Fox hunts involve a large pack of hunting dogs - hounds - followed by a large group of riders on horses. The dogs are bred and trained to smell, chase and kill foxes. If the pack smells a fox, they charge off at great speed after it, and the horse riders follow, leaping over fences in their stride (farms over which fox hunting occurs usually have low, wooden fences rather than wire ones, which horses cannot jump over). The hunt continues until a fox is found and killed by the hounds, or the riders give up.
Perhaps due to its aristocratic origins (in England, it continues to be the preserve of the very rich) elaborate costumes and decorations for both rider and horse have been developed. The best riders and horses, who travel at the front of the group because they are more comfortable with dogs running around at their feet, are known as "pinks" for the light red riding coats they wear. Horses are elaborately groomed and have their tails plaited.
The exclusivity of the sport and its bizarre-to-the-unitiated nature mystify many as to its appeal, but riders claim that the pursuit of the fox is an exhilarating thrill ride akin to bungy-jumping? and other adventure sports, as well as being a traditional part of English culture.
Animal-rights activists have long been incensed by the perceived cruelty of the sport (as well as the fox, apparently many dogs are accidently tramped and killed by the horses), and Tony Blair's Labour government manifesto included a ban on fox hunting. The bill passed the House of Commons stage, but fell in the House of Lords due to time constraints prior to the 2001 General Election.
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