... "Did you know that virtually every acre of the Piedmont is designated as "territory" of one of several fox hunting clubs in the region? Old Dominion Hounds is one of those fox hunting clubs. What is a Fox Hunting club?
The modern day "Fox Hunting" clubs are somewhat mis-named. A more fitting description would be "Fox Chasing" because for modern day hunters, the sport is in the "chase," as the fox is much too wily to be caught by the hounds. Most often, we see the fox far ahead of the hounds - sitting on a hill or far away - watching the hounds running in circles searching for their scent, which the fox has managed to hide. It is a beautiful thing to see the fox so keenly aware of his environment and the enjoyment he takes from teasing the hounds! In reality, fox chasing is an excuse to gather as friends, ride across this beautiful countryside on horseback and enjoy the wondrous gifts of nature.
Fox hunting has been practiced here since colonial times. In fact, Lord Fairfax was an avid fox hunter who owned a great deal of what is now considered the Piedmont region. While living full time in what we now know as the Tidewater area, Lord Fairfax built a "hunt box" for himself and his friends near the village of Hume in Fauquier County. Even before that, the very earliest colonialists brought the European fox to this continent as there were no foxes here at the time.
Our fox hounds are in integral part of our hunt. They live at our kennels near Orlean. Our hounds chase the fox scent, and once found, give "voice" (thrilling sound/howl) and the chase begins. "Where the fox goes, so follow the hounds and the field of riders." If you have not given the hunt permission to hunt your land, the members of the hunt will not enter your property even if the fox has led the hounds there. By Virginia law, the hunt's staff (the huntsman, who controls the hounds and his staff- usually 2 mounted riders called whips) have the right to retrieve the hounds.
The Old Dominion Hounds works with landowners to maintain the territory by means of keeping horseback riding trails open, building jumps and installing new or replacing old gates as needed. We also assist new landowners by answering farming questions, recommending local service providers, and making introductions around the community through our many Social Events. Of course, we also WELCOME and ENCOURAGE you to join Old Dominion Hounds and go riding to hounds with us! ODH also has a Social Subscriber membership so non-riders can enjoy the fun and get to know your neighbors. Our club draws members from across all generations and is an integral part of our local community. Our members range from wee tots to those in their 90's! We also endorse the conservation of our beautiful countryside for future generations to enjoy."
"We hope, like most of your neighbors, you will enjoy the tradition, pageantry and comradery of our hunt- the Old Dominion Hounds."
On behalf of our ODH Hunt Masters,
Matt Neiswanger
The modern day "Fox Hunting" clubs are somewhat mis-named. A more fitting description would be "Fox Chasing" because for modern day hunters, the sport is in the "chase," as the fox is much too wily to be caught by the hounds. Most often, we see the fox far ahead of the hounds - sitting on a hill or far away - watching the hounds running in circles searching for their scent, which the fox has managed to hide. It is a beautiful thing to see the fox so keenly aware of his environment and the enjoyment he takes from teasing the hounds! In reality, fox chasing is an excuse to gather as friends, ride across this beautiful countryside on horseback and enjoy the wondrous gifts of nature.
Fox hunting has been practiced here since colonial times. In fact, Lord Fairfax was an avid fox hunter who owned a great deal of what is now considered the Piedmont region. While living full time in what we now know as the Tidewater area, Lord Fairfax built a "hunt box" for himself and his friends near the village of Hume in Fauquier County. Even before that, the very earliest colonialists brought the European fox to this continent as there were no foxes here at the time.
Our fox hounds are in integral part of our hunt. They live at our kennels near Orlean. Our hounds chase the fox scent, and once found, give "voice" (thrilling sound/howl) and the chase begins. "Where the fox goes, so follow the hounds and the field of riders." If you have not given the hunt permission to hunt your land, the members of the hunt will not enter your property even if the fox has led the hounds there. By Virginia law, the hunt's staff (the huntsman, who controls the hounds and his staff- usually 2 mounted riders called whips) have the right to retrieve the hounds.
The Old Dominion Hounds works with landowners to maintain the territory by means of keeping horseback riding trails open, building jumps and installing new or replacing old gates as needed. We also assist new landowners by answering farming questions, recommending local service providers, and making introductions around the community through our many Social Events. Of course, we also WELCOME and ENCOURAGE you to join Old Dominion Hounds and go riding to hounds with us! ODH also has a Social Subscriber membership so non-riders can enjoy the fun and get to know your neighbors. Our club draws members from across all generations and is an integral part of our local community. Our members range from wee tots to those in their 90's! We also endorse the conservation of our beautiful countryside for future generations to enjoy."
"We hope, like most of your neighbors, you will enjoy the tradition, pageantry and comradery of our hunt- the Old Dominion Hounds."
On behalf of our ODH Hunt Masters,
Matt Neiswanger
