foxhunter

A foxhunter rides across a field with a pack of hounds.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A person who hunts foxes: "foxhunter" refers to an individual who participates in the traditional sport of hunting foxes, typically on horseback with a pack of hounds.
   • A horse trained for fox hunting: In equestrian contexts, "foxhunter" can also denote a horse bred or trained specifically for the activity of fox hunting.

Usage Examples

• Person:

  • The experienced foxhunter led the chase across the open fields. (An individual skilled in the sport of hunting foxes.)
  • My grandfather was a keen foxhunter in his youth. (A person who regularly participated in fox hunting.)

• Horse:

  • She bought a sturdy foxhunter for the winter season. (A horse suitable for riding in fox hunts.)
  • The foxhunter cleared the fence with ease. (The horse performed well during the hunt.)

Advanced Usage

• "a dedicated foxhunter": someone who is deeply committed to the practice of fox hunting.

  • He is a dedicated foxhunter, attending every hunt of the season. (He is very devoted to the activity.)

• "to ride a foxhunter": to ride a horse that is used for fox hunting.

  • She prefers to ride a foxhunter rather than a show jumper. (She chooses a horse bred for hunting over one for jumping competitions.)

Variants and Related Words

• Foxhunting (n): the sport or activity of hunting foxes with hounds.

  • Foxhunting has a long tradition in rural England. (The practice of hunting foxes.)

• Foxhunt (n): a single instance or event of hunting foxes.

  • The annual foxhunt attracted participants from all over the county. (A specific hunting event.)

Synonyms

• Hunter: a person who hunts game, including foxes.
• Huntsman: a person who manages hounds and leads a fox hunt.
• Equestrian: a person who rides horses, though not exclusively in hunting.

Related Idioms

• "A foxhunter's cry": a traditional call or sound made by hunters during the chase.

  • The foxhunter's cry echoed through the valley as the hounds picked up the scent. (The characteristic shout used in the hunt.)

• "To be a foxhunter at heart": to have a natural affinity for the sport.

  • Even though he moved to the city, he remains a foxhunter at heart. (He still feels a strong connection to fox hunting.)