Hunting Season

Considering Hunting?

The August bank holiday is over and the hunting season is fast approaching once again. Perhaps you are a seasoned hunter dusting down your attire or a newcomer who has listened to the tales of adventure and wants to give it a go.

We have put together a guide which we hope you will help you through the myriad of tradition, etiquette and good fun.

Where to start?

There are a number of hunts around the countryside and you can find your local pack by looking at Bailey’s Hunt Directory or asking friends and accomplices who are already members or who have some experience of the sport.

Hound Exercise

Hound exercise is used to get both hounds and hunt horses fit and ready for the cubbing season. More importantly it is used to teach the hounds the way of the countryside and how to find their way home from far-flung places and civility. Sadly the occasional hound does get lost and whilst it is hoped they will make their way back to the kennels it is more likely they will return to where they were unloaded. Alternatively, followers, friend or foe have been known to collect them for you.

For riders it is an invaluable experience to ride in the country and to be able to stop and talk to people whilst under no time pressures! It is usually at a steady pace with some cantering depending on how long they have been out on exercise.

Autumn Hunting

Or cubbing is hunting young fox cubs before the formal season. This is also training for young hounds where they are taken out with older dogs usually from August to October.

It can also be a gentle introduction to the newcomer rider before the chaos of full hunting commences.

Drag Hunting

The hounds hunt either the natural scent of a human runner, knows as the 'clean boot' or an artificial scent laid down by a horse rider over a predetermined route. This can have the advantage that the hounds can be kept safely away from livestock, vulnerable crops, roads and railway lines and can ensure fun filled safe jumping.

Hunting Attire

You and your horse’s turnout are very important and all hunts have recommendations and guidelines for both appearance and safety on the hunting field. Whilst in many walks of life, individuality is encouraged, on the hunting field at best it is frowned upon and at worst you may be asked to leave. As a newcomer you may be able to get away with a less formal approach but seasoned hunters are expected to be in proper attire.

The less correctly turned out should generally remain at the back of the field which may also be a safer place for the newbie!

Ratcatcher is considered informal dress and is usually worn during Autumn hunting. It may also be worn at informal meetings during the year.

There are few hunts that allow juniors to wear black or navy coats but most are required to wear tweed until they turn eighteen.

All hunts have their own guidelines so you should check with the Master or secretary on what is appropriate.

Hats, Boots, Whips and Body Protectors

Gentlemen may wear a top hat, a bowler or hunting cap, and ladies may wear a bowler or hunting cap, unless they are riding side saddle when a top hat may be worn. Safety helmets with harnesses are also acceptable but brightly coloured silks should be reserved for the racecourse. Children should always be in an ASTM safety helmet with harness and black cover. Riding hats with reflective strips on the front should be kept for show jumping.

For your own safety, your hat should fit well and stay in place in the highly unlikely event that you will have a fall. Ribbons on the back of hunt caps should always be sewn up unless you are professional hunt staff or a Master. Hair nets should be worn over long hair.

Whilst back protectors are not visible in the many vintage hunting scenes, they have become a popular choice and may be worn inside or outside the jacket.

Long black boots without tops (unless formal attire) should be worn. Children may also wear jodhpur boots but tall boots will generally offer more protection. Authentic looking rubber boots are acceptable.

Hunting whips or crops can be carried but not down your boot! They are extremely useful for opening gates and holding them open as well as dangling in front of your horse to guide hounds around them.

Accessorises

If you are carrying additional items such as saddle flasks, fence tools, camera cases etc. they should be unobtrusive and made of leather.

Bling jewellery and perfume are generally deemed inappropriate. Although faux stock ties are generally permissible, a full length stock is preferable both for the sake of appearance and, more significantly, in the event it is needed as a bandage or sling.

Stock pins should be plain without emblems etc.

Generally, the only decoration worn on a hunt coat is a poppy before Remembrance Sunday or a black arm band when in mourning, except Pony Club badges on children's hacking jackets.

