If you’ve never had the pleasure of listening to the hounds as they lock onto a scent and “give tongue,” then spend 75 seconds and watch the video above. Today was a fabulous day for hunting — crisp, clear and yesterday’s rain meant that the ground held the scent perfectly. Note: to people not familiar with my blog, we chase hounds, not foxes. Earlier in the day, human “foxes” leave a trail of scent for the hounds to follow.

Although I’m not yet ready to hunt, it is still a treat to come out and be part of it. This particular field is one of my favorites to ride through. It’s beautiful in every season, but particularly in the fall. Thank goodness I can hack there from my barn!