For more information: Iroquois Hunt Club, 2439 Grimes Mill Rd., Lexington, KY 40515, (859) 263-5482

Producer: Charlee Heaton

The Music of the Hounds

Riding with the Iroquois Hunt Club

For more than 100 years, Kentuckians have followed the hounds after foxes—and, more recently, coyotes—in a sport that is steeped in tradition. The Iroquois Hunt Club, located on the Fayette-Clark County line, begins its formal hunt season each fall with the Blessing of the Hounds ceremony, performed by the Episcopal Bishop of the Diocese of Lexington.

In this special edition of Kentucky Life, Hunt Master Jerry Miller explains some of the history behind fox-hunting traditions, as well as the types of hounds used in the hunt. Lilla Mason, a member of the club’s volunteer staff, talks about what makes a good hunting horse and how to keep one in good condition.

You’ll also meet long-time club members who have seen the sport change over the years. The change of quarry from fox to coyote has dictated a different method of following the hounds.

Club members also explain that the chase is paramount in fox hunting. The music of the hounds excitedly baying, the smell of the crisp fall air, and the feeling of accomplishment at the end of a hunt all take precedence over catching a fox or coyote.