OBLIGATIONS OF THE HUNTER

Hunt officials and staff-the Masters are responsible for the hunt and the safety of all hounds, horses and humans. In the hunt field, you should always follow instructions issued by the masters and field masters.

Passing a master/field master is not acceptable. an invitation from the master must be extended to ride along side, otherwise keep a safe distance behind.

Masters, Huntsman and staff must show their total attention to the hunt in progress and since this is your reason for coming, limit conversation and when hounds have been cast, no conversation please.

Staff and Hounds always have the right of way. Staff will announce “staff please” and you must immediately yield by facing their direction. They should never approach faster than a trot.

Speaking to the hounds in the hunt field is not permissible for anyone except officials and staff. Never do anything that might harm a hound.

Members should greet the masters prior to hunting and thank them at the end of the day.

Member’s guests should be introduced to the masters prior to hunting and necessary waivers of liability signed prior to mounting. This is also a great opportunity to take care of any fees with the hunt secretary.

Members are responsible for their guests and they should ride with them in order to explain safety and protocol within the hunt field if needed. It would be a good idea to give them access to the protocol and safety rules to read prior to hunting.

Limit conversation within the field. Hunting is the reason for coming, so your total attention to the hunt is required and remember to keep well clear of the huntsman and hounds and never pass them.

OBLIGATIONS OF THE HUNTER

Safety is first and foremost as a member or staff. Use common sense and courtesy, so that you do not endanger hounds, yourself or others around you.

Do not crowd the horse in front, when jumping allow for plenty of room for the horse in front to clear the jump to prevent landing on a fallen rider.

Riders with difficult horses must ride in the back, safely away from other riders and horses. If your mount’s misbehavior is disruptive to others and the hunt, excuse yourself from the hunt by asking permission of your field master to return to your trailer.

While riding, if a rider has trouble with tack or dismounts, the nearest rider should assist while the remaining field continues. If you can safely continue without disrupting the hunt, it is permissible to rejoin the field, otherwise, return to your trailer.

Do not lag behind your field master. It is important for all groups to stay together to prevent interfering with the huntsman and coming in contact with the hunting hounds.

Passing members with “colors” is not allowed without permission; please ask permission, “Permission to pass on the left/right?”

Ask permission from field master to move up or back from one field to another.

Ride within the field that you and your horse are most comfortable. Remember, First Field is for those following the closest to the huntsman and hounds and moves the fastest while jumping anything that the master jumps. Second field follows behind first field with the option of jumping. Non–jumpers enjoying a faster pace should ride at the back of this field. Third field does not jump and moves behind second field. All riders must be able to walk, trot and canter their horse in the company of others to have a safe and enjoyable ride.