Foxhunting is all about the thrill of the chase. Riding horseback with a pack of hounds across the open countryside is an exhilarating experience. The hunt may include crossing creeks and streams, jumping logs and other natural obstacles, and navigating through fields, woods, and all kinds of terrain. Best of all, foxhunting is a sport that all ages and levels of riders can enjoy.

Since 1954, the United States Pony Clubs, Inc. has maintained a close relationship with the world of foxhunting. This can be traced to the fact that most of the early Pony Clubs in the United States had direct ties to hunts and hunting people. The four founders of USPC—Dean and Louise Lott Bedford, Alexander Mackay-Smith, and Col. Howard Fair—all were hunting enthusiasts who recognized the importance of encouraging youth in the sport, while at the same time teaching riding and horse management. Hunting and its age-old traditions reflect the essence of Pony Club training: dedication, discipline, patience, perseverance, good manners, and sportsmanship.

The foxhunting community and Pony Club also work together on a shared mission to preserve and protect open land for horses and riding. Land is essential to virtually all horse sports and equestrian activities. Land stewardship and open space preservation have become cornerstones of the Pony Club educational program, and this is a direct and valuable outgrowth of Pony Club’s long history with foxhunting.

Foxhunting Opportunities in Pony Club

USPC Foxhunting Recognition Program
Pony Club is a great introduction to foxhunting, and members can receive recognition for learning about the sport. The Foxhunting Recognition Program celebrates members’ education in basic skills and knowledge to safely participate in the hunt field. This certificate is separated into unmounted and mounted sections. A fox pin is awarded for completing the unmounted requirements, and after passing the mounted section, members earn a certificate and USPC Foxhunting Pin.  Applications can be submitted at any time during the year; click here to learn more.

Live Oak Hounds-USPC Foxhunting Challenge
The Live Oak Hounds-USPC Foxhunting Challenge Award is made possible through the generous support of Mr. and Mrs. C. Martin Wood III, Joint Masters of the Live Oak Hounds in Monticello, Florida, and Past Presidents of the MFHA. The award is designed to encourage Pony Club members who do not regularly hunt to try the sport; to reward those members who do hunt on a regular basis; and act as mentors to the younger and less-experienced Pony Club members. A total of $10,000 is awarded to the top six clubs/centers that qualify, based on the percentage of total members in the club/center. The award period for the challenge runs from April 10 of the previous year to April 9.

The Brookfield Land Conservation Award for USPC
The Brookfield Land Conservation Award was established by Betsy and Jack van Nagell of Lexington, Ky. in honor of their historic Brookfield Farm, which has been placed in conservancy. It rewards efforts to promote land conservation by Pony Club members, clubs, and centers. Applicants may be a club, center, region, or individual. Up to two $500 awards may be given yearly. The deadline for submissions is November 1.

Click here to learn more about the Brookfield Land Conservation Award.

Pony Club International Alliance Foxhunting Exchange
USPC participates with other nations within the Pony Club International Alliance (PCIA) for international exchanges. Pony Club international exchanges offer each participant a cultural experience, with a competitive edge. The PCIA Foxhunting Exchange takes place every three years between Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Members participate in mounted hunt days with an established hunt club in the host country. For more information about upcoming international exchanges and eligibility requirements, visit https://www.ponyclub.org/activities/international-exchanges.

Foxhunting Opportunities for Juniors

MFHA Pack Junior Membership Program
The MFHA offers Pack Junior memberships for anyone under the age of 18. This membership includes decals, a pin, the MFHA newsletter, and eligibility for several awards, including The Margaret Lindsley Warden Award. The Pack Junior Awards Program offers annual cash awards to Pack Junior members for participation in hunt activities involving either horses or hounds.

For more information visit https://mfha.com/pack-junior/.

MFHA Fairly Hunted Award
Awarded by the Masters of Foxhounds Association, this recognition is given each year to any young person who hunts five times, acknowledged by a Master of Foxhounds. Successfully participating in the hunts is the only requirement.

Anyone under 18 who participates in foxhunts is eligible, regardless of whether they are a member of Pony Club. The MFHA Board of Directors presents participants with a pin, certificate, and decal.

For more information and to find a hunt in your area visit mfha.com/fairly-hunted-award.

Junior North American Field Hunter Championships
The Junior North American Field Hunter Championships (JNAFHC) is a program designed to bring Juniors together who enjoy the sport of foxhunting. They get to travel to different participating hunts, learn about different hound packs, and about the importance of land conservation and preservation of habitat, which are fundamental to the future of the sport. For more information visit http://www.jnafhc.com/.

Find out more about the sport of foxhunting at https://mfha.com/.

To learn more about Foxhunting in Pony Club, visit https://www.ponyclub.org/learn/disciplines/foxhunting.