Behaviour on the Hunting Field

Most hunting behaviour is merely an extension of everyday good manners and common sense.

Always say good morning to everyone and be pleasant to everyone you meet.

Always introduce yourself to visitors and make them feel welcome.

If someone opens or waits to close gates, thank them.

Remember you are always a guest on someone else's land and behave accordingly.

Always be aware that the roads are for public use and should never ever be blocked by the hunt field. Blocking the roads really infuriates the local people.

Never ride on mowed road edges, these are part of someone's garden or a joint local effort for tidy towns.

If you are at the rere of the field and you go through an open gate shut it. It does not matter if people are stuck several fields behind you, they may never make it as far as the gate.

If you get separated from the hunt it is your duty to find the nearest road and hack untill you find the field. Under no circumstances may you have your own little hunt trying to catch up with the hunt.

Always make way for the hunt staff.

If the hounds have to pass through the field make way and turn your horses head towards the hounds to reduce the risk of kicking.

Never overtake the field master.

Always follow and jump in the same place as the field master and the rest of the field.

Any incidence of someone behaving badly or dangerously must be reported to the field master to deal with as he sees fit. This is the best possible course of action to ensure a safe, orderly and fun hunt.

Never gallop near or through farm stock. If farm stock are running in a field or an adjacent field slow to a walk until you are clear of them.