Local Hunts Prep for the Upcoming Season

Written by Sarah Hickner | Photos by Joanne Maisano

The temperatures may still be sweltering, but across Virginia’s horse and Hunt Country, eyes are on the calendar. Labor Day weekend ushers in the beginning of the fall meet for many foxhunts in the area, with the hunt season spanning from fall to spring. 

There are multiple facets to preparing, and it takes a team — the hounds, horses, and humans all have work to do. Foxhunting is a sport of tradition where riders follow hounds across miles of territory hoping to chase a fox until it “goes to ground,” or in other words, dives safely into its den. The thrill is in the adrenaline of the chase, spending time with friends, and enjoying the outdoors.

Preparing the Hounds

Foxhunting hounds are bred and trained to work as a pack and respond to voice commands and the sound of a horn.

Jordan Hicks, the huntsman for Piedmont Fox Hounds, shares, “This time of year is just getting your young hounds out to see things and getting the older hounds back into shape.” Starting in July, he takes them out with horses three days a week and then the hunt does staff-only excursions for most of August to start the young hounds’ training. On non-horse days, he walks them out to ensure they get exercise.

“This time of year is just getting your young hounds out to see things and getting the older hounds back into shape.” – Hicks 

Preparing the Horses

Priming the horses for a successful and injury-free season is essential.

Kaitlyn Kubiak, barn manager and whipper-in with Piedmont Fox Hounds, described a process that might surprise those unfamiliar with the sport. Rather than preparing for the hills and dales by galloping in the offseason, she starts with something more straightforward: walking. She explains, “If your horse has had a long summer break, I would start slowly by walking for 20 to 30 minutes on fairly flat ground. Then increase time and steepness as your horse’s fitness increases. Each horse is different, but walking hills is one of the most beneficial things you can do.”

Katrina Bills, honorary secretary and leader of Snickersville Hounds’ third field, agrees, adding, “Walk alone and in groups of all sizes. Virginia state parks like Sweet Run in Hillsboro or Sky Meadows in Paris provide excellent hills to build muscle and stamina.” 

“We never stop prepping,” says Heather Heider, a local trainer who rides with multiple hunts, always bringing a bevy of students with her. “Horses get flatwork and gymnastics all summer. [We do] group trail rides and cross-country schooling.” She emphasizes the value of clinics to help educate riders or horses who are new to the sport.

It’s important for your horse to have a good baseline of fitness going into hunting season, but Kubiak also notes, “If your horse is too fit, it can make for an unpleasant morning.” Autumn hunting is for the young hounds to learn their job, and it naturally moves at a slower pace. As the season progresses, regular hunting will build the animals’ fitness.

Preparing the Hunter

While foxhunters focus on conditioning their hounds and horses for the season, they also have to take care of themselves. From lifting weights to jogging to swimming — a great exercise for riders with old injuries — having strong cardio and muscles helps in the saddle.

“We never stop prepping.” – Heider

Speaking of saddles, foxhunting utilizes specific gear and clothing, which can change depending on your role in the hunt. The offseason is a good time to deep clean tack, address needed repairs, or acquire new equipment. Hunts usually meet twice a week during the season, which leaves little time to have repairs or replacements made.

Of the offseason, Snickersville Master of Foxhounds and Huntsman Eva Smithwick summarizes:  

The Hunt Season may end in March, but work continues through the summer to ensure hounds, horses, and people are well prepared for the next season. Hounds are walked out for exercise and training; GPS collars are cleaned, tagged, and upgraded. Trails are cleared, paths bushhogged, and jumps repaired. Walk & Talk Rides are held weekly as a way to educate green horses and riders, prep staff horses, and maintain a general level of fitness for all. We add a second group to the rides at the end of summer offering a faster pace and jumping.

Our goal is to provide good sport with an emphasis on fun and safety. Juniors ride free with us as long as they come with a mounted adult chaperone. Our staff at Snickersville is all volunteer, which is a testament to their passion for the sport and desire to promote the future of foxhunting by providing a welcoming environment for all interested and prepared riders. ML

Published in the August 2025 issue of Middleburg Life.