In 2004 and 2005 there was much said about foxhunting - both in the US and abroad. To the best of my knowledge it has been banned in parts, if not all of, the UK. I will not take sides - and at the risk of repeating myself this site is written from a purely personal point of view and is meant to be for the enjoyment and education of the reader.


"Is minic a rinne bromach gioblach capall cumasach."
Many a ragged colt made a noble horse.

(Please note: the following is from a purely personal point of view).
Those who participate in the hunt, from the Master all the way down to the child in the field mounted on a pony, are a warm and caring group. I doubt very much that they ride for the "thrill of the kill" but more for the excitement of traversing different terrain and the challenge of fences at every turn. There is a high sense of cameraderie and no one taking a spill would ever be left on their own to gather their horse and continue alone.

The Alternative

"The League Against Cruel Sports considers drag-hunting to be a humane and suitable alternative to the hunting of wild mammals with dogs. Drag hunting is safer for riders, horses, hounds and of course wildlife. The hounds 'hunt' an artificial chemical trail laid by a human runner or rider. Liaison with landowners and farmers ensures that the trail is kept away from livestock, vulnerable crops, road and railway lines thus preventing the damage and accidents caused by fox, deer and hare hunts every season. Many farmers support drag-hunting and the number of drag-hunts has more than doubled since 1965."
League Against Cruel Sports

Getting back to the storyline...I wrote earlier that "no one taking a spill would ever be left on their own to gather their horse and continue alone." It's taken me a long time to share this with anyone...
It was a particularly bone-chilling day, the type of day where no amount of clothing could keep out the cold. My fingers felt frozen to the reins, toes numb in my boots. "Missy" had been overly active and we ended up trailing most of the other riders. There was one gentleman who kept us company - though I can't remember any words ever being spoken between us. At any rate I was glad for the company and we rode together in companionable silence. We had just entered a huge open field when the hounds took off in full cry again. Not wanting to be left behind we both urged our horses into what is called a "hand-gallop" (controlled), and prepared ourselves for an upcoming fence. A few moments later I noticed that there was no sound of horses hooves either next to or behind me. Slowing down, I looked back to see that my silent friend had fallen from his mount. Others noticed it too but as I circled to return to where his horse patiently stood I was waived away by people who now surrounded his still figure.

Continuing on, "Missy" and I eventually caught up with the other members and completed that day's hunt. Hours later at the traditional hunt breakfast I couldn't help but overhear a conversation among some of the riders. It seemed that the gentleman mentioned above was a guest at this particular hunt - from England. He'd suffered a heart attack and that's why I was sent on to join the other members. The conversation itself was almost lighthearted. People milling around - eating - drinking - laughing. I'd never faced death before and couldn't understand the air of joviality that seemed to permeate the room. I can remember leaving the room to sit on the staircase, unable to eat, tears streaming down my face. Later that afternoon on the way back home my father explained the reason for the day's celebration. My "friend" had died doing what he loved best - Foxhunting.

Years later I understood the true meaning of those words. Oh for just one moment astride a horse again. To ride bareback and to feel the power as we gallop across an open meadow. Wind blowing in my face as I crouch down low - fingers entwined in the mane. **Sigh** Yes..... I could happily end my days that way :-)

Thanks for letting me share my story !

Copright © Foxcatcher 1998 -2007 All rights reserved.
Page updated March 5, 2007