Hunting Humans have been hunting on horseback for thousands of years, though fox hunting as we know it today is a more recent development. The first mounted hunters were after large prey animals such as deer and boar (animals that could be eaten once they were caught). In medieval France and England, the hunt evolved primarily as a sport of the nobility. The French influence is still felt in some hunting terms, such as "Tallyho!" (from the old French Ty a Hillaut, meaning that the quarry is in view and running)

The first mention in print of chasing foxes for sport appears during the reign of King Henry VIII. By the 17th century, fox hunting had become a popular pastime for gentlemen, merchants, and farmers, as well as lords and ladies. Hunting came to America with the first settlers and became firmly established, especially in the eastern United States. There are many historic hunts in England and America that have been running for hundreds of years.

Legend has it that the famous "pink" jackets commonly worn by hunters (which are actually red) are named for the tailer who designed them, rather than the color itself. Evidence for the existence of such a tailor is scarce, but the term persists.

Also See Fox hunting and Show hunter