|
Be a Part of Tradition
Foxhunter's Glossary: "Check" - An intentional or unintentional interruption of the run caused by hounds losing the scent. Sometimes compared to a rest stop. "Dogs" - A term never used in foxhunting. Its always "hounds"! "Hold Hard" - a command used by staff meaning "Stop please." If used twice to the same individual, it probably means to "Stop please, damn you!" Hunting Tip #101 Cappers should never pass regular members in the field unless given the go ahead by those members, and never never pass the field master! _________ Hunting Tip #102 No matter how well behaved your horse may be on trails or in the ring, the excitement of fox hunting may make your horse more exuberant than usual. Therefore, to ensure your safety and fun experience, remember to "Bit Up!" on your first fox hunt. Lets face it...those in control, usually have the most fun! " A hunt can be the thrill of a lifetime on the right horse, or pure hell on the wrong horse." |
Visitors are encouraged to come watch, photograph, and enjoy the hunts! Hunt dates are listed under "Fixture". When possible it is best to contact a member in advance so that they can advise you of best viewing locations and approximate times. Donations are always appreciated but are not necessary. Cappers are non-member guests of the hunt who ride or "hilltop" with the hunt, (also called "capping"). General Considerations for Cappers: We welcome enthusiastic cappers and only ask that you respect hunting etiquette including proper attire (see below), that you have an appropriate level of riding experience to ride with the field (can walk, trot & canter securely), and that you are mounted on a safe controllable horse. Beginners are best suited to hill-topping fields (see below). Fitness is a must for the safety of any horse in the main field during regular season. "Runs" can sometimes be several miles long at at a fast pace, depending on the hounds and the way the scent lay. Although we always plan the path of the drag over good footing, the occasional muddy field or rough terrain is encountered. Any jumps or ditches can usually be bypassed. With some preparation and on the right horse you are likely to have the thrill of a lifetime! Before a hunt, cappers should introduce themselves to the MFH and pay a nominal capping fee to the hunt treasurer. This money goes towards the care and needs of our hounds. Each capper must pay a capping fee and complete a waiver of liability. Capping fees are listed on the Dues & Fees page (see link bar left). Liability forms can be obtained by linking to and printing the appropriate document (see link bar left), or from the hunt secretary. The condition of your tack should always be double checked for safety. On your first hunt, it is wise to start out with a stronger bit than you may otherwise use in case your horse gets carried away with the excitement of the day. Please complete a waiver of liability and give it to During a Hunt, cappers generally ride behind hunt members unless waived forward or told to pass by a member or staff. Never ever pass the field master who will be introduced at the start of the day. Horses that may kick should be identified with a red ribbon in the tail and should remain at the rear of the field. When a hound is in view, always turn your horses head to the hound and yield to the hounds path. After the Hunt, cappers will generally stay for the hunt "breakfast" (see below) and get to know hunt members. One should also thank the MFH for a good days sport, and the breakfast host for a good meal. There is a nominal breakfast fee and fee for certain bar items which should be paid to the treasurer before leaving. To Arrange Capping, please email the AVH or contact one of our members and ask permission to cap. A member contact may also be able to answer any questions or concerns you may have. It is standard to give a days notice to the hunt, but last minute arrivals are usually welcome. A limit of three hunts per capper is standard but ultimately, is at the discretion of the AVH MFH. Hill Toppers - are riders that take a slower paced, shorter and easier route during the hunt. This route is traditionally on higher ground (hill tops) and distant from the field so that riders can follow along with the hunt but not ride in the thick of things. "Hill Toppers" are usually comprised of green riders, riders with green or unfit horses or simply less experienced fox hunters. Look for "Hill Topping" designations on the Hunt Fixture list. The "Breakfast" is more like a dinner-time feast which immediately follows the hunt. The meal is buffet style and is generously prepared by our hunt hosts. Members, cappers and visitors are typically expected to attend. There is a small breakfast fee for the meal for both members and non-members. A cash bar is also available. Money collected goes towards feeds, needs and care of our hounds. More to Know Before You Go
The fox, the hounds, the coyote, the terrain, proper attire, and the history of the sport... Further Reading: Riding to the Hounds in America An Introduction for Foxhunters by William P. Wadsworth, 1932-1975 MFH of the Genesee Valley Hunt and 1972-1973 President of the Masters of Foxhounds Association of America, is available for US$2.50 from The Chronicle of the Horse, PO Box 46, Middleburg, VA 22117. This is a wonderful, funny and informative little book that everyone should read. Fox hunting worldwide BBC News article. "Fox hunting is often viewed as a typically traditional British activity - but hunting with hounds takes place all over the world....." Worthwhile historical review of Fox hunting. The Modern Day Fox Hunt Still Around Today by Global Ranch Administrator " Fox hunting, enjoyed by millions of people, is just not for the rich gentry of a bygone era..." BadBoys Tour 1999 "We drove the first 800 miles from Nova Scotia to New York City in 4-wheel drive, through blinding snowstorms, icestorms, and minus 55 degree temperatures...." Adventures of our own Nova Scotia "Bad Boys"
Insightful Hunting Sketches by Anthony Trollope: (Reprinted from the Pall Mall Gazette, London, 1865) "...Women who ride, as a rule, ride better than men. They, the women, have always been instructed; whereas men have usually come to ride without any instruction. They are put upon ponies when they are all boys, and put themselves upon their fathers' horses as they become hobbledehoys: and thus they obtain the power of sticking on to the animal while he gallops and jumps,--and even while he kicks and shies; and, so progressing, they achieve an amount of horsemanship which answers the purposes of life. But they do not acquire the art of riding with exactness, as women do, and rarely have such hands as a woman has on a horse's mouth. The consequence of this is that women fall less often than men, and the field is not often thrown into the horror which would arise were a lady known to be in a ditch with a horse lying on her..." Any similarities to male members of the AVH are purely coincidental!!!!!
|
How to tie a
stock tie