What is Roading?
Also known as hound exercise, roading is the precursor to the hunting season. Typically done on the dirt roads, the hounds are taken out several days a week to get fit for the coming season. In addition to fitness for hounds, horses (and humans!), roading is also an opportunity for the hunt staff to introduce young hounds to working in a group. This part of the season begins in early July and runs through mid-August. Roading season is the time to introduce new horses and riders to the excitement of foxhunting. The controlled environment, slow ramp-up to pace, and the consistent frequency have made this the go-to program for making up foxhunters for decades. If you've been thinking about it, please consider joining us this season!
Social Roading
- Thursday evenings at 5:30pm
- July 11th through mid-August
- Locations will vary, please refer to the bottom of the email for the schedule
- Social Roading is the best introduction to hounds and hunting for green horses and those new to hunting. It is recommend that if you are new, to join for Social Roading before a 'classic' day out to give your horse a chance to see the hounds and ride among a group
- What to expect!
- Hounds will be brought out into an open field and kept in a designated area to provide an opportunity to acclimate new horses to the pack without committing to a trot around the block
- Approximately 1-hour on horseback followed by a potluck tailgate with snacks and beverages
Classic Roading
- Wednesday and Saturday mornings at 6:00am
- July 6th through mid-August
- Location - Essex Kennels at 48 Holland Road unless otherwise noticed by email
- What to expect!
- Riders will follow behind the huntsman and hounds at a walk and trot on the dirt roads
- Duration will increase as time progresses (approximately 1-hour), beginning with a short trot and increasing to ~4 mile trot around 'the block'
- Beginning on July 31st, hounds will be cast into the roadside coverts for a very short hunt. Riders will remain on the dirt roads at a walk and trot
Tips, Tricks, Details, and Pointers
- Roading is free of charge for all. Guests/non-members are welcome and encouraged to join
- Potluck tailgates to follow on Thursdays and Saturdays
- Each rider must sign an EFH waiver before participating
- Attire is casual and tidy: tucked in collared shirts, breeches, boots, and approved helmets
- Plan enough time to arrive and be mounted promptly at the advertised time
- Essex will have seasoned members in the field for support and guidance along the way
- EFH Members who would like to volunteer to be a 'buddy' for new participants please reach out to Ruth, Jazz or Kate. One of the best parts of our sport is how helpful and enthusiastic our members are. Someone was there for each of us when we dipped our toe into hunting and this is a great opportunity to pay it forward
- Updates will be shared via email periodically for venue, date, or time changes
Social Roading - Schedule
- July 11 - EFH Kennels: 48 Holland Road, Peapack
- July 18 - Cedar Lane Farm: 87 Homestead Road, Oldwick
- July 25 - EFH Kennels: 48 Holland Road, Peapack
- August 1 - Clover Mill Farm: 52 Vliettown Road
- August 8 - EFH Kennels: 48 Holland Road, Peapack
- August 15 - Fox Trot Farm: 270 Larger Cross Road, Bedminster
- Any changes to the above schedule will be communicated by email the night before
Please reach out to info@essexfoxhounds.org with any questions