I recently visited a local foxhunt to say hello, and get some photos. Foxhunting is pretty big in my area. To be fair, I dont have a lot of experience in other areas, so I cant say for certain. But theres like five local hunts, so I think thats a pretty good amount. Middleburg is basically known for foxhunting, so Im pretty sure were a big foxhunting area.We (I use we loosely, Im not a foxhunter myself, even if I want to be) are currently in cubbing season. Its like the pre-game season, before the actual foxhunting begins. Its still mostly the same as the actual season, but there are a few key differences.Its much less formal. Foxhunters are known for the red and black coats, looking all dapper and ready to discuss their estates. Cubbing season has a more relaxed dress code, although lets be clear, these people could still be discussing the state of their estates, and how the inheritance tax is going to be effecting them. Theyre still looking quite sharp.I was actually in a local tack store the other day, and I saw a beautiful blue wool riding coat. I knew immediately it was cut for foxhunting, but I was a bit confused as I wasnt clear on what cubbing season was. I asked, and was told its for cubbing season. Ah yes, of course. The $800 coat is the less formal riding outfit.But this lack of formality is because this is basically training season for everyone involved. The field of horses is smaller, so its less overwhelming. The horses are coming back into work or green horses are being trained to foxhunt. Newer riders are getting used to the flow of things. Young hounds are being trained to hunt. The foxes are realizing its that horrible time of year again.After these training sessions, everyone should be on the same page when actual foxhunting starts, usually sometime in late October or November. There will be a formal Opening Meet, theres usual a Blessing of the Hounds, and everyone is going to be looking their best.If you love taking photos, like me, its the best time to sneak on in there and get some. But its still fun to come visit during the less formal times, too. I always love my visits to the foxhunt!The post The Foxhunt What is Cubbing Season? appeared first on An Equestrian Life.