Modern Fox Hunting Clubs participate in what is more aptly named foxchasing. Many hunts now focus on the chase rather than the kill, emphasizing the thrill of the pursuit and the preservation of wildlife.  Because there are no rabies in the British Isles, populations of foxes are extremely high and are considered vermin. However, North American fox populations do not function like white-tailed deer or other frequently hunted quarry. There is no burden or responsibility to account for overpopulation or protecting livestock; the prevalence of rabies here reduces populations significantly and makes these challenges obsolete.  Instead, American Fox Hunting instead focuses on the centuries-old game of wits, with skilled equestrians gamely keeping up with a well-trained and eager pack of hounds as they sprint headlong after red fox, grey fox, or coyote (our “quarry”). Each time the hounds take off (a “run”), each of three fields, or groups of riders, follow the hounds at various speeds.  A successful run begins when hounds “speak,” or alert the rest of the pack that they have found the scent of the quarry, and take off to find the fox or coyote. In this competition of wits and speed, the advantage lies with the quarry; fox and coyote alike are known to play games with the hounds. A run ends when the chased quarry successfully outsmarts the hunt and the pack loses the trail, or when the quarry “goes to ground,” returning to their den and ending the game. Both quarry and hound will again give chase when next the club visits that fixture, or territory. There can be many runs during a single hunt when the hounds give chase to a variety of fox living within a fixture. Then, the fields retire for the day, break fast over a hot meal, and celebrate their adventures. Truthfully, one of the greatest gifts of a robust hunt, after the thrill of the chase, is the camaraderie shared with fellow members when recounting the events of the day.  MHC’s Penn MaryDel Hounds Over one hundred and twenty years ago, November 1905, was The Great Foxhound Match (what would today be called a performance trial) between the American pack of Harry Worcester Smith and the English pack of Alexander Henry Higginson. If you are lucky enough to have a copy of Alexander Mackay-Smith’s book, The American Foxhound, you can read all about the match, including who was the winner and more (hint: it was a major upset in America’s favor). This match was significant to the Marlborough Hunt Club. Way back in 1938, MHC’s second professional Huntsman was a man from Virginia named Claude Hatcher. But, 33 years prior, he served as a whipper-in for the American pack during this historic match. MFH Smith, as a token of his appreciation for a job well done, gave Claude Hatcher a horn. Mr. Hatcher treasured it during his life and gave it to his friend and boss, John Bowling, one of the first Master of Foxhounds (MFH) of Marlborough. In turn, John Bowling’s widow, Rhoda, gave this horn and a number of other horns belonging to her husband to the Club. Today, Marlborough Hunt Club proudly hunts exclusively with Penn Marydel hounds, a breed of foxhound entirely unique to the Pennsylvania-Maryland-Delaware region (a more specialised strain of the aforementioned American Foxhound). MHC is dedicated to preserving this illustrious breed as they are the premiere choice for our terrain.  Penn MaryDel Foxhounds started to be bred in the late 17th century when English settlers brought their passion for fox hunting to the New World. As they established themselves in the Mid-Atlantic region, these early colonists recognized the need for a hound that could adapt to the challenging terrain and cunning foxes of their new home.  Over the centuries, the breed evolved through careful selection and breeding practices. By the 18th century, the distinctive characteristics of what would become known as the Penn MaryDel Foxhound began to emerge. These hounds proved their worth in the field, demonstrating an uncanny ability to track their quarry through dense forests and across open fields. Today, our huntsman continues the tradition of breeding Penn Marydel foxhounds for peak performance. Breeders focus on enhancing desirable physical and behavioral characteristics, such as strong legs for endurance, a melodious voice for communication during the hunt, and a temperament suited to pack hunting. The mind for the hunt can sometimes be the most important trait for a good Penn Marydel, as fox chasing is truly a game of wits at the end of the day. A hound who simply isn’t interested in finding their quarry is better suited for a seat by the hearth at home than they are working the line.  The voice of the Penn Marydel hound is another distinctive feature that makes these foxhounds shine. The Penn MaryDel's distinctive "cry" during the hunt is both beautiful and functional, allowing hunters to follow the pack's progress. They are also known for their steady endurance, tenacity, and versatility, frequently proving their worth as they excel in various terrains, from dense woodlands to open fields for miles and miles in full cry. Marlborough names their puppies each year with a new letter of the alphabet: as of the 2024-2025 season, “C” names have been voted on for future lead hounds and the “B” hounds are learning the sport from the older hounds ranging from “W”s to “A”s. Notable winning hounds from both regional and national performance trials in recent years include “X-Men,” “Zappo,” and “Zinnia.”  The Hunt Staff & Fields The Hunt Staff is made up of the Master or Joint-Masters, the Huntsman, and the Whippers-in. Through teamwork and collaboration, these various staff positions ensure a safe and enjoyable hunt is experienced by all.  