Declining Membership

[mroetter]

Our hunt is experiencing a decline in membership. Are any other hunts out there having the same problem. How are other hunts recruitinng new members?

[LookinSouth]

It seems alot of hunts up here in New England are eager to recruit new members. The hunts have alot of older members that have been around for years but are lacking new, younger members coming in.

From what I have observed many have offered Introductory Foxhunting clinics , hunter paces and hunt trail rides to help recruite possible members. Hunter trials and Field hunter horse shows run like the old fashioned Hunter shows can help to attract new members as well.

I think the intro clinics are a big hit and a wonderful way to ease into foxhunting. I honestly would have never started hunting myself if there was not a clinic available in my area for us newbies.

[Elghund2]

Clinics, trail rides, paces etc are all good. The best thing is to be very welcoming to new people. I know when I started there were some hunts that were standoffish to say the least. I joined Loudoun Hunt West because the people were helpful and very friendly.

[Little Valkyrie]

I'm trying my heart out to try to recruit new pony clubbers to hunt, but I find that many have pre-conceived notions about it, and aren't even willing to give it a try. Very sad really, because the more I hunt, the more I realize I like it better than eventing, show jumping, or dressage. I do wish more people would at least give it a try!

[tkhawk]

I think for people like me who have no exposure-it just looks very formal-with the dress and all. So I never thought about it. But the more I learn about it-it seems fun. I am moving and there is a hunt somewhat close to me (they hunt NOv to april and hunt coyotes-s.cal) . I might just try it out-but just saying from appearances it looks very formal -kind of a like a black tie occassion as opposed to just wearing your jeans and t shirts. But that is just my perception -when I am moving I might check it out -it certainly looks like fun....

[applechick]

Hunting was something I always wanted to do but never actively pursued it. Truthfully, the idea was rather intimidating. But when I received an invitation to hunt opening day as a member's guest I jumped on the opportunity. Wow!

I LOVED it. The history, the tradition, learning about the hounds, the sport, the people, and of course everything about the ride.

Joining a hunt is out of the question for me now but it is definitely part of my long-term plan.

[Painted Wings]

This is to get more members eventually

[altjaeger]

How does a Junior Foxhunter Program work?

We send out information on our hunts to all the area riding schools -- and get almost NO response. I'm not sure why, but I would guess:

1) The (mostly) women at these schools don't like the idea of killing (or even chasing) animals.

2) Many trainers and barn owners seem actively opposed because they are afraid their students will get hurt.

3) A lot of horse owners don't own trailers and so can't get their animals to the hunts.

I don't know how to get around these objections.

ETA - actually we *could* get around #3 by announcing we'd have a trailer come by each school if required -- but that would be a HUGE effort.

[Painted Wings]

Membership is $10/month.

We have a Junior Membership coordinator who actively recruits. Even with that we only have about 10 Junior members. But its a start. One of our Master's keeps her horse at her Dad's place that is a reasonably priced boarding stable. She hauls some of the juniors with her. It is important though to get the support of the trainers. Otherwise you won't have much luck

[altjaeger]

What's your cut-off age for Juniors?

I really think the breakdown is transportation. Lots of people have a horse and the desire to go, but no way to get to the hunt location. We could probably have 20 times the turnout we have now if everybody interested could get to the hunt.

[MapleMeadows]

We have found our summer foxhunting clinic draws a few new cappers each season. We hold it early in the cubbing season at a location we plan to hunt the following day. The clinic is inexpensive and the hunt the following day is our childrens hunt. All juniors hunt at no charge the day of our childrens hunt. Normally we keep our junior membership at only $75 to encourage more young riders to join us. We also encourage our regular members to make an effort to offer trailer pick up for any juniors living near their barn or on the way to the fixture.
This past summer we had six adults attend our foxhunting clinic and all came out to hunt. Four joined as new members for the season!
Our hunter paces are also a great way to get new riders to the hunt. We make a strong effort to chat at the lunch with all the riders who attended the pace. We bring along a couple of hounds and handouts about our hunt to share with riders at the pace. Our MFH personally works the start line so she can introduce herself to each team and welcome them to one of our hunting territories. The beauty of the property alone gets people excited about joining us for a days hunting.
Lastly we hold a kennel day for pony club and 4-Hers. It gives the kids a chance to meet up close and personal with our loveable hounds. It's a really great time and parents enjoy it just as much as the kids!
Anything you can do to project a positive image of your hunt and hounds will pay off to increase your membership.

