Can anyone tell me about the hunts in Connecticut????

[LookinSouth]

Hi All,
My friend and I are planning on trying foxhunting this fall by starting off in an intro to foxhunting clinic. We have a few questions in general about the sport however. If anyone can help me out that would be great!!

Anyone here a part of a NE or SE CT hunt??? That is our general location.

I know Tanheath hunts in NE Connecticut and that is the group that is hosting the clinic in Sept. we are attending.

What is the general pace?? Is the pace determined by the footing at a safe hunting speed kinda like a hunter pace??

Are the jumps optional?? We both jump but I am only jumping around 2'6 right now and my friend only 2'3. Are most of the jumps quite higher???

Thanks!!!

[SteeleRdr]

Are you asking about the clinic? or actual hunting?

[gkittredge]

A total of three hunts in CT.

You already know of Tanheath.

There is another hunt just forming in CT called the Woodbury Litchfield Hills Foxhounds. Their season begins On Sunday Sept 30 and goes until Sunday December 9th. They only meet on Sundays. The hunt is located in Woodbury, Ct. You may contact the Hon Secretary, Harriet Serota at 203 263-2113 before 9 pm or email woodburylitchfieldhills@earthlink.net

There is also the Fairfield County Hounds. Their Hon. Secretary is Mrs. Fritz Haber 203 255-2522.

For a hunting treat, I recommend you jump on I-91 and go see the Guilford Hounds in Southwestern, NH. While a bit of a drive for you, the best things in life are well worth traveling for. Cubbing is about to begin www.guilfordhounds.com

All fences are typically optional and the speed of the day is largely dependent on scenting, if the hounds strike a line and how vigorously the Field Master keeps up. I am sure there is a Second Field which will travel at a slow pace if need be. Fence heights vary, but 2’6” / 2’3” is a good average.

You will receive a warm welcome to the sport from any of these hunts. Personally, I welcome you to the sport. There is nothing so exhilarating as hunting.

Tally Ho
Greg

[citydog]

For a hunting treat, I recommend you jump on I-91 and go see the Guilford Hounds in Southwestern, NH. While a bit of a drive for you, the best things in life are well worth traveling for. Cubbing is about to begin www.guilfordhounds.com


:yes::yes::yes:

Nice group of folks, indeed (although I tend to think of them as being in southeastern VT ;) ).

[Bullet]

I'm from Tanheath Hunt, who is hosting the clinic in September in Pomfret, Ct. The clinic is an excellent place to begin learning about foxhunting. The pace of the hunt is determined by the speed at which the hounds are travelling as well as the terrain. A good scenting day (cool, overcast, damp) will result in a faster run. Tanheath typically has a Hilltopping group on their weekend hunts that is perfect for someone new to the sport. The pace is a bit slower and the Fieldmaster takes time to explain what is happening as the hunt progresses. Tanheath hunts in Pomfret CT, Greene & Cumberland RI, and Wrentham MA. All those locations are within an hour's drive of SE CT and offer some open country for watching the hounds as they work. You can find more information about our hunt on our website <www.tanheathhunt.com>. I look forward to meeting you and your friend at the clinic.

[LookinSouth]

Thanks everyone for the info!!! I am looking for info in general on hunts in CT. I have heard varying information so I wanted to hear it from the "horses mouth" so to speak :D

Any other info you can offer on what to expect would be great!!! We are very excited to try hunting.

[LookinSouth]

I'm from Tanheath Hunt, who is hosting the clinic in September in Pomfret, Ct. The clinic is an excellent place to begin learning about foxhunting. The pace of the hunt is determined by the speed at which the hounds are travelling as well as the terrain. A good scenting day (cool, overcast, damp) will result in a faster run. Tanheath typically has a Hilltopping group on their weekend hunts that is perfect for someone new to the sport. The pace is a bit slower and the Fieldmaster takes time to explain what is happening as the hunt progresses. Tanheath hunts in Pomfret CT, Greene & Cumberland RI, and Wrentham MA. All those locations are within an hour's drive of SE CT and offer some open country for watching the hounds as they work. You can find more information about our hunt on our website <www.tanheathhunt.com>. I look forward to meeting you and your friend at the clinic.


Hi Bullet,
Thanks for the info. Can you tell me what the average fence heights are at the Tanheath hunts???
I am interested in the jumper hunts for the most part but I am sure we will start out with the hilltoppers first. I am no to stranger to XC, long trail rides at varying paces in company and canter/gallop in the open etc...but I am mostly concerned about my horse getting injured from heavy riding in muddy or rocky footing.
I guess I just really have no idea what to expect and want to get some basic info before I get to gung ho about hunting!!! :D

[Bullet]

Tanheath's jumps are from 2' to 2'9" in height. We try not to gallop through mud and over rocks as much as possible, but hunting can be unpredictable. We just go with the hounds.

