![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.chronofhorse.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/1-Hunting-LISA-DIJKARND.NL-PHOTO-700x467.jpg\")
The DIY Hunting Abroad Experience<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Before you picture yourself thundering across a field of frostbitten four-leaf clovers, let\u2019s rewind to the elemental first step: finding a hunt.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019ve got international hunting connections, great\u2014maybe they can point you in the right direction. If not, don\u2019t despair. The internet is a treasure trove for aspiring globe-trotting foxhunters. Start with \u201cBaily\u2019s Hunting Directory\u201d (the \u201cred-backed bible of hunting\u201d since 1897), browse social media for hunts of interest, and reach out to hunt secretaries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Some hunts are famously welcoming, rolling out the red carpet for guests with special events and hearty hospitality. Others are more exclusive, or even exclusionary\u2014you might fork over your capping fee only to be left for dead in a mud puddle when your hireling decides to bugger off. Still other hunts are so discreet you might never even know they exist.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Virginia-based foxhunting couple Rosemarie (\u201cRosie\u201d) and Grosvenor Merle-Smith began riding to hounds in 1983 and never looked back, spending decades pursuing the sport throughout the U.S. and beyond. Together, they\u2019ve traveled the globe from England, Ireland and France to Mongolia and Australia, fueled by a wanderlust and a passion for the chase. For all its romance, Rosie is quick to point out that huntingabroad, particularly if you\u2019re planning the trip yourself, requires preparation\u2014and a bit of grit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Depending on where you go, hunting is not for the faint of heart\u2014or the less-than-sticky seat. \u201cYou better be a darn good rider in England and Ireland,\u201d she said. \u201cThe horses are strong. It\u2019s run-and-jump. If you love being in a mini steeplechase, great, but that also raises your risk of getting hurt. Be honest with your riding skills because it\u2019s going to be longer and harder than you think.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n Every hunt has its own personality, quirks and speed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cIt\u2019s like here: You have packs that are basically a social trail ride, and everyone loves it. Then there are packs where you\u2019re flying through the woods, and it\u2019s dangerous. You have to know what kind of rider you are and decide what you want,\u201d Rosie said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Hunting abroad is as much about adapting to the differences as it is about enjoying the similarities. Learn and be<\/p>\n\n\n\n respectful of traditions. Know insurance requirements. Do some extra push-ups before you go. Make a contingency plan for if things go sideways. The very best thing you can do, Rosie said, is observe\u2014perhaps even following the hunt in a vehicle in advance to scope out the terrain, pace and culture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Rosie is candid about the things they don\u2019t <\/em>tell you in lawyer\u2019s office paintings. Like how hunt saboteurs in England might show up by the jeepful to, as she puts it, \u201cmake your day unpleasant.\u201d The glare you\u2019re liable to receive if you accidentally flub some etiquette. Or the misery of sopping wet leather boots when you should have worn rubber. And it\u2019s true that hunting abroad comes with costs; capping fees, hirelings and other expenses add up quickly, in addition to the usual travel costs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n But for those willing to do the work, the payoff is an adventure you\u2019ll never forget. You can\u2019t expect to grasp the nuances of another country\u2019s hunting traditions in a single weekend, but if you do your homework, find the right fit, and set realistic expectations, you\u2019ll have an experience that\u2019s absolutely worth it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Concierge Hunting Abroad Experience<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n If the thought of coordinating it all yourself has you clutching your stock tie in panic, a concierge hunting experience might be your saving grace. Enter Adrienne Rubin, founder of Equescapes Equestrian Adventures, who makes foxhunting holidays in Ireland, England, France and South Africa feel effortless. Her company takes care of the logistics, so you can focus on enjoying the ride.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWe start with figuring out where people want to go,\u201d Rubin said. \u201cEven if they\u2019re just saying, \u2018I want to foxhunt in Ireland,\u2019 or, \u2018I\u2019ve always wanted to hunt in France,\u2019 we help them identify the best options for their riding level and timeline.