[JulesGirl]

3) A lot of horse owners don't own trailers and so can't get their animals to the hunts.

I don't know how to get around these objections.


*ding!*

I ride at home, in an isolated area which is mostly residential (you should see some of the reactions I get when I tell people that there are horses on this road!) - meaning there are no other horse owners within a reasonable trailering distance without someone going *grossly* out of the way. I have tried finding someone to *hire* to get me to a hunt, and even that didn't work.

[magickmeadow]

As a dressage person who does not hunt but plans on eventually doing so as it sounds like such fun I wanted to offer an opinion. It is intimidating to contact a hunt not knowing whether your riding ability is sufficient to warrant an invite or whether your horse is up to the challenge. It isn't like a horse show where you can go and watch, gradually immersing yourself into the sport. The only hunt in my area, to the best of my knowledge, has not advertised any kind of clinic, kennel visits, walking the hounds, etc. I believe they do have a hunter pace. Those members that I have met are very friendly and welcoming. After discovering that my dressage horse has a great dislike of anything canine, it is doubtful he would make a good candidate for hunting. However, as a prospective recruit, activities that did not involve my needing a horse would not only get me initially involved but keep me involved until I purchased an appropriate horse. Who knows the extra horse in your barn might be sold to someone just like me. I suspect that many, who are unable to ride at the moment, would enjoy non riding activities. I think your new members are out there and many of us are just waiting for the right opportunity to participate. Some people are a bit shy at trying new things. They just need the right kind of encouragement.

[Gloria]

As someone who has never hunted but thought the notion of going out with your favorite horse and bunch of dogs ("hounds", sorry...) while enjoying the wildlife and scenery is intriguing. So why have not tried it yet? There are several perceptions that might be very incorrect... But very real... And here they are..

1. You "have to" be a super rider, someone who is very very brave and someone who can ride before he/she can walk. If you cannot gallop at a break neck speed while jumping jumps, forget about it..

2. You have to pack with $$$$, sort of born with silver spoon, someone who don't need to work. If you have to work and your job happen to be something less than corporate executives, forget about it.

3. The formality is somehow intimidating. No one wants to make a fool of themselves and it seems that they "will" make a fool of themselves if they have no prior exposures to hunting etiquettes. I'm not saying the formality should be dropped. As a matter of fact, this kind of "dressing up" could be fun for many people. It is just that if you don't know what to expect, it is hard to feel comfortable.

As I said, I have never hunted so these ideas could be very way off. But I bet many people have similiar perceptions and they are huge road blocks.

[altjaeger]

Would inviting them to the after hunt "breakfast" get them to come out, you think?

[armandh]

Membership is $10/month.

We have a Junior Membership coordinator who actively recruits. Even with that we only have about 10 Junior members. But its a start. One of our Master's keeps her horse at her Dad's place that is a reasonably priced boarding stable. She hauls some of the juniors with her. It is important though to get the support of the trainers. Otherwise you won't have much luck

actually they are not members yet but can be when they reach the age of majority.
the very low youth "ride along" fee is to grow future junior members.

it is well organized and will [we hope] pay back in future membership.

young fox hunters [through 18]
junior members [18 through 25]
regular members [26 up]

besides transportation and parental help
another problem is that when hunting particularly at some fixtures [state owned]
A small game permit is required and that requires a hunter safety course.

[see u at x]

As someone who has never hunted but thought the notion of going out with your favorite horse and bunch of dogs ("hounds", sorry...) while enjoying the wildlife and scenery is intriguing. So why have not tried it yet? There are several perceptions that might be very incorrect... But very real... And here they are..

1. You "have to" be a super rider, someone who is very very brave and someone who can ride before he/she can walk. If you cannot gallop at a break neck speed while jumping jumps, forget about it..

