Going to a Meet
What should I do before coming to a meet mounted?
The first thing to do is contact Jo Cole - s[email protected] Tel 07976 918634 (Hon.Hunt Secretary) to ask if you may join the hunt for the day and check with her the amount (cap) you will be required to pay. You can also find out the best place to park and any other matter you are unsure of. She will want to help you so don't be afraid to ask questions.
By 'booking in' you can be informed of any last minute changes due to weather, farming problems etc.
All those who go out hunting should, in their best interests, be insured against third party liability. No claim for any accident to person, horses or property can be recognised by the Essex & Suffolk Hunt or the owners of the land.
What should I have in my pockets?
Money for your cap and some food if you want it. You may even consider carrying a handkerchief, penknife, bind a twine and hoof pick.
If you are carrying a mobile telephone it would be considerate to put it on silent, so you can hear the Huntsman and hounds.
If you are a complete stranger, or suffer from any medical condition, it is a good idea to carry a printed copy of your details so that we can help you should you have an accident.
Going to the meet
It is much more relaxing to allow plenty of time to get to the meet/un-boxing place, as you are more likely to find a convenient place to un-box. If you are boxing to the meet it is a good idea to travel tacked up as trying to tack your horse up when you arrive can be a little tricky as they are sure to be rather excited.
Please do no park in gateways or opposite other boxes or vehicles. Where possible ensure vehicles are completely off the road, especially on narrow roads, and allow room for agricultural vehicles to pass.
What should I do at the meet?
Etiquette demands that you should find the Field Secretary, Jo Cole, or whoever is taking the cap on her behalf, they will be brandishing a yellow bag and offer her your cap, rather than waiting for her to approach you. Similarly you should say good morning to the Joint Masters (the correct greeting being "Good Morning Master" even if you know them personally), whilst ensuring that your horse doesn't get amongst the hounds. In particular find out who is the Field Master for the day and keep behind him/her and obey his/her instructions.
If hospitality have been provided at the meet, be sure to thank your host before you leave.
How can I tell who the Hunt Staff are?
The Huntsman of the Essex & Suffolk Foxhounds wears a red coat with five buttons on the front and two buttons on the back. The professional Whipper-In and amateur Whipper-In wear the same as the Huntsman and are the only people allowed to ride up the front with the hounds. The Huntsman and Whips carry a white whip.
The Joint Masters carry full responsibility for the day and have invested considerable time and money in the hope of providing you with an enjoyable time. You should understand that if anything goes wrong or damage is done, it is the Joint Masters who will have to put matters right. In return you should treat them with respect and follow their instructions at all times.
Male Masters of the Essex & Suffolk wear red coats (after Opening Meet) with four brass buttons and our Lady Masters wear blue coats with a red collar and four brass buttons. Different hunts have different coloured coats and collars and each hunt has its own button.
Is there anything I need to know about the hounds?
Do not assume that because you horse does not kick your dog at home that he/she will necessarily tolerate a pack of hounds. Even if he/she will, the Huntsman does not know that and you will worry him if you get amongst the hounds. Always turn your horse’s head to hounds when they are passing.
Riding near or through livestock
When riding near or through livestock ensure you are between the stock and the fence and ride at a speed they will tolerate without getting upset. If stock bunch up in a corner, stop and wait for them to move out. You should not enter any field without the Field Master unless instructed to do so. All gates must be shut by the last person/people in the hunting field. Children should always volunteer to get off to open/shut a gate rather than letting an adult do it. (Many gates can be opened/shut without getting off though!). Pass back the instruction “gate please” when you go through it.
Jumping Etiquette
Whilst the Masters try to put in as much jumping as possible a lot will depend on the area being hunted and the ground conditions. There are nearly always easy ways round a jump and a number of people don't jump at all, so there is usually someone to follow. If you are a stranger and do not want to jump it is best to talk to the Field Master who will know of a regular non-jumper to guide you.
Do not attempt to jump if there is a hound anywhere near a fence. Give Hunt Staff priority and if you know your horse is a poor jumper let others go first. If your horse refuses, clear the jump quickly and let others go before you try again. If you break a jump make sure it is stock proof before you go on and ensure you report the breakage to any of the Masters or the Hunt Secretary.
While it is easy to avoid fences it is very difficult if you can’t jump ditches. If you have to go round a ditch then please take great care not to ride on growing crops. Unfortunately if you don’t know your way and are unable to follow the Master you run the risk of going on land where we are not allowed to hunt which can cause enormous problems. If you have successfully jumped a ditch it is polite to wait for the person who jumps it after you before you gallop off.
Falls
We all have them! If a person falls off in front of you, it is etiquette to stop and assist them and for someone to help catch the loose horse. If it is your turn to fall off, then make sure you thank the person who helps you.
After the Opening Meet we run a Tumblers Club where, if you have a fall, you are encouraged to give a voluntary donation of £5 which goes to the East Anglian Air Ambulance and there is a trophy awarded at the end of the season to the person who has had the most number of falls!
End of the day
It is important to remember that without a Huntsman and his hounds there would be no sport. It is traditional to say "Goodnight" and “Thank you” to the Master and the Hunt Staff when you go home. It goes a long way to help them feel appreciated, especially the Hunt Staff who may be cold, wet and tired at the end of a long day.
Have fun, that's what you are there for, and we want you to enjoy yourself and come back again. Remember, though, “if in doubt, ask!”
