The Windy Hollow Hunt- Opening Meet
Are you curious about the old English sport of foxhunting? Riding to hounds is one of the most adventurous and social of the equestrian sports. The community is one you can join across the US and even the globe. Attend Opening Meet, one of the special days in the season where you can witness the Blessing of the Hounds, horses and riders dressed in their best attire and a thrilling day of foxhunting. This is typically one of the highest attended days of the year.
*The cost of opening meet is higher because it includes braiding for your horse
SCHEDULE
7:15AM Riders arrive
7:30AM Horses coming off trailer and riders begin mounting
7:50AM All riders mounted and gathering around hunt staff and hounds
8:00AM Meet begins, staff share announcements for the day
*The hunt lasts 1.5-2 hours
9:00AM Post hunt breakfast
WHAT’S INCLUDED
- Your horse tacked and ready to ride
- Braiding fee- all horses must be braided for opening meet
- You daily capping fee
- Catered hunt breakfast at George Inn (if you add the option)
THE HORSES
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
Experience the private Windy Hollow Hunt territory filled with lush green fields, well groomed wooded trails, water crossings and a variety of jumps! This territory in particular is full of some beautiful stone walls and with fall in bloom you will see an abundance of changing leaves and beautiful colors. Jumps may include stone walls, coops and natural obstacles up to 3', all have a go- around.
LEVEL
Level 3, 4 and 5. Click here for level descriptions. No previous hunt experience required.
ATTIRE
This is the first day of the Formal Season where guests wear black wool jackets, white shirts with a white stock tie, tan breeches and cleaned black boots with a black helmet. A canary or tattersall vest is not required but part of the attire.
*If it's hot jackets will likely be waived and riders can ride in their shirt and tie
TRANSPORTATION
Vernonn, NJ
By Car: 55 miles northwest 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 SUGGESTIONS
- Warwick Valley Winery and Distillery
- Heaven Hill Farm farmers market
- Pennings Farm Cidery
Spend the weekend in Warwick!