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The highly controversial (normally winter) activity of Fox hunting refers to the recreational form of hunting in which trained dogs pursue Foxes, followed by human hunters who are usually on horses but sometimes on foot.

Popularity
Following the Hunting Act 2004 which banned (amongst other things) fox hunting with dogs in England, Wales and Scotland. Since the ban on fox hunting, hunts follow artificially laid trails,(See Drag hunting 220).

Location
Fox Hunting is very much an activity of the open countryside. Considered by many as an important part of English rural history, important for conservation, and as a method of pest control.

Age
Young children are not encouraged,(although most hunts do have special children's days). There is no lower age limit, if a child or teenager is capable of safely handling a brisk gallop and some cross-country jumping, they will be welcomed.

Ability
To go hunting on horseback, and enjoy a days hunting, a rider needs to be a competent rider, able to jump and gallop across open country in the company of other excited horses. To be a foot follower needs no special abilities.

Description
Fox hunts the hunting itself begins when hounds are put into rough or covered areas called coverts, where foxes often lay up during daylight hours. If the pack manages to pick up the scent of a fox, they will follow it in a chase wherein the dogs pursue the fox and the hunters follow. This often involves some very athletic skill on the part of both horse and rider. The hunt continues until either the fox evades the hounds, goes to ground or is overtaken and usually killed by the hounds.

Potential
To many hunting fully satisfies both their sporting and social requirements, whilst to others it is a necessary qualification to another activity, and to yet others a way of enjoying riding over countryside that would otherwise be inaccessible.

Closely Related Activities
Trail-hounding 210, Drag Hunting 220, Beagles 332, Bassets, Harriers 334 or Terriers, Hunter Trials, Point to Points 237 and many of the countryside field sports.

Cost
Traditional fox hunting costs vary between hunts. Most will allow you to attend for a single day at a cost of around £60. A full annual subscription costs from around £600. The hunting costs do not include the cost of hiring or maintaining and transporting your own horse. (foot followers do not have the horse related costs to incur).

Level of Demand
The table below shows the maximum levels of demand that this activity requires. NOTE: These are not entry levels or levels of requirement and has nothing to do with ability.

Energy

Arms

Legs

Sight

Hearing

Speech

Learning

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