Etiquette

We're a friendly bunch of people at the North East Cheshire Drag Hunt and we don't like to think that a day's hunting is bound by endless rules. However, we do have this code of conduct which each member, as well as guests, should follow. If you're not sure what you should be doing when out on the field, then please ask someone.

Dress Code

The dress code is light coloured breeches, long black boots, black or navy coat, white hunting stock and black or navy riding hat.

Children under 17 years of age can wear jodhpurs and jodhpur boots instead of breeches and long boots. They can also wear a hacking jacket instead of a black/navy coat. Unless very young, they should wear a hunting stock rather than a collar and tie.

Gloves are optional but it is sensible to wear them as it can be cold on the hunting field. Gloves should be plain black, navy or white. For safety reasons long hair should be tucked under your hat, plaited or worn in a bun with a hairnet.

Guests should follow these dress codes although adult guests can wear hacking jackets.

Horses

Horses should be clean and well presented with their manes plaited or hogged and their tails pulled or plaited. If your horse kicks, you should put a red ribbon in his tail. If you are new to the hunting field, please put a green ribbon in your horse's tail.

Hounds

Never overtake the hounds and keep an eye open for any hounds that are coming up behind you. If the hounds are brought past you, always turn your horse to face them to minimise the risk of your horse kicking them or backing into the pack.

Farmers

In order to hunt, we need the co-operation of farmers. They have nothing to gain in allowing us over their land and if damage is caused we can't blame them for refusing permission the following year. Bad relations with one farmer often influence the attitude of his neighbours towards us. Consequently the farmer is always right and we should treat him or her with courtesy at all times.

Walk past any livestock; if any get loose, stand still until they are caught. Report any damage to crops or property to the nearest staff as soon as possible. Care of a farmer's stock, crops and property always takes priority over our enjoyment.

Insurance

Insurance is really important these days and it is your responsibility to ensure that you are covered by insurance for all eventualities before riding out with the North East Cheshire Drag Hunt. We recommend you have adequate personal accident and third party liability insurance as we don't accept any responsibility for any damage, injury or loss that may occur during hunting.

Parking and Road Sense

Horseboxes should be parked considerately as we want to avoid congestion, possible damage to hounds and vehicles and, importantly, annoying local residents. If you are following on foot (in a car), please park well out of the way of horses and hounds.

Some pub landlords are happy to have boxes or trailers parked (sensibly) in their car parks. However, you must ask their permission first, thank them afterwards and clear up any mess before you leave.

Sometimes we need to ride on roads when going from the end of one leg to the start of another. Please respect other road users and do all that you can so that they can get past the field. Acknowledge courteous drivers with a thank you. Remember that thoughtlessness in these matters means members of the public can take a very dim view of the North East Cheshire Drag Hunt.

Jumping

Only jump obstacles which are part of the hunting line. Please make sure you report any damage to the person responsible for the line in order that they can make good the damage or advise the appropriate farmer.

If your horse refuses, don't try the jump over and over again instead find an alternative way round. Repeated attempts to get over obstacles churns up the approach to the jump for other riders and damages the land. If you have a refusal, circle your horse away, then bring him back on line. Don't remain stationary in front of a jump and don't push in front of someone who is just about to jump.

Try not to ride in a bunch otherwise there'll be congestion at a jump particularly if a horse refuses.

Don't ever jump a fence in the wrong direction because of the obvious hazard to those who are jumping it correctly. This doesn't apply to staff who may have to retrace their steps to collect hounds.

Following Instructions

Instructions given by the Masters or Field Master must be followed without question. There will also be others in the field who have specific responsibilities on the day so please pay attention to what they have to say. You may, for example, be asked to walk your horse over a particular stretch of land because the ground is very soft at that point and galloping over it would churn it up.

If you hear "gate please", please pass this instruction down the line and the the last person through must close the gate. Usually there are members assigned to gate duty who will stay at the back of the field and ensure gates are closed. This isn't always the case so we all need to play our part.

Courtesy

If you spot a hazard such as wire, a pot hole or boggy ground, please shout a warning to those behind you.

Always give way to a member of staff and try to help them in any way you can, such as opening a gate for them.

The Masters are entitled to respect, particularly on the field. It is customary to bid them good night at the end of the day and to thank them for the day's hunting.

For reasons of health and safety, as well as courtesy, you must let the Field Master know if you decide to go home before the end of the day.

Falling Off

If someone comes off their horse, please help them. If their horse has run off, please either go after it yourself or ask someone else to do so. Check the rider isn't hurt and if they're not, help them back onto their horse if needed. If they are badly hurt, don't move them, and seek medical advice.

Being Sent Home

The Masters have the right to send a rider home although this is something no master likes to do. To avoid this happening we recommend you familiarise yourself with our etiquette.

And don't forget, if you're not sure about anything, just ask someone.