(Very) Brief History of Hunting:   Hunting was always a way to exist and survive, for food and clothing.   It is recorded that 8th century French Staghounds were introduced into England after the Normandy Invasion in 1066.   Many Kings and Queens in the past have enjoyed hunting and it was they that owned the Royal Preserves, where it was solely deer that was hunted, with sight hounds.   Anyone found trespassing or poaching was severely punished.   It was, apparently, the 5th Duke of Beaufort who started foxhunting; on the way home after a futile day of hunting deer way back in 1762, hounds found and chased a fox.   They had such a grand hunt that fox was all the Duke would hunt thereafter!   Hunting in America began when settlers brought hounds over from Europe and the rest, they say, is history!

What is Foxhunting?:   It is the pursuit of wild fox with hounds.   The hounds possess an acute sense of smell that enables them to follow the trail or scent left behind.   It is a competition between fox and hounds with the advantage clearly in the fox's favor; the fox dictates the day's hunting and it depends on how long he stays a foot and above ground as once he's gone to ground that is the conclusion of the chase on that particular fox.   The fox and hounds have enjoyed a close relationship throughout time.   Over the years the foxhound has been bred to improve his ability to pursue foxes.   Foxhunting is also a demonstration of the skill and art of the Huntsman as he works for and with the hounds and they with him.   The Huntsman's teamwork with the Whippers-In and Masters contributes to the success of the day.   A Huntsman is the central figure on a hunting day and his knowledge and skill is essential in the successful partnership with the hounds.   The Whipper-In is the Huntsman's assistant and provides the Huntsman with another set of ears and eyes as well as keeping all the hounds safe and with the huntsman during the day's hunting.   Basically, the Huntsman hunts the hounds with the assistance of the Whipper-In.   The Masters lead the Fields, jumping and galloping as fast as is necessary in an effort to keep the Field in a position so as not to interfere with the line of the fox, the hounds nor the Huntsman, but where they are able to watch and listen to the hounds.