![]() ![]() ![]() Since fox hunting is a rural sport, its existence brings advantages to local farmers and landowners. It’s the duty of every fox hunter to ensure this permission isn’t abused and that the interests of the landowner are protected and respected. Some of the land is owned by fellow hunters, but land is also owned by other farmers and homeowners. Because “without you, we could not be,” is the sentiment of fox hunters toward generous landowners. Landowners who allow their property to be used during hunts are invaluable. These codes of conduct emphasize good horsemanship, camaraderie, and an appreciation of the outdoors in this seek-and-chase sport involving horse, rider, and hound.Īll of this requires land - and lots of it. and Canada with a mission of promoting and preserving the sport and maintaining proper standards of conduct. (Dulany also founded the Upperville Colt & Horse Show, the nation’s oldest horse show first held in June 1853.)įormed in 1907, Middleburg-based Masters of Foxhounds Association (MFHA) of North America serves as the governing body of organized foxhunting in the U.S. An exception is Piedmont Fox Hounds (originally called Piedmont Hunt), established in 1840 by Loudoun native Richard Henry Dulany of Welbourne, an estate dating to 1775. Many hunts started in the early 1900s when wealthy New Yorkers sought warmer climates further south. Unfortunately, Casanova Hunt, established in 1909, recently closed in June 2020 after its long 111-year legacy. Some local hunts include Blue Ridge Hunt, Loudoun Fairfax Hunt, Loudoun Hunt, Middleburg Hunt, Old Dominion Hounds, Orange County Hounds, Piedmont Fox Hounds, Rappahannock Hunt, Snickersville Hounds, Thornton Hill Hounds, and Warrenton Hunt. After the hunt, the camaraderie continues with a breakfast or other type of tailgate. Masters (MFH) lead the hunt and the field master leads the second flight or third field. There’s a huntsman, professional whipper-in, and maybe a few other whips who control the hounds. ![]() Regarding the number of hunters, some hunts have 15-25 galloping over terrain, others can have 150, but the average is 50-80 riders. Regular hunts can last from one to several hours and can consist of between 20 and 30 couples (40-60 hounds), which are specifically bred for hunting. Tad Zimmerman, Jt-MFH of Piedmont Fox Hounds, with huntsman Jordan Hicks.įox hunting season runs from November through March for the formal season, but “cubbing” (hunting fox cubs and training young hounds to hunt) starts in October, when riders are dressed in “ratcatchers” informal wear. Today, official colors and attire are still worn to maintain order in the field, and out of respect for upholding the beautiful imagery seen on the hunt field. “We’re not interested in having fewer foxes,” added Tad Zimmerman, joint master of fox hounds (Jt-MFH) at Piedmont Fox Hounds in Upperville, which was formed in 1840 and is known as the oldest fox hunt in the nation. After all, the objective isn’t to kill - it’s to chase for another day, so the sport can continue. And our nation’s founder, George Washington, was a fan of the sport, keeping his pack of hounds at his Mount Vernon kennels.īut now, it’s all about the chase. Before harm is done to the fox, hounds are called off, and the fox goes underground, which usually ends the hunt. With riders dressed in their “pinques” (or “pinks,” referring to scarlet woolen jackets to minimize blood stains), it was a sport that didn’t end well for a fox cornered by hounds. These English noblemen added rules, regulations, and proper attire, established their own terminology, and created the hunt known today. What started as a necessity quickly became a sport by the rich and noble. Centuries ago in England, foxes were considered nuisances because they killed small livestock and chickens, so farmers would hunt them down with hounds. So, what exactly is fox hunting? It’s where the horse, rider, and hound track a scent through varied terrain and wilderness. It’s through a vibrant fox hunting community that land has a better chance of remaining preserved, because tens of thousands of acres in the Virginia countryside would be lost if it wasn’t for this special equestrian community. But, there are plenty of others who are not part of the equestrian community who revel in the glorious sights when traversing the countryside, stumbling upon historic houses, barns, ancient stone walls, and other bits of beauty along the way. Sure, those who enjoy the thrill of the hunt will experience the land up-close and personal through this time-honored tradition of hounds and horses chasing a fox. Anyone who relishes the Virginia countryside for all its rugged beauty can give thanks for the local fox hunter and landowners. Written by Heidi Baumstark | Photos by Joanne Maisano Fox hunting isn’t just for hunters and hounds. Learn how conservation groups, landowners, and fox hunts work together in Northern Virginia ![]()
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