NEBRASKAland Magazine is dedicated to outstanding photography and informative writing with an engaging mix of articles and photos highlighting Nebraska’s outdoor activities, parklands, wildlife, history and people.
Issue link: http://mag.outdoornebraska.gov/i/725550
OCTOBER 2016 • NEBRASKAland 53 this part of the world. Though coyotes can be hunted year- round in both Nebraska and Iowa, NHH coincides its hunting season with that of the United Kingdom to keep with tradition: October through March. This is also advantageous for several reasons in the Midwest. During this time of year, the crops have been taken out and the ground is typically frozen, making landowners more apt to allow riders on their property. Furthermore, the cooler weather is much more suitable for the horses and hounds to work. Foxhunting may be perceived by some as unethical or unfair. (For all intents and purposes, I will continue to refer to the sport as foxhunting.) In truth, it is nothing for a healthy coyote or fox to outrun and outsmart a pack of hounds. And though fox hunters do celebrate a successful kill, it is an uncommon occurrence, and often the old, sick or dying fall into this trap. Several hunts may span between actual kills. Rather, the thrill of the chase is what keeps the heart racing. To be able to watch the huntsman's skill, to appreciate a well-bred pack of hounds doing what they were born to do, to chase a worthy and respectable opponent, and to be able to witness it all from a good horse – pure muscle and power underneath you – is what brings hunters back year after year. T he Safe Rider Program runs every August and September, and it is open to everyone. It's a great opportunity for riders to meet the club and learn about foxhunting. The idea came to me once I knew I would be taking over as huntsman for North Hills Hunt. In the past, I noticed that many riders, myself included, would show up out-of- shape physically and mentally at the beginning of each season. Often, our horses were out-of- shape as well after having spent all summer out in pasture. The Safe Rider Program is offered at no cost and takes place at different riding facilities in the Omaha and Des Moines areas. At the beginning of each session, we usually spend about 30 minutes going over safe riding tips and information about foxhunting. After, we ride in groups, and riders are free to work on areas they feel they need the most improvement. This may include riding different terrain, schooling over various types of jumps, practicing water crossings and more. For prospective members, the Safe Rider Program is also a great opportunity for horse and rider to adjust to riding outside of the ring and with a big group. We always finish with dinner and old-time foxhunting stories. We meet a few times in August and when September arrives, we kick up the program until the season opens in October. Session dates and times vary from year to year. For more information on the 2017 Safe Rider Program, contact David Kruger, davidkruger@hotmail. com. Safe Rider Program By David Kruger, NHH Huntsman Coops are placed over wire fencing to allow horses and hounds quick, safe passage between different properties to keep up with game. New member Jennifer Mlocek of Madrid, Iowa, and her horse, Noor, jump over a coop in Cumberland, Iowa. PHOTO BY RICK WHEATLEY PHOTO BY RICK WHEATLEY