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Foxhunting originated in pre-industrial England with the purpose of eradicating foxes that preyed upon the landowner's livestock. Since other methods of fox control at that time were unsuitable – gassing was not yet invented and poison and trapping were indiscriminate – hunting with hounds on horseback was most effective. Hounds were trained to follow the scent of the particular fox or group of foxes responsible for the livestock damage. Hunters would follow on horseback to ensure the dogs did not stray. Once the fox was located, the lead dog would kill the fox with a swift bite to the neck, or the hunter would shoot it at close range. To this day, the main purpose of foxhunting as a means of fox population control has not changed.
Although the history of foxhunting is rather simple and straightforward, the actual hunt itself is quite complex. Hunting rules in the field are as varied as the clubs that sponsor the hunts, and both riders and spectators would benefit from understanding the basic organization of the hunt.
For riders, there are two hunting seasons. The traditional hunting season is October through March, while cubhunting (or ‘cubbing’) predominates from April through September. Cubbing, however, is when new hounds are trained in the field, and is typically the privilege of the hunt Master and his staff who invest much time in properly training the hounds for the next hunting season. Occasionally, members of a particular hunt will be invited to join in cubhunting, and the rider should take advantage of the opportunity to ride the field off-season. Spectators who come to see foxhunting in its full regalia of scarlet coats and velvet caps will not find it in cubhunting which is more informal, and much like a simple country hack. For full season hunting, spectators should call a local hunt club for viewing information. Hunts take place over wide stretches of private land, and each hunt has particular rules about where spectators are allowed to sit and wait for the hunting party to pass. The best information can be obtained from a local tack store.
New riders to a hunt – whether members of the hunt club or guests – should make a point to arrive properly dressed for the hunt. Field hunting attire is drastically different than ringside hunting dress. Ratcatchers are considered appropriate only for informal cubhunting, and properly tied stock ties are preferred during the main season. Again, each club has their own rules of attire, and new members and guests will be highly regarded for following the standard code. Traditionally scarlet coats are worn by men and in some cases only by hunting officials such as the Master of the Foxhounds and his staff. The rest of the field is expected to wear black or tweed coats. Most hunts have their own special hunt button depicting the emblem of their hunting club. These hunting buttons are reserved for hunting club members, and only those members selected by the club.
Many hunts are comprised of a good twenty riders, their horses, and fifty hounds. The ability to effectively track a fox over an open field with so many participants requires strict organization. For the safety of others and to ensure a pleasurable ride, new members and guests must have excellent field equitation skills. The ability to control a horse in a sometimes-crowded field over long stretches of territory is essential, and fancy skills in the show ring do not always translate to practical intuition in the field.
Not only must a rider know how to ride, but where and with whom to ride as well. The Master of the Foxhounds (MFH) is the hunt leader. He is in charge of arranging every aspect of the hunt before, during and after the event. If the hounds appear to have picked up a fox scent, he gives the order to follow. If no scent has been found, he will make the call to cancel the hunt and return home. The MFH is assisted by the huntsman who is in charge of the hounds. Using a whistle or horn, he keeps the hounds focused on the job at hand. He is aided in his efforts by whippers-in, or ‘whips’ that help keep the hounds in a pack. A rider should never place himself between the hounds and these staff members. Doing so could confuse the hounds and lose the scent, thereby angering the rest of the participants hoping for a good run. Newcomers would be wise to keep a good distance between themselves and the hunt leaders to allow them to perform their job with no interference. Hunts are rarely run in a straight line, however, and if the rider sees the hounds doubling back in her direction, she should make an effort to move to the side, if possible, or stand still and let the pack and its directors pass.
As the hunt progresses, hopefully there will be bursts of galloping in the open field. Every rider has his preference of where he would like ride, and many do prefer to be as close to the action as possible – in other words, directly behind the MFH. As a newcomer, the rider should stay to the back of the field. This is especially important if the rider is unsure of the countryside or prone to lose courage at the jumps. Riding at full speed in the open field is inherently dangerous, but it is downright foolish for the inexperienced rider to bottleneck the field at a jump they are too afraid to take.
Certain etiquette standards also apply for both riders and spectators. Although members of the canine family, the hounds are never referred to as dogs, but always as hounds. These are working animals and should not be distracted at any time. Spectators may ask the huntsman for permission to view his hounds and perhaps pet them, but only well before the hunting party is prepared to depart. Caution should be taken with the horses, as well. The entire hunting party -- from the horses, to the hounds, to the riders -- is excited by the prospect of a good hunt. Horses that stamp and dance with anxiety should be kept at a safe distance from the rest of the party as to not overexcite the field. If the horse is a kicker, a red ribbon should be tied to the horse’s tail as a warning to other riders to avoid its rear. Spectators again should ask permission before touching a horse, and never sneak up behind one. Horses are nervous creatures and will kick when threatened. Communication among riders should be kept low and to a minimum. Spectators, as well, should not create such a racket as to make precise communication between the MFH and the hunting party impossible.
Despite a sketchy future for foxhunting in certain parts of the world, the sport is still enjoyed by many riders and non-riders alike. Riders and spectators that have done a little research on this equestrian event (whether at the tack store or local library) will have a greater appreciation for the sport, and will better enjoy it whether from the sidelines or in the saddle.
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