COME HUNT WITH US
ARRIVAL
Arrive at least 1-hour early so you have time to park, tack up, and get settled. Upon arrival, ask one of our members to introduce you to the Hunt Secretary. The Hunt Secretary will collect your capping fee, verify that you have signed a waiver and have submitted a negative Coggins test for your horse.
Be mounted and ready to ride at least 10 minutes before the official casting time. The member who hosts you should introduce their guest during the announcements just prior to riding out.
CHOOSE YOUR PACE
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FIRST FLIGHT
First Flight rides closest to the Huntsman and hounds and keeps pace across open fields and over jumps. This group is ideal for experienced riders and confident horses who enjoy the thrill of being in the middle of the action.
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SECOND FLIGHT
Second Flight follows at a steady, controlled pace, positioned just behind the first flight. Riders in this group should be comfortable walking, trotting, and cantering across open fields. This flight is ideal for riders with solid skills who prefer not to jump.
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THIRD FLIGHT
Third Flight, commonly called Hilltoppers, is our slower, non-jumping flight. Riders in this group must be comfortable walking and trotting in open fields. This flight is perfect for new riders, green horses, or anyone who prefers a more leisurely experience.
WHAT TO WEAR
Please don’t let your clothes keep you from hunting! A clean horse, polished tack, and conservative attire are all that’s needed to show respect for our sport. Wear neutral colors and avoid red as this color is reserved for staff. Tie or braid your hair neatly, and most importantly, dress for comfort based on the weather.
MEETING THE HOUNDS
Please keep your distance from the hounds, especially if your horse is new to hunting. A confused horse can kick out at the hounds. Please don’t call to the hounds during the hunt as they’re focused on finding a fox.
ETIQUETTE BASICS
When you choose your flight, you will be placed with a Flight Leader who will guide you throughout the day. They’ll explain the pace, the territory, and what to do if hounds are speaking or staff pass through. Please remember one thing: always give staff and hounds the right of way. Otherwise, stay quiet when hounds are working and follow the Field Leader at all times.
POST HUNT BREAKFAST
Hunting always concludes with a tailgate or breakfast gathering. Come make new friends and ask questions about the days hunt.
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Capping is paying a one-day fee of $50 to ride with the hunt as a guest. It allows non-members to join the field without committing to a full season membership.
Please contact the Hunt Secretary for the current fixture card and directions to the meet location. Fees go toward supporting our hounds.
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No, but you should be able to comfortably walk, trot, canter, and control your horse outside the ring. Hilltoppers provide a slower, non-jumping flight for newer riders.
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No worries! Every horse and rider has to start somewhere. Summer mounted hound exercises and early-season cubbing provide relaxed, low-pressure opportunities to introduce your horse to fox chasing.
At every hunt, there is also a non-jumping, slower group called Third Flight or Hilltoppers. This group follows the faster, jumping field at a more leisurely pace, making it an ideal setting for young horses or new riders to experience the sport safely and confidently.
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Yes. All guests must sign a liability waiver before hunting, submit their negative Coggins, and acknowledge the hunt’s safety rules.
All mounted hunters must purchase a Virginia Special Fox Hunting License and a National Forest Permit.
Carry proof of your license either on your phone or on your person in case you are stopped by a DWR Officer.
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Yes, the more the merrier! But all riding guests sign a waiver and pay the capping fee. If you bring a non-riding guest contact the Hunt Secretary to confirm arrangements on having them follow the chase by car.