Foxhunting is classically defined as “the pursuit of wild foxes, red and grey, with hounds whose keen sense of smell enables them to follow at speed the trail (scent) left by their quarry”. Foxhunting as we think of it today began in the British Isles in the 17th century, although forms of hunting with hounds on horseback on a variety of prey can be traced to other places centuries before. In France for example Stag Hunting was the preferred form of sport. In the United States the tradition of foxhunting began with the nation’s founders who came to these shores from England. Our first President, George Washington was an avid foxhunter as was Thomas Jefferson. The sport is sometimes referred to as “Following the Hounds” as they are the critical factor in providing the basis for the sport. Foxhounds come in a variety of breeds, however all foxhounds have been developed for hundreds of generations specifically for the purpose for which they are used, and even more specifically for the kind of quarry they pursue and the geographic region (“country”), in which they hunt. The physical characteristics of hounds that pursue red fox, grey fox, and coyotes are quite different in that the quarry behaves differently and the “country” that is hunted can vary widely.
In the area in which the Cloudline Hounds are based the quarry is usually coyote. Coyote are displacing fox populations throughout the United States and many parts of Canada. However foxes are still abundant in the eastern United States. It is quite rare to actually “catch” a fox or a coyote as they are faster, and in many cases, more “clever” than most hounds. While fox or coyote hunting is considered a “blood sport” in the U.S., it is not the primary purpose of the hunt. There are occasions when the hunted fox or coyote is overrun by hounds, but that is unusual, and is typically limited to those that are very old or infirmed.
The reason that most people participate in foxhunting is for the thrill of the “chase”, to share in the wonder of hounds at work, to be part of a tradition that dates back hundreds of years, and to enjoy the camaraderie and friendship of their fellow foxhunters. It is estimated that only 15,000 people participate in the sport in the U.S. and Canada. By these limited numbers it is clearly a very special activity requiring special skills. These skills can be learned and include those for both riders and horses. Almost any horse of any breed, size and age, is capable of going into the “Hunt Field”, however it is essential that they be athletic, sensible, rate-able, comfortable in the company of other horses, well behaved, and in appropriate physical condition to withstand the rigors of the sport. Riders must be balanced, comfortable riding at speed over varying terrain, and willing to abide by the traditions of the hunt. 
It is not necessary that horses and riders be able to “jump” obstacles as there are usually two groups, called “Fields” that go out at every hunt. The first field, or first “flight” does jump a variety of fences including coops, post and rails, logs, and the like while in pursuit of the coyote. The second flight travels at a reduced speed and does is not usually required to jump fences per se. However there are fallen logs, ditches and banks, and shallow water crossings that may have to be negotiated. Each field is led by a “Fieldmaster” whose task is to keep the field in touch with the “hunt” and to look after the needs of the members of that particular group. However it is the responsibility of each individual rider to keep up at whatever pace has been established.
It is not the purpose of this introduction to cover all aspects of this wonderful sport. A vast body of literature has been written about hounds and foxhunting. You can learn more by visiting a number of internet sites on the subject. You are encouraged to explore the many sources available. One suggestion is to visit the website of the Masters of Foxhounds Association. There you will find references that you may choose to pursue.
By S. Scot Litke, Member
The Cloudline Hounds
For more information about the sport of Foxhunting you may want to visit the following websites:
www.foxhuntinglife.com
www.horsecountrylife.com
www.foxhuntersguide.blogspot.com
For good prices on new and used hunting equipment and attire:
