have always been a groom to someone and hunted that way. Feel free to PM me if you want to talk more about local stuff.

[SunnysideJate]

I recently emailed my local hunt with questions regarding thier Fox Hunting Clinic in August. I too would love to learn more and also see if Sunny would be suitable. I am eagerly awaiting thier response.

[Jaegermonster]

Our hunt has a website www.mistymorninghounds.com that is very informative.
Click on hunt packet and that should answer a lot of your questions.
Of course before you go out, be sure to check with that particular hunt since each hunt has thier own little things they do differently.
For example, at MMH only staff wears scarlet, for many very valid reasons. The traditional way is that only men with colors wear scarlet, and lady huntsman.
TO get invited, if you don’t know any members, call the secretary of the hunt you are interested in. THe info is in the Chronicle’s hunt roster issue and has also been posted here recently, as well as can be found on the MFHA site.

[armandh]

you probably have everything

but I saw no mention re transportation.

not having ones own truck/trailer is a big impedement.

every thing else can be cleared up by your local hunt.

give them a call

[wateryglen]

Do some research!

This forum has been asked this question a million times and there’s a wealth of info here if you do some searching!

I also like the website Foxhunting In Ol’ Virginny.com too!

Most of the hunt websites have some level of instruction for you too. Read them all! Fun! I love the pictures!

Try to become active socially in your local hunt asap. Offer to help w/summer work & projects. Go to some hunt sponsored activities and state your desire to them. You need a mentor to help you so just try to find one! Make some friends.
Best wishes and let us know how it goes! Happy Hunting!

[cnvh]

[QUOTE=armandh;3887822]
but I saw no mention re transportation.

not having ones own truck/trailer is a big impedement.

every thing else can be cleared up by your local hunt.

give them a call[/QUOTE]

You’re right, I don’t have my own truck/trailer, but there are a number of other boarders at my barn who do and are willing to haul, so that dilemma would probably be the easiest to remedy-- especially if one of them wanted to go along. A woman and her daughter who board at my barn have gone to a local hunt once or twice (would that be called “cubbed”?), so I could probably trailer mine along with them.

[cnvh]

[QUOTE=wateryglen;3887891]
This forum has been asked this question a million times and there’s a wealth of info here if you do some searching!

I also like the website Foxhunting In Ol’ Virginny.com too!

Most of the hunt websites have some level of instruction for you too. Read them all! Fun! I love the pictures!

Try to become active socially in your local hunt asap. Offer to help w/summer work & projects. Go to some hunt sponsored activities and state your desire to them. You need a mentor to help you so just try to find one! Make some friends.
Best wishes and let us know how it goes! Happy Hunting![/QUOTE]

I’ve been reading back one these boards, and yes, I’ve found a lot of info. Something I haven’t found yet is a description re: how fit my horse would have to be to handle a day of hunting. I’m still a little fuzzy on just how much consistent trotting/cantering/galloping/jumping takes place on an average hunt.

If we’re doing 30-minute trot/canter sets out in the field, will that be sufficient? Should I not even think about hunting until we’re schooling 2+ hours at a time? I’m not even sure how long an average hunt lasts-- a couple of hours? All day?

Like I said, I need “Fox Hunting for Dummies.”

I am going to order the previously-mentioned book and continue reading back through old posts. Thanks everyone for your info and patience.

[Elghund2]

The level of fitness depends on the hunt. We hunt territory that ranges from rolling hills to mountains. A lot of guests from the more flatland hunts tend to go in early. I would think if you are running coyote that you would also need a very high level of fitness.

If you get out with the local hunt during the summer for their trail rides it will give you some idea of what to expect. Also, you can talk to the members that are out riding.

[beanie_boomer]

Last year we did an intro to foxhunting camp here near Frederick, Maryland that was an intensive but really fun introduction. It ran 3 days and we ran ourselves ragged, cramming in a general riding session, a cross-country type school, hound walking on foot, hound walking on horseback, and an actually cubbing day. We may do it again if anyone is interested, please send me a PM.

I wouldn’t worry at all about fitness for a first time out – your horse probably won’t be mentally ready to handle more than 2 hours, and you don’t really want him to be “fit.” Ideally you’d find a quiet babysitting buddy to ride with. I also find the green horses do better if you allow them to keep up with the group you are with as much as possible, rather than trying to keep them back.

If you don’t get a chance to hunt this year, definitely do the spring hunter paces and the trail rides. It will get your horse acquainted with the type of terrain you’ll be going over, and also hopefully you will meet a few experienced hunters who would offer to take you under their wing!

Good luck! It’s addictive…

[system]

I would look for a local farmer’s pack. They usually don’t get dressed up and the field is usually smaller. It is a good place to start yourself and your horse out slow. There is a cap fee and it depends on the hunt what that amount would be. Always greet the huntsman with “good morning” and “good night” and thank them for a nice hunt.

[altjaeger]

How fit your horse needs to be depends on whether you are riding in the 1st, 2nd, (and if they exist), 3rd, or 4th fields. We had a 4th field for the first time ever last weekend and it was just walking! Also, if you plan on riding 1st field, then it depends on whether you are hunting live or a laid scent.

I think everyone should ride 2nd field (usually there are just 2 fields) when both THEY and their horse are new to hunting. That won’t require any stamina on the part of your horse, assuming you ride it regularly at W-T-C and you’ll quickly see if you and your horse are ready for 1st field next time.

I’ve been to 3 different hunts and total time from heading out to dismounting at the end was a low of 2 hrs. to a high of 3 1/2 hrs.

[Beverley]

Do check out www.mfha.com, they have just revamped the site and you won’t want to miss the slide show introduction. Take a look even if you’ve already been there, I think they just redid it within the last day or two. Among many cool features you’ll hear several key horn sounds- gone away, gone to ground, going home, and a proper ‘view halloa.’