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n To Rosie\u2019s earlier point\u2014that discovering you\u2019re in over your head can be a day- or even trip-ruiner\u2014Rubin\u2019s expertise is invaluable. Her team knows the personality of every hunt they recommend, having experienced them firsthand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWe try to steer people toward hunts that will suit their riding level,\u201d Rubin explained. \u201cFor example, the hunt we work with in South Africa has options specifically tailored to newer riders. It\u2019s a much slower hunt compared to some that are known for being really hard, fast rides. Making sure people are riding at an appropriate level for the activity they want to do, and setting them up with the right horses and a guide who can cater to that level, is key.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n A critical aspect of Rubin\u2019s service is preparing clients for the cultural and ethical nuances of their chosen destination. Foxes aren\u2019t the only quarry; depending on where you are, you might find yourself hunting stag, wild boar, hare, or even nothing at all.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cIt\u2019s important to know whether the hunt is a live hunt or a drag hunt,\u201d Rubin said. In France, nearly every hunt is live, and they\u2019ll go until<\/p>\n\n\n\n they get something. England\u2019s trail hunting, on the other hand, is more manufactured. Ireland is a mix of both. \u201cSo if you\u2019re very anti-killing animals in any way, shape or form, then going somewhere that\u2019s doing a live hunt is not going to be for you,\u201d she said. \u201cAnd if you are a big hunter, you probably aren\u2019t going to fully enjoy a drag hunt.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Traditions and etiquette also play a starring role, and they vary widely by region. \u201cThere are some things they all have in common, like basic riding etiquette,\u201d Rubin said, \u201cbut different hunts have funny little traditions.\u201d In France, for instance, you can\u2019t mount or dismount until the master does, and in South Africa, no one dares remove their coat until the master sheds theirs first.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Speaking of attire, know before you go. \u201cYou don\u2019t want to show up with a borrowed coat that has colors or buttons you haven\u2019t earned,\u201d Rubin warned. \u201cSome hunts won\u2019t even let you wear your own colors.\u201d Honoring these customs, Rubin emphasizes, is part of the experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Rubin\u2019s itineraries include more than just booking a day of hunting. \u201cWe often recommend spending a few days getting to know the horse you\u2019ll be riding. That gives clients time to get comfortable with their mount and the hosts, which really sets them up for a better experience on the hunt day,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The experience of riding an unfamiliar horse can surprise even seasoned riders.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cA lot of people are very advanced riders on their horse at home under the supervision of their trainer, but riding somewhere else on an unfamiliar horse can be really tricky,\u201d Rubin said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Getting to know your horse isn\u2019t just a nicety; it\u2019s a safeguard.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWe encourage people to keep an open mind,\u201d she said. \u201cIf your host says you shouldn\u2019t be riding in the first field or jumping, you need to trust their judgment.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cIf your host says you shouldn\u2019t be riding in the first field or jumping, you need to trust their judgment.\u201d<\/p>Adrienne Rubin<\/cite><\/blockquote><\/figure>\n\n\n\n Hunts often take place in rural pockets of the world, adding to the charm but requiring careful planning. Rubin suggests building in extra time to acclimate and explore. \u201cSpend enough time there that you feel prepared for the hunt\u2014being able to ride those horses ahead of time, getting to know your hosts, understanding the local hunt traditions and etiquette and history\u2014but at the same time giving yourself enough time to do some other things,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n And, since most hunting trips leave riders with plenty of free time, there\u2019s room to embrace the local flavor\u2014whether that means indulging your inner history buff, exploring the countryside, or asking for directions to the nearest pub.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Tradition And Thinking \u2018Outside The Fox\u2019 <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Hunting on horseback has always been about more than just the ride. It\u2019s a shared history that stretches across continents and centuries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The truth is, people have been chasing prey on horseback for just about as long as they\u2019ve been riding horses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Take the ancient Middle East, for example: over 2,600 years ago, stone carvings show kings galloping after lions (talk about pressure to keep up). Iranian royalty took it a step further in the fourth century AD, setting up game parks where hunters on horseback stalked leopards, wild boars and other deadly animals. Across the Atlantic, Native American tribes embraced horses after European settlers introduced them, using them to hunt buffalo with extraordinary precision.