The Fall Hunts or Fox-Hunts, a tradition dating back almost 500 years. The British were the originals to start the tradition of Fox hunting of riding horseback while hounds chased down the foxes who were killing the livestock. Now in current times, the annual Fox Hunts have changed from actually hunting a fox to more of an opportunity for like-minded friends to get together with their horses for an afternoon of riding. Fall hunts – the original fox hunting tradition still exist from the early days of what clothing attire is required, the style of riding, and the rules of the field. Fall Fox Hunts are a great way to enjoy an afternoon of field cantering and cross country jumping before the winter snow takes over.
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Hunts – Fox Hunting Yesterday to Today
Foxhunting: Yesterday and Today Fox-hunting is an ancient sport in which hunters on horseback track and chase a fox. Trained hounds are used to track the quarry through the countryside with trained hounds until the fox is either lost, goes to ground, or, occasionally, is killed. Hunting on horseback began in the Middle Ages; however, during the 16th Century the British developed fox-hunting into the aristocratic sport that it is today.
Hunts – Women and Foxhunting
Women have long been a part of foxhunting and over the past few hundred years more and more women have become involved in the sport. At hunts women usually wear dark coats and breeches. However, not long ago women wore long skirts, called riding habits, and rode side-saddle. How do you ride a horse in a dress? With breeches on underneath the habit! The side saddle has two padded horns, called a leaping horn, which allows a rider to jump side-saddle. In 1914 women began riding astride rather than sidesaddle. Then, by 1932 half of women riders were riding astride. Why the change? The answer is convenience. Riding cross-saddle was cheaper and less trouble than riding side-saddle. Also, even the best side-saddle riders had difficulty getting their horse to jump fences straight without one leg on each side of the horse.
Host today:
Heather (Canada)
Don’t forget to check out the resources section in this article!
Highlights
- Different color ribbons in the tail
- Etiquette
- Field masters
- Cross Country jumping
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Resources
Thanks for listening to our horse podcast: Fall Hunts – the Original Fox Hunting Tradition
