You don’t have to be an expert horseman to go hunting. Follow our hunting “how to” guide on how to get started.
To find out which packs hunt in your area, contact the Masters of Foxhounds Association (MFHA) (tel:01285 831470)
Phone the secretary of your chosen hunt to get more details about dates, time, cost, dress etc. The secretary will also introduce you when you arrive.
Don’t worry about having to subscribe – many hunts are happy for you to pay on the day, known as the “cap”. This varies, but can be as little as £35. Some hunts even run a voucher scheme – at the Enfield Chace it is £250 for vouchers for nine days’ hunting.
Riding schools and riding clubs can often negotiate hunting at discounted rates.
Don’t worry if you or your horse doesn’t jump. Nine out of 10 obstacles have a way round and you won’t be the only one looking for it.
The first time you go, try to ride a horse you know well or one which has been hunting before. Some people hire out horses for hunting if you don’t have your own – ask the secretary to put you in touch.
Try a Newcomers Day. Several hunts run these and they offer an introduction tohunting for as little as £5 for children or £10 for adults. They are often advertised at tack shops and riding schools. There are no restrictions on dress- coloured jodhpurs and waterproof jackets are fine and every effort is made to explain events as they unfold during the day.
Many questions from people thinking of hunting are along the lines of “will I see a fox being killed?” This is unlikely, unless the pack with which you hunt has large tracts of open land – even if a fox is killed, it is unlikely that the hunt followers will be near enough to see it.
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