Ring the Hunt Secretary to find out where we are hunting, enquire about cap and to introduce yourself. It is polite to let us know that you would like to come. 

Secondly:

On the day make sure both you, and your horse are suitably presented. Newcomers, and all children (up to 18) are permitted to wear a tweed hacking jacket, shirt and tie, black/brown gloves and buff breeches. Adults may wear long boots with spurs, and children jodhpur boots. We also ask that a hat is worn at ALL times when mounted. 

Children should not be left unattended for the day. They should have either a mounted or car chaperone. Please ensure they have a contact number in their pocket, should any incidents occur.

 Hunt members will also dress like this during Autumn Hunting, and it is more commonly known as ‘Ratcatcher’. As we move into the main  season at Opening Meet, dress will change. Children are still required to dress in Ratcatcher.  

Ladies may wear a navy or black wool hunt coat, buff breeches, long black boots worn with spurs and a white stock tied in a knot and secured with a horizontal plain gold stock pin. Buff wool gloves also provide some extra warmth on those chilly winter days. Hair should be neatly tied back and secured in a hairnet. 

Gentlemen wear a black wool hunt coat with buff breeches, gloves, boots and stock, as per the ladies. Only those awarded, wear a Scarlet coat, white breeches and boots with mahogany tops.

All members of the hunting field are permitted to carry a hunting whip—a useful tool for many purposes, such as opening gates, but never to use on hounds. This is the responsibility of the Whipper-in and the Huntsman.

Horses:

During Autumn Hunting, plaiting is not required. However, your horse and tack should still be tidy and clean out of respect for the Landowners whose land we are graciously permitted to hunt over. *Tack colours should be kept neutral not fluorescent or brightly coloured*

Main season: Horses which are not hogged, should be plaited. Tails should also be plaited or neatly pulled. Leg feather should be trimmed. Clipping is permitted. Again, both horse and tack should be tidy, secure and clean.

Your horse should be well behaved and stand when required. If your horse is known to kick etc. then you should keep him/her at the back of the field away from other horses, and most importantly, hounds. A well behaved horse is welcome on any hunting day—and ensures you have a most enjoyable time too!

Thirdly:

Arrive at the meet in plenty of time and try not to park inconveniently. Avoid cut verges or blocking the roads for other   users. If unsure, please ask. There are usually plenty of people who will only be too pleased to help you.

Upon arrival, say Good Morning to the Master and Field Master, and offer your capping money to the Field Secretary —don’t wait to be asked.

Field etiquette:

· Never overtake the Field Master, it is their job to keep the field safe, but also to prevent them from interrupting hounds from their work. They will try their very best to keep you in a position to watch hounds working.

· Listen carefully and do not speak to hounds, or hunt staff—too much noise will only distract them.

· If last through an open gate, please close it unless told otherwise.

· Queue patiently at hunt fences, and please keep your distance from the horse in front. Wait for them to clear the fence before approaching.

· If you fail to negotiate an obstacle, retrace your steps, and go round via the road—do not take your own line.

· Report any damage immediately to the Field Master.

· Say ‘Good Night’ to the Field Master if you decide to leave before the end of the day. That way we know you’ve gone home and not incurred an accident or got lost.

Do not be afraid to ask if you are unsure about anything. Most senior field members will only be too pleased to help.

Following on foot or by car: 

· Upon arrival at the meet, say Good  Morning to the Master and offer your cap to the appropriate person—don’t wait to be asked.

· Please stick to the roads and observe all signs which may state ‘NO SWH cars’. Driving over private land could upset farmers and shorten our days hunting.

· Please try not to get in front of hounds or run them over. The Huntsman won’t be very pleased!

· Do not park inconveniently or block the road to other users. Switch off engines when stopped.

· Be polite at all times.

· Report all damage to the Field Master immediately.

         Most importantly, we want to you to have a safe and enjoyable day with us. By following these few simple guidelines, you won’t go far wrong. We hope to see you soon!