What is Field Hunting:

Hunting or field hunting is a sport steeped in tradition and social formalities. Formally attired riders follow a pack of trained hounds as they pursue either a live animal or follow a scent trail. The original intent of hunting was to cut down on the 'vermin' that affected crops and other wildlife. Fox was the most common quarry. But, depending on the season and area, deer, bobcat or other animals may be hunted.

In my area, hunts follow the scent of coyote. In Britain, hunting live quarry has been banned since 2005. There being much controversy over the ethics of chasing a down a wild animal and many hunts now follow a scent laid down by a 'drag'. Still, there are objections over trespassing, creating hazards along roadways and inadvertently hunting and hurting non-prey animals.

Although once the domain of the wealthy, and still a bastion of traditional practices, hunting can now be enjoyed by any rider. Many hunt clubs open their doors to the public and introduce them to how the horses and hounds are trained, and to provide them with a taste of the sport.

The Goal:

The goal of a hunt is to 'catch' the prey, whether it be live game or the end of a dragged scent trail. Drag hunts tend to be faster than real hunts as the scent is easier for the hounds to follow.  But the real goal may be to spend time outdoors with your horse and have fun and adventure with other like minded people. There is less concern with actually capturing the quarry, and often it is left to go free.

Equipment You'll Need:

In addition to your horse, you'll need all your tack including a saddle that you feel comfortable jumping in. You'll wear a traditional hunt jacket, riding helmet, breeches and boots. Safe colors for you jacket are black or navy. You should not wear red anywhere on your clothes. Red is only worn by the hunt club staff, or by invitation. Members of the hunt may wear their official 'hunt colors'. Check with the hunt club secretary regarding the proper attire. You'll may also need to pay your 'cap' or fee to the hunt club.

Preparing Your Horse:

The temperament and training of a good field hunting horse are more important than the actual breeding. Field hunters need to be unflappable and good jumpers. Hunts tend to stop and go a lot, so your horse has to be able to handle galloping hard and then coming to a stop for a short period, before going on again. All types of jumps may be encountered from ditches to vertical fences, although it not absolutely necessary to jump with some hunts. Sometimes, there are ways around the fences for those less bold, or with green horses. Hunts for young horses and green riders are sometimes held before the main hunting season over the fall or winter months. Cub hunts are also held prior to the main season to teach the hounds their role, and to cull out weaker game. Again, many hunts use scent drags and no live game. It is possible to follow some hunts on foot or horseback, without being in the actual hunt. This is called 'hill topping'.

Preparing Yourself:

Just as your horse needs to be fit and confident, so will you. You'll need to understand how to pace your horse so it doesn't tire itself out, and help it over a variety of jumps both broad and high. You may be riding along roadsides and over rough terrain. You'll need to check with the hunt master about specific rules that you'll need to know about.

The Benefits of Hunting:

Those who hunt are often passionate about the sport and although there appear to be many similarities between the show ring hunter and field hunting, field hunting tends to more demanding on the horse and rider. There is a very enjoyable social component to hunting as well, starting with the 'stirrup' cup before the ride in the morning and often continuing after the meet with social time and meals.