Fox Hunting on Horses: History, Procedures & Organizations – [Discipline Guide]

Fox hunting is a traditional countryside activity that has become a popular equestrian pastime. While initially developed to hunt foxes, most modern hunts are held purely for sport and rarely involve kills.

The sport has a history of controversy. Some argue that fox hunting is an essential aspect of rural culture that promotes conversation, while others claim it’s unnecessary. In areas where fox hunting is illegal, equestrians can still participate in hunts that follow scent trails.

Fox hunting horses must be well-trained and fit to carry riders through the countryside alongside a pack of hounds, so quality horse care is essential. Keep reading to learn more about fox hunting and the role of horses in this rural sport.

Fox Hunting on Horses

Fox hunting is an equestrian activity that involves tracking a wild fox or scent trail through the countryside with a pack of hounds and a group of riders on horseback. A master of foxhounds leads the hunt.

Hounds are trained to bark on a fox’s trail, allowing riders to follow. Most hunts aim to chase the fox until it enters a burrow, not to kill it. The sport is popular in rural areas as an outdoor activity that allows equestrians to explore nature with their horses.

History of Fox Hunting

Fox hunting with hounds and horses began in 16th-century England. Farmers chased the foxes down as pest control after the extinction of wolves in England left the fox with no natural predators.

The Enclosure Acts of the 17th century divided the open countryside into fenced-off fields. However, fox hunting continued as riders trained horses to jump obstacles in pursuit of foxes. Specialized breeding of horses and hounds for the activity began in the 18th century. ^[1]

Settlers brought fox hunting traditions to North America, and the activity grew in popularity on both sides of the Atlantic. Unlike in England, foxes in North America have natural predators to control the population, so American fox hunting never prioritized killing foxes.

Fox hunting persisted after transitioning from pest control to a pastime, thanks to its central role in the countryside’s culture. Participants advocated continuing the sport to encourage the preservation of rural areas and heritage.

Fox hunting to kill foxes became illegal in Great Britain in 2005, after the Hunting Act of 2004 went into effect. Following the ban, hunts in Great Britain transitioned to legal alternatives, such as trail hunting or drag hunting, which involves following a scent instead of a live animal.

Fox Hunting Organizations

In North America, most hunts are organized by local hunt clubs recognized by national fox hunting organizations. These organizations and clubs maintain the standards of conduct for fox hunting.

Master of Foxhounds Association of North America

Founded in 1907 in Middleburg, Virginia, the Masters of Foxhounds Association of North America (MFHA) is the sport’s governing body in Canada and the United States.

The MFHA aims to promote, preserve, and protect the sport of fox hunting. The organization recognizes 135 member hunts that meet its standards.

Hunt Clubs

Most fox hunting clubs participate in hunts organized by local hunt clubs. These clubs manage packs of fox hunting hounds and educate their members about the sport. Each club has experienced staff that train and care for the hounds and assist with the hunts.

The Hunt

Fox hunting season in the Northern Hemisphere typically starts in early November and lasts through the winter. Participants in hunts follow traditional procedures and local laws to safely and legally enjoy the sport.

Animals

The red fox is the primary quarry for fox hunting in North America. This small omnivorous predator lives in burrows and travels over a range of 2 to 6 square miles to hunt. They are clever animals that can run up to 30 miles per hour, making them difficult to chase. ^[1]

The hounds that lead hunts are specially bred foxhounds, typically either English or American Foxhounds. Hunt staff train the hounds to pursue foxes based on scent and leave the fox alone once it has gone to ground, the official term for a fox entering a burrow.

Horses ridden in hunts are commonly called hunters or field hunters. However, not all horses in hunts are specialized fox hunters. Most fox hunters bring their own horses to hunts and participate in the sport as a recreational activity.

Hunt Staff

In addition to participants riding in the hunt for fun, fox hunting also involves professional hunt staff and officials with specific roles.

The master of foxhounds oversees the hunt and is the final authority for all decisions made in the field. Huntsmen accompany the master of foxhounds to direct the hounds. These members of the hunt staff usually carry horns to communicate with participants.

Whippers-ins, also known as whips, assist the huntsmen. Their primary job is to keep the pack of hounds together and prevent individual hounds from straying off the desired scent trail.

Procedure

Hunts begin when hounds are brought to an area where they are likely to pick up the scent of a fox or artificial trail. The hounds will pursue the trail if they pick up a scent, and the riders follow.

The riders participating in the hunt are often divided into two groups, or fields, based on ability. The first field takes as direct a route as possible behind the hounds, which may include challenging terrain and obstacles. The second field takes a longer, easier route.

Hunts take riders across the countryside and through private lands they have permission to ride on. They continue until the fox goes under ground. Sometimes, hounds can’t pick up a scent or lose the trail before the hunt is complete.

