Hunting Etiquette
Tradition and manners are a very important part of fox hunting. These
are the rules and regulations which, when properly observed, create a
safe and pleasant day for all. Take a moment to read the following guidelines,
and observe them in the hunting field:
• Travel along the roads and never ride through the country when hacking to the meet. You
run the risk of moving a fox and spoiling the day’s sport.
• When trailering to the Meet, park well off the right-of-way of the road and never on a blind
curve. Leave room for others. Under no condition either park vehicles or unload horses upon
the lawns of landowners. Do not leave manure on lawns or road.
• Arrive early. If you have a guest, introduce him/her to the Hon. Secretary and the Masters
and see that the Capping Fee is paid promptly, before hounds move off. Be sure to have a negative
Coggins test. Greet the Field Master when he/she is free. “Good morning, Master,” is
traditional.
• Equestrians have no legal priority on roads, so please move aside to allow vehicles to pass
and thank all drivers who show consideration of you. Ride in the same lane in which you would
drive a car.
• The Field Master is responsible for all aspects of the hunt. Kindly honor his/her requests.
The staff consists of the Huntsman, Whippers-In, and the Field Master. When it comes to the
right-of-way, the staff has precedence over all other members of the field.
• After moving off, keep up with your Field Master. There exists a traditional and formal order
of precedence in the field following the Field Master:
i. Those members with colors: first senior members and then younger members. (Even
among senior members seniority has priority).
ii. Senior members, without colors.
iii. Juniors and children, either chaperoned or unchaperoned.
iv. Green horses, known refusers, badly mannered horses, and horses that would in any way
tend to interfere with the safe and pleasant ride of any other members of the field must
be kept in the rear.
• Always keep a safe hunting distance of two horse lengths from the horse ahead of you! Be
prepared for quick stops, and your Field Master reversing directions. Never run into, or over,
or past the horse next to you. Should your horse refuse a fence, pull out of the way of others
and go to the end of the line.
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