2. You have to pack with $$$$, sort of born with silver spoon, someone who don't need to work. If you have to work and your job happen to be something less than corporate executives, forget about it.

3. The formality is somehow intimidating. No one wants to make a fool of themselves and it seems that they "will" make a fool of themselves if they have no prior exposures to hunting etiquettes. I'm not saying the formality should be dropped. As a matter of fact, this kind of "dressing up" could be fun for many people. It is just that if you don't know what to expect, it is hard to feel comfortable.

As I said, I have never hunted so these ideas could be very way off. But I bet many people have similiar perceptions and they are huge road blocks.

Let me preface this by saying I'm no expert, but this has been my personal experience...

I had some of these exact same misconceptions years ago when I first moved to the DC/Northern VA area. I'm sure that there are SOME hunt people like this, but the majority of the ones I've run into over the years are not at all like this. When I boarded in Maryland, the Potomac Hunt would come to our farm a couple of times a year. My friends and I would hang out with them afterwards and chat - most of them were really nice and friendly and happily answered all of our questions. (I remember one couple in particular with whom we chatted about their gorgeous matching deerskin breeches that they'd received as gifts from a friend.) From experience, I can tell you that Hunter's Rest, Wateryglen, and JSwan from this BB are NOT AT ALL like this. They are some of the most down to earth, genuinely nice people I've ever met.

To blow the rest of your misconceptions out of the water, no, you don't have to be "very very brave". :D I'm not brave, nor am I a "super" rider, and I survived cubbing just fine. Sure, I was kind of terrified at first, but then the "survival" mechanism kicked in and I figured, "Dammit, I'm here to have fun. It's time to grow up and get over it!" And I had a BLAST. I enjoyed it so much that I'm *hopefully* going hilltopping in a few weeks. Yes, I still need to be with a "slower" group, and that's OK. I don't jump, either, and I want to be really, REALLY SOLID as a rider before I even attempt anything beyond that. But that's OK with me. I enjoyed riding at the back and I liked meeting new people.

If you are not brave or your horse needs a boost of confidence to do it, there are so many ways to build up to that. Not everyone's horse was just born to do it right away. And if you do it right and go out with a great hunt who has a group of hilltoppers who are a little more laid back, it's a wonderful way to build up your bravery. If I can do it, anyone can.

Also, not all the people who hunt live in big, fancy houses with white pillars out front, either. ;) Several of them are just average people who get up and go to work in the mornings. And as for the formality, sure, it can be a little intimidating, but that's why you talk to the field secretary and find out exactly what's expected. From what I've seen and read, a lot of the time, they're a more lenient with guests who probably won't have all the proper equipment or gear. If you're a member, sure it's expected you have what you need, but as a guest? Nah... I was made to feel incredibly welcome by everyone, even though I forgot my brown gloves and had to wear black and didn't have flat tack. ;)

For myself, I would join a hunt in a second, but the only two things that hold me back right now are transportation (no truck or trailer) and the cost. However, it's definitely a goal I'd like to accomplish within the next year or so. :yes:

[wateryglen]

I think we should all read & heed what Gloria said. I think she hit the nail on the head! It's "perceptions" in many cases. It sure was for me! We are all ambassadors for our sport whenever someone learns we are foxhunters. Welcoming people to come see/enjoy/experience our sport is THE most important recruitment device IMHO. And you never know when the new person you're talking to might own 2000 acres or a chicken neck factory or whatever!!! :D;)

But, much like fishermen, we foxhunters are known to exagerate our experiences into scary stories that freak others out. They say the fish was 2 ft long - we say it was a 4 foot coop with a blind takeoff and a landing 3 feet downhill into a creek! :winkgrin: They say they fished from dawn to dusk for hours- we say we hunted for 6 hours and well after dark! :winkgrin: We scare people when we say we covered 20 miles or galloped for hours in ankle deep mud, on asphalt or downhill etc. When the truth is likely a less glamorous version!! :yes:;) Less glam version? :D:lol: "We hunted for 3 hours but I went in at 2...and we trotted across a soft corn field....we trotted an ancient 2 foot coop in a flat hedgerow....we covered 5 miles in a loop.....we had breathers in between the runs (BOTH of them btw!)....it was dark when I got home from the breakfast!!!! :D:lol::lol::lol:

