Miami Valley Hunt
Founded 1960 Recognized 1966
What you should know
Don't worry that you can't hunt just because you are unsure of the rules.
Browse the FAQ below to know what to expect in the hunt field, and what is expected of you.
1:The Sport
Am I ready to foxhunt?
Before coming to a hunt make sure you are comfortable with:
* Riding in a group.
* Can you walk, stop. Trot, stop. Canter, stop. STOP is the most important gait!
* Riding over uneven ground
* Can you stay behind the horse(s) in front at all gaits?
Is my horse ready to hunt?
Before coming to a hunt make sure your horse is comfortable with:
* riding in a group in fornt of and behind other horses
* walking and trotting over uneven ground (some fixtures have small stream crossings as well)
* stopping and standing quietly at checks
2:Turnout
What do I wear? What does my horse wear?
Please click the link below for our turnout guidelines.
3:Riding in the field
What are the rules of the field?
Each hunt is different, click the link below to learn more about etiquette while riding.
4:Fixtures
Where do we hunt?
Thornhill: Kennels and home base for MVH, Thornhill offers open fields, rolling hills, creek crossings
and plenty of jumps. The hounds are familiar with the territory and know where to go for likely game.
Taft Reserve: A shared fixture with the Rocky Fork Headley Hunt, Taft doubles as a county park
surrounded by several landowners, creating a 1350 acre fixture.
Frankfort: Settled in between the surrounding hills, the Frankfort fixture provides an excellent
chance to see the hounds working.
State Parks: The beautiful state parks around the Dayton area have been hosting MVH riders and
hounds. Parks include Sycamore, Deer Creek, and Buck Creek State Parks.
Directions for all fixtures can be obtained from the Masters.
Do I have to jump everything/big things/anything at all?
Movies depict foxhunters galloping wildly across country and leaping sky-high fences. Don't worry if you are are not ready for this. We welcome all levels of riders in our three groups of "fields."
Hilltoppers: Hilltoppers ride a distance back from the pack, often on the other side of the field or ridge. This is a great opportunity to view the other fields and hounds working altogether. Hilltoppers mostly walk, though will trot occassionaly.
Second Field: Second field stays close to the action just behind first field, Jumping most jumps but at a little slower pace.
First Field: First field rides right behind the Huntsman, and is the best way to see the hounds working up close. First field walks, trots, and canters as determined by the hounds.
Do I have to hunt in an English saddle?
During informal season (September through the first half of November) western, English, and endurance tack are all welcome.
Once formal season begins it is expected that all riders hunt in english tack.