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Brief History -
Typical Hunt -
Who Hunts -
My First Hunt, what do I do -
Brief History
The English pastime of hunting on horseback commenced in Australia in 1811 and after racing (1810) is the oldest organised equestrian activity in Australia. The original hunt left from what is now Rushcutters Bay and hunted towards "the wilds of Bondi". AB (Banjo) Paterson was an active participant as well as other distinguished Australians.
In recognition the Sydney Hunt has been invited to participate in many parades and events including various Australia Day celebrations as well as riding through the streets of Sydney’s CBD to promote the relocation of the Royal Easter Show from Moore Park to its current Homebush (Liberty Plains) premises in 1998. The club also participated in the inaugural Royal Easter Show at Homebush by invitation from the RAS. Currently we hunt Sundays and selected Wednesdays during the season May – October as guests of selected property owners in an area between Goulburn heading north and Windsor heading south.
Our hounds and assets are owned by the club, not any individual, and business is conducted by a committee elected annually at our AGM. That committee meets monthly and is open to all members.
Typical Hunt
The hunt shall be ready to move off after a traditional stirrup cup of warm mulled wine, the morning departure time is dependant on the particular property but as indicated in the program. The hound pack with Huntsman shall move off followed by the Whips then the rest of the field. Cross country riding is the norm with going dependant on the property; all jumps are over panelled fences of varying height but are not compulsory as there is always a gate or other way of access available.
Depending on conditions the hunt can last 4 hours or so with stops but riders can retire earlier provided certain protocols are followed for the safety of horse and rider. Upon completion of the Hunt and seeing to of horses we suggest you bring something for lunch (for yourself as well as your horse) so you can socialise with other riders and non-riders and of course relate tales of your days adventure.
The Sydney Hunt is available to those wishing to become full members or take up a casual 1 day membership. There is always an experienced Sydney Hunt rider available to escort new members should they be unsure as well as a member bringing up the tale of the field to watch out for stragglers. Sydney Hunt Red Coats are easily identifiable should any problems or questions arise.
" There is a passion for hunting, something deeply implanted in the human breast."
Charles Dickens - Oliver Twist
Who Hunts?
Whilst the field is dressed in regulation white stocks, safety caps, white jodhpurs, high shiny black boots and fitted jackets it may appear like an aristocratic old English hunt but you will find these trappings are more of a club than a privilege. Our membership consists of nurses, salesmen, housewives, businessmen, publicans, solicitors, bar staff, truck drivers and more so the conversations are never boring. Our riders bring with them their families both young members and old, riders or not. Junior riders are always welcomed and encouraged. As well many an overseas or interstate hunter has ridden to hounds with the SHC.
Whilst some horses are more suited than others all types are used as long as they are fit & sound. Safety for both horse, rider and our other members / spectators are our main concern.
" It isn't mere convention. Everyone can see that the people who hunt are the right people and the people who don't are the wrong ones."
George Bernard Shaw (1920)
My First Hunt - What do I do?
The Sydney Hunt Club wants to promote not only itself but riding to hounds as an alternative or additional equestrian sport to the more current forms of riding. To do that the club is mindful of the concerns of 1st time hunters and will welcome and encourage any person wanting to give it a try.
If you are thinking of trying hunting please feel free to contact any of the committee members to answer any questions you have or obtain directions to the hunt you wish to attend.
At the hunt please make yourself known to the committee so that they can help you in any way possible. Do not worry about having to jump fences or obstacles if you are unsure as there is always a gate or way around on the ground and a member is always happy to stay with you to explain anything or help if you need..
If this is your first time then you should wear neat and tidy appropriate clothing* but we do insist on you wearing an Australia Approved Safety Helmet for obvious reasons. Your horse is expected to also be clean and tidy as well as fit with tack well maintained and clean. If or when you then decide to hunt regularly or join the club, traditional hunting attire (as outlined on this website) will be mandatory and shall be explained to you.
Don't expect to see the field jumping large stone fences or ditches etc. that is only portrayed when seeing film of English Hunting so it is nowhere near as scary as some people think or imagine. It is just a chance to Ride to Hounds, experience something different but something that has been done for hundreds of years, so is full of history and tradition.
If you have any questions or concerns please contact a committee member and let them put your mind at rest for what is a fun day out for you and your horse and a great talking point with your friends.
We look forward to welcoming you to our family, our club and our sport!
* Jodpurs preferred or riding pants
Collared shirt (with tie for men)
Riding boots
Jacket or jumper if cold but of solid colour
It is suggested you read the other sections of this website so that you understand the prerequisites of hunting safely and comfortably.
" With the wind in my face and the scent on the ground, by God it is good to go hunting again. So with the hounds in front let's be off and waste not a second..."
Anonymous