But in some areas of the country, there is NOT active recruitment going on tho'. In the Wash DC area, many (most?)hunts are trying to LIMIT their memberships and field sizes. Thats why the dues & caps are so expensive. Many don't do any public events or advertising and stay under the radar a bit. Some of these hunts appear exclusive when they are really just trying to keep the numbers down some. Their landowners and territories can't handle big fields. They don't want to sacrifice the quality of the hunting too. And all hunts want "good" members over just members I think. And I gotta think the current economy is affecting all horsesports too.

[imjustjoking22]

I hold many of the same perceptions- but I was invited to the local hunt's "guest day" this Sunday by a member, which I would think would be a good way to recruit new members :)

Hopefully some of my misconceptions will be erased this weekend!!

[mroetter]

Maplemeadows
Could you tell me more about your clinics? Who is the instructor? The Masters? Advertising- how and to whom? length of the clinic? etc.

PS please tell your Master Elaine that Missy Roetter says hi. I rode in Ireland with her 9 years ago.

[Mudroom]

check your PM's

At our clinic we have one eventing trainer who hunts and several field hunter trainers. Jumping and hilltopping groups.

[FootPerfect]

The membership cost. Last time I looked into it, it was near $800 a year. I just cant' afford that and do the other things I do like showing. And I usually just show at schooling shows.

[MapleMeadows]

[QUOTE=mroetter;3669851]Maplemeadows
Could you tell me more about your clinics? Who is the instructor? The Masters? Advertising- how and to whom? length of the clinic? etc.

We usually ask two experianced members to volunteer to teach the clinic. We hold one each season and it's always the first Wednesday of August just before the Children's hunt. By keeping the date consistent many who have attended hear about it from others who have previously attended and plan ahead to attend themselves. We usually send out e-mails to all members and any who have capped or ridden a hunter pace with us previously because there is obviously interest already. Members spread the word and post in their barns. We also place an ad in the local newspaper.
Our clinic is a one day. It includes "class room" sessions and "cross country" riding in groups. We want people to feel prepared and comfortable hunting with us so they can truly enjoy themselves. It's important to put the emphasis on safety.

[Thomas_1]

All you need to do is whip up the Hunt Saboteurs and get the politicians interested and in a frenzy to appease the urban population and go and put in legislation to attempt to ban hunting with hounds.

It's what happened here and it increased hunt membership 5 fold :winkgrin:

[Beverley]

Lots of good points made already.

Way back when, Bull Run had a very cheap social membership. Social members were welcome for that fee at all non-riding functions (except hunt ball for which everyone paid their way) and as a social member, you were welcome to come hunt and pay the capping fee. I don't recall there was a limit on caps, as there was for guests, but such a membership is, I think, a good compromise for people who want to dip their toes in the water but for whatever reason don't have the time to hunt often enough to justify full dues.

Junior members paid $25 a year, and 'junior' was defined as all the way through college.

We also tried, once, early 80s, a 'free and open to anyone' day and had gazillions of never-ever hunters turn out. Obviously we structured a number of extra hilltopper fields to accommodate the newcomers, and it was a pretty popular outing. But you do have to have a fixture that can accommodate large crowds and not every hunt does.

These days I mainly hunt out west, and I can tell you that pretty much every hunt, including Arapahoe, welcomes guests in whatever saddle, whatever attire they might have. The only requirement, generally, is a helmet and safe riding boots of some sort, but even the helmet is not a hangup if it's cowboys/girls. Two positive effects from this- when the cowboys see just how much fun it is, and figure out that those people in the little bitty saddles and funny coats can really ride, word gets around about the 'macho' index and the sport is made even more welcome in the general area. Second thing- may of those cowboys/girls become pretty danged enamored of the sport. So once they throw in, they just naturally gravitate over time toward the correct attire, then the correct tack.

