How to Organize a Fox Hunt

Fox hunting is one of the oldest and most traditional sports in the field of hunting. Known as the "Sport of Kings," fox hunting takes a skilled rider as well as a skilled hunter. Organizing a fox hunt can be done on private land or through a hunting club that specializes in fox hunting.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. Find a place where you can fox hunt. If you have property that's large enough (some fox hunts travel across 35 acres or more), then you will be set. If not, you need to get permission from property owners to use their property during the hunt.

2. Ask for a detailed list of rules the hunt must follow if you need to ask permission to ride on land that is not yours. For example, always close a gate after you if you must open it to pass through, do not ride across newly sown fields, do not litter, be respectful of the owner's property, do not willfully destroy anything (if the fence is too large and your horse will destroy it if you attempt to jump it, find a lower place to jump or go through a gate), do not startle the farmer's cattle or stock, do not block roads and so on.

3. Map a course. One yearly fox hunt in Hungary is divided into days where the hunt travels a number of miles each day over specific courses.

4. Send out invitations. Be very careful to enclose a list of rules the members must follow. These include not only what the landowners have specified as conditions for using their land, but general ones as well. These include proper turn-out, tack in good shape, the proper attire, proper head gear, and general rules of behavior required of members of the hunt (punctuality, politeness, respect for the landowners and anyone with whom one might come in contact on the hunt).

5. Arrive early as the hunt organizer and coordinate with the master of hounds. Be on hand to answer any questions as the hunt members arrive. Begin the hunt promptly at the specified time. Above all, have fun and be safe.

Resources

• QRP Fox Hunt posts helpful rules for fox hunting.
• For Equestrians has helpful links about fox hunting.

Who Can Help Sponsored

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[mello10]

on 11/20/2009 If you are truly interested in learning about the sport, then contact your local hunt. You can find them through the MFHA.

[horsewizard]

on 7/24/2009 I want to amend the rudeness of my commentary on this article. That was uncalled for! Not the way I would like to be received in this community, and my policy will now be like Thumper the Rabbit--If I can't say something nice, I won't say anything at all.

[horsewizard]

on 7/24/2009 Sorry, but this article is filled with errors and has no useful information. 35 acres! Try 35 miles. Obviously derived from reading a couple of articles and written by one who has never ridden to hounds, also, horse racing is "The Sport of Kings."