Hunt & Field Etiquette
Safe Riding & Courtesy Within The Field
If you observe someone not following these rules kindly remind, explain the rule and guide them. We all must start somewhere. Everyone will make mistakes, and that is alright if it’s a learning opportunity.
Do not exercise or run your horse around the trailers at the meet. Find a quiet area away from others if you need to warm up.
Do not crowd the Field Master.
You are expected to be always in complete control of your horse.
Riders having difficulty with their horses should stay to the back of the field.
If your horse's behavior is endangering or slowing the rest of the field, ask to return to the trailers. Return at a walk. This is a courtesy to the other participants and our landowners.
Keep a safe distance from other horses and riders. A rider may hold their arm behind their back to signal you need to leave more room. Back off promptly.
Never pass another rider closely at a higher rate of speed. Leave a wide berth or slow down.
This is not a horse race. It is ok to pass others at times but do so with extreme care. Alert the other rider with “Passing on your right/left” and pass widely. If you do not have room to pass widely then it is not appropriate to pass at that time. You do not want to invite a bite, kick, or cause a runaway situation. Never pass in close quarters.
Never approach a group in front of you at a higher rate of speed than theirs. Don’t trot or gallop up someone’s ass!
Never trot or gallop off from a group without notification.
Never be so close, that you have the possibility of being kicked by another horse.
A horse that is prone to kicking should wear a red ribbon in the tail. That does not absolve you of the consequences of this dangerous habit.
A green horse should wear a green ribbon in its tail. It may be beneficial to start a green horse at the back of the field with other quiet horses.
At speed you should be able to see the feet of the horse in front of you on the ground.
When jumping, allow the individual in front of you to clear the obstacle before you begin your approach. Leave space.
If your horse refuses to clear an obstacle, immediately circle to the back of the field being cautious to not impede others’ approach.
Jump the middle, jump straight, land straight.
Ride your line. Never swerve or abruptly change your direction, especially to a jump or at a gallop without looking around to ensure that you will not be cutting another off. Others are depending on you to maintain your line.
You are responsible for always maintaining awareness of your surroundings.
Communication Within The Field
“Too Close” A rider may hold their arm behind their back to signal you need to leave more room. Back off promptly.
“Passing on Your Right/Left” Alert the other rider with and pass widely.
“Hold Hard” means stop, stand still, and be quiet. Hold hard may also be silently signaled by a vertically raised forearm. Raise your arm while stopping to alert those coming behind you.
“Ware Wire/Post/Hole/Etc” Ware is short for beware. Announce and point to any potential hazards you are passing just loud enough to be heard by those behind you.
“Staff Please” means that staff is coming to pass. Always turn your horse’s head toward oncoming staff and move off the path to avoid kicking or other injuries.
“Hound Please” Only if you notice that a hound requires room to proceed, notify others by saying “Hound Please” in a voice only so loud as to notify the necessary parties. Do not shout.
Social Media
Not everyone appreciates our sport and rural pursuits. It is important that we conduct ourselves in a way that is above reproach and shows our sport in a positive light. Be cognizant at all times of posts that could be offensive to non-hunters or that may put our Hunt at risk of scrutiny. When in doubt please ask the Directors prior to sharing or posting any Hunt information, pictures or videos to social media or other websites. Pictures, videos, and post of any kill are expressly forbidden.
