affiliates
[ EQUINE JOURNAL AFFILIATE ]
Norfolk member, Tom Lewis, guides his horse, Bud, over a stone wall in Westport.
Norfolk Master of Foxhounds, Owen Hughes, is often seen leading the first flight on his horse, Ben.
Norfolk Hunt Club Discusses Hunting Etiquette—the Key to a Successful Fall Season SUBMITTED BY D.A. HAYDEN, PHOTOS BY KATHIE DAVENPORT
NORFOLK HUNT CLUB (NHC) members and those planning on foxhunting with Norfolk as guests work throughout the summer to keep their horses fit and focused for the fall hunt season, which begins on September 7. To fully prepare for the upcoming season, riders should review hunting etiquette, which is inextricably linked to both rider/horse safety and positive landowner relations. The NHC believes it is imperative that every rider display proper hunting etiquette. Following are some points to remember regarding hunting etiquette, all of which can be found on norfolkhunt.com.
Upon Arrival at the Meet Arrive at the meet at least 30 minutes before the hunt is scheduled to start in order to avoid last-minute confusion. Check in immediately with the field secretary. Be careful where you park to avoid blocking traffic. Remember, it is inappropriate to clean out your trailer at the hunt. Be sure to bring a muck bucket to contain your horse’s manure. If your horse is green and inexperienced, tie a green bow in his tail that is visible to riders from a three-horse distance. If your horse kicks, tie a red bow in his tail that is visible to riders from a three-horse distance. 98
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When Riding in the Hunt… Turn your horse (nose out) toward the hounds and hunt staff if the field is stopped and a staff member or hound needs to pass by. Give way to hounds if they need to pass you. Turn your horse’s head toward the hounds, heels away. To step on or kick a hound is considered an unforgivable sin. If a hound is coming up behind you, allow him to pass and call “Ware hound left/right” to warn other riders of the hound’s presence. Do not cut a hound off from the rest of the pack. If your horse refuses to jump a fence, go immediately to the back of your field. Do not circle and try jumping the fence again. If you are jumping an in-and-out fence, be sure the rider ahead of you completes both elements before you begin to jump. If you are going down a hill, when you get to the bottom, wait for the person behind you, so there is no chance of the following horse feeling left behind.
Respecting the Hierarchy of the Field Norfolk offers four fields to accommodate riders and horses of different abilities and preferences. Each field has a distinctive pace; it is important to respect the rules that pertain to each field. 1. First Field—Jumpers. The first field of riders jumps all fences.
Norfolk’s Associate Master of Foxhounds (MFH), Ruth Lawler, and her trusty mare, Hasty Pudding, lead the Pick and Choose field on a regular basis.
2. Second Field—Pick and Choose. The second field of riders jumps most fences, based on their comfort level. They are encouraged to jump. Non-jumpers may not ride in the pick-and-choose field. Communication is key in this field to avoid accidents. If you choose not to jump a fence, be sure to let the rider behind you know. If you are jumping a fence, be sure the rider in front of you is far enough away from the other side of the fence so that you do not crowd or crash into the horse in front of you. 3. Third Field—Flats. The third field of riders does not jump any fences and may not school over fences when hunting.
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| June 2013
5/15/13 11:21:00 AM