[infullcry]

Ok, a bit of a pet peeve here. Your question is all about the jumps, galloping cross country and wanting to be able to ride in the hunter field. However, you haven't asked one word about the hounds. How about types of hunting?

You will learn about ettiquette, attire, and the like at clinic. That's usually how they go. But the one thing that really makes hunting different is we follow hounds. You can do all the things you mentioned on a hunter pace or even a trail ride or eventing.

S0, WHY are YOU interested in hunting? I do hope you enjoy it but enjoy it for the right reasons . People work really hard with hounds to keep them on track and the right scent(s). In return you hear their voices and the different sounds they make as well as the chance to watch them work. Jumping and galloping across the countryside allows you to get to where they are. If you end up in one place for 30 minutes just standing and listening you might be disappointed if you didnt' that that was an equally important part of the day.

ENJOY!!!

BTW GK-I looked at a map-you'd better be good. That's a bit of a haul :lol:

[gkittredge]

BTW GK-I looked at a map-you'd better be good. That's a bit of a haul :lol:

You better bring ear plugs because the hounds have so much cry you will go home deaf.

I guarantee it :winkgrin:

Greg

[promlightshine]

just like a rock concert...if you don't have ringing in your ears the next day it wasn't good :)

[LookinSouth]

Ok, a bit of a pet peeve here. Your question is all about the jumps, galloping cross country and wanting to be able to ride in the hunter field. However, you haven't asked one word about the hounds. How about types of hunting?

You will learn about ettiquette, attire, and the like at clinic. That's usually how they go. But the one thing that really makes hunting different is we follow hounds. You can do all the things you mentioned on a hunter pace or even a trail ride or eventing.

S0, WHY are YOU interested in hunting? I do hope you enjoy it but enjoy it for the right reasons . People work really hard with hounds to keep them on track and the right scent(s). In return you hear their voices and the different sounds they make as well as the chance to watch them work. Jumping and galloping across the countryside allows you to get to where they are. If you end up in one place for 30 minutes just standing and listening you might be disappointed if you didnt' that that was an equally important part of the day.

ENJOY!!!

BTW GK-I looked at a map-you'd better be good. That's a bit of a haul :lol:

Hmmmm... well I apologize for my irritating questions.:)
I thought I made it clear that I really am uneducated about foxhunting. I am aware that the hounds are followed etc... My horse is absolutely fine in that setting so it wasn't a concern. I also assumed the nuances of following the hounds etc..would be further explained at the clinic.
Jumping 3'6" stone walls and galloping through hock deep mud would be a concern for me and if this was the case then I WOULD stick with hunter paces and eventing thank you very much.

[promlightshine]

If you've never foxhunted you may be surprised (unless your horse has) how they respond to the hounds and a large group of horses jumping infront and behind as well as standing stil. But the clinic you will be attending allows you to work your horse in group as a member of the "field" . You'd be amazed at what you learn about yourself and your horse.

No one needs to gallop through mud and jump 3 foot walls. In every hunt there is an option to pull back or go slower. Yes, it's all about guts and glory for some, but I think many of the people on this site really want it to be good sport, fun , exhilarating and most of all -as safe as any sport on these blessed creatures can be.

I can't speak for the other poster but I can tell you that people have very different ideas about hunting and why they want to do it. In my area (MA) many want to hunt and join certain hunts because it works as an extension for eventing. OThers want to go to watch hounds work. Some do a bit of both.

I don't believe infullcry wanted to offend but instead wanted to point out the most important part of hunting. Frankly, I think I've done more hunter paces and trail rides in knee deep mud than any hunt. But in New ENgland the footing is what it is...

The clinic you'll be attending is informative, in a fabulous setting and I'm sure you will be impressed with the folks from the hunt. Do feel free to ask lots of questions, enjoy the exercises and most of all, enjoy the hounds. :)

[Beverley]

Ok, a bit of a pet peeve here. Your question is all about the jumps, galloping cross country and wanting to be able to ride in the hunter field. However, you haven't asked one word about the hounds. How about types of hunting?

You will learn about ettiquette, attire, and the like at clinic. That's usually how they go. But the one thing that really makes hunting different is we follow hounds. You can do all the things you mentioned on a hunter pace or even a trail ride or eventing.

