New Foxhunters

Getting Started

Whether you’re just “foxhunting curious” or already familiar with the basics, the Fort Leavenworth Hunt is a great place for riders to begin their foxhunting adventures. We have activities and opportunities for riders of various ages, levels, and disciplines!

Beginning Your Journey

The best way to get started foxhunting with FLH is by attending our Intro to Foxhunting Lessons. These four lessons provide riders (and their horses) an introduction to the basics of foxhunting, including how to safely ride in large groups at speed and negotiate obstacles. In addition to mounted exercises, each of the sessions includes “classroom time” during which participants learn about foxhunting history, attire, etiquette, and terminology. All lessons take place at our Easton fixture prior to the beginning of our autumn hunting—the “pre-season” during which we train and condition hounds, horses, and humans. In 2023, the lessons will begin on Sunday, September 10th and continue for the following three Sundays (through October 1) from 12:00 to 2:00pm.

Download the Intro to Foxhunting flier.
Download the Intro to Foxhunting brochure.

The Intro to Foxhunting lessons are free, open to all, and fun! Contact MFH Candy Smith for more information.

Suitable Mounts

Hunt horses come in all shapes and sizes. From pony to draft horse, just about any breed can become a suitable field hunter. The most important qualities are a good mind, careful feet, and athletic ability. The Intro to Foxhunting sessions are the ideal place to introduce your horse to the sport, but new riders and horses are welcome any time during the season. FLH does not keep horses to be leased for hunts, but—depending on your needs and skill level—it is often possible to find a member willing to lease a field hunter for a day or even a season. Contact the Honorary Secretary, Jason Hill, to inquire and be connected with members who may be able to help.

Junior Riders

The Fort Leavenworth Hunt loves juniors (riders under 18 years of age) and has a long history of helping them to grow into lifelong enthusiasts. Junior riders are welcome in any field, so long as they are accompanied by a responsible guardian.

Are you a non-riding parent of a Junior Rider? Please read this letter

Fun for All Levels and Disciplines

FLH is pleased to offer four different riding fields, allowing us to accommodate riders of various skill levels in any discipline—including Western riders who would like to give hunting a try before committing to an entire new wardrobe for horse and rider! See below for detailed descriptions of each field.

Walk/Trot Field

The walk/trot field is designed for riders and horses who have experience trail riding but are not comfortable going at speeds above an occasional canter and those who prefer to ride in Western tack. It is led by an experienced FLH staff member and travels behind the huntsman and hounds at a pace that is comfortable for all members of the group. All hunting etiquette applies to riders in the walk/trot field, but any comfortable attire is permitted. A helmet is required. Western saddles are acceptable tack in this field.

Hilltopping Field

The hilltopping field is ideal for riders and horses who have experience trail riding at all speeds but do not want to jump fences and those who prefer to ride in Western tack. It is led by the Hilltop Fieldmaster, who rides at speed cross country, following the huntsman and hounds without jumping fences. The Hilltoppers may jump small natural obstacles (logs or ditches) that cross their path. All hunting etiquette applies to riders in the hilltopping group. Helmets are required, but comfortable attire and Western tack are permitted.

Second Field

The second field is most appropriate for riders and horses who have experience jumping cross country fences at controlled speeds. It is led by a Fieldmaster, who follows the huntsman closely but maintains a controlled pace. Members of this field can expect to travel across open country, on narrow trails, over fences, and in large groups at speeds at up to a hand-gallop. Field members are expected to follow hunting etiquette, wear traditional hunting attire, and ride in English tack.

First Field

Riders and horses who have experience jumping cross country fences at all speeds, or who have foxhunting experience, will be comfortable in the first field. The first field is led by a Fieldmaster, who stays up with the huntsman and leads his or her group across open country, on narrow trails and over fences at various speeds, including a full gallop. Field members are expected to follow hunting etiquette, ride in English tack, and wear appropriate hunting attire.