Wentworth Hunt mounted hunt clinic

Photo by Suddenly Still Photography

Went with Sarah and her new horse Nasa to Wentworth's intro to foxhunting clinic at Tuckaway Farm in Lee. The day started with a discussion of etiquette and attire; turns out there is a reason besides tradition for all the rigamarole! Wentworth drag hunts, meaning the hounds chase a scent laid out by a human with a squirt bottle, rather than chase live foxes. The reason is land restriction. Can't have the hounds chasing a fox on to private property or into a busy road!

We hilltopped, which is the group that follows first and second fields and doesn't jump. We walked mostly, had a long hold in a field while waiting for the huntmaster and hounds, and did a little trotting on the way back to the field where we started, all the while learning some of the basic terms and etiquette involved. Clover was a star and I wished we could have cantered and jumped a fence or two, but as early in the season as it was, I didn't want to risk strain or injury.

Tea followed and I ran into a fellow hockey player--we met each other with surprise: you ride too?--how many hockey players do you know that also ride horses? We caught up and we all had a grand time. Wentworth gave all mounted attendees a free capping fee to use during the informal hunt season. Can't wait to go and try Clover in second field! I loved it; it's the best part of eventing (going cross country), you get to dress up, and there's the whole social aspect, too.

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A foxhunter is born!