The Master, or Joint-Masters if there are more than one in a given period, serve for designated periods of time and are responsible to the club membership and the Hunt Committee. Joint-Masters are responsible for ensuring a smooth experience in all hunt club-related activities. This can vary from scheduling what fixtures are hunted when, leading the fields in the hunt, managing the hunt on the day, maintaining strong relationships with landowners, scheduling social events, coordinating hunter-paces, supervising the hound breeding program, and more. From trail-clearing to local politics, Joint-Masters have their hand in a wide variety of elements that shape the culture of the club, always focused on providing an enjoyable experience for all.  Often, Joint-Masters will appoint a Huntsman or hire a professional Huntsman. The Joint-Masters share responsibilities during the day of sport, while the Huntsman hunts the hounds. The Huntsman is the central figure on the hunting day. Their knowledge and skill is essential in the successful partnership with the hounds. The Huntsman is responsible for the hounds. He or she oversees the breeding program, manages the kennels, raises and trains the hounds, and ensures that the hounds respond to his or her commands. The Huntsman’s preparation for a day of hunting includes looking over the fixture the day before, selecting the right hounds for that meet, deciding how he will draw the country, praising hounds for a job well done or disciplining those who try to pursue deer, all the way to collecting and putting away hounds at the end of the day, and ensuring that any injuries are doctored and all hounds are safe and sound. The Huntsman will use horn blowing and voice command in order to best communicate and work with the hounds.  ​ The Whipper-In are the Huntsman’s assistants, and provide extra sets of eyes and ears. They are an extension of the Huntsman, usually far out on the flanks, and are used to help assure that the hounds do the Huntsman’s bidding while also ensuring a safe hunt is enjoyed by all members, whether by alerting the Huntsman if they see a quarry (fox or coyote) or by endeavoring to prevent quarry from crossing out of a territory. They also act as safety valves to prevent hounds from running onto roads or land not open to hunting.  Whipper-Ins are most often seen standing and flanking the coverts where hounds are cast in order to see which way the fox exits. This is important so that they can alert the Hunstman if they view a fox with the call of “Tally Ho.” The Whipper-In often uses the whip or their voices as a noise making device to attract the attention of the hounds and keep them on the correct path of the scent. They are integral in keeping the hounds from chasing incorrect quarry and together on the line of a fox.  The riders that follow the hunt are referred to as the Field. The Field that goes the fastest is known as the first flight, which jumps and stays up with the Huntsman. There is also a second flight, which goes through gates. In the second flight, jumping is optional with permission of the Field Master, so that members can build their confidence and their horses’ experience. Occasional third flights, also known as Hilltoppers, will go at a slower pace, most often a walk, enjoying the beautiful scenery and sounds of the hunt ahead. Some, Hilltoppers will follow by car or truck at a safe distance, able to assist while still seeing some of the action. So in summary, the Huntsman hunts the hounds with the assistance of the Whippers-In. The Masters lead the Field, jumping panels and galloping as fast as necessary in an effort to keep the Field in a position, so as not to interfere with the line of the fox, the hounds or the Huntsman, but where they are still able to watch and listen to the hounds at work. Cub Hunting Early in the fall, before the formal hunt season begins, Cub Hunting, or “cubbing” starts. Cub Hunting is the period when horses and hounds are conditioned and trained. Important in building the endurance of horses, riders and hounds for the longer hours in the saddle they will encounter later in the season. It is a necessary part of the year, especially from a summer of lighter work, as well as to train the new, hopeful young hounds. At the same time, as the season progresses, the foxes and their young learn to evade hounds and also become better conditioned and smarter by being chased for longer periods of time. During Cub Hunting, hounds are not kept out for long; they are hunted only long enough to assure they are hunting the proper quarry and to build their confidence and endurance. ​ Off  Season The fun continues in the off-season with a variety of riding opportunities. First and most notably are the Maryland spring and fall hunter pace circuits, Which Marlbourough is a proud member. These are weekly competitions hosted by local clubs where teams of 2-5 riders ride a course. The goal is typically not speed - instead, teams strive to ride the course at the optimal hunting speed, where there may be checks, walking, galloping, and trotting all on one course. The teams that are closest to the optimal hunting pace are crowned the winners. The Hunter Pace circuit is a great way to ease into the sport of fox-chasing.  Also, Marlborough Hunt club hosts fox chasing clinics, where horse and rider may learn the traditions of the sport. Our huntsman and staff teach riders the etiquette in the field. Also, riders can learn whether or not their horse is suited to ride alongside hounds at all. A kick to a hound is inexcusable and grounds for an invitation to leave a hunt immediately. It is better to introduce a horse to hounds outside of the hunt than to discipline one’s ride during a hunt or risk hurting a hound. This is why the clinics are an excellent opportunity for anyone considering a hunt with any club. You can learn more by DOING THIS EMAIL OR CALLING OR CONTACTING THIS PERSON.  Lastly, our members organize fun, relaxed trail rides during the off-season. Rides may focus on “legging up” horses (getting them back in shape) or simply to enjoy the various blooming flowers of our fixtures - the Wisteria ride and Mountain Laurel ride are annual favorites.