Etiquette, Safety & Commonsense

The hunt is at all times the guest of the farmer whose property you are on, respect this privilege he allows us.

• Keep off young grass and crops at all times.
• Always shut open gates if in doubt.
• Report immediately any damage to fences or property even if only a stretched wire, to the Master or his deputy.
• NO photos may be taken at the hunt (camera, cell phone or video) except with the express permission of the Master.

Riders wishing to qualify horses at the hunt should inform the Master before the hunt starts.

Members please help by:

• Introducing visitors to the Master and making them feel welcome.
• See that visitors know who the field secretary is and pay their caps on arrival.
• Be helpful to visitors or young riders who are having trouble with their mounts.

Be ready to move off on time so that the Master may announce any special conditions for the day.

Non-members and new followers wishing to enjoy a days hunting must have prior approval from the Master before the days hunting

Do not ride in front of the Master.

Always give way to the Master, Deputies, Huntsman, hounds and whips.

It is good manners to give way to senior members. 

The etiquette (riding order) of the field is hounds, huntsman, whippers-in, Master, deputy master, ladies, gentlemen, children.

Follow the line that the hounds are taking, never cut corners unless well behind where the hounds are working.

Turn your horse to face oncoming riders or hounds to avoid kicks.

Keep noise to a minimum when near hounds that are working.

Raised voices cause the hounds to lift their heads from the scent.

Always ride straight to your fences and exit on a straight line to avoid interference with other riders.

If gating please wait until the last of the field has jumped through before opening and moving through the gate.

Inform the Master, deputies or other riders if you are retiring early.

Riders participate at their own risk.

The hunt insists that all riders attire themselves in appropriate safety gear.

Hazards may include implements parked in long grass or behind hedges, high wires above fences, wire fences behind hedges, electric wires remaining ‘live’, holes and rough ground. The rider should note these for possible return to the same area later in the day.

In general riders follow the approximate course of the Master however it is each riders responsibility to ensure they have chosen a safe route for their horse.

Dogs are not be brought to hunts.

It is our custom for the riders to pool their lunch (the "hunt breakfast") at the conclusion of the days hunting.

It is good manners to remain untill the Master has given thanks to the land owners.