Hunter Training & Tradition

Traditions and training make for a safer hunt
by Barb Hento

Hunters were originally used in the field to follow a pack of hounds in pursuit of a fox. Therefore, a horse that moves low to the ground, covering great distance with each stride, is desirable. A quiet temperament and good manners are a must. The rider, too, has traditions dating back to the early days of fox hunting. For both horse and rider, the history of the hunt are as important today as they have ever been.

Training the Hunter
To be successful and safe over fences a horse needs to be well broke. Ninety percent of the problems over fences can be fixed on the flat with schooling exercises. A good hunter needs to move off the rider’s leg and guide between the hands quietly and willingly. This is as important in the show ring as it is when riding across the country after a fox. The horse's and rider's safety, as well as their score, may depend on it.

Slow and low jumps help the horse gain confidence. When training over fences, the use of gymnastic exercises is beneficial as the horse learns to use his body. Trotting jumps is a good strategy, giving the rider more time to organize the horse. The trot is also an even, rhythmic gait, which helps to get the horse to the fence quietly. It is not necessary to jump big jumps when schooling. If your horse can trot a 2’6” jump in good form, he will easily canter a 3’ to 3’6” fence. Once your horse is schooled over low, simple rail-type fences, you can start to add what are referred to as "mental hazarded" jumps. These can be created by adding a blanket over or under the jump, upside-down buckets or cardboard boxes under a pole, or anything that can safely be added to the jump that will cause the horse to look and think.

Each breed has individuals with the potential to make nice hunters. How athletic the horse is will determine if it has star power. Not every horse will make an “A” show hunter, but many small shows offer classes over lower courses. Even if your horse will never see the inside of the big show ring, hours of enjoyment can be found jumping in the paddock at home.

You can also search for a local hunt club in your area to find experienced riders who will help you get started in the sport. Try asking at a nearby stable or searching the Internet for your city or county and the words "hunt club."

Traditions for the Rider
Have you ever wondered why hunter riders dress as they do? The many years of tradition are steeped in practical applications. Remember that fox hunting was often an all day event over the countryside in fall and winter. The tall leather boots worn by hunters give leg support and protection against branches and scrapes. A narrow strap at the top of the boot, called a boot garter, is held by a loop at the back. This strap fastens around the upper calf of the rider and can be used to fix a broken piece of equipment so the rider is not forced to give up the hunt and turn back.

Moving up the rider's body, breeches are made of comfortable material in beige, buff or canary yellow. A leather belt supports the rider’s back through a long day on the hunt, and a long-sleeved plain shirt and a canary yellow vest are worn under the coat, all of which serve to protect the rider against the fall and winter chill.

The coat is traditionally black melton (a heavy, smooth wool that protects against rain). If the rider is a member of a hunt club, the buttons will have an insignia and the collar will be done in the club's colors. The traditional scarlet coat is worn only by hunt officials, i.e., the master and whipper-ins (hunt assistants in charge of the dogs), which helps to identify them if needed in an emergency.

Around the neck, the rider wears a stock tie fastened by a plain gold or silver safety pin. A properly worn stock tie looks similar to an ascot. For the hunt, the tie is white and approximately 4” wide by 30” long. This piece of apparel is not just for show. Originally, the stock tie was used as an emergency bandage or sling, held together by the safety pin.

The hunt cap or hard hat is self-explanatory.

Riders wear leather gloves, but under each side of the saddle flap is a string glove placed between the skirt and billet, in case the leather gloves become wet and slippery.

Finishing touches to rider’s personal appointments are a sandwich and a flask case to carry refreshment. The whip handle is made with a hook to make it easy to open gates without dismounting. Usually, hunt officials will carry stirrup leather a cross their shoulders for emergency uses.

These are just a few of the hunt traditions in the rider’s dress. As you can see, what may seem like old-fashioned stuffiness has actually evolved from necessity through the years, and can still be useful today.

Stay Safe, Have Fun
A well-trained horse and a well-appointed rider made the fox hunts of the past run safely and smoothly. Modern fox hunts and hunter shows benefit from keeping with these traditions that preserve a bit of history and make a great sport for horsemen and women who want to enjoy the precision and athleticism of the hunt.