Fox Hunting: What to Expect and How to Get Started

I've had fox hunting as an item on my bucket list for years, and I finally got a chance this year to check that one off!

I've been following the Fraser Valley Hunt Society Facebook group for years, fawning over their videos and photos, and finally decided to reach out to a few people to see about renting a hunt horse and joining in on a beginner's hunt, of which they offer a few each season in order to cater to those wanting a low-key introduction to the sport. I was lucky enough to get in touch with someone who has some horses trained to hunt and tried a few of them beforehand.

Even after an unscheduled dismount from a certain patchy twat (if you know, you know) and put on yet another horse, who went on to provide me quite possibly the best first fox hunting experience ever, I was hooked. Bitten by the fox hunt bug.

When the club announced its final hunt of the season would be at a WINERY (!!!!) this past weekend, I knew I couldn't miss out on that event either. A few other equestrian buddies wanted in on the action as well, so once everyone had a horse booked we made plans to carpool and off we went! Neither of them had hunted before, and I was absolutely jittery with excitement for them because I knew they would love it.

I rode yet another horse from the same amazing lady who I hunted with at the beginner's hunt, and this little pony turned out to be quite possibly the best guy ever.

(Photo credit: Sarah Brown-Samis)

A regular hunt is split up into three fields (groups of riders/horses): the first field being in the front and preferred by riders who want to ride the fastest; the second field, slightly behind; and the third field for those who prefer a slower pace. So while not specifically a beginner hunt, beginners are certainly welcome to any hunt, with speed provisions for all preferences and comfort zones and jumps being entirely optional. There are many, many rest stops throughout the hunt to give hounds, horses, and riders the chance to rest and chat and laugh and field masters to check in with their riders.

The FVH hosts drag hunts only, meaning no real fox is used or hurt! Instead, an artificial scent is dragged by a horse/rider team to lay the track that the hounds follow.

The "Fox" (photo credit: Elysia Allos)

The club is also very inclusive and welcomes all styles of riding, including Western! I have also found the people to be extremely welcoming, friendly, supportive, and helpful.

Fox hunting season runs from fall to early spring, so be aware that footing and terrain is uneven, muddy, and unpredictable, as is weather. Hunts are weather dependent, so for very inclement weather/conditions they will cancel the hunt as the priority is safety of the hounds, horses, and riders.

This past weekend at the hunt, Singletree Winery graciously offered up the use of their property, allowed spectators, hosted a food vendor, and also offered wine sales, so it was quite possibly the best girls' day ever. The final count was 68 horses!

(Photo credits: Susan Ottewell and Elysia Allos)

Not surprisingly my buddies and I closed the place, and I was pleased to hear they thoroughly enjoyed themselves.

How to get started:

1. Check out the Fraser Valley Hunt Society website. There are many resources for those new to the sport, including information on how to dress, conventions, expectations for guests, terminology, waivers, fee information, fixture list, etc.

2. Join the Fraser Valley Hunt Facebook page. Announcements regarding events, cancellations, etc., are posted there and is the most up-to-date. People who have extra horse(s) available for rent for a certain date, as well as those looking to rent a horse, will usually post on there.

3. Attend an introductory clinic! FVH offers clinics for those who want to know how to get started, what to expect, meet the hounds, ask questions, and introduce your horse to hunt aspects in a non-hunt setting. The hunts can be quite intense with lots of people, horses, hounds, energy, and activity going on. Horses who have experience hunting and love it are literally chomping at the bit to get going and they have zero patience, so it can be quite overwhelming if you and/or your horse are not expecting it. Past clinics have been at Campbell Valley Park.

Who is this sport for?

Anyone who wants to be there or wants to try it out. Friendly and welcoming faces await you at the next hunt! Tally ho!

Who is this sport NOT for?

Those who prefer riding within predictable, safe, steady boundaries like an arena or super chill and casually-paced trail rides. The horses (and people) honestly do get VERY excited, and many find that even first-time horses seem to have zero brakes. That absolutely can be daunting for many riders not accustomed to riding in open country. However, the field masters are amazing at taking care of the horses and riders and do everything to ensure our safety. Ultimately the decision is yours to make.

As for this writer, let's just say that as I sit here, three days post-hunt, that I STILL have an unwipeable grin on my face and still feel that afterglow from the adrenaline high and have been seriously contemplating my life choices. The confidence boost for this girl, who most of my horse friends figured for an absolute chicken, has been 1000-fold, and the bad-ass factor and ability to believe in myself was a gift fox hunting was able to give me -- correction, I was able to give myself -- more than any show ribbon, trophy, judge, or coach.