Experience Hunting with Berry Plains

To hunt with us, we recommend that you first come for a short trial ride where you can sit on the horse or horses that may suit you. You will start in the arena and then we can move out to a paddock where you can test out their gaits, breaks and hop over a jump if you want to ride in First Flight. 

When booking your hunt, trailer space may be limited. We require a $50 non-refundable deposit to reserve your horse for the date you choose. The night before, please remit payment for the remainder of fees, These will be refundable only in the case that the meet is canceled.  If the horse you reserved is not able to attend, we will offer a suitable replacement or we can reschedule your reservation. 

BPFH requires a signed Liability Release, Rider's Agreement and Emergency Contact Form. . Both Oak Ridge Fox Hunt and Bedford County Hunt require liability releases.. You can find the links here. 

The State of Virginia requires all individuals participating in fox hunting carry a current VA Hunting License on their person at all time. These can be purchased at most sporting goods stores, Walmart and on DWR website. 

We will introduce you to the club Secritary for you to settle up any capping fees that may be due. 

The night before, we will reach out confirming we received your payment and the address of the fixture. Also, we will notify you of formal or informal attire. You are expected to be at the trailer parking area no less than 45 minutes before cast. This allows for you to greet your horse and settle up with the club Secritary. We will tack your horse for you but please take a look over all tack for safety.  

One of BPFH staff will ride as your groom for the day. If at anytime your ride is unsafe or the horse is injured, we reserve the right to accompany you back to the trailers. There will be no refund if the day's hunting is shortened. 

We expect riders to be turned out to a general hunting standard of tidiness and attire. If you have any questions about what to wear, please reach out. We have a few tweeds, Miltons and vests available for use if needed. Please no spurs unless you are invited to do so. You may carry a jumping bat. Please make sure to have your hunting license located in your riding jacket. Best to use a phone holster if it will not fit in your coat pocket. Always keep your phone on silent while hunting.  We keep a selection of sandwich cases for borrow if you need to carry anything with you for the day. 

We do not permit larking or adding jumps. Riders must follow proper hunting protocols. Please take care with your riding. Our horses are loved and valued, a small injury can set them back for a long time. 

For the security of the hunts, no helmet cams or videos. Minimal photography is permitted. 

Most of our meets have an informal breakfast. You are welcome to bring a little snack to share but this is not required. Please bring any refreshment you may require for the day. 

BPFH requires all persons under the age of 18 to be accompanied by an adult when riding one of our horses. We do not invite children under the age of 8 to ride with us. Children must be capable riders participating in a lesson program. If we have any questions after the trial ride, BPFH can request a call with the child's trainer for clarification of their abilities. 

Parent or escort is required to ride alongside the child in the hunt. We have several horse/pony pairs that do not mind being in close proximity to each other.