Here in huntless Utah, we do have an annual horse expo, and Back Country Horsemen has started a similar day but it's limited to horse related non-profits, and the county, state and federal land management agencies. Likewise we have county and state fairs. If I had a subscription pack, I'd be setting up a booth at those gatherings, probably with a couple of friendly hounds (and if available irresistible pups) to meet and greet, and would exhibit the hounds with staff in full regalia as a part of the deal, maybe a couple of shows during the day. I would also (as Red Rock does) take my hounds to 4th of July parades, 4H and Pony Club meetings, anywhere that wants to see them. In other words, get out into the community instead of hoping the community will come to me.

[Vkent]

Originally Posted by Painted Wings View Post
Membership is $10/month.




young fox hunters [through 18]
junior members [18 through 25]
regular members [26 up]


Uh, WOW! There's such thing as a membership for us broke, college slummin, 20-somethings out there that cheap? If I only had a trailer and that kind of membership you would never get me to leave the field! Nor would you get me to my Wednesday classes but that's another story ;) (Mom, I know you wont admit it but lets face it, you approve of skipping classes in the name of hunting right? haha)

[promlightshine]

I went hunting today-I'm sorry to admit it was the first time this season. My son in college has taken my Saturdays for travel in NE for football games. Now it's time to ride!

I brought a young gal who is in college and a friend who had never hunted before. Both loved it. My friend in her 30's was very interested in what was going on. I explained the role of the whips, how they were placed, the scent, the horn blasts and so on.

It was cold in NE but the despite the frigid temps warm friendly members and active hounds kept us quite warm (thanks to Greg K and staff). I can't say that either will ever join a hunt, but they will speak highly of their experiences and might encourage others to participate. I know both hope to hunt again in the near future.

Once "in" keeping people in is the key. In these tough economic times perhaps offering alternatives in membership fees/dues/caps/ might be helpful. Be creative!

[SunnysideJate]

I can ride to the Hunt by my farm ( I can actualy hear the hounds also) but I do not know anyone from the hunt. I plan on attending the Foxhunting clinic they hold each year and see if my STB is suitable. I have always been interested in foxhunting but have never known where to start.

Elaine

[iechris]

I have just started hunting (still a car follower at this point, but working on the riding) in part because of what I read here on this message board about how welcoming foxhunters are. I too had all the typical misconceptions about foxhunting and had never even considered it as something I would ever do. I am a conformation dog show breeder, but I'm very interested in functional working dogs. I am also interested in riding so... after reading a bunch of great things about foxhunting, I got online to try to find a hunt to contact.

The hunt I ended up contacting (after taking a deep breath and hoping I didn't come off as a blithering idiot) has been even more wonderful and welcoming than I could have imagined. And I even get to hang out with the hounds at the kennel. Heaven for a dog person!!

One thing I haven't seen mentioned yet as far as attracting new members is a website. Make sure your hunt has a web site and if you want visitors, state that on your web site. Make sure your hunt's website is link on the MFHA website (one of the hunts in my area has a website I'm still not sure how I stumbled across). The hunt I contacted not only said on their main page that they welcome visitors, but also had a visitors page linked off the main site. Make sure your hunt lists who to contact, with an email address if possible. Much less scary to send an email than to call up a stranger IMO. I will say I think it is probably less intimidating for newcomers to read "contact Jane- our Honorable Secretary at xxx@xxx.com" than "contact the Honorable Secretary at xxx@xxx.com", but I'm sure the second is more correct.

Thanks again to all the posters here who have encouraged everyone to contact hunts and try hunting. I never would have thought of it if I hadn't read all of that information and yes, I'm totally hoooked now!

[Jaegermonster]

I know the gas prices hit a lot of our membership hard, and some members also lost their jobs or had hours cut, etc. Times are hard for lots of folks now and they are having to cut out some extras.

[Hannahsmom]

mroetter,

I'm in your area and I think what we don't have here are hunter paces and the clinics and such that get people out to meet the hunt members or even know what the hunt is all about. It is fairly intimidating to stick your toe in and to tell you the truth, there are a lot of rules and tradition. Ways for people to learn the basics in a friendly environment might help encourage people to try it. I know the local hunt has just issued an invitation to our eventing group to come out for a day and if my horse and I weren't both down and out, I would definitely have taken them up on it. More of those types of invitations and people to help you learn the ropes would generate interest. The cost is a bit prohibitive though so for people to get their feet wet, a pay as you go is far more inviting.