S0, WHY are YOU interested in hunting? I do hope you enjoy it but enjoy it for the right reasons .

Actually, you can enjoy it for whatever reason you wish, there are no 'right' or 'wrong' reasons to enjoy hunting:yes:. So go have fun and feel free to pepper this board with questions!

[infullcry]

I didn't mean to offend . In my experience people join for the steeple chase and not the actual sport of hunting . When they get to a hunt and the hounds have been working a certain area for an extended period of time they become frustrated .

So, as the others have said-enjoy. Learn. You may find that some of the hunts have very few jumps or none at all. It depends upon country, weather , footing and where the hounds go. Many hunts are happy to have new faces join in. They can't tell you everything upfront. That' s where the actual doing is so important.

It's my opinion. It's not meant to deter. I hope you learn alot about ALL aspects of hunting (how's that??:)

[LookinSouth]

Okay thanks for the clarification infullcry. When you said "pet peeve" I took that as annoyance with my questions in general.

I am not looking for a steeplechase. I am not even looking predominately to ride XC/jump, I can do that at home here since he have superb footing in our woods/fields. We are really just looking to enjoy something new and fun with our horses and meet new people in a horsey social setting but keep our horses safe at the same time which is why I was asking about dangerous footing etc...

I've never been foxhunting nor has my horse. But he has ridden at a gallop and canter in front/behind other horses. He is nearly bombproof ( can be ridden on a road with harley's/tractor trailers going by 60mphs and doesn't blink an eye) and goes on trail with a crazy hound that whips around regularly popping out of the bushes etc... but of course that is what the clinic is for, to really give me an idea what he will be like. I could end up with a total nutcase on my hands...who knows :D

My friends' horse HAS hunted down in Maryland for an entire season and is slightly spookier than my guy, doesn't really like horses behind him and is sometimes bothered by the crazy hound on trail...so go figure. But he is alot younger too.

[spina]

My friends' horse HAS hunted down in Maryland for an entire season and is slightly spookier than my guy, doesn't really like horses behind him and is sometimes bothered by the crazy hound on trail...

I've heard that hunting down in Maryland will do that to a horse...

[CanTango1]

I have hunted In MD with Green Spring ... Known for great hunting, but also for our fast pace and Big jumps.......

But as it had been said... You must keep up with the hounds, where they go, you go no matter how fast or slow and yes there are times when they lose scent and its hurry up and wait, but its all part of the game :winkgrin:

[Janet]

I think that the point is that some people "ride in order to hunt". They are the ones, who, if horseless or injured, follow as close as they can in an off-road vehicle of some sort. On horseback, they don't care whether they jump or not, or how long the checks are, as long as they can see and hear the hounds work.

Then there are the the people that "hunt as a form of riding". They are more concerned with whether or not they jump, what speed they go, and so on. They tend to get impatient at long checks

The people who "ride to hunt" often get frustrated with the "ride to hunt" people. I think that was what infullcry was refering to, as your specific questions made you look more like a "hunt to ride" person than a "ride to hunt" person.

[LookinSouth]

Interesting perspective. I guess I can't say whether or not I am a "ride to hunt" or " hunt to ride" person since I have never hunted. It is difficult to speculate what I will enjoy more if I have never experienced hunting :)

Hence why I would love to give it a try and plan doing so.

[gkittredge]

Wanna find out if you like hunting?

www.guilfordhounds.com/fc.html

Cubbing starts August 19th. You can even come up the night before, plenty of stall space right at the fixture. Roll out of bed, climb on your horse, Tally Ho!

Directions are on the fixture.

Greg

[wateryglen]

Me? I just LOVE to convert the "hunt to ride" people into "ride to hunt" people!!! That's why I love hilltopping......it takes that jumping thing outa the equation. You can concentrate on the listening, watching, feeling parts!!! Views are a kick in the pants!! I swear I'm gonna stroke someday when I view. Better than sex I tell ya!!! :winkgrin:

[promlightshine]

The man is shameless :). Do check out the link. Taking advantage of the clinic and then cubbing with local hunts (or even those a few hours away) allows you to learn about hunting and the types of hunting available. Then if you choose to "settle down" you'll have played the field (pun intended) .


Re: the elusive views... it's amazing , just amazing!! :).

[gkittredge]

Okay, Okay, you got me! :winkgrin: Just after I hit “Post Reply” I started thinking I was poaching! I’ll hang my head for a moment in pure disgust of myself. :no:

Seriously though, hunting is a great sport no matter who you go out with. You will make valuable friends, have tremendous fun and will look back on the experience with such joy. I started hunting before I got a drivers license. I recall being shuttled to hunts by trainers, friends and parents. Poaching a ride whenever I could (maybe that is where I learned the skill) :)

As I look back on hunting, I don’t know what life is supposed to be like without it. While I was not born in the saddle, I have every intention of living all my days in one. When the time comes for my reward, I can only hope it will be out with the hounds in full cry.

