Tuesday May 22, 2012
Hunting Dress Code and Etiquette

Taunton Vale Foxhounds


For those of you who haven’t hunted before, and those that have, it is important that you observe the rules of hunting. This will ensure that you have an enjoyable and safe experience.

This list will help, but if you have any questions, please do ask any member of the Committee, who will be happy to help. 

DRESS CODE
Just make sure you are safe, clean, tidy, dressed for the weather and no bright colours!

RIDERS:

  • Coats: Black/navy hunting coat or tweed hacking jacket
  • Shirt & Stock: Light coloured hunt shirt.  White stock with stock pin,  or collar and Pony Club tie.
  • Breeches: Buff, light brown, cream or yellow breeches/jodhpurs
  • Boots: Jodhpur boots or riding boots
  • Hat: Pony Club approved skull cap with black silk 
  • Children: We recommend that all children wear a back or body protector. (worn inside or outside the jacket)
  • Hair: Hairnet (if applicable)
  • No Jewellery for safety reasons.

HORSES:

  • All horses should be neatly turned out, fit and well shod.
  • Young/Inexperienced horses: It is advisable to plait a green ribbon in a young or inexperienced horse’s tail to warn people not to crowd you in the field.
  • Horses that Kick: If your horse kicks then you must plait a red ribbon into the tail to warn other members of the field. Keep out of the centre of the field and stay away from hounds!!

Other tips: Dress for the weather!

ETIQUETTE AND HELPFUL HINTS FOR THE MOUNTED FOLLOWER

  • Try not to be late for the meet
  • Pay your Cap or Field Money as soon as you arrive,  Junior (18 and under)  £20 on Vale Days, £10 on non-Vale days.
  • Keep behind the Field Master and follow his instructions, at all times
  • Always be polite, especially to farmers, landowners & to members of the public
  • Do not block roads & always acknowledge drivers who slow down
  • Show respect for land that is being ridden over & do not cross new or young crops
  • Keep to the back of the field if you have a young horse or one that is likely to kick.
  • Move out of the way quickly if you hear a shout from behind “Huntsman/Whip on your left/right” OR  “Hounds on your left/right
  • Turn your horse’s head towards the hounds if the Huntsman has to bring hounds past you – so as not to kick hounds or horses.
  • Shut all gates.  If in doubt ‘shut it’.  It is the farmer’s goodwill that allows us to hunt