Finding Your Local Hunt
Foxhunting is more common than you might think, with hundreds of hunts around the US, several in Canada, and many more in Europe, especially England, Ireland, and France. There are even hunt clubs to be found in faraway places like South Africa, Argentina, Australia, and New Zealand. Since each hunt is different, the Master or Secretary of your local hunt can tell you about their hunt - how fast they ride, how much ground they cover, how high the jumps are and whether or not they are compulsory, and what the rules are. Some hunts readily welcome guests, and some require guests to be invited by an accompanying member, or only allow guests on certain days.
Worldwide
Baily’s Hunting Directory
United States and Canada
MFHA (Masters of Foxhounds Association of North America)
Index of Foxhound Packs by State
United Kingdom
MFHA (Masters of Foxhounds Association - UK) Hunting Office
Find a Pack
France
Venerie Society
Find a Pack
Foxhunting Stories
When I describe the red coats, the sound of the hunting horn, exhilarating gallops, and howling hounds, folks tend to look at me like I’ve joined a cult. And honestly, from the dress code to the unique and peculiar traditions, it could be a cult, except that our religion is the rush of the ride and the thrill of the chase, our huntsman is our priest, and whether we ride through enchanting forests or wide-open prairie, those hours in the saddle each week are our church.
Early-morning hound exercise with the Rand Hunt in the Kyalami suburb of Johannesburg - a great way to greet the dawn and start the day on horseback.
When I describe the red coats, the sound of the hunting horn, exhilarating gallops, and howling hounds, folks tend to look at me like I’ve joined a cult. And honestly, from the dress code to the unique and peculiar traditions, it could be a cult, except that our religion is the rush of the ride and the thrill of the chase, our huntsman is our priest, and whether we ride through enchanting forests or wide-open prairie, those hours in the saddle each week are our church.
Packing can be daunting, and sometimes when you don’t know what you need it can be tempting to bring EVERYTHING, just in case. Here are some essentials for foxhunting trips anywhere in the world...
As we canter between fields of grass blowing in the breeze like ocean waves, a trio of zebras in the field next to us take flight, galloping alongside the horses. Join us and the Rand Hunt for an away hunt weekend on a beautiful farm in the Free State, South Africa.
Sunlight flickered through the canopy of the pecan trees as we galloped through the orchard, closed branches overhead forming arches like a cathedral. The soft ground, carpeted in green vines, muffled our hoof beats and the distant howling of the hounds. A pile of large logs ahead spanned the gap between the trees, and the riders in red and black jumped it one by one, like deer over a fence, in pursuit of the pack.
What to expect and how to prepare for your first foxhunting experience with your horse. Whether joining a live or a drag hunt, there are factors to consider such as tack and turnout, fitness and conditioning, and training which can be helpful before you find yourself in the hunt field.