Not sure whether you have the answers you were looking for to your questions- let us know and keep us posted!

[system]

Sorry! I can’t help you because i don’t know anything about hunting. I think you need to contact the professional hunters.

[WilfredLeblanc]

Wow. That’s cool.

[system]

Interesting Foxhunting Video

I too enjoyed that slide show very much! Here is a somewhat dated but interesting and informative video showing foxhunting in England. http://link.brightcove.com/services/player/bcpid1321279888?bclid=1465431669

[Mrs_Cowboy]

Let me preface my answers with the following disclaimers: ALL of the answers to your questions should be freely given by the membership chair of your local hunt. I will answer based on my “new to hunting” experiences with Los Altos Hounds in CA.

1. What sort of training can I do to make sure my horse is “hunting-fit”? All of this will depend on the hunt you’re going to ride with, their hunt country and the time in the season of the hunt. I’ve been on 2 hour hunts and 5 hour hunts, although the norm is right around 3-4 hours. For my horses’ conditioning, I like to work them on faster-than-a-walk trail rides, of generally 2-5 hours. Since you’re going to want to start in the lowest field offered, any “reasonable” amount of fitness should be fine. At that first hunt - look around at what other horses are experiencing, and don’t move to a faster field until your horse is ready.

2. I don’t own any formal attire; I ride in breeches and half-chaps, so I’ll need the proper gear. What are the basics, as far as attire, for me and my horse? At our hunt, clean, neat traditional looking attire is desired foremost (after safety OF COURSE!). If you’re buying new gear, stick to the traditional look of tan breeches, dark hunt coat, white shirt, white stock tie, tall black boots and black helmet. If you have to wait on some items, try to match as closely as possible. For instance if a new hunt coat is beyong your means first season, check your local thrift store for a close fitting black blazer. If you’re having trouble finding the perfect breeches, use tan riding tights.

Tack is traditionally a leather english-type saddle (generally brown), an english bridle, and a breastplate. Many people put a slightly stronger bit on their horse for hunting, but my horses all go around fine in a simple snaffle. Check regarding shoeing as well. I hunt my horses barefoot, but some country may require shoes and even studs.

3. Can you explain the basic terminology, like “second flight,” “cubbing,” etc.?
   All the terminology you want is on http://www.foxhunting.freeservers.com/PgsMain/glossary1.html

4. I’ve gone on the MFHA website; there are a bunch of hunts listed for PA, one of them has a website for a fairly-local hunt in York. (I’m in the Harrisburg area.) How does one go about going along on a hunt? Must you be sponsored by a member, etc.? How much does it generally cost? Call the hunt secretary or membership chair, explain that you’d like to try hunting, and they will direct you. In my case, I went to a first hunt, met up with other riders in my area, made a VERY good friend in the process and picked her brain extensively. Capping in my hunt is now $100 a day, but that varies by hunt also.

[DLee]

I have found one of the biggest deals is to find a welcoming hunt. :yes: Not all are, in my experience. But I have been fortunate enough to find a super friendly one. Good luck!

[cnvh]

Here’s where I stand so far…

A friend at my barn capped a few times with her daughter a couple of years ago and she also really wants to go again, so she has a few contacts with some hunt clubs. Friend and I have decided that we’re going to spend the summer working on getting our horses fit; luckily our barn has almost 300 acres of trails and LOTS of hills, so this should not be a problem. (I’m glad to have a buddy, since I don’t got out on the trails alone for safety purposes.)

I have a pair of dress boots on order; they were a returned semi-custom order that didn’t work for their intended recipient, but they just might work for my weird measurements. If not, I’m going to bite the bullet and order semi-customs from somewhere. (This boot thing has been my primary nuisance; I have huge calves and short legs, which is why I’ve never gotten tall boots in my 27+ years of riding.)

I found a LOVELY black hunt/show coat at my local tack shop that fits like it was tailored for me, and it’s only $79. I’ll be picking that up in a couple of months when said tack shop has their spring sale. I’ll need to pick up some tan breeches, but that won’t be a problem; I’m not hard to fit for breeches, just don’t happen to have anything except dark-colored ones at the moment. Other than that (and a breast collar if I decide to get one), I’m all set.

[Fancy_That]

Try Hunter Paces first…

[QUOTE=wateryglen;3887891]
This forum has been asked this question a million times and there’s a wealth of info here if you do some searching!

I also like the website Foxhunting In Ol’ Virginny.com too!

Most of the hunt websites have some level of instruction for you too. Read them all! Fun! I love the pictures!

Try to become active socially in your local hunt asap. Offer to help w/summer work & projects. Go to some hunt sponsored activities and state your desire to them. You need a mentor to help you so just try to find one! Make some friends.
Best wishes and let us know how it goes! Happy Hunting![/QUOTE]

I totally agree.

I became involved with my local hunt (Los Altos Hounds) by participating in thier Hunter Paces. I got HOOKED on them! It’s a great way to get a greenie used to what may be expected of them (minus the hounds) It’s very green-bean-friendly.

And the Hunter Paces we do (I’m not a member) are perfect for getting to know the members, socializing (we always have a potluck lunch) and great chance to VOLUNTEER and HELP. Everyone is so friendly!

So if you don’t know anyone in the hunt you are interested in - try Hunter Paces first. If you get on thier mailing/email list - they have all sorts of other social events. I donated to thier Charity Silent Auction. And they also invite non-members to things like Barn Tours, etc.

That way - you’ll get to know members of the hunt you want to join and you can ask them a million questions. At leat with LAH, they are always looking for new members and are a super friendly bunch!

I’m happy doing Hunter Paces for now…but dream of actually Foxhunting someday.