Care At every step
Your rider assessment
Before we can match you with the perfect horse, we take the time to truly understand you as a rider. Our goal is to make sure both your day in the field and your holiday is everything you hoped it would be, and more.
Step 1 — Your initial conversation
It all begins with a relaxed, friendly chat with one of our experienced team. We'll talk through your background, your relationship with horses, and what drew you to the experience — there are no wrong answers and absolutely no pressure. This is your chance to ask us about the weekend, and a helpful opportunity to cover any packing expectations and similar details.
• By phone or video
• No forms or paperwork
• Completely informal
Step 2 — The perfect pair
To ensure we pair you with a horse that is truly the right fit, it’s important to see our riders in their element before the day. We'll ask you to share a short, informal video or two of yourself riding — nothing staged or formal, whether it’s a hack, a school session, or a gentle canter across a field. This simply allows our team to appreciate your natural style and confidence in the saddle, so we can make the most best match possible. The better we know you, the better your experience will be.
• Informal clips welcome
• Any setting
• Shared privately
Step 3 — Your expectations and goals
Every rider comes to us with something different in mind. Some are seeking the thrill of a full gallop across open countryside; others are looking for a gentle, scenic introduction to the field. Many are simply after the atmosphere, the camaraderie, and a day they'll talk about for years.We'll take time to understand exactly what you're hoping to experience — and then discuss the best place in the field for you. Whether you want to push your riding forward, take things steadily, or simply soak it all in, we will shape the day around you.
• Pace preferences
• Jumping or no jumping
• Experience goals
• Any concerns noted
Matched to your mount
Finding the right horse for you is something we take enormous pride in. Thanks to a cultivated network of trusted hireling partners, we have access to a wide and varied catalogue of horses — meaning we can always find a mount that feels made for you, not just available for you.
Our partners give us access to an extensive selection of horses across varying breeds, sizes, temperaments, and abilities, so there is always the right horse for the right rider. We host our cross country clinic on site with our providers, meaning you’re working with guides who know your horse intimately — their quirks, their strengths, their preferred way of going — and that knowledge flows directly into your pairing meaning you get top tips for the hunt ahead.
The cross country clinic — where partnerships come to life
We host our cross country clinic on site with our hireling teams, and it is here that the real magic happens. Before the field day, riders have the opportunity to work with their matched horse in a structured but relaxed setting — getting a genuine feel for one another before the meet. The clinic gives our team the chance to observe how you and your horse work together naturally, while the partners themselves are on hand to share their expert insight into each horse's character — how they like to be ridden, where they shine, and how to get the very best from them.
• Expert guidance from those who know these horses best
• Our team can observe the partnership and fine-tune the match if necessary, though this rarely occurs
• You arrive on meet day settled, prepared, and ready to enjoy every moment
Not quite gelling? We'll find a better fit
Sometimes, despite the best preparation, a horse and rider simply need a little more time to find their rhythm — or a different horse altogether. We understand that, and we plan for it. Where possible, we are always able to look at alternative options to ensure you leave the field having had the experience you came for.
Your comfort and enjoyment always come first. No question, no fuss.
Find your place in the field
There is a place for every rider within the hunt field, whether you want to push your limits or take things at a steadier pace. Nobody is ever pushed beyond their comfort zone if they do not want to be — your position in the field is chosen together, based on everything we've learned about you during your assessment. And if the day calls for a change, we are always on hand to adapt.
The second field —Also known as the Hilltoppers.
The second field is where so many of our guests fall in love with the experience for the first time. Riding at a relaxed, unhurried pace, you'll follow the hounds through some of the most beautiful countryside imaginable — taking everything in without any pressure to push yourself. There is no jumping required. Instead, riders navigate the landscape using gates and accessible routes, meaning the focus is entirely on the atmosphere, the scenery, and the joy of being on horseback in the field. It is the perfect introduction, and many experienced riders choose it simply because they prefer to enjoy the day at an adaptable pace.
• Pace: Walk, trot & steady canter
• Jumping: Not required
• Gate access throughout
• Ideal for newcomers — all welcome
The first field — For the confident and curious.
The first field offers a more direct and immersive experience of the chase — closer to the hounds, across more varied terrain, and with the opportunity to jump natural obstacles along the route. It is where the energy of the day really begins to build, jumping is a feature of the first field, but it is not compulsory.
Natural obstacles such as hedges, logs, and post-and-rail fences present themselves along the way, and riders can choose to take them or find an easier passage.This is ideal for riders who are comfortable in the saddle across varied ground and who want more of the atmosphere and pace of the field without committing to the full intensity of riding at the front.
• Pace: Varied — trot to canter
• Jumping: Optional obstacles
• Closer to hounds
• Varied terrain
Front of field — Experienced riders
Riding close to the front of the field is exhilarating and fast paced. You'll be close behind the hounds and Masters as they work, crossing open countryside at pace, jumping obstacles as they come, and experiencing the full tradition and thrill of the meet.This is best for riders with genuine experience across country — confident jumping, bold galloping, and the ability to think and react quickly in open terrain. It demands a strong partnership with your horse, which is exactly why our assessment and clinic process is so valuable at this level. The cross country clinic is particularly important for those hoping to ride at the front, giving you and your horse the chance to build real trust and rhythm before the day itself.
Front of field riding is as demanding as it is rewarding, and our team will always be honest with you about whether it is the right fit — not to discourage you, but to ensure your day is the best it possibly can be.
• Pace: Up to a full gallop
• Jumping: Expected throughout
• Cross-country experience required
Not sure which field is right for you? We'll help you decide during your assessment — and you can always move between the three on the day.