Fraser Valley Hunt
Ageless Tradition – Recreational Sport
By Sharon Aller, NWHS writer
On a weekend morning, as the mist lifts from the lush fields of the Fraser Valley, there is an air of excitement among a dozen or so avid riders. People of all ages and walks of life, meet and greet with shared enthusiasm and love of horses, nature and good sport. The hunt is on!
Fraser Valley Hunt Club website
There is something about being involved in this ageless pageantry that gives one the sense of transcending time and space to momentarily enter another era. “My first time fox hunting was a total thrill! Everything was quite authentic including the old fellow dressed in red tartan plaid blowing the horn. The braided horses, the riders in formal attire and most of all, the hounds made this an unforgettable experience,” says Shea Carpenter, 3-day eventer, Bellingham, Washington.
Fraser Valley Hunt Club, headquartered in Aldergrove, British Columbia, Canada is not only preserving a tradition from the past, but is taking it into the future as a recreational sport for all ages. “For some it’s the sense of keeping a timeless tradition alive. For others, it may be the enjoyment of the scenery. A kind of freedom is present in hunting…just being with your horse in an open field, in the shadow of the mountains, or riding along the banks of the river is humbling and fills one with an inexpressible feeling of inner completion and happiness…Sometimes when you’re fox hunting, it’s only you and God,” explains Scott Braidwood, 15, student, avid guest rider, Delta, B.C. “For Eventers, it is a great way to keep your horse fit for galloping during the winter, and to teach your horse to manage variable terrain at speed,” according to Gina, a Physician and 3-Day Eventer.
Fraser Valley Hunt was founded in 1968 and was recognized in 1972 by Hunts in North America – the Masters of Foxhound Association of America. The sport of fox hunting as practiced by Fraser Valley Hunt places the emphasis on the chase. The hunts are drag hunts, meaning that the scent of the fox is laid down in a manner to simulate live hunting. The “drag-boy” as he or she is called, takes care to lay the scent honoring the requests of the landowner, preserving the integrity of the farmlands, avoiding disruption to wildlife and ensuring the safety of horse, human and hound.
Membership is open to riders and non-riders of all ages. The average, full privilege membership is just CND$750 per year, with no additional capping fees! Non-member adults pay a $50 cap per hunt and juniors pay less. Individual and family memberships are available encouraging adults and children to join who are prepared to “share the good fellowship that epitomizes our sport”. When asked about the camaraderie that appears evident among participants, FVH guests spoke of “an ambiance during the hunt that radiates a true feeling of acceptance” and “care and consideration of hunt members toward newcomers.” Senior Master Eberhard Stromeyer is frequently quoted as saying “You can’t hide your character out hunting. It always comes out,” and for FVH members, that warmth and acceptance keeps them coming back.
Camaraderie reaches new heights this season as FVH plans a wedding hunt complete with bride, groom, guests and clergy all riding, horn players at check points and small private ceremony following the hunt. Riders not attending the wedding will adjourn to a nearby clubhouse overlooking the Fraser River for breakfast.
The exhilaration of the chase is not reserved to the riders alone. Hunt supporters in cars are encouraged to come and watch the hunts that allow accessible viewing areas. “It’s a joyful experience to watch everyone, hounds, horses, and riders all doing what they love to do!” says Michele Cameron 46, club member. CEO, Revive-A-Back Rehab, Everson, WA.
Formal hunting begins in early November and continues, weather permitting, through April. Throughout the season meets are suitable for “hilltopping” which is ideal for those who wish to ride to hounds in a somewhat slower pace without jumping.
Members and guests are welcome to attend hound exercises during the off-season (July to August). In this way, a leisurely introduction to the sport can be experienced. The club is committed to the nurture and support of riders interested in learning the sport. That is evident from comments by guest participant, Larry Emrick, Wire Editor, Vancouver Sun, Vancouver, B.C. “One of the most memorable riding experiences I ever had was an introductory ride with FVH for those of us who had never hunted. In addition to the excitement of the ride, there were the spectacular views across Fraser Valley toward Mount Baker and the farmlands of Washington State. I ride an aging thoroughbred and our usual outings are pretty serene trail rides, but when the field took off so did Max, despite my intentions to just walk and trot. What a day it was – an exhilarating ride, fine companions, a chance to see some new countryside and a taste of what a real hunt would be like. I would not consider myself much above a novice rider, but with the care and consideration members of the hunt provided for both Max and I, I felt safe and secure and never felt pushed beyond the limits of what was comfortable.”
Gina, club member, physician and 3-day eventer, advises newcomers: “Don’t be in a rush to get out hunting. Do your homework first! If you lack hacking experience, do some of that preferably with a coach or experienced buddy. If your seat’s not too secure, your coach can help. If you or your horse aren’t too fit, get your coach to design a condition program for you. When you’re ready to hunt, choose a suitable entry level. For first-timers, the Hound Exercises or Nervous Novice hunts are usually the best starting place…Only when you and your horse can hilltop confidently should you attempt running with the main field. The more time you invest in preparation, the more safety, soundness and fun you’ll have in the long run (pun intended).”
The popularity of foxhunting continues to grow. Certainly the thrill of galloping over the countryside on a fine horse who meets fences well, combined with the sight of a pack of hounds in full cry is a thrill to all who participate. However, today’s hunters have a special reward, the permission to ride over private and public open spaces the are increasingly at a premium. Because of their commitment to the preservation of the environment and wildlife, and the safety of riders, horses and hounds, it is a sport enjoyed by people from all walks of life and any age. It is recreation that invites families to share a bit of history, adapt it to today’s world and carry it into the future, providing a lifetime of enjoyment for the whole family.
“Hunting with the Fraser Valley Hunt brought new life back into riding for me. I don’t care for the stress and expense of competition, and trail riding was boring me. I enjoy the challenge and thrill of riding in the front, careening along at high speed over hill and dale, watching the hounds go for it. It’s just the most fun ever! Of course, that being said, I’m now in the back on a green horse again helping newcomers gain confidence . Come join us! Your first hunt is free!” Michele Cameron, Fraser Valley Hunt member.
NEW HUNT TERRITORY NEEDED!
Due to the loss of Farmland to housing and commercial development in the FraserValley, the hunt staff is always looking for new territory to add to our meets card. Hosts, landowners and their families are invited to ride “their” hunt and join us for breakfast without charge. Our club carries comprehensive insurance, and we abide by owners wishes as to where scent may be laid, so there is no risk of loss or damage to landowners.
If you own property in the lower mainland of B.C. or in Whatcom County or Northern Washington and would like to find out about hosting a hunt, please contact FVH kennels.