And Tanheath is close to you......... :cry:

[promlightshine]

I have a young friend who will be attending umass amherst this fall. I've promised her a day in vt (or nh) sometime this fall. So, I'm watching the fixture card carefully AND am awaiting her schedule. You never know who will accept your invites :)

Agree with your position completely.

[LookinSouth]

Hey all. The clinic is this Saturday. I will report back the news of how it went. I thought I was initially planning on doing hilltoppers but my jumper friend of course signed up for JUMPERS!!! I can always go around if need be :winkgrin: She'd be bored to tears in the hilltoppers anyway.

I'm going with a group of 3 others, all new to foxhunting and we are all totally PSYCHED!!!!

[veebug22]

HAHAHAHAHAHAAA:lol::lol:

Sorry LookinSouth!

[promlightshine]

I do hope the weather is in your favor although from a hunting perspective a cool am with a bit of moisture in the air beats a warm,dry breeze handsdown :)

The setting there is phenomenal. Have a wonderful time. Most clinics include a lecture and then the cross country. It's interesting to learn hunting rules , attire, history. I think you will have fun.

Enjoy !! :)

[promlightshine]

So what did you learn?? Ready to join the field?

[LookinSouth]

:D
Okay, so we did the Tanheath foxhunting clinic yesterday. Myself and my friend (Veebug22 on COTH) rode in the jumper group. We later hooked up with my other friend on the drag hunt who chose to ride Hilltoppers but learned later on Jumpers would have been more appropriate for her due to her ability level.

We had a blast practicing the XC jumps in a group setting and learning to ride our horses at a canter/gallop in a group over jumps and varied terrain. The Tanheath hunt members were all extremely welcoming, friendly and we all had a fabulous time. Spectacular views, the hounds were a blast to watch and follow and I can't imagine a more exciting, thrilling yet relaxing way to spend a sunday afternoon.
The 3 of us plan to do our first real hunt in a few weeks when Tanheath hunts in Greene, RI.

Both my horse, Veebug's borrowed horse and my other friends horse took to the hounds NO PROBLEM. Both our horses did FAR better than we had anticipated. It was as though they had been doing hunting for years!! My horse has NEVER hunted and Veebugs borrowed horse hunted one season in MD but that was last year and he is only 7.
I was able to get as close to the hounds as I could with my horse and he was like "Uh yeah, what's the big deal??" Fortunately the hounds don't seem to pop out of the brush/bushes underfoot of the horses at any given time like my friend's hound does on trail!!!
Hence why our horses thought the Tanheath hounds were VERY well behaved and mellow!!! I was super proud of South, he was calm, manageable but of course had a total blast. I think he would much prefer to foxhunt than anything else. He tried dragging me to the bigger jumps a few times but I was able to coerce him to the smaller side of the jumps for MY sake!! It seemed as though our horses were seasoned foxhunters and they handled the whole shebang no problem.
Veebug22 I am sure will pop on as she is super excited and now wants to hunt regularly, as do I.

Enjoy the pictures. They show the spectacular view at Tyrone farm, some jumps and us following the hounds!!! We just can't wait until we can go out on our first real hunt!!
Thanks to Bullet and everyone at Tanheath for such a warm welcome!! See ya soon!
http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2588280900101555132dnKHmc
http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2997742210101555132gUxXWe
http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2380934190101555132TASZPl
http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2331256560101555132PIPsyo
http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2939083870101555132fVBLYR
http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2965348610101555132DrndSy
http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2765465330101555132wyyNXt

[promlightshine]

Congrats on a wonderful day!! Great shots , especially the dreaded snake jump :). It seems to me the bug has bitten!! Enjoy your hunt :)

[Bullet]

Hey, Lookin South, I'm glad you all had a good time. See you in Greene!

[veebug22]

We had the BEST time at Tanheath's hunting clinic on Saturday! Most of my family on my mom's side foxhunt in Britain, and I have been invited more than once when I was over visiting, but I was too nervous about making mistakes/being in the way--frankly, I didn't have the courage!

WELL, I've been converted. The views were amazing, the hounds were really interesting to watch and listen to, and we were quite proud of our horses. The members of Tanheath were all very warm and welcoming. LookinSouth and I can't wait until our next time out!