The idiosyncrasies of hunting etiquette can be off-putting, but whilst we are maintaining a tradition, we are not on ceremony; first and foremost, we want people to have a good time and remain safe. You could write a book about hunting etiquette and hunting terms but there’s very little that you really need to know. If you’re new to hunting, there are plenty of regular and more experienced followers that will take you under their wing and help you to learn the ropes.
If you see a fox, the mounted field, foot and car followers should not holloa or otherwise draw hounds’ attention to it, but please quietly inform the Huntsman or a Master so that we can take steps to avoid the fox.
If there are any anti-hunt protesters present, do not talk to them other than to wish them a ‘good day’. Inform one of the Masters of their presence and location.
What should I wear?
The most important thing is to be warm, dry and safe. However, there is a certain dress code attached to the hunting field, which has evolved from centuries of trial and error. It keeps everyone looking neat and tidy, which helps to maintain the good appearance of hunters when out on the road in public view; it also shows respect to our hosts, the land owners and farmers, on whose land we are riding and by whose invitation we are out.
During Autumn Hunting adults should wear Ratcatcher, ie. breeches and brown or black boots, or jodhpur boots with smart half chaps, a shirt and tie or coloured stock, a tweed hacking jacket and a hard hat.
Junior members should wear Ratcatcher, ie. breeches and brown or black boots, or jodhpur boots with smart half chaps, a shirt and tie or coloured stock, a tweed hacking jacket, body protector and a hard hat.
Traditionally, from the Opening Meet, adults should wear a black or dark blue (ladies only) hunt coat with beige breeches, black boots and a white hunting tie or stock. In all cases a riding hat with dark blue or black velvet cover.
Do not wear jewellery (such as earrings) in case they get caught and cause injury and / or get lost. Long hair should be kept tidy in a hair net.
How should I tack and turnout my horse?
Horses do not need to be plaited until the opening meet – so plaiting is not required during autumn hunting or for hound exercise throughout the season. Tack should be as plain as possible, so avoid garish saddle cloths and diamante studded tack. Boots and protection are perfectly acceptable.
If your horse is young or new to hunting, be sure to put a green ribbon in its tail. If your horse is prone to kick, ensure it wears a red ribbon and stay to the back of the Field.
What’s the etiquette in the field?
The simplest answer is to listen to your Field Master and Masters, follow their instructions. If you’re new to hunting, then shadow a regular who will look after you. Try to avoid ‘overtaking’ other horses, particularly the Masters and keep your distance from the huntsman and hounds.
If you would prefer not to jump, then make sure you let the Field Master know and they will team you up with a non-jumping member who will guide you around any fences.
Where should I ride?
Stay behind the Masters, Huntsman and hounds. If you’re in the field, listen out for instructions and avoid overtaking other horses. We will often have jumping and non-jumping groups within the field and if you’re new to hunting, we will ensure that someone sticks with you. If your horse wears a green or red ribbon please remember to stay at the back of the field, it is your responsibility to keep your horse out of trouble, not that of other riders to avoid you.
Are there any rules for foot followers?
Foot followers are just as much part of the hunt as the mounted followers. So it’s important that foot followers are polite and courteous to landowners, farmers and the general public. Foot followers must avoid driving across private land unless given permission to do so, as well as blocking gateways and access to farms and fields.
- Please take care not to block roads near the meet or park in space at the meet which is needed for horseboxes or trailers.
- After moving off, please take care to allow non-hunting vehicles to go about their normal business.
- Please check carefully for on-coming horses and hounds before opening your car doors.
- You will earn the profound gratitude of the hunt staff and mounted field for opening and closing gates when this is requested.
IN THE FIELD – GATES / JUMPING
- Slow down when going through gateways, do not gallop through – the gateway may be muddy, uneven or have hidden obstacles.
- Make sure that the person after you is aware that a gate needs to be closed by clearly saying “gate please” if they are not in hearing distance raise a hand until they raise a hand to acknowledge your request.
- Never leave a person alone when closing a gate, stay until it has been shut properly – you may be needed to help hold a horse if they need to dismount.
- Remember to thank anyone who has opened a gate for you. A thank you and a smile is always appreciated.
- When crossing any obstacle, such as a bridge, stop when you get to the other side to keep the horses calm and wait for the next horse to come across – DO NOT gallop off until the horse behind you has crossed safely.
- If others are jumping a fence close to a gate you must wait until they have all finished jumping before opening the gate.
- When jumping keep straight and do not get too close to the horse in front.
- Wait your turn at jumps and do not push in.
- If your horse refused, get out of the way as quickly as possible and slot in where there is a gap in the jumping field so that you can try again.
- If your horse has 3 refusals at a fence it is time to stop trying and use the gate. The area in front of fences can get cut up by numerous horses stopping – don’t add to the damage!
IN THE FIELD – GENERAL BEHAVIOUR
- Move quickly to the side if the Huntsman / Whipper In / Master needs to pass you.
- If mounted, stay behind the Field Master at all times unless otherwise instructed. The Master knows which “country” has been cleared for access and where restrictions are in place.
- If sent on point, once that covert is drawn return to the field, unless otherwise instructed by the Master or Huntsman.
- Ask if you are not sure where you should be going or doing – we want everyone to enjoy their day.
- Always be friendly and polite to everyone at all times – greet any farmers or members of the public with a cheery “good morning / afternoon”.
- Keep the noise down at a covert – others may be trying to listen to hounds and the horn.
- Thank motorists, pedestrians, and members of the public who give way with a wave and a smile.
- Don’t block roads – not everyone has the time or desire to go trail hunting.
SOCIAL MEDIA & PHOTOGRAPHY
We know how exciting it is to be trail hunting and how you might want to take lots of photos from your day hunting. Please take note of the following guidelines:
- Please do not post photographs or videos on social media to respect other people’s privacy – not everyone is happy to have their private lives posted on the Internet!
- If because of a special event you wish to post a photograph or video on social media please seek the permission of a Master.
- There is an official photographer present at most meets through whom you can obtain photographs.
- The Joint Masters do not permit the taking of and / or publication of any photographic images or video footage of the Braes of Derwent Hunt unless permission is first obtained, which will be at the sole discretion of the Joint Masters.
What hunting terms do I need to know?
It’s much less about terminology and more about listening; your field master will pass instructions through the field that are repeated by each rider to those behind. Common instructions are:
- “Hold Hard” – Stop and stay where you are
- “Ware Wire” – Beware wire on the ground
- “Ware Hole” (to the left or right) – Beware a hole
- “Single File” – Stay in single file
- “Hounds Please” – Turn your horse to face hounds and make room for them to pass
- “Huntsman / Whip Please” – Similarly – turn to face and make room for them to pass
- “Car Please” – Make room for the car to pass and say thank you!
- “Gate Open” – The gate is to remain open.
- “Gate Please” – Ensure that the gate is closed once everyone is through.
GOOD PRACTICE WHEN OUT TRAIL HUNTING
- Keep to the edge of all crops when going on arable fields.
- Avoid upsetting livestock – go round, not through.
- Car followers – do not drive on private tracks / land unless you have personal permission.
- Car and mounted followers – keep off mown verges.
- If there is rough grass and mown grass tracks, ride on the rough grass.
- Don’t walk though replanted hedges with young trees in plastic tubes – go round.
- Respect public footpaths and keep to the edge.
- Avoid cutting up bridle paths in wet weather – keep to the edge.
- If you see, or cause, damage to a fence, hedge or gate – or anything else – please try and make it stock-proof with string (you should carry string and a penknife in your pocket) and tell a Master as soon as possible so that they can arrange for a more permanent repair.