The first thing to do is contact Jo Cole - s[email protected] Tel 07976 918634 (Hon.Hunt Secretary) to ask if you may join the hunt for the day and check with her the amount (cap) you will be required to pay. You can also find out the best place to park and any other matter you are unsure of. She will want to help you so don't be afraid to ask questions.
By 'booking in' you can be informed of any last minute changes due to weather, farming problems etc.
All those who go out hunting should, in their best interests, be insured against third party liability. No claim for any accident to person, horses or property can be recognised by the Essex & Suffolk Hunt or the owners of the land.
What should I have in my pockets?
Money for your cap and some food if you want it. You may even consider carrying a handkerchief, penknife, bind a twine and hoof pick.
If you are carrying a mobile telephone it would be considerate to put it on silent, so you can hear the Huntsman and hounds.
If you are a complete stranger, or suffer from any medical condition, it is a good idea to carry a printed copy of your details so that we can help you should you have an accident.
Going to the meet
It is much more relaxing to allow plenty of time to get to the meet/un-boxing place, as you are more likely to find a convenient place to un-box. If you are boxing to the meet it is a good idea to travel tacked up as trying to tack your horse up when you arrive can be a little tricky as they are sure to be rather excited.
Please do no park in gateways or opposite other boxes or vehicles. Where possible ensure vehicles are completely off the road, especially on narrow roads, and allow room for agricultural vehicles to pass.
What should I do at the meet?
Etiquette demands that you should find the Field Secretary, Jo Cole, or whoever is taking the cap on her behalf, they will be brandishing a yellow bag and offer her your cap, rather than waiting for her to approach you. Similarly you should say good morning to the Joint Masters (the correct greeting being "Good Morning Master" even if you know them personally), whilst ensuring that your horse doesn't get amongst the hounds. In particular find out who is the Field Master for the day and keep behind him/her and obey his/her instructions.
If hospitality have been provided at the meet, be sure to thank your host before you leave.
How can I tell who the Hunt Staff are?
The Huntsman of the Essex & Suffolk Foxhounds wears a red coat with five buttons on the front and two buttons on the back. The professional Whipper-In and amateur Whipper-In wear the same as the Huntsman and are the only people allowed to ride up the front with the hounds. The Huntsman and Whips carry a white whip.
The Joint Masters carry full responsibility for the day and have invested considerable time and money in the hope of providing you with an enjoyable time. You should understand that if anything goes wrong or damage is done, it is the Joint Masters who will have to put matters right. In return you should treat them with respect and follow their instructions at all times.
Male Masters of the Essex & Suffolk wear red coats (after Opening Meet) with four brass buttons and our Lady Masters wear blue coats with a red collar and four brass buttons. Different hunts have different coloured coats and collars and each hunt has its own button.
Is there anything I need to know about the hounds?
Do not assume that because you horse does not kick your dog at home that he/she will necessarily tolerate a pack of hounds. Even if he/she will, the Huntsman does not know that and you will worry him if you get amongst the hounds. Always turn your horse’s head to hounds when they are passing.
Riding near or through livestock
When riding near or through livestock ensure you are between the stock and the fence and ride at a speed they will tolerate without getting upset. If stock bunch up in a corner, stop and wait for them to move out. You should not enter any field without the Field Master unless instructed to do so. All gates must be shut by the last person/people in the hunting field. Children should always volunteer to get off to open/shut a gate rather than letting an adult do it. (Many gates can be opened/shut without getting off though!). Pass back the instruction “gate please” when you go through it.
Jumping Etiquette
Whilst the Masters try to put in as much jumping as possible a lot will depend on the area being hunted and the ground conditions. There are nearly always easy ways round a jump and a number of people don't jump at all, so there is usually someone to follow. If you are a stranger and do not want to jump it is best to talk to the Field Master who will know of a regular non-jumper to guide you.
Do not attempt to jump if there is a hound anywhere near a fence. Give Hunt Staff priority and if you know your horse is a poor jumper let others go first. If your horse refuses, clear the jump quickly and let others go before you try again. If you break a jump make sure it is stock proof before you go on and ensure you report the breakage to any of the Masters or the Hunt Secretary.
While it is easy to avoid fences it is very difficult if you can’t jump ditches. If you have to go round a ditch then please take great care not to ride on growing crops. Unfortunately if you don’t know your way and are unable to follow the Master you run the risk of going on land where we are not allowed to hunt which can cause enormous problems. If you have successfully jumped a ditch it is polite to wait for the person who jumps it after you before you gallop off.
Falls
We all have them! If a person falls off in front of you, it is etiquette to stop and assist them and for someone to help catch the loose horse. If it is your turn to fall off, then make sure you thank the person who helps you.
After the Opening Meet we run a Tumblers Club where, if you have a fall, you are encouraged to give a voluntary donation of £5 which goes to the East Anglian Air Ambulance and there is a trophy awarded at the end of the season to the person who has had the most number of falls!
End of the day
It is important to remember that without a Huntsman and his hounds there would be no sport. It is traditional to say "Goodnight" and “Thank you” to the Master and the Hunt Staff when you go home. It goes a long way to help them feel appreciated, especially the Hunt Staff who may be cold, wet and tired at the end of a long day.
Have fun, that's what you are there for, and we want you to enjoy yourself and come back again. Remember, though, “if in doubt, ask!”