<\/p>\n\n\n\n What we tend to think of as foxhunting, with its origin story of English noblemen chasing foxes off farmland, is just one of many hunting-on-horseback themes. But that variation became widespread and lives on today.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Foxhunting doesn\u2019t get much more quintessentially \u201cclassic\u201d than in Ireland, where established outfitters share the experience with guests from around the world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If Flowerhill Equestrian Centre in County Galway looks like a scene from a period drama, with its ivy-draped stone buildings and pastoral charm, that\u2019s because it has been. Tailored for everyone from novices to seasoned hunters, Flowerhill has 60 horses and ponies, a cross-country course and its very own private registered pack, the Flowerhill Hounds, kenneled on-site.<\/p>\n\n\n\n With your logistics sorted by recommended agents and close connections with local hunts like Grallagh Harriers Hunt Club, East Galway Hunt Club and The Galway Blazers, owner Oliver Walsh makes everyone feel at home. And his passion for the sport is infectious: \u201cI believe it\u2019s somehow built into our Irish genes\u2014the sporadic gallop, and the thrill of the unorganized and the unexpected.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Dunraven in County Limerick is another popular destination for overhunting guests. Known as a go-to hub for foxhunters in the region, the hotel caters specifically to riders, with services like boot polishing and coat pressing. Owner Louis Murphy can arrange hirelings and connect guests to neighboring packs like the Limerick and Stonehall Harriers, ensuring every detail is covered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Dunraven works closely with Clonshire Equestrian Center, located nearby on 120 acres of rolling parkland. A sample itinerary includes hacks, jumping lessons, a kennel visit and a hunt with the County Limerick Foxhounds. Each day\u2019s thrills end back at the hotel, where a roaring fire and a pint of Guinness await. \u201cClonshire and Dunraven offer a really nice holiday,\u201d said Clonshire manager Sue Foley, \u201cincluding a session at Clonshire to try out different horses and jump scary things and an Old World-style hotel.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n But not all horseback hunting involves the manicured field and tweed coats. Travel a little further afield\u2014say, to Mongolia\u2014and you\u2019ll find a whole new way of thinking about the sport.<\/p>\n\n\n\n With Erik Cooper Adventures, you can gallop across the Altai Mountains with golden eagles instead of hounds. Yes, you read that right: eagles. It\u2019s foxhunting, Mongolian-style, where you\u2019ll work alongside Kazakh eagle hunters to chase prey through some of the world\u2019s most dramatic landscapes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cYou\u2019re not here to watch,\u201d said Erik Cooper. \u201cYou\u2019re here to be an active participant.\u201d Guests are paired with their own eagle hunter and bird, learning the art of falconry and joining a team effort to flush out foxes, hares or even wolves (if they\u2019re lucky enough to spot one). The hunt isn\u2019t just about the thrill of the chase; it\u2019s also steeped in ritual.<\/p>\n\n\n \u201cWhen a fox is caught, there\u2019s a whole ceremony,\u201d Cooper explained. \u201cThe hunter whose eagle made the final kill gets the fur, and pieces of the fox are offered to the other eagles that contributed.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n The experience trades polished tradition for something raw and immersive, though there\u2019s still room for a bit of flair.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Cooper is known for kitting guests out in custom Game of Thrones-style capes, complete with Mongolian cashmere and wolf pelts. He points out that Western foxhunting is very much about the outfit, too. \u201cBut dressing properly for an adventure of this magnitude looks a bit different,\u201d Cooper says. \u201cYou\u2019re wearing a different kind of wool and checking into more of a fantasy mindset, a fantasy world. You\u2019re galloping across ancient lands channeling your inner warrior.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n The experience is rugged but comfortable\u2014you might be sleeping in a ger, but there are real beds, coal-burning stoves, and a chef who serves a mix of local and international cuisine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cYou\u2019re out riding seven to eight hours a day, but everything else is bougie,\u201d Cooper said with a laugh.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Global Connection<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n For Equiventures\u2019 Rubin, the magic of foxhunting abroad is as much about camaraderie as it is about the thrill of the chase.