The main aim of the day is that you enjoy yourself, have fun and learn more about hunting with hounds in the fantastic Suffolk countryside, whilst not limiting other people’s enjoyment (whether they are also out hunting with us or simply passers-by). This set of tips hopes to make it easier for those who are new to hunting to be best prepared., but if you have any questions throughout the day, please just ask anyone!
Please note it is always our intention to hunt within the rules of The Hunting act 2004.
What should I do before the meet? The first thing to do is contact one of the Joint Secretaries and let them know you are hoping to come (see contact page) and check with them the amount (cap) you will be required to pay. You can also check the best place to park. The Secretaries are there to help so if you have any questions please don’t be afraid to ask. Also, by ‘booking’ in you will be alerted if there is any change of plan (I,e due to bad weather).
On arrival... Please park horseboxes and trailers sensibly, typically in a farmyard near to where the meet is. If you are unsure, please check with the Secretary well in advance. On arrival at the meet it is customary to say “Good Morning” to those you meet, find The Secretary and offer your Field Money for the day. Please don’t wait for the Secretary to find you. The rates for the Season can be found on the Hunt website or by contacting the Secretary. We encourage everyone to be a current member of the Countryside Alliance.
During the day... • Always keep with the Field Master, do not over take him. Listen to and act on his instructions which may be given out at the meet or throughout the day. Followers have no right to cross private land unless in the company of the Field Master or their appointed representatives. This applies during hunting and also when hacking home.
• Always make way for the Hunt staff and Hounds. Always turn your horses head towards Hounds. If you hear someone behind you call “Hounds please” keep well out of the way, into the side to allow them to pass.
• If your horse is not behaving please take it to the back of the field so that it cannot endanger others. If your horse is likely to kick, tie a red ribbon in its tail to warn others. If your horse is new to hunting then tie a green ribbon in its tail. In both these cases it is better to keep towards the back of the field. Putting a ribbon in your horses tail does not mean you can forget about his manners, it is still your responsibility to avoid accidents to people, horses and hounds. • If you want to chat a lot please keep to the back of the field - others may want to watch and listen to hounds. If someone follows too close behind you put your arm behind your back with the palm spread and facing outwards as a warning to the following rider that they are crowding your horse.
• When going through a gateway wait your turn, do not crowd in. Every follower is responsible for making sure that gates are closed. Never leave a gate open - if in doubt SHUT IT! If you are unable to close it yourself please don’t leave until you are certain someone else has closed it. Always thank anyone who deals with a gate for you. If you are the next to last to pass through the gateway do not ride off and leave the last person to close it alone.
• We must use our common sense to avoid causing any damage to growing crops. Keep to the headland (an uncultivated strip at the edge of a field), sometimes fairly wide but often a very narrowband necessitating that you proceed in single file - which really does mean one behind the other! Only Hunt Staff have permission to ride over cultivated ground. If you come across livestock be they penned, grazing or surrounded by electric fencing, always walk your horse past them.
• If waiting in the road always be aware of and allow vehicles to pass and thank them with a smile for slowing down or waiting. At the end of the day or whenever you decide to make your way home, it is customary to say “Good night”, whatever the time of day. This is not just polite but lets others know that you have gone home and are not just left behind.
• Neither the Hunt nor any farmer or landowner can be held responsible for any accident or injury to horse or rider or anyone else who follows the hunt. Hunting can be dangerous and it is your responsibility to take all reasonable care and caution for the sake of yourself and other in the Field. Above all we wish to encourage everyone to have a safe and enjoyable day.