[jodyjumper]

I have to say--cost is a huge part. Plus, some of the members can be stuffy, opinionated, name dropping jerks (!), just like real life.... the majority of them are very nice, caring horse people.

It isn't cheap! I wish there were a less expensive way to be introduced and ride for a season, without the cost of the formal stuff.

I am already into it for more than I care to admit, but I wanted to be correct. Some of the costs--those field boots (which I have seldom worn) are a no-no for the formal season. Used dress boots. Mid weight hunt coat, new because I couldn't find used. Flat bridle, even on eBay- Capping until approved member (even though that is refunded, if approved)--subscription fee, application fee, some other fee, too. Various stuff that I didn't have-- like brown gloves, black velvet helmet, canary vest, new breeches (I didn't own tan), tweed jacket, shaped pad, stock tie, white ratcatcher, Cavallo boots for my horse that I don't shoe (my choice), new Barbour, trailering... thank heavens, my horse was free!

Riding with the hunt---PRICELESS!

[jeano]

All of which is why I'll probably never foxhunt even once, no matter how much I would love to. I own NO leather tack, flat or otherwise, no proper breeches, not even a pair of field boots, let alone dress boots.

The closest hunt to where I live is roughly forty miles away, and I have no trailer. If the day ever dawns that that hunt declares an open day for a minimal fee, come as you are, I will beg a trailer ride there somehow, provided I hear of it in time. Folks, its probably not gonna happen.

Plan B is I win the lottery or otherwise come in to a fortune or the kit somehow falls out of the sky, and a foxhunting enthusiast starts boarding next door and offers me the loan of everything I need and hauls me there. I simply dont have the disposable income or free time to haunt ebay or garage sales to get all that stuff, and cant justify the investment.

[twofatponies]

Until I met some people who belonged to a hunt, after our first hunter-pace, I always thought foxhunting was like country clubs - something very rich and fancy people got specially invited to do. I remember my husband and I talking on the way home about how surprised we were that these guys encouraged us to come ride with them, and were very welcoming and friendly.

I never got a chance to go then, but this year a friend invited me to go with another hunt, that happened to be riding out from a nearby farm (I don't have a trailer), and I went and had a blast. Everyone was super friendly and encouraged me to come out again. I ended up going twice this season, but again, since I don't have a trailer, going when they are riding in other locations is more difficult.

It is a rather structured, formal kind of event (but really kind of in the same way horse shows often are - the right turnout, certain rules, etc.), so I think it helps a lot to have someone knowledgeable help you get everything right. Otherwise that is kind of daunting.

In this day and age, especially to get younger folks involved, it probably helps to have publicity through websites or email, not just word of mouth.

I love the idea of introductory clinics.

[Elghund2]

We had our junior meet today and had a lot of kids out. Do all hunts do a junior meet?

[Painted Wings]

There's really not that much to buy if you already compete. Most hunts will let people hunt in field boots. Also many hunt in their dressage frocks or dark hunt coats. Very few people that ride English don't have a pair of beige breeches. You can really put any plain bridle on your horse. The reason for flat tack is much of it is a little heavier and it's a LOT easier to keep clean and inspect for wear and tear.

I hunted the first year in my dressage Frock, it still had the silver buttons but I didn't know any different and no one said anything. Over the years I have accumulated the vest and all the proper items.

Of course now I just got my colors so I'm busily trying to figure out how to retrofit hunt coats and such. But I got a hand me down vest in the hunt colors. One of our hunt members is a seamstress and she put the colors on the collar and adjusted the fit of the vest for me. I sewed the buttons on myself.

We had a guy come hunt as a guest and he had bought all his hunt attire back east at second hand stores. He had the canary vest and everything. He did hunt in paddock boots and half chaps and no one cared. He had a great time and I expect him to be back. One of our masters loaned him a horse.

