FIELD ETIQUETTE

ETIQUETTE ON THE HUNT FIELD

The focus of riders in the field should be on the progress and conduct of the hunt while the hounds are hunting. There are proper conventions and etiquette that participants are expected to follow, most of which are for the safety as well as the pleasure of all involved.

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. If in doubt, ride single file around the outside of the paddock. 

Be prepared to open gates for the Huntsman, hounds, master and field. 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.

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 whippers-in. It is good manners to give way to senior members.  The etiquette (riding order) of the field is hounds, huntsman, whippers-in, Master, deputies, ladies, gentlemen, children.

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

Do not ride over unhunted land. 

Turn your horse to face oncoming riders and 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. This includes for the horse. However, it is recommended that horses do NOT wear boots for safety reasons. 

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 should not be brought to hunts. If they are, they must be kept on a leash and have a current tapeworm dosing certificate.

Where possible ride in with the Master and follow the hounds to the hunt truck. Thank the Master, huntsman, Whips etc. 

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 until the Master has given thanks to the land owners.

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

Note - the Hunt is never referred to as a club or a hunt club. 

CORRECT ATTIRE FOR THE FIELD

Dress on the hunt field is largely traditional and essentially practical and is based on safety and comfort. Each Hunt has registered colours with the NZ Hunts’ Association. This refers to the Hunt coat and collar colour and is distinctive for each Hunt. In most Hunts the Master and Huntsman wear a red coat, practically, this is very useful as it makes them distinctive in the field. There are many traditions associated with dress, one is the number of buttons that members, officials, Masters and Huntsmen wear.And gentlemen and ladies wear different coloured breeches and stocks. 

What to wear:

Jodpurs/breeches should be beige or grey, but not white as white is reserved for the Master, Whips and Huntsman. 

A white shirt which you can attached a stock to.

A white stock, tied correctly and secured with a stock pin. Pre-tied stocks should be avoided

A nicely fitting jacket with three buttons and one back vent. If you have been awarded your "colours" this will be a black jacket with a red collar and hunt buttons. If you have not yet been awarded your colours then wear a black or tweed jacket.

Clean boots

Black helmet - with no, or very little "bling"

You can carry a standard whip, or a hunting whip.

You horse should be clean and tidy, wearing well fitting gear and a numnah or hunt saddle blanket. Hunting is a traditional sport, so you will not see bright coloured saddle blankets and fly veils on hunters.  

Note that horses should not wear boots out hunting due to safety reasons.