Photo credit for Opening Meet 2019 - Scott Simon
FOXHUNTING IN
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Invitation to Sponsor!
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Weather and ground conditions permitting, Hounds meet on Wednesdays and Sundays throughout Jan-Mar 2020. Fixtures will be decided weekly based on ground conditions. Please check the Hunt Recording at or after 6:00 pm the evening prior to hunting (and DOUBLE CHECK in the morning) to find out the plan for that day.
Hunt recording: 908-412-2929 Cappers are welcome! Please contact the Honorary Secretary at 908-338-1983 Thank you for visiting the AVH website and hope to see you at the meets! Pace Results are on Hunter Pace Page 
You may pay for your selected event or Source Book sponsorship here via the PayPal link or on Venmo: @A-V-HOUNDS
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Amwell Valley Hounds is excited to announce publication of our new Source Book. Available at AVH events and throughout our territory well into 2024, it is a terrific way to promote your business or show your support for open space and equestrian sport. Choose from a wide variety of sponsorship options in this beautifully printed book that’s full of great local information.
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Currently there are over 150 organized hunt clubs in North America where mounted riders follow a pack of hounds as they chase wild quarry. There are many reasons for the popularity of foxhunting. There is an old adage that says, “some people ride to hunt, others hunt to ride”. Certainly the thrill of riding over the countryside on a fine horse who meets his fences well, is a thrill for anyone. Also, the sight and sound of a pack of hounds in full cry is breathtaking. Today's hunters have a special reward, the permission to ride over magnificent private and public land. No group of individuals is more aware of this privilege, nor is there a group more outspoken in their desire to protect quarry and preserve their environment. It is a sport enjoyed by people from all walks of life and of any age.
To begin, hounds are directed by the Huntsman into a covert to locate the scent of a fox and follow it, “speaking”, or barking, on its path, known as the “line”. The field of riders follows the hounds as closely as possible without interfering with the hounds or the fox. The fox runs through the country cunningly evading the hounds, until they eventually lose his scent, or the fox “goes to ground” in his den.
Hunting is different every day as the fox and scent determine the pace. Riders may jump fences or find a way around, follow a cleared path or go through the woods, always led by a “Field Master” familiar with the territory and the hounds.
The thrill of the chase is summed up in this excerpt from the book “Whipper-in” by Lt. Col. Dennis J. Foster;
“Foxhunting provides those fleeting moments of total abandonment—of wind-in-your-hair, bugs-in-your-teeth kind of living. At its best, it is totally out of control. Hounds are screaming, hooves are thundering, the horn is blasting as you race and jump across country to die for, often in weather not fit for man or beast. It is the original extreme sport and the sport of country people from every generation since the beginning of time.”
First Flight riders keep up with the Huntsman and hounds, as they gallop over all obstacles, thru water and all types of terrain. For the less experienced riders and horses, AVH offers a Second Flight of riders who follow closely behind the First Flight, with deviations to avoid jumping. The Third Flight is for the more timid rider or green horse, and goes at a slower non-jumping “hilltopper” pace that’s comfortable for the group at hand.
Non-riding members, known as Supporters can “car follow” the hunt and also partake in the various social functions such as Hunt Breakfasts after Sunday hunts, our annual Hunt Ball, Blessing of the Hounds on our formal Opening Day, and various private parties throughout the season.
Fox Hunting can involve the entire family, couples, “one of a pair”, or singles. It is by no means a competitive event, but simply a means of having fun with other people who share in the common bond of horses, hounds and the great outdoors. Visitors are welcome to contact our Honorary Secretary to arrange hunting as a guest.
To begin, hounds are directed by the Huntsman into a covert to locate the scent of a fox and follow it, “speaking”, or barking, on its path, known as the “line”. The field of riders follows the hounds as closely as possible without interfering with the hounds or the fox. The fox runs through the country cunningly evading the hounds, until they eventually lose his scent, or the fox “goes to ground” in his den.
Hunting is different every day as the fox and scent determine the pace. Riders may jump fences or find a way around, follow a cleared path or go through the woods, always led by a “Field Master” familiar with the territory and the hounds.
The thrill of the chase is summed up in this excerpt from the book “Whipper-in” by Lt. Col. Dennis J. Foster;
“Foxhunting provides those fleeting moments of total abandonment—of wind-in-your-hair, bugs-in-your-teeth kind of living. At its best, it is totally out of control. Hounds are screaming, hooves are thundering, the horn is blasting as you race and jump across country to die for, often in weather not fit for man or beast. It is the original extreme sport and the sport of country people from every generation since the beginning of time.”
First Flight riders keep up with the Huntsman and hounds, as they gallop over all obstacles, thru water and all types of terrain. For the less experienced riders and horses, AVH offers a Second Flight of riders who follow closely behind the First Flight, with deviations to avoid jumping. The Third Flight is for the more timid rider or green horse, and goes at a slower non-jumping “hilltopper” pace that’s comfortable for the group at hand.
Non-riding members, known as Supporters can “car follow” the hunt and also partake in the various social functions such as Hunt Breakfasts after Sunday hunts, our annual Hunt Ball, Blessing of the Hounds on our formal Opening Day, and various private parties throughout the season.
Fox Hunting can involve the entire family, couples, “one of a pair”, or singles. It is by no means a competitive event, but simply a means of having fun with other people who share in the common bond of horses, hounds and the great outdoors. Visitors are welcome to contact our Honorary Secretary to arrange hunting as a guest.
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