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cFoxhunting is kind of one big community around the world,\u201d she said. \u201cIf you foxhunt in one place and then go somewhere else, you\u2019re automatically already a part of that community. Even if you\u2019re new to foxhunting, it\u2019s such a warm and welcoming environment.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n It\u2019s a scene that plays out time and again: A rider arrives feeling out of their depth\u2014nervous about their skills and unsure about the etiquette\u2014but they leave with so much more than just miles in the saddle, Rubin said.<\/p>\n\n\n \u201cEven if you show up, and you don\u2019t know anybody, and you\u2019re unsure of your riding, and maybe you haven\u2019t hunted before, you end up making these wonderful friends and just leaving with these amazing memories\u2014not just of the ride, but of the people that you spend it with, because it is such a community event.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n For other equestrian experiences, even on trail rides and treks, you\u2019re riding single-file or spending such a long amount of time in the saddle that you stop talking to each other.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cHunting is different,\u201d Rubin explained. \u201cThe riding can be very serious, but it\u2019s also a very social activity, and it really gives you a lot of opportunity to connect with riders, locals and whoever it is that you\u2019re visiting.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n While many adventurers use foxhunting as a springboard to explore other activities\u2014maybe guests foxhunt in South Africa, then head out on a horseback safari for a week\u2014it\u2019s often the hunt itself that steals the show.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThe feedback we get is often that the hunting is the best part of their trip. You don\u2019t just check a box and move on,\u201d Rubin said. \u201cYou leave with people inviting you to come back and visit or saying they want to come hunt with you at home. You leave feeling like you\u2019ve truly been a part of the community.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"How to plan, pack and ride your way through an unforgettable international adventure.\n","protected":false},"author":114810,"featured_media":362743,"menu_order":0,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_mo_disable_npp":"","ngg_post_thumbnail":0,"_cloudinary_featured_overwrite":false},"tags":[9436,2551,2755],"article_categories":[1991,2302,9401,89],"acf":{"ad_unit":"","ad_unit_mobile":"","spotlight_visible_till":"","image_home_display":"","facebook_image":"","featured_image_caption":"","hide_featured_image":["yes"],"sponsor_heading":"","sponsor":"","sponsor_logo":"","sponsor_link":"","related_gallery":"0","blogger_profile":352380},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.chronofhorse.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/articles\/362740"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.chronofhorse.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/articles"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.chronofhorse.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/article"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.chronofhorse.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/114810"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/www.chronofhorse.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/articles\/362740\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":362771,"href":"https:\/\/www.chronofhorse.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/articles\/362740\/revisions\/362771"}],"acf:post":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.chronofhorse.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/blogger_profile\/352380"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.chronofhorse.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/362743"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.chronofhorse.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=362740"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.chronofhorse.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=362740"},{"taxonomy":"article-category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.chronofhorse.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/article_categories?post=362740"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.chronofhorse.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/WEb-1_The-Dunraven-sends-guests-from-Alberta-Canada-out-for-a-chase-with-the-County-Limerick-Foxhounds-Ireland-in-December-2024.-Photo-by-Louis-Murphy.--700x393.jpg\")
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.chronofhorse.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/WEB-3_Erik-Cooper-eagle-hunt-in-Mongolia-700x491.jpg\")
Mongolia, as Erik Cooper (left)<\/em> demonstrates. Photo Courtesy Of Erik Cooper<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.chronofhorse.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/WEB-At-A-Check-700x525.jpg\")