Los Altos Hounds
Los Altos Hounds is a private club organized to conduct the traditional sport of riding to hounds and the activities related to that sport. This includes friendly equestrian competitions and social gatherings. We have three primary goals:
- Preserve the land where we ride;
- Promote the safety of riders, horses and hounds; and
- Provide and enjoyable day in the field.
"Foxhunting" - A Misnomer
We emphasize the chase, not killing. We do not pursue foxes. Our members enjoy nature and animals, riding over beautiful country, watching hounds work and observing wildlife in its habitat. This is not a firearms sport. At several locations, we drag hunt, laying an artificial scent line for the hounds to follow.
We emphasize the chase, not killing. We do not pursue foxes. Our members enjoy nature and animals, riding over beautiful country, watching hounds work and observing wildlife in its habitat. This is not a firearms sport. At several locations, we drag hunt, laying an artificial scent line for the hounds to follow.
When do we hunt?
Hounds meet from November through March, when the weather is cooler and the ground and air is moist. The hunting season begins officially with a formal Opening Meet. We end the season with a festive Closing Meet that often includes a dinner and dance. During the hunt season, hounds are taken out two or three times a week, usually Wednesdays and Saturday or Sunday. On weekend and holiday meets, riders wear formal attire, including the black or scarlet hunt coats seen in many old prints and paintings. Weekdays are less formal with smaller groups dressed in more casual (ratcatcher) clothing. Most meets are followed by a hunt breakfast, where riders gather to discuss the day and share some refreshment.
Where do we hunt?
Each place that we hunt is called hunt country. We hunt in Northern California, at countries in San Mateo, San Benito, Marin, Fresno, Sacramento, San Joaquin, Amador, and Merced counties. LAH rides on large spectacular properties. Nearly all are privately owned, and members are allowed a privileged access. LAH also participates in hunting activities with other clubs throughout California and Nevada, and we are part of a worldwide fraternity of organized hunting clubs, including the Masters of Foxhounds Association of America.
Hounds meet from November through March, when the weather is cooler and the ground and air is moist. The hunting season begins officially with a formal Opening Meet. We end the season with a festive Closing Meet that often includes a dinner and dance. During the hunt season, hounds are taken out two or three times a week, usually Wednesdays and Saturday or Sunday. On weekend and holiday meets, riders wear formal attire, including the black or scarlet hunt coats seen in many old prints and paintings. Weekdays are less formal with smaller groups dressed in more casual (ratcatcher) clothing. Most meets are followed by a hunt breakfast, where riders gather to discuss the day and share some refreshment.
Where do we hunt?
Each place that we hunt is called hunt country. We hunt in Northern California, at countries in San Mateo, San Benito, Marin, Fresno, Sacramento, San Joaquin, Amador, and Merced counties. LAH rides on large spectacular properties. Nearly all are privately owned, and members are allowed a privileged access. LAH also participates in hunting activities with other clubs throughout California and Nevada, and we are part of a worldwide fraternity of organized hunting clubs, including the Masters of Foxhounds Association of America.
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Who Are We?
LAH is a group that comes from diverse backgrounds and every walk of life, all with the love of the horse and the outdoors in common. Active members range from less that 10 yrs old to over 70 grand years old. We are men and women, doctors and students and homemakers, educators, horse trainers, and more.
