Chester County hunt clubs boast long histories of joyful equestrian tradition dating back centuries, writes Roger Morris for Main Line Today.
Local fox hunts typically follow a party of mounted horse riders as they track a wild fox alongside a pack of hounds. The events are an elaborate affair, with returning members and standby “whips” who keep track of the dogs.
In Willistown Township, the famed Radnor Hunt is recognized as the oldest continuous fox hunt in the United States. The club boasts a large following of eighty paid members and an official booster club.
Radnor Hunt member Genevieve Snyder and her husband follow each hunt on mountain bikes to keep up with the action.
Nearby, Kimberton Hunt Club in Chester Springs dates back to 1870. The club’s twice-weekly hunts take riders through the scenic nature throughout Chester and Berks County.
Kimberton hounds even have GPS trackers in their collars to keep track of the pack.
Also in Chester County, Cheshire Hunt Conservancy in Coatesville offers a variety of community equestrian events. The club typically posts the dates and times of their hunts on social media.
While Cheshire’s fox hunts have earned the organization a large local following, the club also boasts conservation and young rider programs to continue Chester County’s esteemed equestrian history.
Read more about the flourishing tradition of Chester County hunt clubs in Main Line Today.
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