Training Chesney the Red-Tailed Hawk in Cornwall: From Juvenile to Horseback Falconry
How a juvenile red-tailed hawk was manned, flown on a creance and eventually worked from the saddle, written up as it happened.
What is horseback falconry?
Flying a hawk from the saddle rather than from the fist on foot. The horse covers ground a falconer on foot cannot, and the bird gets height and a moving perch to return to. It asks a great deal of both animals, and most of the training is getting each used to the other.
As well as my passion for horse-riding I have always been fascinated with birds of prey. They have a primeval beauty which, similar to the experience of galloping my horse taffy across a Cornish beach, connects me to nature.
If you are considering a bird of your own, we compare the two we keep in a guide to the best first bird of prey.
Moving to my smallholding allowed me to realise my dream of owning and flying my own bird of prey.
This blog shares my experience training a red-tailed hawk in the picturesque landscapes of Cornwall, UK, from the initial manning process to flying for guests at our Cornish cottage, and ultimately, the ambitious goal of horseback falconry.
Bringing Home the Juvenile Hawk
The first day with an 18-week-old red-tailed hawk is both thrilling and humbling. This young raptor, totally wild, having been reared in complete isolation by its parents was now completely entrusted into my care. In Chesney’s eyes I was nothing more than a predator, meaning the initial focus was on ensuring a safe, calm environment.
The Manning Process
Manning, the process of taming and building trust, is the foundation of falconry. It began with spending lots of time near the hawk, allowing it to grow accustomed to human presence. This was a process I thoroughly enjoyed, calming for Chesney but surprisingly meditative for me. Gentle handling followed, offering food from the glove. This stage required immense patience. Watching Chesney slowly transition from viewing me as a potential threat to a provider and partner.
Gradually, I introduced him to the glove, using positive reinforcement with food rewards. Short, frequent sessions proved more effective than prolonged interactions. Over time, he began to step onto the glove willingly, a milestone indicating growing trust.
Training and Flight Conditioning
Once Chesney was comfortable jumping onto my glove for food, the next phase involved creance training, using a long line to ensure he did not fly away during initial flights. This stage focused on recall training, encouraging him to fly increasing distances to the glove for food rewards.
As Chesney’s confidence and strength grew, we progressed to free flight sessions. Cornwall’s diverse landscapes provided the perfect backdrop for flying in wide open spaces and dense woodland. Observing Chesney soar, manoeuvre and finally strike the lure made all the hard work worthwhile.
Flying for Guests at Our Holiday Cottage
Sharing the beauty of falconry with guests at our holiday let has been immensely rewarding. Everyone loves Chesney !
Demonstrations offer a unique glimpse into the ancient art of falconry, building a real appreciation of these birds. Our guests can observe feeding, flight exercises, and even handle the hawk under supervision, creating memorable experiences. These encounters not only educate but also help to replenish our respect for wildlife and conservation.
Horseback Falconry
Our ultimate goal is to embrace the traditional practice of horseback falconry. Training both the Chesney and my horse to work in harmony presents new challenges and opportunities. The process has just begun, familiarising the horse to Chesney’s presence, ensuring he is comfortable with the horse’s movements, and developing coordinated commands. Gradual introductions, starting with the hawk perched near the horse and progressing to mounted sessions, help build mutual trust.
I am so excited to think that soon I will be riding through Cornwall’s scenic trails with Chesney soaring overhead. We have a long way to and it is most certainly the most demanding stage of the process. In time we hope we can share this unique experience with others.
Chesney lives here on the farm in west Cornwall with the horses and the pygmy goats. Guests at our farm holiday cottage see him fly.
Hawk Notes
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to man a red-tailed hawk?
Weeks rather than days, and it is decided by the bird. Short frequent sessions worked far better for Chesney than long ones. The milestone is the hawk stepping onto the glove willingly rather than for food alone.
What is creance training?
Flying the hawk on a long line so it cannot be lost while it learns to come back. It sits between glove work and free flight, and it is where recall distance is built up gradually.
Can guests handle the hawk?
Guests can watch feeding and flight exercises, and handle the hawk under supervision. It is done at our pace and the bird’s, not on a timetable.
What is horseback falconry?
Flying a hawk from horseback, with the bird working above and around the rider. It needs the horse to accept the hawk and the hawk to accept the horse, and it is trained in stages from the ground up. We are early in that process.
Is a red-tailed hawk a good first bird?
For most apprentices, yes. Chesney was eighteen weeks old and fully reared when he came here, which is deliberate: hawks are taken on after fledging rather than hand-reared. The comparison with an owl is in the best first bird of prey.
Where does the hawk live?
On the smallholding in west Cornwall, with the horses and the pygmy goats. Housing, weathering and the welfare code that governs it are covered in the beginner guide.