Farmington Hunt Club

Farmington Hunt Club operates from northwestern Albemarle County near Free Union, Virginia, covering territory that spans rolling hills at the base of the Blue Ridge Mountains plus historic southern Albemarle along the Hardware and James rivers. The club traces its roots to the Albemarle Hunt Club, which disbanded during World War I—FHC was officially revived and reorganized in 1929 under Belgian Blue colors, governed by the National Foxhound Club of America standards.

Farmington runs hunts three days per week: Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. The season breaks into two phases:

• •Cub hunting season: Early September (usually Labor Day weekend) through October, with 8 am meets
• •Formal hunting season: Late October/early November through spring, with 10 am meets (times adjust for weather and scenting conditions)

The club maintains three flight options to accommodate different riding styles and experience levels:

Farmington operates with:

• •Four Masters of Foxhunting: W. Patrick Butterfield (MFH), Joy Crompton (MFH), Kip Holloway (MFH), Liz King (MFH)
• •Huntsman: Matthew Cook
• •Kennelman overseeing the predominantly Crossbred pack (developed through decades of careful breeding)
• •Multiple volunteer Whippers-In: Tom Bishop, Deborah Wray, John Elliott, Tiffany Snell, Emily Chiles, Chris Middleton, Julie Cook
• •Road Whippers-In: Chris Cuthbert, Carolyn Chapman
• •Field Masters: Joy Crompton, Kip Holloway, Liz King

Visitors welcome with Master's permission (call 434-293-4467). Requirements to hunt:

• •Capping (guest) fees: Adults $100 | Students contact for rate
• •Signed waiver (digital—FHC waiver plus Rivanna Water & Sewer Authority waiver)
• •Virginia hunting license ($23 annual for ages 16-64; required for anyone 12+)
• •Submit all to Field Secretary on meet day

Waivers only need to be signed once—not renewed yearly.

• •Regular Hunting: Full hunting and social privileges, includes summer Walk and Talks
• •Social: All social events plus summer trail rides
• •Non-Resident: For those living outside Virginia
• •Limited Associate: Members in good standing at other clubs, living outside Farmington area
• •Family: Married couples with/without children, or single with children under 21
• •Single: Unmarried, no children under 21
• •Student/Junior: Full-time high school, college, or grad students; must be under 18

New applicants need sponsorship from two active regular hunting members who write recommendation letters to the Membership Chair (contact Liz Taylor: [email protected]).

Farmington runs a popular Walk and Talk trail ride series mid-May through August (Tuesdays and Sundays from area fixtures)—accessible to non-members. Contact Master Kip Holloway ([email protected]) for details.

The club also hosts:

• •Equestrian horse shows
• •Hunter pace competitions
• •Social events (Hunt Ball, dinners, gatherings)
• •Venue rental for events
• •Summer trail rides for all members

• •Cubbing Season (pre-October 1):
• •Informal or ratcatcher (tweed coat)
• •Collared shirts (polos, turtlenecks tucked in)
• •Solid muted colors except red
• •Earth tone breeches and boots preferred
• •Protective headgear required: Black or brown velvet cap with chin harness

• •Formal Season:
• •Formal attire: Tuesdays and Saturdays
• •Ratcatcher: Thursdays (or Tuesdays/Thursdays after January 1st)
• •All same protective gear requirements

Farmington Hunt Club operates from northwestern Albemarle County, near Free Union. Current facilities include clubhouse, stables, kennels, horse show ring, and member homes built at the location north of Free Union (established 1984).

• •Address: PO Box 5562, Charlottesville, VA 22905
• •Hunt Monitor Line: 434-978-1107
• •Email: [email protected]
• •President: Kimberly Skelly

For trail riding inquiries without membership: Contact Joy Crompton ([email protected]). For non-riding followers interested in hunts: Contact Joy Crompton. For beginners wanting to try hunting: Contact Liz King ([email protected]).