Ladies

• Tweed coat or hacking jacket
• Natural coloured (not white) breeches.
• Shirt and coloured tie or ratcatcher shirt with collar and stock pin.
• Tattersall vest
• Brown leather gloves
• Brown or black field boots
• Hunt cap or safety helmet

Formal

• Black frock coat or Melton coat with plain black buttons
• Canary or Tattersall waistcoat
• White shirt with white stock tie and horizontal gold pin
• Buff or tan britches
• Wash, brown, black or string gloves
• Regular hunting spurs high on the heel
• Black boots without tops, tabs are sewn in but not sewn down.
• Black velvet hunting cap or safety helmet

Gentlemen

• Tweed coat or hacking jacket
• Natural coloured (not white) breeches.
• Shirt and coloured tie
• Tattersall vest
• Brown leather gloves
• Brown or black field boots
• Hunt cap or safety helmet

Formal

• Black frock coat or Melton coat with plain black buttons
• Canary or Tattersall waistcoat
• White shirt with white stock tie and horizontal gold pin
• With a Melton coat, buff or tan britches. With a Black frockcoat, white breeches and boots with brown tops.
• Wash, brown, black or string gloves
• Heavy pattern hunting spurs high on the heel
• Black boots without tops, tabs are sewn in but not sewn down.
• Black velvet hunting cap or safety helmet

Juniors

• Tweed coat or hacking jacket
• Natural coloured (not white) breeches.
• Tall black boots or brown jodhpur boots.
• Shirt and coloured tie or ratcatcher shirt with collar
• Tattersall vest
• Black velvet hunting cap with harness or an ASTM safety helmet with harness and black cover.

Formal

• Black or dark coloured Melton coat with plain black buttons (some hunts allow juniors to wear black or navy coats but most require tweed until they turn 18)
• Canary or Tattersall waistcoat
• White shirt with white stock tie and horizontal gold pin
• Buff or tan britches or jodhpurs
• Wash, brown or black leather gloves
• Regular hunting spurs high on the heel
• ASTM safety helmet with harness and black cover.

Colors or Honors

Colors is the term used to describe the hunt uniform or livery with the hunt color on the formal coat’s collar and buttons with the hunt insignia. You are only entitled to wear colors when granted by the Master. This is generally done to recognise ability and responsibility on the hunting field and support of the hunt outside the field.

If you have been awarded colors then gentlemen generally change to a scarlet coat with the hunt colors on the collar and brass buttons with the hunt insignia. Ladies wear the hunt colors on the black coat’s collar and have the insignia on the black buttons. They may also have black patent leather tops on their dress boots. Small brass buttons with the hunt insignia may also be worn on the waistcoat.

The number of buttons also has significance

• 3 buttons - normal hunt subscriber
• 4 buttons – Master
• 5 buttons - huntsman and whippers-in (hunt staff)

Colors and scarlet coats are worn on a formal day when hunting with your hunt’s hounds. Wearing colors is never assumed when hunting with another pack and visitors should wear black or seek permission from the host Master to wear their colors

In bad weather, such as torrential rain or freezing conditions, the Master may suspend the requirement for formal attire

Most of all you should be:

• Warm and dry
• Clean and smart
• Remember you are hunting in the countryside not exhibiting in the show ring
• Having fun!

Horses

Now you have got yourself fully kitted, it’s time to consider your horse.

The most important quality is safety. Your horse should go quietly in a group, stop without a fight and stand patiently. You should also be able to wait your turn at jumps and jump without refusals.

Your horse should be clean, neatly trimmed and properly tacked. You may consider the use of studs as the weather worsens. Horses can be left natural during the Autumn season but otherwise should be plaited or hogged. Plaits should be individual and not running. Native pony owners may prefer not to plait. Clipping is advisable but hair on the legs can offer more protection.

If your horse is new to hunting, you should tie a green ribbon in its tail. If it might kick, tie a red ribbon.

To avoid kicking incidents you should always leave sufficient distance between you and other horses and hounds. You should always point your horse’s head towards hounds, never the rear, there are those who will remind you in 10 years about your horse kicking a hound the first time out.

Tack

Your tack should be simple and appropriate for the field. It should be clean, serviceable and reliable. Breast plates are a good idea for both comfort of the horse and safety of the rider. Ensure your bit provides sufficient braking power, the circling technique may not be feasible and could present a danger to you and others.

Natural wool or numnahs should be used. Best to avoid square pads, sheets, colours and names and initials. Tradition suggests saddles should be brown leather but check with your hunt if synthetic or black saddles are acceptable.

Boots are acceptable but avoid garish colours.

It may seem somewhat odd to go to such effort dressing up only to be covered in mud immediately you leave, however by looking smart you are honouring the generosity of those who have invited you to ride over their land along with the skill and commitment of the hunt staff.

