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Q. DO YOU TURN A FOX LOOSE TO HUNT...OR KILL IT?
A. NO!!!! Releasing quarry (fox or coyote into the field is called "bagging". This is considered poor sportsmanship and is strictly prohibited by the Masters of Foxhound Association, the governing body of organized foxx hunts in the United States. Brazos Valley enjoys the thrill of watching the hounds work out the scent line left by the game, then chasing it. Our fun is to view (see) the coyotes in the field and to ride across the challenging terrain.
Q. WHAT TYPE OF CLOTHING DO I NEED TO WEAR?
A. Safety is our primary concern. Our insurance requires that all riders wear a safety helmet (with chin strap for Juniors) and shoes or boots with heels, NO exceptions. You are welcome and encouraged to ride a few times with us in your regular clothes and then you can begin outfitting yourself with traditional fox hunting attire. Please ask for help before purchasing your hunting attire so you will buy
only good usable attire.
Q. DO I HAVE TO RIDE IN AN ENGLISH SADDLE?
A. NO, stock saddles are welcome; we do live in Texas. However, please do NOT attempt to jump in a stock saddle. This can cause very serious injury. We ask anyone riding in a stock saddle to ride with the "hill toppers", which is a group of riders that choose not to jump. Incidentally, riding with the hill top group (second flight) is a wonderful way to introduce yourself and your horse to the sport of foxhunting.
Q. WHAT IS EXPECTED OF ME WHEN I COME TO A FOXHUNT?
A. Guests are always welcome to ride with Brazos Valley, however, EVERYONE must sign a release PRIOR TO mounting your horse. Please find the hunt secretary or one of the Masters to introduce yourself and to sign the release. Our liability insurance carrier requires that all riders must sign a release every year.
Q. WHAT DO I DO NOW?
A. After you have signed the release, go get yourself and your horse ready to have fun. The hunt is scheduled at a certain time, you must have signed the release and mounted prior to this time. It is advised that you should arrive at last 45 minutes prior to the scheduled time of the meet. (If you need extra time, do not expect the staff and hounds to wait...come early). Foxhunting is a picturesque sport, a well turned out horse and rider is a compliment to yourself and the hunt.
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Q. WHO AND WHAT ARE THE STAFF?
A. "The Staff" is a general term that encompasses the huntsman and whipper-ins. The huntsman may be a professional (paid) or an amateur that is in charge of the hounds. This is the person that carries the horn and directs the hounds with the use of their voice and the use of the horn itself. The whipper-ins are again, professional or amateur. These are the persons in the red coats that ride out to the sides of the hounds and keep them within the property boundaries. They are also called upon to signal the view of the coyote by screaming, either a good Yankee scream or using the term "tally ho". This is called a view halloe (pronounced, view hello). If you hear the huntsman or a member of the staff scream, do not be alarmed, they am merely signaling the hounds and other members of the staff that game has been sighted.
Q. HOW FAST CAN I EXPECT THE HUNT TO GO?
A. Again, safety is our main concern. We can and will go at all levels of spaed during the meet. Sometimes a nice trot is all that is necessary to keep up with the hounds; however, we may gallop-on when the terrain is safe to do so. The Hill top group usually goes somewhat slower until everyone is secure with themselves and their mount. If you have any concerns, perhaps you should choose to ride with the second flight. A good suggestion is to "buddy" with someone, so if you have a problem, they can help you. Do not hesitate to ask.
Q. WHAT GOES ON AT A TRADITIONAL FOX HUNT?
A. There are many rich traditions that have evolved around foxhunting. We at Brazos Valley try to preserve these traditions by using them every time we go out. You will notice some people in red coats, called Pinque Coats, after their original designer, not because of their color. The staff will have on the red coats, as well as gentlemen members who have earned their colors. Colors are earned by the member and placed on the coats collar. Gentlemen members change to the red coat, while ladies continue to wear the black coat with their colors attached. Persons with colors and staff should he granted the right of way at all times. Do not interfere with the staff or speak to a hound unless you are invited to do so, it is a serious breach of etiquette.
Prior to the hunt you may be offered a "stirrup cup". This tradition dates back hundreds of years, when the hunt servants would offer a cup of wine or juice prior to the hunt. We meet usally in the early morning, but a small splash of spirits is all part of the tradition. Following the meet, everyone is invited to enjoy a picnic lunch, called a hunt breakfast. These are hosted by a member of the hunt and will be on the information line. If there is no host, than you are encouraged to bring a lunch with you. The hunt breakfasts are an enjoyable time in which everyone can exchange stories and get to know each other.
Be sure that you check the Information Line prior to every scheduled event. This will tell you if there is a host for the breakfast or if you need to bring your own sandwich. In case of bad weather, the decision to cancel or make changes will be made by 6:00am the morning of the meet.
Information Line: 1-800-805-6158
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