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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 normally around 9.00am after a traditional stirrup cup of warm mulled wine. 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 a BBQ is made available for those wishing to socialize out of the saddle and for any non-riding spectators.
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 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)