If I find out someone I know is hunting as a guest I will usually offer up a vest or any other items to help keep them comfortable so they have a good time. I have offered up a horse on occaision too and even hauled it. I usually have at least two horses hunting. Right now I have three but one is leased out. It's kind of fun to be at a hunt and realize that you have three horses in the field, all homebreds.

I also have started inviting people to come out with the basset hounds too. There aren't many hunting sports cheaper than that. Of course unless you are like me and have 8 beagles to feed.

[Jaegermonster]

We had our junior meet today and had a lot of kids out. Do all hunts do a junior meet?

we are having ours next saturday, but of course we always welcome guests

[Beverley]

Jeano, just call the Master of that hunt 40 miles away and tell him/her of your interest! Pretty much as you told us- you'd love to try it sometime but know you don't have the right tack and attire, and just ask point blank, are there any meets where I might be able to come incorrectly attired and hang out in the back? You might just be surprised at the answer.

And here's a Plan B- just call and ask if you can come over and car follow. And then do it. And then when they see your interest face to face, they'll say 'well, come hunting with us some time,' and then you can explain, no trailer, no attire, and I bet from there you will be out hunting before you know it!

Go for it, life's too short to sit and wonder for very long!

[infullcry]

I need to be careful how I say this but here goes. I can cite at least one example of a hunt where I have met several dozen people over the years who "used to hunt with ..." . They liked hunting and many went on to join other hunts. They felt that there was clearly and "us and them" mentality. It included but was not limited barring access to hounds , staff joking about hiding from the field and an overall lack of the most admired leaders to "give anyone " the time of day . There were even days when the huntsmen felt it necessary to belittle the staff and/or not speak to them both infront of members and for weeks at a time -making it very uncomfortable for all who observed.

In another example I had a friend who clearly wanted to hunt with a group whose paces , etc she had attended. Despite long conversations with the Masters about hunting they never invited her . I told her to ask but she felt that according to protocol you must wait for an invite. She might be right-she is now hunting with another group.

The sport itself should be enough. However, if one has choices they will not remain with a group that shows no growth, remains stagnant in membership and allows for negative leadership . Sometimes that is hard to break especially if the leadership won't change or is the only access to hounds or territory. Bite your tongue weekly, monthly and over the years and hope the gnawing pit settled in your stomach finally goes away? I think not.

To maintain an active hunt the following must be in place:
-tradition and pride
-good footing in the majority of the country to allow safe passage especially for guests.
-access to views/hounds and if out of view due to territory then there must be a full accounting by the field masters as to where the hounds are-what the territory is like and why we are "just standing here" ,.
-access to hounds for walking, etc. So many hunts make this an enjoyable event. Yes, the numbers wax and wane but you have so much more of a buy in when people KNOW the hounds
-consider capping packages for people to purchase that may not be a full subscription. Allow for "social" memberships, multiple cappings and other ways for people to participate all the while having them learn more about the workings of a hunt .

For some of us, hunting is an experience that we will never forget. Access to it should not be so difficult that you sacrifice family, and to put up with abuse from those in power. Sadly those hunts will perish and rightfully so.

[LookinSouth]

There's really not that much to buy if you already compete. Most hunts will let people hunt in field boots. Also many hunt in their dressage frocks or dark hunt coats. Very few people that ride English don't have a pair of beige breeches. You can really put any plain bridle on your horse. The reason for flat tack is much of it is a little heavier and it's a LOT easier to keep clean and inspect for wear and tear.

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I agree. I think the majority of hunts will allow guests and newbies to hunt in their hunter/eq/dressage show clothes. Even hunts that appear to be strict in their turnout etiquette on their website when you speak to a MFH in person you might find they are more lenient towards guests and new cappers whom are still acquiring the correct attire.

[SharonA]

I would love to hunt, but my horse is not of the "stand and wait, then go but keep in line" variety. She has the soul of an endurance horse and does not have the appropriate love of the pageantry of the hunt. :-)

One of the local hunts did an intro clinic at my barn, and it was well attended and very fun. The hunt members were friendly and welcoming, and very willing to explain the traditions, attire (this is a formal hunt, and riders are required to Dress -- partly because landowners in this area want to see "the Hunt" go through their back yard, not a big group of riders wearing whatever). After the clinic, the hunt members told us what our next steps could be, invited us to try hilltopping with them, etc. I'm not a great rider but I would feel comfortable hilltopping to start with, if my horse were likely to enjoy it. And if I had a trailer. :-)

I think a hunt could certainly have a few new riders if they went through the barn owner/trainers and asked the trainers to bring a couple of people. New people would likely feel more comfortable with their familiar trainer along, plus then the barn would organize the trailering, etc. so the logistics would be easier.

