Fox Hunting in America
The hills are alive with the sound of music. That particular phrase has nothing to do with the Rodgers and Hammerstein musical. It's what foxhunting enthusiasts call the sound of hounds in full cry. Foxhunting in America, steeped in tradition, continues to provide sport in both live and drag versions. It's more than chasing foxes. A day out foxhunting combines the partnership of horse and rider with the beauty of the great outdoors.
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Recognized North American Hunts
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According to the Masters of Foxhounds of America, the governing body of sport with horse and hound, there were 168 recognized member hunts in the United States and Canada in 2010, with organized hunts in 36 states. British hunts emphasized killing the fox as a method of vermin control, and hunting foxes with hounds was banned in 2004, although fox hunting continues there in a modified form.
"American foxhunting emphasizes the thrill of the chase in a beautiful natural setting," according to the MFHA.
Getting Started
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Many hunts hold hunter paces, both as fundraisers and to introduce riders to the sport. Paces allow teams to ride a designated route through hunt country, with the team coming closest to the ideal time for this hunt simulation declared the winner. Many hunts also hold clinic and trail rides, and encourage newcomers to come out during the informal cubbing season for new hounds in late summer and early autumn. When actually hunting, the first flight is the lead group, with galloping and jumping. Depending on the size of the hunt field, some hunts have somewhat less demanding second flights and most hunts include hilltoppers. This group. led by a hunt staff member, does not jump. Because so much traditional hunting country has been developed in past decades, some hunt clubs hold drag hunts, in which hounds follow a pre-set route set up by dragging a scent, usually fox urine. Becoming a member of a hunt is by invitation of the club.
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Attire
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Correct foxhunting attire serves a greater purpose than appearance, with practical reasons behind the tradition. For the formal hunting season beginning in late fall, ladies and gentlemen riders both wear black Melton or frock coats with black buttons, along with a canary yellow or tattersall-checked waistcoat, brown leather gloves, black helmets and white shirt with white stock and gold pin. In an emergency, the stock may be used as a bandage. Ladies wear tan or buff breeches, while men wear white breeches if in a frock coat and buff breeches in a Melton coat. Women wear black boots without colored tops, while men wear black boots with a frock coat and black boots with brown tops if wearing a Melton. Masters grant certain members the right to wear the individual hunt's colors, and men with colors generally wear red frock coats, properly known as "pinque" coats. Master and staff all wear red coats, whether male or female.
Horses
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A good, safe foxhunting horse is worth its weight in gold. Many masters and hunt staff prefer thoroughbreds, which can gallop for miles. Any hunter must be fit and properly shod before hunting, as a good day's foxhunt can last for hours over various terrain.
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