Etiquette

The major concern of people wishing to hunt for the first time seems to be a fear of wearing or doing the wrong thing. Whilst appropriate behaviour and dress are important in ensuring that hunting has an acceptable public image, we hope that people who come to hunt will appreciate that etiquette is not the be all and end all of hunting and that they will find us tolerant and helpful. We hope this guide will help you feel more comfortable and confident when you choose to come out with us for your first experience of hunting. You will not remember all of it, but the more you hunt the more you will realise the reasons for a code of conduct.

The first thing to do is telephone 01333 340323 and ask the Hon Secretary, Mrs Liz Bell, if you may join the hunt for the day and check with her the amount (cap) you will be required to pay. You can also find out the best place to park and any other matter you are unsure of. She will want to help you so don’t be afraid to ask questions. Also you will be given the number of the Hunting Hotline so that you can check on the day (after 08.30hrs) in case there have been any changes to arrangements for the day.

The money for your Cap, a penknife, some baler twine and possibly some food. You may even consider carrying a handkerchief or a bandage for emergencies. If you are carrying a mobile telephone it should be turned off during hunting. If you are a complete stranger, or suffer from any medical condition, it is a good idea to carry a printed copy of your details so that we can help you should you have an accident.

It is much more relaxing to allow plenty of time to get to the meet/unboxing place as you are more likely to find a convenient place to park your horsebox or trailer. Please do not park in gateways or opposite other boxes or vehicles. Where possible ensure vehicles are completely off the road, especially on narrow roads, and allow room for agricultural vehicles to pass.

Etiquette demands that you should find the Hunt Secretary and offer her your cap, rather than waiting for her to approach you. Similarly you should say good morning to the Joint Masters (the correct greeting being “Good morning Master” even if you know them personally), whilst ensuring that your horse does not get amongst the hounds. In particular find out who is the Field Master for the day and keep behind him/her and obey his/her instructions. If hospitality has been provided at the meet, be sure to thank your host before you leave.

The Huntsman and the Whipper-in of the Fife Foxhounds wear a red coat with five buttons on the front and two buttons on the back. They also each carry a white whip. The Joint Masters bear full responsibility for the day and have invested considerable time and money in organising matters with the intention of providing you with an enjoyable day. You should understand that if anything goes wrong or if damage is done, it is the Joint Masters who will have to put matters right. In return you should treat them with some respect and give them priority at gates or jumps.

If you know your horse is liable to kick it should wear a red ribbon at the top of his tail. If it is a young horse and you are not sure of its temperament it should wear a green ribbon. In both cases they should be kept to the back of the field. If the person in front of you is going through a gateway and has one arm behind their back, with the palm of their hand turned towards you, you should be aware that their horse may kick if you crowd them.

Do not assume that because you horse does not kick your dog at home that he/she will necessarily tolerate a pack of hounds. Even if he/she will, the huntsman does not know that and you will worry him if you get amongst the hounds. It is your duty to keep out of the way of hounds and whenever hounds are passing you always turn your horse to face them.

Do not attempt to jump if there is a hound anywhere near a jump. Give Hunt Staff priority and if you know your horse is a poor jumper let others go first. If your horse refuses, clear the jump quickly and let others go before you try again. If you break a jump make sure it is stock proof before you go on (this is where you might need that baler twine) and ensure you report the breakage to a Master or Hunt Secretary. If you attempt a gate and break it you will be expected to pay for it.

Whilst we try to put in as much jumping as possible a lot will depend on the area being hunted and the ground conditions. There are nearly always easy ways round a jump and a number of people don’t jump at all, so there is usually someone to follow. If you are a stranger and do not want to jump it is best to talk to the Field Master who will know of a regular non-jumper to pair you with.

When riding near or through livestock ensure you are between the stock and the fence and ride at a speed they will tolerate without getting upset. If stock bunch up in a corner, stop and wait for them to move out. You should not enter any field without the Field Master unless instructed to do so.

It is important to remember that without a huntsman and his hounds there would be no sport. A thank you goes a long way in helping these people feel appreciated, especially Hunt Staff who will probably be cold, wet and tired at the end of the day. It is traditional to say “Goodnight” at the end of your day.

Don’t worry, we have all been there. It’s all part of becoming an experienced horseman/woman!

It is surprising how many people leave their manners on the ground when they get on a horse. Please thank cars for slowing down, wave cars on when you see the Masters wave them on, and keep well into the nearside if you hear the shout “Car Please” or “Car Up”. A smile and “good morning” to people on foot will help to dispel the myth that everyone on horseback is a snob and too good to talk to people on foot.