Arapahoe Hunt Week--photo by Judi Tobias

Welcome to the Bijou Springs Hunt

Hunting to Hounds in the Rockies is what we experience on Wednesdays and Sundays from mid-October to mid-April. At the Bijou Springs Hunt you will enjoy the cameraderie of foxhunters. We follow on horseback, watching our hounds as they sing in unison when they "find" in the grassy Front Range of Colorado. Knowledgeable foxhunters will enjoy an unobstructed view of the hounds as they work. Even beginners will recognise the entertainment of watching a pack of hounds work as a team. Often we also experience a view of the quarry as he races from the area, sometimes even barking an invitation to chase if we seem too slow! This is open rangeland, no jumping required although we do have some inviting jumps if you choose to use them. The First Flight follows the hounds closely, at whatever speed the hunt proceeds. Slower groups are arranged according to all levels of horsemanship, so all riders can ride safely and comfortably. The slower fields actually enjoy the best view of the entire hunt as it proceeds, with the First Flight as part of their tableau. Everyone who participates will experience traditional foxhunting, but adapted to our western conditions. Should you wish to participate in the pagentry and tradition of this ancient sport, do not be discouraged by the "dress uniform". Guests are encouraged to wear clothing as close to traditional colors as possible, but the only real requirement is helmet a with a chin strap, and heeled boots. Western wear and tack is appropriate. Dress warmly but comfortably, avoiding neon bright colors and perfumes. Unless you are a member of the Bijou Springs Hunt or another recognized hunt, you must pay a fee and sign a release before riding with us. Calling one of the Masters or the Secretary is a must before you join us. If you would like to try foxhunting with us, please contact us at rmitchel@hmausa.com or shortdog05@msn.com. Guest Policy Due to the large area we hunt and the rapid weather changes we can experience, the Bijou Springs Hunt requires that guests be accompanied by a BSH member sponsor who is responsible for the conduct and the safety of the guest. The only exception to this policy is if a person attends one of our guest hunts, i.e. Masters Day or Pony Club Hunts. This is done to insure the safety of non-members as well as their enjoyment of our sport. The sponsor will also be the contact to keep the prospective guest informed of weather-related or other cancellations or changes in the Hunt fixture the guest plans to attend. Foxhunting is a high risk sport and even those who ride well and feel their horses are fit may find the hunt is beyond their capability or that of their animal. Also the speed may make the rider uncomfortable. If this is the case, the sponsor must accompany the guest back to the trailer since, due to the liability of the landowner, no one may ride alone during our hunt. Fees Guests are required to pay the capping fee as set by the Board, and first-time guests must pay a one time insurance fee, unless they are members of another hunt which has the insurance of the MFHA. During guest hunts, the capping fee will not apply, but the insurance must still be paid for first-time guests. Our Country. Our primary country is at the LazyK 11 ranch northeast of Kiowa in the Bijou Basin.  The ranch is owned by MFH Nancy and Paul King and they are most generous in sharing it with us.  We deeply appreciate their generosity.  We  also hunt the Abbott Ranch as well as the LazyK North and Plum Creek.  Please check your fixture card for the correct location for each hunt. Should you need directions to the fixture, please call any Board member. Since our kennels are located at the LazyK 11, we consider that our home fixture and the majority of our hunting takes place there. It consists of several thousand acres of rolling hills, with some treed areas and ponds.  While we do have jumps, there are also convenient gates so that jumping is not necessary in order to follow the hounds.   The footing is generally good, although there is some cactus and some prairie dog holes.