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Etiquette - what you need to know...

The etiquette of hunting has developed to allow the field to safely follow hounds without interfering with their ability to work. It is important that you understand the 'rules' and why they exist. The Huntsman goes in front of the 'field' (mounted followers) and directs and controls the hounds. The Field Master is who you follow closely if you are mounted. You must listen for her instructions and follow them carefully.

Typical issues on a normal day's hunting.

How do I come hunting?

If you have a membership then the only thing you should do is phone the hunt Hotline on HOT LINE: 07736 625128 to check that the day is still on and the location is unchanged from the card. If you are visiting then you must call the Secretary on Tel: 07710-920892 to ask permission to visit. This will normally be fine, so long as there is no restriction on numbers (sometimes field size could be restricted to limit damage to the land).

What will I have to pay?

You will be required to pay a charge called a CAP which will depend on which membership you are hunting under. Current charges are also available from the Secretary. You will also need to pay a 'wire fund' under certain memberships to cover any repairs to land and fencing. These will be payable to the Secretary at the meet.

How should my horse be turned out?

Your horse should be turned out correctly i.e. clean and tidy and for 'lawn meets' (i.e. at someone's house at their kind invitation) it is usual to plait your horse if it is not hogged. Tack is entirely at your discretion, but you may be well advised to try a stronger bit than you would hacking to ensure you retain control of your horse. It is quite acceptable to fit boots to your horse if he normally wears them, but many people find that they do better without as mud may work underneath the boots and irritate the horse.

Where should I park my trailer or wagon?

There will usually be adequate parking, please leave room for others to get out around you if possible. Please do not park on mowed verges or in front of any access gates or lanes. Ask others to help you if you are struggling! You should clear up after your horse where you have parked - always keep a skip and shovel in your trailer or wagon!

How do I know who to pay?

The Secretary will be in evidence, circulating and collecting fees. Ask another member if you don't know who to approach.

What should I wear?

You should be comfortably kitted out - usual dress for the field is long black boots, jodpurs, a warm shirt, a stock, gloves, a black jacket and BS approved hard hat. Don't worry if you don't have all these items, smart dress will be acceptable. Body protectors can be worn under or over your jacket if you wish. The 'Hound Rambles' are usually casual and you can come casually (but neatly) dressed. Ladies, your hair should be neatly held in a hairnet.

Who is 'in charge'?

The Field Master is your guide and lead for the day. The current Field Master is Viki Sutton, but others may deputise for her if she is not hunting for any reason. She can be identified by her pink jacket (that is red to you and me). It is very important that you listen to her and KEEP BEHIND her at all times, unless instructed by her to do something different. She is doing this for YOUR SAFETY. If you do not or cannot keep behind her she may ask you to go home! This is unusual and will only be for your safety or for other's safety! Please respect her instructions as she has a hard job to do!

What calls from the hunt officers should I know?

Sides please - keep to the sides of a field to limit damage

Hounds/Huntsman/Whip (left or right or coming through) please - make room for hounds, huntsman or whip to come through - open the gate for them where possible

Hold please or Field Please - get behind the Field Master and keep behind her!

Quiet Please - self evident I hope!

Gate please - last person through to shut the gate. This is important - if you don't know if you are the last, wait or shut the gate! This is signally to one another by a raised hand as you do through the gate, look for someone behind you to raise their hand to signal that they have 'got' that gate. Please don't keep shouting 'gate please' as lots of noise may distract the hounds from the scent that they are following.

Who should I thank for the day?

If you are ready to go home, please check with the Field Master that it is safe for you to do so and people usually say 'Good Night' to the Master when they are leaving...even if it is only 2pm!

What happens if I can't / don't want to jump a particular obstacle?

You should line up in an orderly fashion to jump an obstacle, giving your horse and other people sufficient room. If your horse stops, circle away and rejoin the line where you can. Please do not repeatedly try an obstacle, if you are having trouble - find a gate and rejoin the field. If you don't want to jump, look for a way around and make sure you shut all gates behind you and take care with any stock in the fields. Make sure that you return to the main following group as quickly as you can. Also please make sure you tell a Master or other Hunt staff if you have damaged a fence and they will arrange for it to be repaired.

What should I do if I have any concerns, comments or suggestions?

There are three member's representatives on the Hunt Committee: Chris Hodgson, Bob Sutton and Andrea Shaw - please chat to them or talk to any member of the committee who can then raise your concern at a committee meeting.