So as the title says I’m new to fox hunting. I used to ride hunters then switched to jumpers. I still ride jumpers but I’m riding a sale horse for my barn and the owner wants him to fox hunt! I honestly have no idea what fox hunting is about so any information would be greatly appreciated(I.E. what to wear and expect)! I live in Northern Virginia so fox hunting is pretty popular and they have events quite often! I am planning on taking the horse to a hunter pace at the end of September and I was wondering if there were different heights for the jumps or what! Thank you!!
Go here http://www.mfha.org/hunts-map.html and find your local hunt and then talk to them. Most hunting people are welcoming and helpful as they love their sport and enjoy introducing newcomers to it.
Aside from that, the opening sequence of images is great http://www.mfha.org/ and I can not wait for the new season to start!!
With which hunt are you planning to go out? While we have many in NoVA, they also have pretty unique characteristics to them, and I could give you more of an idea what to expect based upon the hunt.
[QUOTE=sedona217;7102509]
I live in Northern Virginia so fox hunting is pretty popular and they have events quite often! I am planning on taking the horse to a hunter pace at the end of September and I was wondering if there were different heights for the jumps or what! Thank you!![/QUOTE]
I didn’t see a hunter pace in VA on the CEO calendar, what one are you planning to do? --> http://www.centralentryoffice.com/CalendarVA.aspx
Most of the hunt-run hunter paces around here are restricted to MFHA hunt members-only, in case you were considering only capping with a hunt(s). There is typically a jumping and non-jumping division available, and the jumps are normal hunt-country jumps, i.e., coops, stone walls, rails, etc that are found in that area of the territory. The height of the jumps depends on the territory, so some can be “baby” jumps at 2’3", and others can be 3’3"+. You will have to walk the course the day or so before the pace, so that you know where to go.
Many hunts have “get ready to hunt” trail rides on the weekend in August, and offer a jumping and non-jumping group. I would encourage you to do this with the hunt you plan on going out with, if they offer it (or go with another local one, as it is beneficial), as you will get to experience having your horse in a group, what the territory and jumps are like, and meet some people ahead of the hunt season.
As a newbie, and especially with a green-to-hunting horse, you will be at the back of the field. Keswick Hunt has a good page on hunt etiquette, both before, during, and after: http://www.keswickhuntclub.com/fox-hunting/fox-hunting-ettiquette/
For what to wear: it is informal/cubbing season in Sept/Oct, so we wear ratcatcher - tweeds, plaids, tans/browns, green jackets, with either tan/rust/gray britches. Brown field boots are most correct, but you can get away with black boots. From Opening Meet on (usually around the first of Nov), people wear the black/navy coats. Keswick also has a good page on attire: http://www.keswickhuntclub.com/fox-hunting/fox-hunting-attire/
SideSaddle (et al) - There is a series of 5 “fun” hunter paces in the fall. Longer courses (takes like an hour to finish), all optional jumps (fun-sized to normal coop sized), teams of 2, 3, or even 4, mandatory ‘hold’ midcourse. Its run as a series, so there are prizes, but hunt membership is not required, nor is formal attire. Most wear breeches and boots and polos or what-have-you. They’re fun. You can post enter too. Very popular.
Ooops - 6!
Go to WarrentonHunt.com for the fall hunter pace series info. Warrenton, Casanova, Keswick, Bull Run, Rappahannock, Farmington.
Sedona – Old Dominion Hounds have trail rides each Saturday through August – I’ll be happy to host you if you’d like to bring your horse.
I’ve done these sessions several times. They are very well run, and great for taking a green horse and/or rider.
Subject: Casanova’s 2013 Foxhunting Camp
Are you Interested in Foxhunting?
Tired Of Going Around In Circles?
Schooling a Green Horse?
Or Do You Just Need a Breath of Fresh Air?
Leave the ring behind, come experience the pleasure of cross country riding. Let us demonstrate the skills and
tactics of riding through fields and streams.
Jumping or not, this is group riding at its best.
~ 3 Training Sessions ~
offering the following groups for each session
Group 1. Introduction to Cross Country Riding
Group 2. Jumping Cross Country
Group 3. Non-Jumping Cross Country
Each riding session – 2 hours
Group Descriptions
Introduction to Cross Country-Perfect for the rider or horse who has never ridden outside of a ring. Must be
able to walk trot canter under control. Experienced riders will accompany you.
Jumping Cross Country-Learn about jumping in the company of other horses. Natural inviting obstacles, 2’-2’6”.
Wonderful for schooling green horses and seasoned hunters too.
Non-Jumping Cross Country-Riding cross country but not ready for jumping.
Practice ditches, uneven terrain,cross streams.
Come enjoy group riding and the beautiful countryside.
All rides begin at 9:00 A.M., $40.00 per session or $100.00 for all 3
Approved safety helmet with harness, riding shoes or boots & gloves required.
Negative Coggins test required. Release & Waiver of Liability to be signed prior to riding.
August 3rd Owl Run Farm
August 10th Eastern View Farm
August 17th Owl Run Farm
For directions to rides, call hunt monitor, 540 788 9800, info. 540 788 4116 or, jfendley47@gmail.com
~ Refreshments after the sessions ~
A Special Introduction to Foxhunting Ride, August 24th
This special introduction to foxhunting ride is open by invitation only to riders who have attended all 3 training sessions.
You will be invited to join Casanova Hunt when Huntsman and Staff walk hounds out. An excellent way to introduce your horse to the sights and sounds of a hunting morning.
Riders successfully participating in the ride on August 24th will also receive a complimentary invitation for a morning of hunting, while accompanied by an experienced Hunt Member on September 14th.
Loudon West has some intro to foxhunting events that are listed on their web site. One is roading hounds and the other is about the basics of foxhunting.
I went to the Cassanova Foxhunting Camp in 1999. It is a great, well run program. The other nice thing is that there are plenty of “out riders” around to give you help if you need it.
[QUOTE=Hunter’s Rest;7104159]
Sedona – Old Dominion Hounds have trail rides each Saturday through August – I’ll be happy to host you if you’d like to bring your horse.[/QUOTE]
The “fun” hunter paces is what I am planning on doing for now! The horse I will be riding is a sale horse at my barn so it is totally new to him and if we have him long enough then he will go on a hunt too! Thank you so much for the info!
Thank you all so much!
