Annual Hunter Trials
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2026
The Camargo Hunter Trials, one of the oldest competitions in North America, features all-day horse riding and jumping competitions that test a horse’s stamina on a “hunt field” type of terrain.
Camargo Hunter Trials – A Cincinnati Fall Tradition
Bucket list activity right here in Cincinnati! The best day of the year to be in Indian Hill.
Picture this: The trees are vibrant red and yellow, the field is decorated with corn stalks, pumpkins and mums surrounding a variety of cross country jumps. Horse trailers, riders and their horses abound. The field is surrounded with enthusiastic tailgaters—culinary delights and decorations spill out the back of their vehicles.
Enjoy the VIP tent where you can see all the action while enjoying a light breakfast, followed by lunch and grazing options with an open bar, if you so choose. There is a display of vibrant blue, red, yellow, white and pink ribbons placed next to the softly patina-ed perpetual trophies, many dating back to the early days of the Hunter Trials. These are the “prizes” for the winners.
ABOUT THE HUNTER TRIALS
There are 2 components to the day-long event. The Hunter Trials were originally created to test the stamina, level headedness, and bravery of hunt horses and riders in an organized equestrian event set up to simulate the terrain and conditions found in the typical fox hunting field. Horse and riders jump logs, stone walls, and post and rail fences.
There is even a class where riders have to open and close a gate while mounted as well as dismount and remount in the field.
The “small” ring allows young riders (many of them still in pigtails) to experience the thrills of the glorious outdoor venue while jumping more traditional type jumps.
There is a Hunter Derby class, where the competition gets really exciting as there is the lure of $1200 in prize money this year.
PARADE OF HOUNDS
The highlight of the day is the “Parade of Hounds”. This is truly an event not to be missed. Dressed in traditional formal “Pink” (scarlet) coat, the Huntsman sounds the hunting horn, signaling the arrival of the foxhounds. Galloping around the ring with the hounds in hot pursuit. commanding the hounds with the calls of the horn. It is quite the experience to watch close to twenty hounds obey the call of the huntsman. This is concluded by a field of riders, in their formal attire, (have you ever seen a foxhunting print?) follow around the ring in the final circuit.
Tailgate Competition
Everyone is welcome. Consider participating in the tailgate competition. It is the only amateur food competition in the Cincinnati area and there are glorious ribbons, a silver trophy, and above all bragging rights to be won! Past year’s categories included the Grand Prize, Best Overall, Best Bite, Most Innovative Presentation, Biggest Party, Best Entree, and of course, The Wild Card. Some people bring their one special single entry, while others go all out! It’s a casual fun competition for most, with a few die-hard groups that show up every year out for blood in the overall categories. We are thrilled to have had award winning culinary Chefs, Sommelier, and local celebrities from around the city to come out and judge. SO, be prepared to serve up to two bites or sips when they stop by. (Store bought or catered tailgate goers will not be eligible.)
COME AS YOU ARE
For those that prefer not to be quite so involved, there is the opportunity to park “off the ropes” in parking areas and tailgate without competing, or just meander all day, make some new friends, and enjoy the horse and people watching. Be sure to bring your chair. There will be at least one food truck or you can hang around one of the many parties and look hungry. You’ll probably be invited to join. It’s a very friendly crowd. Admission to the all-day affair is $10 per adult, $5 for youth under 12 years of age.
BE SOCIAL
You don’t need a horse to experience the thrill of the chase, the camaraderie of the club, and the beauty of the land.
Social members have so many ways to be a part of the Camargo Hunt.