Hounds
By Jenny Nguyen
called "the field," were dressed similarly, either in red or
black coats, some decorated with special buttons and collars,
depending on rank and gender.
The field moved to the side to give the huntsman and the
hounds the right of way. Carine gave me a quick pep talk
before leaving me to her working student, who would be
my guide for the duration of the hunt. Because it was my
first hunt, I would ride with the gate group – a slower-paced
group that requires no jumping. Carine, as field master, led
first flight, the fastest-moving group that would follow the
huntsman's and hounds' every move, and jump over any
fences – called coops – as necessary.
And with just two quick notes from his horn, huntsman
and hounds moved off, signaling the beginning of the day's
hunt. The field followed quietly behind at a respectful
distance. It was a scene from a different decade – a
different age. Whatever happened in the next three hours, it
was going to be unlike anything I've ever experienced in my
life.
Better than Bleachers
Most people don't realize that foxhunting is a spectator
sport. Only one person does any hunting, and that's the
huntsman and the hounds. Aside from the staff, a few
specially appointed members who ride under the direction of
the huntsman, the field's job is to basically watch the hounds
work, and to stay out of their way as much as possible. It's
like watching your favorite sport, but you're following the
players on horseback. But, it's a lot more than that –
foxhunting is not a leisurely trail ride. It is not a walk in the
park. Foxhunting, in the best way that I can describe it, is
heart-pounding, "Oh my, God – I'm going to die" controlled
chaos, punctuated by breathtaking views of countryside,
excellent camaraderie, awesome parties, and at the end
of a long morning, truly learning the value of a brave and
dependable horse. And after a time, when you
finally get over the possibility of dying as
you're flying at 40 miles per hour across
PHOTO
BY
RICK
WHEATLEY
OCTOBER 2016 • NEBRASKAland 51
