Junior Hunts
Bull Run Hunt will be hosting three Junior Meets on Saturday October 29, Thursday December 29, and Saturday March 3. We would love for any Junior interested in foxhunting to attend. We ask that Juniors arrive and are mounted at least 30 min before the start of the hunt. Following the meet we will have a breakfast for all.
If you are interested in attending please fill out this RSVP form (Click Here).
There is no cost for Juniors to hunt on this day. Any donations will be given to the BRH Hound Fund to support the hounds. Adults wishing to ride with their juniors will be charged a half price, $50, capping fee (must ride in the same flight). No hunt affiliation is needed. ALL horses MUST have a negative Coggins test. ALL riders must have a signed Liability Release waiver, Juniors must have it signed by a parent or guardian. Please make sure to read about the 3 flights available for riders to go in.
Cartoppers may follow along as well for free (please RSVP) but we suggest 4-wheel drive.
Bull Run is a unique hunt in that we run three flights. First flight goes quickly and jumps (up to 3'6"), Second flight goes quickly and occasionally has to jump up to 2', Third flight is walk/trot and rarely a canter over short distances (depends on riders in field). We really feel we are a great hunt for juniors to "try out" foxhunting.
For ALL flights riders and mounts MUST be able to do the following:
- Stay calm and in control in a large group of horses (over 20)
- Stay calm and in control when asked to stand still while other horses gallop past
- Stay calm and in control when surrounded by up to 50 hounds
- Be able to calmly and capably walk through a stream or river, across a bridge, across railroad tracks, and along the side of a road when there are cars passing
- Be able to navigate steep terrain, muddy terrain, ditches, going through brush, and sharp turns at speed
Advice for first time foxhunters:
- Riders that have never foxhunted or are very inexperienced with hunting should NOT ride horses or ponies that have never hunted. Even if you horse or pony is great on trail you should not hunt it until you have been out a few times on an experienced mount. THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT! Riders or Mounts that are deemed incapable of handling the pace and terrain of foxhunting may be asked to leave the field by the Field Master. If you are interested in leasing a hunt pony or horse for the day please contact BRH and we can guide you to some wonderful, safe mounts.
- Tack should be strong and well fitted. Foxhunting requires all three flights to navigate challenging terrain at all different speeds. Your saddle and bridle must fit well and have the appropriate equipment to stay in place. Breastplates are encouraged for horses and ponies. Cruppers are encouraged for round bodied horses or ponies that have trouble keeping their saddles back.
- Foxhunting is NOT a trailride! The course of the day is determined by the foxes and hounds. The humans do not control the pace nor the direction. Riders should be prepared for tough terrain and moving at speed over less then ideal footing (including Third flight).
- Juniors that are nervous should have a competent adult ride with them as a chaperone to help both them and their mount. If needed, please contact BRH and we can help you find a member willing to hunt next to your junior.
- Foxhunting is FUN! We want Juniors to have the best experience possible so please don't hesitate to contact us with ANY questions :)
We had a GREAT time at our Junior Hunts last year! Juniors are encouraged to dress comfortably and warm in boots, breeches and a dark conservative top (hunter show clothes perfectly acceptable and ski/rain coats if bad weather).
The fixture for the March 3rd hunt will be updated soon. You can get directions using the map below and clicking on the red icon or by going to the Fixture page.
View Bull Run Fixtures in a larger map