Hunt Etiquette
General:
- For correct attire, please see the Dress Code
- If you hack
to the Hunt, please avoid fields and culverts as you may be fouling a
drag line. Keep to the
side of the roads, watch for traffic and give them right of way.
- Be ready to move off at the appointed time.
- Respect the land and the requests of all landowners.
Ride on the edges of fields unless otherwise led by the Field
Master, and keep off crops and new seed.
- Close all gates that you have found originally closed.
- Report any damage to the Master. If necessary make temporary repairs.
- Ride SLOWLY past cattle, sheep or pastured horses.
- Do not litter the countryside.
- No smoking is permitted in the hunt field.
The Hunt:
- Talking has no place in the hunt field. Please save it
for checks and the Clubhouse.
- When hounds move out, follow behind your Field Master.
Do not ride on his/her horse’s tail or pass him/her.
- The Huntsman and Hounds have the right of way at all
times. DO NOT RIDE OVER OR INTERFERE WITH THE HOUNDS.
- If the Huntsman or Hounds should need to pass you, GET
OUT OF THE WAY AND TURN YOUR HORSE’S HEAD TOWARDS THE HOUNDS.
- Whippers-in have the right of way at all times.
- At checks stay away from the Huntsman and the Hounds.
If you would like to approach them, you must get permission from the
Field Master.
- At the beginning of the hunt you must decide which
field you wish to ride with and you must STAY WITH THAT FIELD UNTIL
THE END OF A LINE. If you wish to change fields, inform your Field
Master at a check and inform the new Field Master that you will be
riding with him/her for the next line.
- STAY UP WITH THE FIELD; do not lag behind unless you
have a problem.
- If you must leave before the hunt is over, inform the
Field Master or get a message to him/her.
- Maintain a safe distance between you and the horse in
front. Do not crowd at jumps; take your turn.
- If your horse kicks, you MUST put a red ribbon in the tail, and
ride at the rear of the field.
- If you hear the words ’HOLD HARD’, pull up to a dead STOP
and do not
move until your Field Master informs you it is safe to do so.
- If a rider falls, generally only 2 people should stay
behind to assist the rider and possibly help catch the horse. Please
get a message to the Field Master if you go home or there is a
serious injury.
- The Hunt Staff and Field Masters work hard to give the
riders good sport, your thanks are always appreciated.
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All Rights Reserved
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