Today I attended my first fox chase, which quite intrigued me because of all the influence I see here in Northern Virginia, especially in Middleburg.
FOX HUNT HISTORY
The backdrop of autumnal splendour was perfect for the fox hunt, since that is the traditional beginning of fox hunting season.
The purpose of the early fox hunt dates to 1534 in Norfolk, England, so that farmers could get rid of pests.
FOX CHASE DEMONSTRATION
Although no foxes were involved in this event, if a fox were found while the dogs were sniffing near the bushes, they would chase instead of hunt.
Wonderfully demonstrated by the Marlborough Hunt Club, we heard numerous stories about how the clever foxes throw the dogs off the scent.
GENERAL WASHINGTON STRATEGIC FOX OF AMERICAN REVOLUTION
During the American Revolution, General Washington was, himself, called the old fox.
Humorously, Mount Vernon has a great a legend about how the clever George Washington was outwitted by a fox during fox chases on his plantation.
In truth, foxes are the true leader of the hunt, since they mastermind their endurance and getaway.
GEORGE WASHINGTON FOX HUNTER
George Washington began fox hunting with the Fairfax family when he was sixteen years of age.
Apparently, some historians believe that some of Washington’s early surveying ventures in the Shenandoah were excuses to go fox hunting.
In later years his step-grandson, George Washington Parke Custis described his heroic step-grandfather:
The time which Colonel Washington could spare from his building and agricultural improvements between the years 1759 and 1774, was considerably devoted to the pleasures of the chase…fox-hunting…well accorded with his fondness and predisposition for equestrian exercises…During the season, Mount Vernon had many sporting guests…Their visits were not of days, but weeks; and they were entertained in the good old style of Virginia’s ancient hospitality. Washington, always superbly mounted, in true sporting costume, of blue coat, scarlet waistcoat, buckskin breeches, top boots, velvet cap, and whip with long thong…none rode more gallantly…The habit was to hunt three times a week, weather permitting…Those who have seen Washington on horseback will admit that he was one of the most accomplished of cavaliers in the true sense and perfection of the character. He rode, as he did everything else, with ease, elegance, and with power. -George Washington Parke Custis, Recollections and Private Memoirs of Washington, 1860
After the American Revolution, Lafayette gifted several hounds to Washington for the hunt.
One of them, however, stole the ham off the kitchen table, which angered Lady Washington, while causing the general to tell all his guests while heartily laughing.
RESOURCES
For more information on the Fox Chase, check the following sources:
What is fox hunting? by the Marlborough Hunt Club
Virginia’s finest horseman by Vault
Fox hunting in America by American Heritage
Washington Foxhunter-in-chief by Museum of Hounds and Hunting North America
