During the Temporary Ban The hunt meets at 11.00, usually at a private house or a local pub. Once the meet, with its customary tipple, has been enjoyed, the huntsman takes his hounds to the first wood or covert. The hounds then draw through the covert to find the laid trail when they will burst into music (bark with excitement). The Huntsman, whose job it is to control and direct the hounds, is assisted by the Whipper-in. The Field Master supervises the mounted followers, collectively called 'The Field'. He or she will know the best route to take to avoid crops and any other areas the farmer may have asked the hunt to avoid i.e. lambing ewes. It is this close co-operation with the farming community that ensures that the hunt is welcome back year after year.   The main pleasure of the day will be the enjoyment of being out in the depths of the country, often on private land you would not normally have access to, admiring the skills of the Huntsman working his hounds and sharing with those around you a feeling that you have slipped back to an age where natural instincts, good manners and common courtesy mattered. Many of the field hunt because they love the excitement of the jumping and galloping. It is simply a unique and wonderful experience.

Prior to the Iniquity of the Hunting Act 2004 The hunt meets at 11.00, usually at a private house or a local pub. Once the meet, with its customary tipple, has been enjoyed, the huntsman takes his hounds to the first wood or covert. The hounds then draw through the cover and if they find a fox they will burst into music (bark with excitement). The Huntsman, whose job it is to control and direct the hounds, is assisted by the Whipper-in. The Field Master supervises the mounted followers, collectively called 'The Field'. He or she will know the best route to take to avoid crops and any other areas the farmer may have asked the hunt to avoid i.e. lambing ewes. It is this close co-operation with the farming community that ensures that the hunt is welcome back year after year.   Hunting with hounds is ecologically selective by culling the weak.   Hounds may account for the fox by catching him or running him to ground. These foxes are usually sick or old and lame. The healthy young foxes frequently get away. In any event the hunt follower, whether on horseback or on foot, will rarely, if ever, witness a fox actually being killed.   The main pleasure of the day will be the enjoyment of being out in the depths of the country, often on private land you would not normally have access to, admiring the skills of the Huntsman working his hounds and sharing with those around you a feeling that you have slipped back to an age where natural instincts, good manners and common courtesy mattered. Many of the field hunt because they love the excitement of the jumping and galloping. It is simply a unique and wonderful experience.

HUNTING A FEW POINTERS

THE MEET

Make turn out of horse and rider the best you can achieve; cleanliness and tidiness are always appreciated.

Arrive in good time. At a lawn meet, seek out and thank the host/hostess for their hospitality.

If your horse likely to be unpredictable, be sure to give him lots of room.

Seek out the Secretary to pay your cap/field money, plus Campaign for Hunting donation. Please have the right money ready (ring beforehand if you're not sure).

As hounds move off, keep your horse's head towards them

AT COVERTSIDE

Keep together, behind the Field Master.

Minimise noise while hounds are drawing so as not to distract them and so Field Master is able to hear if hounds go away.

DURING THE HUNT

When hounds go away, keep behind Field Master.

Do not impede Huntsman, Whippers-in or any straggling hounds.

Ensure that all gates are closed if the Hunt has opened them. Pass back "Gate, please" to those behind.

Learn to recognise crops and seeds and ride around them on headlands.

Keep up as best you can. If you are prevented from doing so by an obstacle, do not assume that you are welcome everywhere. Without the guidance of the Field Master it is best to catch up by means of roads and bridleways.

Avoid running stock, go slowly where necessary.

If you accidentally damage a fence, it is your responsibility to effect a stock-proof repair (so always carry a penknife and string/baler twine!). Report all damage to a Master or the Secretary.

Show consideration at jumps and gates; form an orderly queue at jumping places. If you stop, do not re-present until those behind you have jumped.

Always thank anyone holding open a gate. Wait for the gate-opener to remount before galloping off. After crossing a farm/bridleway bridge, always wait for the following rider to reach safety before moving away.

If it is necessary to go on the road, whenever possible give motorists priority. Pass back "Car, please". Acknowledge and thank all motorists with a wave of the hand and a smile.

GENERAL

Show courtesy and consideration to all, especially those not connected with the Hunt. Meet interest with friendliness and antagonism with politeness and patience.

Remember always that hunting is a privilege extended to us by farmers and landowners whose hospitality must never be abused.

Be as helpful to hunt servants and Masters as you can. Be prepared to get off and open a gate for a Huntsman/whip in a hurry.

As far as he Huntsman is concerned the worst of all sins are to head a fox or kick/tread on a hound. Beware of committing either!

Try to say "Goodnight" to the Masters before leaving (whatever time of day!) and a thank you is always appreciated.

ENJOY YOUR HUNTING it is, after all, a sport in the very best sense of the word but like most sports, it's more fun once you know a few of the rules!