Hunting Etiquette

Hunting Etiquette

Hunting photo by John VineBefore going hunting, please make sure that you understand what is required of you and your horse when it comes to safety, behaviour, good manners and turnout.  The Vale of Lune have an evening  get together at the pub, generally near the start of the season, to ease in newcomers and explain the etiquette, ensuring that you get the most enjoyment out of your day and that you have a little more understanding of what it’s all about.  Look out for hound ambles as they are always a good start if you haven’t been hunting before.  These are meets for getting the young hounds used to being out and are a slower paced day, generally with little or no jumping.

Safety is by far the most important section, for yourself and that of your fellow hunters.  Please make sure that your horse is not a “psycho” as not only will you attract the wrath of the hunt staff and followers, but you will not enjoy your day.  Whilst out once, I followed a lady on a dark bay of thoroughbred ilk. It spent most of the time on its hind legs or going backwards and on the fifth time that she fell off,  I thought to myself “surely you would take it back to the wagon for every ones sake ?, you really can’t be enjoying this!”.    Firstly, make sure you know exactly where you are going.  The Vale of Lune has a detailed map of each meet on their website . Allow yourself plenty of time and arrive preferably at least an hour before the meet commences.  Time goes very quickly  and although you think that an hour is more than enough , by the time you have got parked up and sorted out, you will be very surprised. Make sure that you do not park over gates, drives, lanes or any access,  nor must you park on a mowed verge. Keep a shovel, brush and skip with you  and make sure that you clear up after your horse.  Also make a list at least the morning before, so that you can add to this as the day goes on, ensuring that you have everything required when you arrive.  As obvious as this sounds, you will not be happy if you arrive on the morning of the meet to find that you have forgot your hat ! When you are getting ready, if you are a newcomer, tie a green ribbon to your horse’s tail and a red one if it kicks.  If you have a horse that kicks, make sure you keep well away from everyone as you are not absolved, just because you have a red ribbon on. Familiarise yourself with the hunt staff, i.e Field Master,  whom if shouts “Hold Hard” you must stop immediately and don’t move until you are told to, and non jumping Field Master, whom you must have your eyes on if you are not jumping, to ensure that you do not get in a situation where your horse wants to follow the jumpers and you don’t !  Also, make sure that you always face the hounds because if your horse kicks a hound, you will not be looked upon favourably.  Basically, keep your wits about you watching what’s going on, giving others plenty of space to avoid accidents and hook up with someone who’s been before, until you “get to know the ropes”.

HUNT picture by J VineGood manners are essential and respect must be shown at all times.  Upon encountering the Master, Huntsman or other Hunt Staff,  Good Morning is how you greet and also say good morning to everyone else also. The ideal way to make new friends.  You must offer your “cap” (money for hunting for the day) to the hunt secretary unprompted.  Do not snub anyone, even if his trousers are held up with baling twine as he could well be the person who’s land you are riding over today.  Keep your mobile phone on silent and chat politely.  By all means partake in a drink, but don’t get drunk, even if you think you need some dutch courage for those big hedges ! This is all to easy when everyone is offering you a drink from their hipflask.  Be vigilant to make way for Hunt Staff.  I once witnessed a lady quite upset that the Huntsman had been quite sharp with her, when she was obstructing him with her horse tied to the trailer getting ready.  What she failed to understand was the fact that the Huntsman had a pack of hounds making their way on their own off the car park towards the road, because he couldn’t get through with his horse ! As you would whilst hacking, make way for and be courteous to motorists , the majority of  whom have no concept of what you are doing and a minority that despise hunting, so smile and politely acknowledge.  Also be polite and kind to all in the field, remembering that maybe one day it may be you that has fallen off and needs a leg up or someone to hold your steed while remounting.  Keep to the edge of a field, DO NOT ride across it unless you are following the Field Master.  The Master will shout “Headland Please” which means keep to the sides to limit damage or “sides please” which means keep to the edge in single file.  Remeber, “Hold Hard” means stop now and don,t move until I tell you. Keep behind the Field Master (in red) – do not pass, as you could be asked to go home if you cannot keep behind.  Ensure that gates are closed behind you or pass back “gate please” (although too much noise can distract the hounds from the scent) or look for the raised hand signal behind to ensure that someone has got the gate. If you do not know if you are the last, shut the gate or wait.  Also pass back to warn of any danger, shouting such as “ware wire/bog/hole” (ware being short for beware). Please report any damages to fences, gates etc. to Hunt Staff and offer to make good.  Whilst stood with the field while the hounds are working, do not obstruct them and watch them closely – this is my favourite part.  I once went with the Huntsman and Master the day before a meet to show the runner the route that he had to run to  set the trail for the Bloodhounds. The Huntsman told the runner to run along the fence and through the wood on the day.  When we followed those Bloodhounds on the day of the hunt, amazingly they took that route following the scent of the runner exactly.  Line up and wait your turn to jump, letting the person in front clear it first. If you are upside another horse, ride in a straight line and if you are having trouble jumping the fence, clear out the way to let others jump and  look for a gate to rejoin the field, making sure it is closed behind you. Upon your return, after an enjoyable days hunting, make sure that you say “Goodnight” to Hunt staff before going home, even if it is still light.

