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Fox hunting hails from Britain. It began in medieval times and continues to this day.

In medieval times, foxes were a nuisance and a danger, and the lords hunted them to keep the peasants safe. They usually used hounds, modern day beagles. There was usually houndsman who trained and controlled the hounds during the hunt. There was also a Master of the Hunt, who rode in front, and a bugler to give commands to the hunters. Many of the positions are still used in modern day hunts, although their duties have changed.

Very few fox hunts are done with live foxes any more. Many are 'drag' hunts, where someone has come through and dragged a scent trail for the hounds to follow. Since no foxes are hurt, this is more accepted than regular hunts. Much of the land that was used for hunts can no longer be ridden over, and with the outcry over mistreatment of animals it is not as popular as it once was.

However, fox hunting still enjoys a fierce following both in Europe and in America. Any rider mounted on any horse or pony can join a fox hunt, so it is often a good way for families and friends to ride together and enjoy a challenging and exciting bit of the past.

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