Staff

Huntsman

Through the daily care of the hounds, the Huntsman develops a deep bond with the hounds. Using this bond and a deep knowledge of each hound’s strengths, the Huntsman directs the hounds to seek out the quarry.

Whippers-in

Whippers in keep our hounds safe by riding ahead of them and, using their experience with the past habits of the quarry, seek to stop the hounds from leaving the territory we have permission to hunt. Should the hounds chase the fox out of territory, they and the huntsman may exercise the “right to retrieve.” This is a long-standing law in Virginia that allows the huntsman and whippers in to stop the hounds and bring them back. Members of the field may not ride on others land without permission of the landowner. 

Wheel Whips

Wheel whips perform a similar task to the whipper in except the wheel whip rides on four wheels rather than a horse’s four legs.Wheel whips stay in touch with the huntsman and whippers in by way of radio and GPS devices that allow both whippers in and wheel whips to track the course of the hounds. Wheel whips stay to the roads and farm lanes and even provide a hound who has gone too far afield a ride back to the pack.

Flight Leaders

Flight leaders usually lead three different groups or flights of hunters. Those who can keep up with the huntsman at speed across the country and take the jumps as they come. Second Flight is for those riders who are not comfortable jumping but can go at a fast pace. Third Flight typically goes at a walk and trot and sometimes at a canter. Third Flight can be a good introduction for a horse or rider new to hunting.