Laws

Fox hunting laws vary between different regions and countries. Hunt clubs only organize hunts during seasons when the activity is permitted and are responsible for ensuring their activities adhere to local laws and regulations that protect wildlife. ^[2]

Training

Both hounds and horses need training to participate in fox hunting. When fox hunting season ends, hunt clubs focus on preparing animals and staff for the next season.

Training horses for fox hunting often focuses on fitness work that prepares the horse to travel long distances over rugged terrain during the hunt. Stamina is critical for fox hunters, so many riders spend the off-season conditioning their horses through hacks and hill work.

Several equestrian disciplines, such as eventing, can trace their origins to fox hunting. Many of these sports use similar training programs to prepare their horses for competition. Jumping is essential to fox hunting training since horses may have to clear obstacles in the field.

Training for a hunt should also focus on mentally preparing the horse. The horse must be brave enough to confidently travel through unknown landscapes and focus on its rider while surrounded by other horses and hounds.

Equipment

Fox hunting tack and attire pay tribute to the sport’s traditional history. Hunt staff wear special attire that distinguishes them from the field of participants.

Horse Tack

Fox hunting horses wear traditional English saddles and bridles. All-purpose and close-contact saddles are the most popular options for hunt riders as they allow the rider to follow the horse’s movement over rough terrain and jumps.

While flashy tack is popular in some equestrian sports, plain tack is a sign of respect in fox hunting. Tack rules may vary between hunt clubs, but all tack should be clean, well-fitting, and neat.

Horses can easily cut themselves on brush and obstacles during a hunt, so splint and bell boots are typically worn as leg protection.

Rider Attire

Riders must wear the formal attire required by their hunt during the regular fox hunting season. Like tack, rules can vary slightly between clubs.

Traditional hunting attire consists of

• Hunting jacket
• Collared shirt
• Stock tie
• Breeches
• Riding boots
• Gloves
• Helmet

Huntsmen, masters, former masters, and whippers-in wear “colours” during hunts. These members of the hunt staff traditionally wear red coats as their colours, while other riders typically wear black or navy coats.

Beige, canary, tan, and rust-coloured breeches are acceptable on hunts. Hunt staff who have received their colours may wear white breeches with their red coats.

The colours help staff stand out on hunts and indicate they have the right of way. Other members are only permitted to wear red if an official in their hunt grants them the right.

Horses

Fox hunting horses come in many different shapes and sizes. Horses from other disciplines may also participate in this sport during their off-season.

Fox Hunting Breeds

While horses of any breed can participate in a hunt, some breeds are better suited to the activity than others.

The ideal fox hunting horse has a calm temperament and brave personality. More sensitive horses may struggle with the environment on a hunt, which can be dangerous if the rider loses control.

Cold-blooded breeds with steady dispositions are the most popular hunting horses. Lower-level riders who regularly participate in hunts typically own cobs, large ponies, or drafts.

More advanced riders who ride in the first field often own more athletic breeds, including warmbloods, Irish drafts, and thoroughbred crosses.

All horses must be sure-footed over uneven terrain and athletic enough to jump over obstacles and keep up with the field.

Fox Hunting Horse Management

Many equestrians participate in fox hunting with their horses during their off-season from showing. Thanks to the physical challenge and mental stimulation the hunt provides, fox hunting can also be valuable cross-training for horses from other disciplines.

Since fox hunting takes place in the open countryside, riding in a hunt over firm ground may place more strain on the horse’s legs than riding on groomed footing. Hunts also last longer than most rides, which can cause limbs to heat more than normal if your horse is wearing boots.

Consider icing your horse’s legs after a hunt to help them recover, even if you don’t usually use ice after rides. Research suggests cold therapy can help remove excess heat from your horse’s legs and promote recovery after intense exercise. ^[3]

Most riders have to trailer their horses to the hunt, but studies show transportation can increase stress and the risk of gastric ulceration in horses. If your horse struggles with gut problems, consider adding extra nutritional support to keep them healthy during hunting season. ^[4]

Feeding Fox Hunting Horses

The nutritional needs of fox hunting horses can vary significantly depending on their life outside hunting season. However, all horses need a balanced, forage-based diet.

A forage-first feeding approach helps maintain a healthy digestive system in every horse. The equine gastrointestinal tract evolved to thrive on a constant intake of forage. Extended periods without forage or large volumes of high-starch feeds can increase the risk of gut problems in horses, fox hunters alike. ^[5]

Feeding your horse forage immediately before trailering and riding in a hunt can help protect the gastric lining from stomach acid. ^[5]

Your horse’s diet must also provide adequate energy to fuel an extended athletic effort during the hunt. If forage alone doesn’t meet your horses’ needs, consider adding fiber-based feeds or fat supplements as a safe source of concentrated calories.

The best diet for your fox hunting horse depends on their breed, age, competition schedule, training program, and health history. Work with a qualified equine nutritionist to ensure your horse gets everything they need.

Want to know if your fox hunting horse’s diet is missing anything? Submit their information online for a free evaluation and consult with our equine nutritionists to develop the best feeding plan to fuel your next hunt.