With 24 hunts to choose from in Virginia alone, foxhunting takes place just about every day of the week. Go shopping in Middleburg, take a scenic drive through hunt country, and meet the lively characters who put the style in this lifestyle.

Bring your own horse (stabling can be arranged) or lease one, and choose from a menu of hunt meets. 

Lease a Horse or Bring your Own 

Seasoned hunt horses are available to lease for the day, subject to availability. All tack and care of the horse will be provided (though guests are welcome to help as much, or as little, as they want!) as well as transportation to the hunt venue. 

If you are new to foxhunting, it is highly recommended to experience your first hunt on a leased, seasoned mount rather than bring your own.

If bringing your own, please review the Guest Horse Guidelines. 

Intermediate-Advanced

First Field - follows the fox, hounds and staff, jumping (coops, stone walls, ditches, banks, post and rails, etc.) Can be hours of galloping and jumping and testing terrain. Must have verifiable hunting experience with a recognized pack. First field horses are subject to availability.

Second Field - follows the fox, hounds and staff, not jumping (will occasionally go over a fallen tree or ditch/bank.) Can be hours of galloping and testing terrain. Must have verifiable hunting experience with a recognized pack.

Third Field - follows the 'sport.' Can be hours in the saddle with no limiting factors, so third field can canter/gallop/jump, if appropriate to the day, and is an excellent way to learn the sport and prepare for stepping into a different field level in the future.

Riders with no previous foxhunting experience, or those who are not absolutely certain they will be able to keep up in first or second field, should ride in third field. Field Masters in first and second do not cater to less experienced riders, and third field can be more forgiving, also the pace can be more sedate as needed.

All riders will automatically be placed in third field, as the Field Master is also your host. Riders with previous experience who wish to ride in first or second field can do so upon request, pending availability of a suitable horse.

Proper foxhunting attire is an important part of foxhunting tradition (and part of the fun!). 

Some hunts are in Formal Attire (typically weekend hunts) while others are in Ratcatcher Attire (typically weekday hunts). Don’t know what this means? Learn more about proper attire and etiquette. 

Don’t know what this means? Learn more about proper attire and etiquette on our Blog.

English Tack - jumping or general-purpose saddles

If you are leasing a horse, you will be outfitted in English tack. If you are bringing your own horse and you ride dressage, endurance, Western, or another discipline, check with the secretary hunt before attending to see what is allowed.

Hunts typically take place on private farms and estates, and each hunt is unique. Rolling hills, small forests, wooded areas, stream crossings, etc. are all typical of Virginia’s hunt country. 

Since the hunt rides in fall, winter, and spring, weather can vary greatly and terrain can be snowy or slick. Consult the weather forecast to assess the terrain.

For multi-day foxhunting trips, Equescapes can arrange accommodation if needed and stabling, if bringing your own horse.

Rider Resources:

• Proper Hunting Attire and Etiquette 
• First Time Foxhunting? How to Get Started
• Taking Your Horse to Their First Hunt
• Foxhunting Vocabulary and Terminology
• 10 Things to Pack for a Foxhunting Trip