148 SIDELINES MARCH 2014
FOR HORSE PEOPLE • ABOUT HORSE PEOPLE
to shout, “Tally Ho!” Foxes are chased in the eastern part of the
U.S. and coyotes in the Midwest and western part of the U.S.
The first field master follows the huntsman who, with the help
of other staff members called whippers-in or whips, follows
the hounds as they seek the scent line of the fox or coyote.
The first field is also known as first flight because it can
seem like flying when galloping fast to keep up with the hounds.
Most hunts have a second field, which moves along at a slower
pace and doesn’t jump, and some hunts have an even slower
group known as third field. Riding in second or third field is also
known as hill topping and a good place to begin foxhunting. The
second field master can often point out the action and explain
what is happening if they are not too close to the huntsman or
first field. Conversation is not allowed in the first field since it is
a distraction to hounds and the huntsman, who is listening for
the hounds to “open” or begin baying when they find a scent.
An advantage to foxhunting is that horses learn to carry
themselves over uneven terrain at a gallop and to deal with any
The field of riders of Harvard Fox Hounds
returning from an opening hunt.
Photo by Lisa Jewel at artbyjewell.com
