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Foxhunting Clinic

Our Foxhunting Clinic is the ideal way to try out foxhunting! We hope that you are able to join us in this exciting sport.

With a series of two sessions occurring September 20th and 22nd, the Foxhunting Clinic curriculum is carefully designed to serve as an introduction to hunting for both horse and rider. Details regarding exact dates, locations, and costs are now available on the event calendar. Advanced registration for each session is required independently, as the location varies and parking is limited. Click into the event for additional information and to complete your registration. Riders who attend both sessions will earn a certificate entitling them to attend an actual hunt in the fall as the third session.

Session one: the first session on September 20th is an unmounted classroom discussion. We will cover etiquette, expectations, attire, and an overview of what happens during an actual hunt. We will discuss the various options of which groups to ride with at the mounted session.

Session two: The second session on September 22nd is mounted, and designed to replicate hunting conditions. The group leaders will teach various maneuvers and tactics needed to ride in the field. While these are not “riding lessons” per se, we do help riders identify skills that are needed to safely ride in a group, cross creeks, bridges, and jumps, and find the flight in which they are most comfortable. We offer several levels (flights) and there will be flights for people who prefer to stay at a more sedate pace, up to those who like to gallop and jump. You are not locked into that flight and are encouraged to switch to a faster or slower group as your own comfort level dictates. We will have multiple small groups with mounted instructors who will ride with each group and teach hunting safety, etiquette and tradition. After the morning session, the groups reconvene for lunch and a rest break before hounds come that afternoon. A select small group of hounds will be brought to introduce new horses and riders to the excitement riding with a pack of foxhounds can generate. Afterwards, we will all enjoy a shared tailgate picnic provided by Sedgefield Hunt members, have a final Q & A session, and enjoy fellowship. There will also be a "yard sale" where you might find some gently used hunting attire or tack.

The farm we have available to us for the mounted session is a private farm. There are no “facilities”, and you should bring water for yourself and your horse, along with a folding chair. The general location is north of Summerfield, NC. The exact addresses will be provided upon registration.

Members of the interested equine community are encouraged to come try foxhunting via the Foxhunting Clinic. Riders from all disciplines are welcome….you may ride English or western at hunt school. You should be comfortable managing your horse out in the open in a group setting. Helmets are required.

We hope to see you there! If you need any additional information, please email event chair Paula Nelson at sedgefieldhuntevents@gmail.com.