Autumn hunting: H&H’s dos and don’ts

Having to face the unexpected teaches you to improvise to get out of trouble, in turn making you a better rider. In addition, you will be permitted to cross beautiful, privately-owned countryside that you would not normally be able to access. If you’re going autumn hunting for the first time, take a look at our list of dos and don’ts: Do Sew the ribbons at the back of your hat up — you will be taken for a member of hunt staff or a master otherwise! Wear a hairnet if you are a lady. Find the hunt secretary on arrival, pay your agreed cap and ask who your field-master for the day is. Stay close enough to listen to any instructions for the day at the meet. Turn your horse to face hounds when they pass and turn your horse towards the covert where the hounds are working. Listen to those in front, informative instructions and observations will be passed down the line. Remember that everyone is out only because of the good will of the farmers and landowners, so smile, breathe and remember to thank those who have welcomed you. Don’t Overtake the field-master or worse still the huntsman and his hounds. Be afraid of quietly asking questions about what’s going on. Those that are not forthcoming with reciprocated conversation are likely to be nervous or concentrating. Forget to say “Goodnight” when you leave, irrespective of timing, it’s just tradition. Golden rules for first-timers Find out who the master is and say good morning Never overtake the field master, and always listen carefully to his instructions Always thank traffic that slows down or stops Never block the road Don’t park in gateways or driveways unless specifically told you can If you hear the shout “huntsman please!” or “whip please!” get out of the way sharpish so they can get through Always call them hounds, not dogs Always shut gates if you are the last through unless told otherwise, and if the person in front of you shouts “gate, please!” pass it back to the next person Do turn your mobile phone off, and talk quietly while standing at the side of a covert — the huntsman will not be pleased to hear you shrieking about what you got up to the night before Never ride across the middle of a field of sown corn, even if you see hunt staff doing so Do ask questions about what is going on. The more you understand about a day’s hunting, the more you will enjoy it. People will be very happy to answer your queries Do find the field master/master/secretary before you go home and say thank you and good night, which is the traditional way to say goodbye — even at 9am