Foxhunting in the Pacific Northwest is a thrilling, adrenaline fueled sport enjoyed not only by First Flight riders galloping on the heels of the huntsman and foxhounds, but also Hilltopper riders who enjoy watching all the action from the hilltops in a walk/trot group of friends! On Saturday, September 27th, WHC is hosting a foxhunting clinic where you can learn about this fascinating sport and the skills, tack, attire, horses and appropriate etiquette for each foxhunting flight. Upon completion, you are invited to join the WHC Shakedown Hunt the following Day, Sunday September 28th.
We've found the biggest concern for riders interested in hunting is whether their horses will be suitable. Let's find out in a comfortable environment that will introduce horses and riders to what to expect during a hunt. This could include waiting in a group for the hounds to be released, riding in a group at various speeds, standing at a check, how close to be to the horse in front, and what to do if your horse starts acting up or refuses a jump. You tell us your concerns, and we'll answer as best we can and simulate what you can expect on a hunt during the mounted part of the clinic.
Our Huntsman Jennifer Hansen and the Masters have organized this clinic for all levels of interested riders! The speed at which you think you'd like to hunt is the clinic section you should sign up for. We usually try to have four flights (speeds) on a hunt, First Flight walks, trots, canters and gallops and jumps; Second Flight walks, trots and canters and jumps (can be optional from the back); Third Flight walks, trots and canters and goes around the jumps; and the Hilltoppers walk and trot.
The Clinic includes a mounted section and a classroom session where all your questions can be answered! Each session is limited to 15 riders and horses. The Clinic fee for adults is $200. and juniors are $150. A limited number of lease hunt horses for all flights is available for the clinic, the lease fee is $175. for adults and $125. for juniors; they go fast, so please contact Jt. MFH Theresa Lazares at
bGF6YXJlc3RoZXJlc2EgfCBnbWFpbCAhIGNvbQ== if interested. You will also need to have a JBLM iSportsman permit; see below for more information.
The schedule is as follows:
9:30 am – 11:30 am Morning Session for First, Second and Third Flight riders: The session will start in the Hunt Club arena for everyone to warm up and we’ll discuss protocol and review what you need to know before we head out to the trails in our adjoining hunt country. All jumps have go-arounds and are primarily natural jumps like logs.
12:00 pm - Lecture and Lunch -our clubhouse is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and you’ll see lots of our almost 100 year-old history inside! We’ll have examples of correct hunt attire for you and tack for your horse, review hunt protocol, the role of hunt staff, the hounds, and answer all your questions!
1:30-3:30 Afternoon Session for Hilltopper and Green Rider/Green Horse riders: This session is a multi-purpose flight for riders that only want to walk and trot, including green riders who want to see what hunting is all about at a slower pace first; seasoned riders can bring their green horse for a low-key introduction to the hunt; and for riders that are most comfortable only walking and trotting on trails but want to be able to watch the action of the hunt. The Hilltopper flight is very popular and can be our largest flight!
Attire is informal, wear what is most comfortable for you and your horse, dress for the weather and all disciplines are welcome!
Signing up for the Foxhunting Clinic is a two-step process:
1. Registration, waiver and payment can be completed using the link below. You will need your iSportsman permit number to complete the registration process. Adults are $200 and juniors under 18 are $150. Enter here:
https://woodbrookhuntclub.app.resmarksystems.com/public/short/JSfaXpnyxp
If you have any difficulty with the Resmark registration process, please contact WHC Secretary Michelle Hoedeman at
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2. Acquire a JBLM iSportsman pass: Log into the website below and create an account. You will need your vehicle license plate number and an enhanced driver’s license (EDL) or passport as proof of ID. Juniors under 16 do not need a permit.
https://jblm.isportsman.net/login.aspx#Register
Email a photo of your Real ID compliant documentation (i.e. Enhanced Driver's Licence, Passport, etc.) to the email below:
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Once iSportsman has verified your ID, log back into your account to watch the safety brief and complete a quiz. YOU MUST WATCH THE SAFETY BRIEF AND COMPLETE THE QUIZ before you can purchase a permit. The video is very interesting and won't take you long!
Click on the tab “Permit’s Available” and this now will be populated with the available permits. There are several options, if you only want to purchase a permit for this weekend, choose the weekly permit for $20, but don't purchase it before September 21. If you think you will be joining us for other activities or want to enjoy the recreational activities that are provided to the public by Joint Base Lewis-McChord (see below) purchase the one-year WA Resident Recreational Permit for $40. Riders over 65 years old are $25.
We would recommend riders who think they will want to enjoy more of the year-round activities of the Woodbrook Hunt Club (hunts, gymkhana, horse shows and Hunter Trails, hunter paces, trail rides, hound walks and hound exercise and our social activities) purchase the one-year iSportsman permit. This also allows you to ride on the hundreds of miles of riding, walking and running trails on Joint Base Lewis-McChord, as well as enjoy other sports and activities like fishing, hunting, kayaking, foraging, hiking, etc.
Included in the clinic! You’ll receive a package of curated hunt goodies (see picture below) including a WHC insulated lunch bag, a WHC water bottle, WHC lip balm, an Introduction to Foxhunting book from the Masters of Foxhunting Association, a membership application, an information packet on what to expect on your first hunt/what to wear and a handy shopping guide, information on our governing organization MASTERS OF FOXHOUNDS ASSOCIATION, a flyer on how to acquire JBLM's Avenza maps on your cell phone which doesn't require cell service and it will help you navigate while riding on JBLM, and assorted snacks for you and your horse!
We look forward to welcoming many new riders to our wonderful sport!
Questions? Contact Jt. MFH Theresa Lazares at
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