Field Etiquette

On the day, adults should bring a drink, something to eat during the day that can be easily and discreetly carried and a mobile phone for emergencies. Children should always be escorted and should have easy to eat food and drink and a mobile phone, if available, for emergencies. If you have enough room, a hoof pick, polos and a pocket knife can be very useful!

There are many who will suggest that manners are no longer either visible or required however suffice to say that this is not the case hunting. Remember good manners cost nothing.

Some meets can prove elusive so ensure you leave plenty of time to find the hunt. It is good manners to arrive on time and riding into the field to try and catch up may result in the line of scent being crossed and distract the hounds. If you are able to join the field, the first obligation will be to apologise to the master for your tardiness.

Once you arrive, it is advisable to say “good morning” to the master along with handing your unprompted cap to the secretary. She is the one clanking as she moves as everyone has used the opportunity to relieve themselves of loose change.

Often drinks will be served before the hunt begins and generally it is safest to behave as though you are at a quite formal drinks party. With everyone offering you sips it is very easy to over indulge in alcohol.

Generally, those with their colors are entitled to ride at the front of the field and give way should be given to a member wearing colors. A lack of brakes or a “I thought” will not be sufficient to excuse passing colors or indeed the master. You have been warned!

Whilst it is a sociable sport, unnecessary conversation should be avoided. A successful hunt relies on the good communication between the hounds, huntsman and Master. Trying to engage the Master in discussion of celebrity big brother whilst he or she is trying to monitor hound work will not be welcomed.

Ideally you should intend to remain for the duration of the hunt however, occasions may arise which necessitates heading home early. You should pass word to the Master or secretary. It might also be prudent to ask for directions, not only will this avoid returning by the scenic route but will also avoid interfering with hound work. If possible, use hard surfaces for your return journey.

Riding with a hunt is a privilege, not a right and although rarely exercised, the masters and secretary have the powers to excuse riders from the field and send them home should they deem it necessary. This is best avoided by observing and feverishly following the proper etiquette to avoid such an embarrassing situation.

It is suggested that you show kindness to both the young, old and fallers even if they wreak havoc on you at a jump. Someday it may be you lying on the ground winded and you will be glad of the sympathy.

All hunts will welcome newcomers but when the hunt is full swing it can be easy to forget someone less experienced and believe that they are being cared for by someone else. Some hunts operate a system of hunting nannies to dissipate anxiety and ensure and enjoyable day for all others offer newcomer days.

The language

"Hold Hard!" means "Stop now. And don't move until I tell you."

“Huntsman Please” or “Whip Please” let the huntsman pass.

Always shut a gate if you are last through. If “Gate Please” is shouted from in front, pass on to person behind.

General points to remember

• Whilst hunting there are those people who are trying to go about their ordinary business so say thank you to slowing cars, avoid blocking roads and thank those who open gates for you.
• If you have negotiated a hazard, don’t gallop off immediately as it will excite the horses following.
• Do not do more than a trot going through gateways and always walk through stable and farm yards.
• Close gates and meet and greet the landowners
• Watch out for children and give them plenty of room.
• Never cross a sown field, stay single file round the edge.

Remember, courtesy and safety are paramount to everyone.

Staying within the Law

The hunting ban has proved a controversial piece of legislation but as of 2011 it remains firmly in place. (Our customers can be found in both the UK and Ireland and hunting legislation varies depending on your location so please check locally)

The Hunting Act 2004 bans the hunting with dogs of all wild mammals in England and Wales, including fox, deer, hare and mink, except where it is carried out in accordance with the conditions of one of the exemptions set out in the Act.

You can find some further details on the impact of the ban at the following links

Defra - Hunting with Dogs

Direct Gov - Hunting with Dogs

Hunting with dogs is also banned in Scotland.

Protection of Wild Mammals (Scotland) Act 2002 - An Act of the Scottish Parliament to protect wild mammals from being hunted with dogs; and for connected purposes.

Hunting with dogs is still allowed in Northern Ireland. However a bill has been raised at the NI Assembly proposing a ban similar to England and Wales. Click here for more information

Hunting with dogs remains legal in Ireland.

Most importantly, hunting is about staying safe and having fun so that you too will be able to join the tales and laughter in the spring as you reminisce over the winter season.