The Hamilton Hunt/Primer

What to expect ?

Hunting involves riding across natural country, trying to keep up to a pack of foxhounds on the scent of a fox or coyote. The chase rarely ends in catching a fox. If the hounds get too close, the fox simply goes to ground in one of the many fox or groundhog holes in the country. The sheer enjoyment & tradition of the sport, riding through fields and streams, and over or around jumps in some of the most picturesque countryside in Ontario is a very rewarding experience. The pace of a hunt involves walking, trotting, cantering and galloping. There are frequent breaks (or checks) while the huntsman gets the hounds back on a scent.

Hunt Season

Informal hunting begins in early August, three days a week. The purpose is to teach young hounds their job. It is also a good chance for

members to school young horses and introduce them to foxhunting.

Opening meet is the first formal hunt of the year. It is held the third

Sunday of September when the traditional foxhunting attire,

gentlemen in colourful red coats and white breeches, women in black coats, are put on for the first time each season. Hunting is carried on two days a week from opening meet until early December, usually on Wednesdays and Sundays.

Social Functions

The Hamilton Hunt sends a team of riders to compete in the National Hunter Trials. At the end of our hunt season in December, members attend the colourful, fabulous Hamilton Hunt Ball at a local golf club. Boxing day is a special day where members walk, ski, snowshoe or ride on a hound exercise. Throughout the hunt season, almost every weekend has a "hunt breakfast" at the clubhouse or at a member's home. Various non-hunting events are held throughout the winter, spring and summer, including schooling shows, trail rides, Master's or barn dance, puppy show, Hunter Pace and annual barbeque. In the winter and spring there are weekly walk outs from the clubhouse that keep riders and hounds in shape during the non hunting season.