Foxhunting
Riding to hounds is an experience like none other! Join a centuries old sport, steeped in tradition and camaraderie. If you are a Level 3 or higher rider you can join and we will be there to help guide you on what to expect, on proper etiquette and attire for the hunt field.
On a typical day you will be given a time and location to meet, many times the location will be in a field or on the land of one of the hunt members. When you arrive, you will find the host we have connected you to for the day and they will let you know who the hunt secretary is, so you can hand in your cap fee and sign a waiver for the day.
Sometimes there will be a breakfast table setup with some light fare or beverages to partake in before mounting. There will be a specific time in which riders should be mounted and gather on horseback for the Huntsman to share any notes for the day before he blows his horn to start the day.
Once the hunt staff sets off you will be in a field or riders, both members and guests of the hunt. There will be a Field Master that all riders will follow as their guide for the day. The Field Master knows the territory well and follows the hunt staff and hounds at a comfortable distance as not to disturb the scent or impede in the way of staff or hounds.
The hounds will be cast into various covers and follow any scent they may find. Watching and listening to the hounds work is one of the thrilling parts of the day. As they set off on a run the field will follow. You should be prepared to go off at any gait and anytime! You could go from a complete standstill to a gallop in seconds or be on long trots and canters for much of the day. Terrain will vary and jumps may be set throughout, most will have a way to go around if you wish.
Generally the hunt will go on until all of the covers in the territory have be hunted, this could be anywhere from 2-5 hours. There will be opportunities for riders to turn in early if they wish. After all riders have returned to the meet location there may be a hunt breakfast to attend with more food and beverages. This is a great time to meet other riders and ask any questions about the days hunting or inquire about the club.
To learn more about foxhunting head over to our blog.
WHAT’S INCLUDED
- Your horse groomed and tacked
- Details and contacts for the day
- Guide for riding to hounds
CAPPING
Please note that as a non member of a hunt, we will be getting permission for you to join for the day as a guest. All guests must be invited and pay a cap fee for the day. This fee varies per hunt but can be anywhere from $100-$250 for the day. You will be expected to bring cash or a check for the hunt secretary when you arrive. Each hunt generally allows guests to cap in 3 times during a given season.
HORSES
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. From spirited thoroughbreds to quieter draft breeds.
SETTING
The New York hunt fixtures can be quite varied but typically are a mix of forestry trails, open fields, farm or crop fields, private estates, land preserves and protected areas.
LEVEL
Level 3, 4 and 5. Click here for level descriptions.
ATTIRE
It's currently formal season and appropriate attire includes tan breeches, white shirt, white stock tie, black wool coat (vented with 3 buttons), tall black boots, black helmet (velvet is traditional but not required), black gloves, canary or tattersall vest is optional.
Some hunts do choose to have days where an informal uniform is also allowed, we will be sure to let you know what's appropriate for the day you have booked.
LOCATION
Westchester, Hudson Valley and Dutchess County