Tradition. Stewardship. Sport.
WHO WE ARE
Fort Defiance Hounds is a fox chasing club based in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia. We are a 501(c)(7) nonprofit dedicated to preserving the tradition of mounted fox chasing and advocating for the continuance of the foxhound breed.
OUR PACK
Our pack is composed of the distinguished Penn-Mary-Del foxhound breed, renowned for their sensible temperament, biddability, and exceptional scenting ability.
WHEN WE HUNT
Our hunting season runs from late August through March, with hunts generally held on Saturdays and occasional bye days.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
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Fox hunting is a mounted sport in which a pack of hounds follow the natural scent trail of a fox or coyote while riders follow at a respectful distance. It is about hound work, horsemanship, and countryside stewardship, not killing quarry.
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An independent pack is a hunt club that is not recognized or governed by a formal hunt association. Instead, the pack operates on its own, sets its own rules, and manages its own hounds, staff, territory, and membership without outside oversight.
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No, but a comfortable level of riding ability is expected. You should be able to walk, trot, and canter safely, and control your horse in open fields. Hilltoppers provide a slower, non-jumping option for less experienced riders.