What's a Hunter Pace?

A hunter pace is a low-key competitive event derived from foxhunting. Teams of two or three riders follow an outdoor course laid out over terrain which is meant to simulate the riding conditions encountered during a foxhunt - that is, a mixture of gaits that a foxhunter typically uses as a fox's scent is found and followed by hounds through open country and along wooded trails. There is no set length for a hunter pace course, although courses in the Goodtime Hunter Pace series held in the spring and fall are typically around five miles.

It is up to each team to guess what the organizers of the pace have decided is an ideal time to complete the course and to adjust its progress accordingly. The ideal time is determined by sending out one or more test teams to ride the course before the event. On the day of the event, the team which completes the course in a time closest to the ideal is placed first. Most hunter paces are divided into two or three divisions, with different ideal times. The Grand River Hunt Hunter Pace offers a "Jumping" division for those experienced in the hunt field and eventing who wish to take the course at a faster pace, jumping all obstacles, a "Non-Jumping" division for those who wish to travel more slowly with the freedom to jump and obstacle if they wish, and a “Trail Riding” division which follows the non-jumping course but at a leisurely pace, often entered by western riders, those with young children or green horses. Creative tailgating is customary along with hotdogs, burgers and cold beverages from the “Hungry Hound Grille” Even though there is a competitive aspect to a hunter pace, most riders simply regard it as an enjoyable way to spend a day in the countryside with their mounts and congenial company. The placings are almost secondary. Ribbons will be awarded when times are calculated after each division.

The Grand River Hunt hosts two hunter paces each year, one in June and one in September. Pre-entries may be mailed and will have the option of riding first in their division. The day of event, entries will be accepted until 1 p.m. Jumpers are first on course at noon, followed by non-jumpers then trail riders. The paddock master will give riders their order of go as they enter.

Non-riding volunteers are always needed to help with registrations, with timings at the start and finish points, and at a riders' rest stop about halfway through the course. If you'd like to volunteer at our next hunter pace, email us and we'll add your name to our contact list.

For the dates of this year's hunter paces, rules and entry forms click here.


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