[promlightshine]

Several tack shops up here in the East have bargain basements. The nice thing is you occasionally find a great deal. When we were looking into hunting we found brand new wool hunt coats for 25.00 and boots-light weight but still tall /black for 15.00. Look around and you may find you will have "proper" hunt attire for less than you imagined. I think my friends were completely outfitted jacket/shirt/stock tie/boots/britches on that day of bargain shopping for under 100.00.

I bought my canary vest off of Ebay. Its wool and I did shop around and looked at prices before bidding. I got a good deal on it and am very pleased with the quality of it.

I personally found a 2nd pair of dress boots for 10.00 at an auction. Slightly used-they are great and zipper from the rear. My only fault is the last time I hunted I forget to zip them completely ...oops!! :)

What I find is many hunts want to know you "tried" and that you aren't showing a complete disregard for tradition. So please don't ride bareback, use a pink saddle pad, wear sweat pants , or even worse use a halter and lead line as your "bridle" in the field.

I agree with the others. Don't let the clothing get you down!! :)

[Jumphigh83]

I know MANY folks who got their tweeds from good will. It doesn't have to be prohibitively expensive to be traditional. It is far more expensive to "keep up with the Jones'" in the show ring than in the hunt field. In hunting the clothing hasn't changed in oh two hundred years..no fads, no monogramming conundrums...just the same workmanlike clothing and tack....Of course some just hunt to play dress up in VERY expensive clothing, but oh well...dazzle them with your horsemanship or houndsmanship and they wont notice your outfit didn't come custom from England!;)

[ErinW]

I know MANY folks who got their tweeds from good will. It doesn't have to be prohibitively expensive to be traditional. It is far more expensive to "keep up with the Jones'" in the show ring than in the hunt field.

That's where I bought my tweeds! Never hurts to try at your local thrift store. ;)

[Elghund2]

MY two tweeds came from the Loudoun Hospital Ladies Auxiliary sale..$11 total.

My wife uses the galloping horse test as to whether something would pass inspection. She says if someone complains about your clothing as you gallop by then they are paying attention to the wrong things.

They're are more ways to keep your costs down than to end up with high costs. When people talk about the high cost of hunting I look at the costs of friends that show. They spend more in a weekend then I do for my hunt dues. They're tack and show clothing is way more expensive than my hunt gear.

[altjaeger]

We don't get much participation or cooperation from area trainers. I don't think most of them approve of hunting because they believe its bad for equitation form, and they're afraid their students might get hurt. Meeting with every single one of them within 50 miles is something I would work on if I were in charge of getting a larger turnout. (I'm not, so I don't.)

[armandh]

We don't get much participation or cooperation from area trainers. I don't think most of them approve of hunting because they believe its bad for equitation form, and they're afraid their students might get hurt. Meeting with every single one of them within 50 miles is something I would work on if I were in charge of getting a larger turnout. (I'm not, so I don't.)

local BOs that see no trailering $, no training $, no coaching $ are seldom enthusiastic about hunting unless they too enjoy the sport. they know you can't run a barn on board alone, they need shows and hunting is out of their revenue stream. what they are afraid of is that their student may find it too much fun. [to do lessons]

many in combined training hunt in the winter, event in the summer.
several in our hunt

[zagafi]

Membership is $10/month.

We have a Junior Membership coordinator who actively recruits. Even with that we only have about 10 Junior members. But its a start. One of our Master's keeps her horse at her Dad's place that is a reasonably priced boarding stable. She hauls some of the juniors with her. It is important though to get the support of the trainers. Otherwise you won't have much luck

Really? I have a kid in Pony Club and this is the first I've heard of this. Good to know, though.