The tradition of foxhunting has been around in this country since the middle of the 17th century, with such distinguished practitioners as Thomas Jefferson and George Washington keeping packs of foxhounds before and after the Revolutionary War. The tradition has continued down through the years here in Central Virginia, led by a number of very active area hunt clubs.
Located in Albemarle County, a mere six miles outside of the city of Charlottesville, Keswick has a great foxhunting infrastructure and a lot of room to hunt on horseback. The Keswick Hunt Club is close to nearby Albemarle County horse farms Belcourt and Bridlespur and across the street from Keswick Hall. The Keswick Hunt Club works to promote and encourage foxhunting in the community by leading organized hunts from November through March, and it has been since it was founded, back in 1889. The Club, like most, breeds and raises its own pack of foxhounds, which can be seen going on regular walks with the Hunt Master (more so as hunting season approaches). It also engages with the community through charitable actions.
The Farmington Hunt Club is close to Free Union in the northwestern part of Albemarle County. The club and its kennels have been around since 1929; before this, they were the Albemarle Hunt Club. The Albemarle Hunt Club disbanded during the First World War, but area interest in fox hunting continued and members old and new started up FHC. The location, with its picturesque Blue Ridge backdrop and rolling, varied terrain is a very ideal setting. Imagine galloping through the fields flanked by a pack of hounds, breathing in crisp mountain air. The Club used to gather for private events at the Farmington Country Club (they built a show ring there in the 30s), and after moving through a few locations on Garth Road, they settled on their current location. Like most other hunt clubs, many of their events are private, but they do have a fall horse show on October 24 of this year, at Barracks. Their Field Hunter Championships are the week of October 5th.
Out between the cities of Charlottesville and Lynchburg, in Nelson County is the Oak Ridge Hunt Club, whose existence dates back to 1887 (in Lynchburg). It’s been back up and running since 1993, although many informal hunts and gatherings had occurred in between periods of perceived inactivity. The club’s current membership is around 75, half of whom are regular hunters. The expansive territory spans Nelson and Buckingham Counties and is very diverse, with everything from rolling fields to deep ravines to river branches and little feeder creeks, a result of the James River which runs through the middle of the landscape. The Oak Ridge Estate is a sprawling 5000 acres, which is optimal for more than just foxhunting; steeplechases, harness racing and some big game hunting are all well-suited to this land. Hunt events are also held at Cherry Hill Farm.
Further north of Charlottesville is the Bull Run Hunt Club, located across the counties of Culpeper, Madison, Orange, and Spotsylvania. This club also offers truly varied terrain, with both rolling countryside and mountain routes. It was established in 1911 and formally recognized by the Masters of Fox Hunting Association in 1954. The Theodora A. Randolph Field Hunter Championship is held at the Glenwood Park Race Course in Middleburg, VA. Judges design a hunter course for the finalists that tests a horse’s disposition and hunting instincts.
As you can see, central Virginia’s expansive, pastoral landscape makes it a great place for the distinguished hobby of foxhunting. The Blue Ridge, with its rolling hills and idyllic mountainous vistas is a great setting for this sport, and there are various pockets of foxhunters with which to engage in the area. However, many of these clubs restrict events to members or guests of members. But if you’re new to the area and looking for a good club to join, check out some of the links above and get in contact!
