The foxhounds move as one, their noses to the ground, picking up a scent. Suddenly, a single hound barks, and the rest erupt in chorus. In an instant, they surge forward at lightning speed, chasing something imperceptible to our far less capable human noses. Behind them, the steady rhythm of hoofbeats fills the air as horses and riders give chase, striving to keep the hounds in sight. The hunt has begun.

On this beautiful October morning, I’m following along with the Long Lake Hounds, photographing their drag hunt as it winds through elegant estates, open pastures, and colorful forests in Medina, Minnesota. The day could not be more perfect: sunny, crisp, and 60 degrees. Trees blaze with autumn color, and the sky is a brilliant blue—offering no hint of the snow that will soon arrive.

This hunt differs from the practices of the past, when hounds were set on live foxes. While some may argue over the need to control fox populations, many clubs have embraced drag hunting instead. In drag hunts, no animal is pursued or harmed; instead, a scent is laid across the countryside for hounds and horses to follow. It’s a refreshing blend of tradition and compassion.

The day’s course takes us through pastures, estates, and fields, with breaks—called “checks”—every few miles so riders and horses can rest and hydrate. These pauses also make the hunt more accessible to riders of all levels. I watched the Master ride ahead while his eight-year-old son, alongside a matched companion, followed at a more comfortable pace. Everyone could participate fully, each at their own rhythm.

The Long Lake Hounds, established in 1959, carry forward the rich traditions of the sport first brought to America from England in 1650. Some traditions remain unchanged: the horn used to gather the hounds, and the traditional attire—red coats for masters and whippers-in, and three-button black coats for other riders. Training the dogs and horses to work together is no small feat. Many times I thought a dog would get trampled as the horses galloped along with the pack but everyone seemed to know what they were doing and all were safe. If you want to see more about a drag hunt and the Long Lake Hounds you can click here : http://www.longlakehounds.com/hounds.html

The group covered a great deal of ground that morning. The hunt typically lasts a few hour- one of the advantages of drag hunting. Because the scent is deliberately laid, the course can be designed for a set duration and distance, eliminating the risk of losing a fox’s trail. By the end of the day, everyone was happily exhausted, their faces lit with satisfaction, their horses content, and the autumn sun still warming the fields.

It’s wonderful to see this tradition carried on in a way that respects not only the heritage of the sport but also the welfare of both horses and wildlife.