New Foxhunters

The Fort Leavenworth Hunt is an ideal club with whom to begin foxhunting adventures. We have activities and fun for riders of all ages, levels, and disciplines!

Beginning Your Journey

The best introduction to foxhunting is to join us at 8 Easy Lessons. The purpose of 8 Easy Lessons is to provide riders (and their horses) an introduction to foxhunting. Participants receive instruction in skills that are specific to foxhunting as they practice riding in groups and over obstacles. Included in the sessions is a classroom lesson, where participants learn foxhunting history, attire, etiquette, and proper terms. The last lessons culminate in Informal Fall Hunting, which are the first training and conditioning hunts for hounds and horses to start the season.

8 Easy Lessons is free, open to all, and fun! It takes place in the weeks before the start of the hunting season - typically beginning in late August. Contact us for more information and specific dates!

Before you visit, please contact our Honorary Secretary, and review the and complete the documents linked in the "Ride with Us!" page.

Suitable Mounts

Whether a pony or a draft horse, just about any breed of horse can become a suitable field hunter. The qualities prized most are a good mind, careful feet, and athletic ability. 8 Easy Lessons (described above) is the ideal time to introduce your horse to the sport, but new riders and horses are welcome any time. The Fort Leavenworth Hunt does not keep horses to be leased for hunts, but there are some members who may be willing to lease a field hunter for the day, or even the entire season. Contact the Honorary Secretary, Jason Hill, to inquire.

Fun For All Levels and Disciplines

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: The Walk/Trot Field is designed for these types of riders and horses. It is led by an experienced member of FLH staff, 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. They are permitted to dress comfortably, so long as they wear a helmet. Please note that western saddles are acceptable tack in the Walk/Trot Field.

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: The Hilltopping Field is for these types of riders and horses. 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 and ditches) that cross their path. All hunting etiquette applies to riders in the Hilltopping group. They are permitted to dress comfortably, so long as they wear a helmet. Please note that western saddles are acceptable tack in the Hilltopping Field.

Riders and horses who have experience jumping cross country fences at controlled speeds: The Second Field is most appropriate for these levels of riders and horses. It is led by a Fieldmaster, who follows the huntsman and travels at a more controlled pace, unlike the fast speeds of the First Field. Members of the Second 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 in the Second Field are expected to follow hunting etiquette, and wear appropriate hunting attire.

Riders and horses who have experience jumping cross country fences at all speeds, or who have foxhunting experience: The First Field is led by a Fieldmaster, who stays with the huntsman and leads his or her Field across open country, on narrow trails, over fences, and in large groups at various speeds (including a full gallop). Field members in the First Field are expected to follow hunting etiquette, and wear appropriate hunting attire.

Junior Riders

The Fort Leavenworth Hunt loves Juniors (those 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

Interested in learning more about the sport of foxhunting around the world? Check out the Masters of the Foxhounds Association