Old Chatham Hunt Club
Introduction to Foxhunting Clinic
Have you always wanted to try foxhunting? Are you interested in learning about the field etiquette, tradition and rules to the sport? Get approved for Hunt Season now!
Come to this informative mounted clinic in Old Chatham, NY. We will go over the basics of foxhunting and learn field maneuvers and get an explanation of foxhunting fields; First Field (a forward pace), Second Field (a moderate pace), Hilltopper (a slower pace).
The mounted clinic will include riding over varied terrain, open field strategy, field reversals, checks and yielding to hunt staff.
After riding you will get to meet the hounds and see their kennels. Everyone will then sit down for lunch and share in the hunting tradition of great stories and great food.
The final part of this day is the unmounted seminars. You will learn a brief history, about modem hunting, who the staff are and their jobs, seasonal hunting dress and hunting equipment. You will also have the opportunity to ask questions!
Each person who participates will be given one free “cap” to ride with us during Autumn hunting season.
SCHEDULE
8 - 8:30am Arrival
8:45 - 9:15am Brief orientation and explanation of basic field etiquette- all riders mounted by 9:15am
9:30 - 11:30am Mounted Hunting Clinic
11:30am - 12:30pm Lunch
12:30 -1:30pm (approx) Unmounted seminars
THE HORSES
Groomed and tacked already, the horses are trailered from our training facility in Pawling. There are a variety of breeds with different personalities, trained for open space riding, foxhunting, hunter paces and used in our lessons. Mixed breeds from spirited thoroughbreds to quieter draft breeds.
RIDER LEVEL
MRC LEVEL 2-5. - Click here to read level descriptions.
SETTING
The Old Chatham Hunt Club Inc. (OCHC), one of the oldest hunts in the nation, was organized in 1928 and is recognized by the Masters of Foxhounds Association and the National Beagle Club. Their goal is to cultivate and preserve a traditional country way of life in northern Columbia County. They foster an appreciation of the land, a love of nature and a deeply rooted respect for the cunning and beauty of the wild creatures that inhabit the countryside. It is a unique hunt club because it maintains packs of hounds as well as beagles.
INCLUDED
- Your horse groomed and tacked
- Your entry fee
- Lunch (vegetarian or chicken)
- Mounted and unmounted seminars
- 1 free cap for autumn hunting season ($50 value)
ATTIRE
Tan breeches and a collared shirt, helmet, cleaned boots, safety vest recommended.
TRANSPORTATION
Old Chatham, NY
By Car: 138 miles north of Midtown.
Carpooling: Check out the MRC Carpooling Group to connect with other riders, we will also connect riders who have booked in the week leading up to the ride.
LOCAL RECOMMENDATIONS
Check out Airbnb for some charming country lodging and make it an overnight experience!
SUGGESTED RIDES