Hunt photo by John VineYou and your horse should be turned out neatly, clean and tidy. This helps to make the land owner proud to see us on his land. Your horse should be plaited if not hogged and whilst it is your choice of what tack to use, a stronger bit than normal, martingale or neck strap is advisable for extra hold, as is a breastplate, ensuring that your saddle stays in place.  Boots are also your choice but make sure that mud doesn’t get underneath as this can rub the horse raw.     A good idea is to tape over the boots with insulation tape, ensuring that they  are not too tight and this also minimises the risk of losing boots also. Always check beforehand to make sure that your tack is in good condition as you do not want it letting you down. Usual dress for the field is jodhpurs, long black boots, shirt, stock, generally a black jacket and a BS approved riding hat, with your hair in a hairnet and no dangly earrings or jewellery.  Body protectors can be worn over your jackets.  Gloves are also a good idea.  For hound ambles, you may be more casual although neat and tidy go without saying.  For lawn meets (when you are invited by the hosts), correct dress is expected meaning boots shinier than normal, horses plaited and black/navy jackets for seniors (hacking jackets for juniors acceptable).  You are also expected to approach and thank the host for allowing you on their land.  For autumn hunting, ‘Ratcatcher’ attire is appropriate, consisting of a bowler hat or velvet cap, buff breeches, a tweed jacket, black boots and a tie or stock. This can be worn until the Opening Meet. This is also appropriate at the end of the season, after the Cheltenham National Hunt meeting in March or April 1st.  However, there is nothing to prevent this been worn throughout the season if you only hunt occasionally. (www.vlhunt.com)  All Photos courtesy of John Vine.

Festival of Champions – 13th-14th April 2014

Festival of Champions – 13th-14th April 2014

Festival of Champions

Festival of Champions

Festival of Champions

Festival of Champions

SPRING FESTIVAL 13-14th APRIL, held at VALIANTS EC, Nr Preston, Lancashire –  schedule online now at www.thefestivalassociation.co.uk. Judges now listed – closing date for pre entries Monday 1st April.

SUMMER FESTIVAL 29-30th JUNE, held at WARREN FARM EC, the full schedule will be online in the next two weeks, it is the biggest festival we

 

Horse of the Year Show 2013

Horse of the Year Show 2013

Alice and Vegas

Alice and Vegas

2013 has been a good showing season for local rider Alice Pimbley. The pony, Thistledown Las Vegas, has qualified for the Royal International Horse Show and HOYS this year in the Show Hunter Pony class.  Alice is 9 years old and it is her first season of riding at this level.

Send us your pictures and information of anybody else who has qualified and you think they deserve a mention.

Supreme Showdown – 24th and 25th November 2012

Supreme Showdown – 24th and 25th November 2012

Supreme Showdown

Supreme Showdown

Get yourselves down to Aintree Equestrian Centre, on 24th and 25th November for a show with a difference.  Not only is there a £1000 prize to Supreme Champion as well as rosettes to 6th place in all classes, there are also beautiful sashes to section Championship and Supreme winners and Reserves.   It’s a family orientated show with a party atmosphere and an emphasis on fun, with classes for all levels and something for everyone, horses and ponies.  There are classes for disabled riders and nervous riders, ridden and in hand rescue classes, with an evening performance, starting off with Concours d’Elegance and Pairs classes. Pre Entry fees are £12 per class (closing date 17th November) or £15 on the day – schedule and entry forms available online.  Contact 07775 260 890 for more information and check out the website www.supremeshowdown.co.uk

 

Dressage for Beginners

Dressage for Beginners

Astrid Bolton Sport Horses

Astrid Bolton Sport Horses

Dressage is an excellent foundation, whatever your discipline.  Its all about control and obedience which is necessary whether you are jumping a course of fences or in the show ring.  Its one thing to walk trot and canter during schooling at home but will your horse canter at a certain marker ?

To some,  dressage sounds boring but once you start you will be suprised how addicitive it is when you start to get results.  There is also combined training, regularly held at myerscough, a dressage and showjumping competition.

Try a dressage training clinic (again, held at Myerscough) to get you started and then you get an indication of what the judge is looking for.  There is unafilliated dressage on at various venues, to be advised, and then if you decide it is for you, try some affiliated (to British Dressage (BD)).  Look out for prelim tests advertised, which are  basic novice tests.

If you win 2 of these and your mark is over 65% then you qualify for regional champs (as long as you are a registered member with BD) which are held at Myerscough (winter) and Somerford Park (summer).  You can then go on to qualify for the Nationals, held at Stoneleigh.

Why not download a test and have a look;  go to www.britishdressage.co.uk for further information.

Race Horse to Riding Horse

This has become a very popular showing class.  It is open to thoroughbreds that have raced and been re-educated and that are registered with Wetherbys. SEIB sponsor competitions for eligible thoroughbreds – HOYS Show Championship.  This is a class judged as a riding horse class where the first 2 qualify for HOYS.  They also sponsor Search for a Star, again a showing class that is a HOYS qualifier and Osbaldeston (Ross’) hold qualifiers for this.  The charity RoR (Retraining of Racehorses) together with SEIB are also sponsoring competitions for ex-racehorses in other disciplines, such as showjumping, dressage, eventing and endurance to give these horses a chance to compete in something other than showing.  Check out our Equestrian Associations section at the top and take a look at the Retraining of Racehorses and Thoroughbred Rehabilitation Centre links.