| Before you come hunting.... Newcomers are hugely welcome. Anyone can come hunting, and you do not need a "special" horse although a well mannered mount will give you a better day and your horse does need to be fit enough for the length of day that you want to come out for. Before you come hunting for the first time, please telephone one of the joint secretaries see contact page and check with them where and when the meets are, where you should park and that there will be enough room for you to come out on that particular day. |
If you would like a "shepherd" to look after you on your first time out, please let the secretary know and they will find someone friendly to look after you. You should also let the secretary know whether you are a jumper or a non-jumper. Hunting conventions The below is only for information and no one should be put off coming out hunting - enjoying yourself is what matters. You really just need to be clean and tidy. For children, it is more important that they should be warm and dry so that they can enjoy themselves rather than stick doggedly to the dress code, in particular in wet weather they should wear a waterproof. Horse turnout Autumn hunting - your horse should be clean and tidy. There is no need to plait Full season - everybody is welcome regardless of whether their horse is stabled or kept at grass. If your horse or pony is at grass you should have brushed him off but if he is a bit biscuit coloured it is not important. What to wear .... Autumn hunting: Tweed jacket, tie or stock, buff or brown breeches, long boots for grown ups, jodphur boots with or without half chaps for children, or long boots if preferred FULL SEASON DRESS CODE: Men - if horse is clipped out - Black coat, buff breeches or jodhpurs, white stock, black boots, gloves. Red coats are worn by hunt officials and hunt staff. The mustard coloured coat of the Vale of Aylesbury is worn by the hunt staff only. Men - if horse is not clipped out - Tweed jacket, white or coloured stock, buff or brown breeches, brown or black long boots, gloves. Women - if horse is clipped out - Black or navy blue coat, buff breeches or jodhpurs, white stock, black boots, gloves. Women - if horse is not clipped out - Tweed jacket, white or coloured stock, buff or brown breeches, brown or black long boots, gloves. Children - Tweed jacket - blue or black are also fine - white or coloured stock or pony club tie, buff or brown breeches, jodhpur boots with or without half chaps, or long boots, gloves What to bring with you.... You should bring a drink, something that will fit in your pocket to eat (eg a sandwich/cereal bar/chocolate), a handkerchief. If you have enough room in your pockets, a hoof pick, bind-a-twine, a pocket knife, and a mobile 'phone can also be useful but you should not use your mobile for chatting during the day. He will take them and start to draw for the line. The line will have been pre-laid and will have been especially prepared to mimic proper hunting as closely as possible. You should follow your shepherd's instructions and should not go in front of the fieldmaster. It is recommended that until you have seen how your horse behaves that you should stay towards the back of the field. If hounds come towards you at any point, you should turn your horse's head towards hounds so that your horse does not kick them as they are very vulnerable. You must always give way to the huntsman or the whip and get out of his way if he needs to come through. Once hounds find the line, you will have a run. This may be just a few minutes or it may be longer, but you will find it an electrifying experience. The cry of hounds is a glorious sound and the scramble to keep up is hugely exciting - there is nothing quite like it. Please make sure that you pass any messages back "Gate please" means that the last person to go through the gate must shut it, "Hole on the right" or "Wire on the left" warns others of a potential hazard. If during the day you demolish a fence, you must make sure that you tell a hunt official as soon as possible - one of the masters or the secretary. Hunts are dependent on the goodwill of our farmers, so it is essential that stock is not let out and that any breakages are mended swiftly. |
| If your horse is stabled and clipped then the convention is that if he has a full or hunter clip he should be plaited, if he has a chaser, blanket or trace clip, there is no need to plait. If your horse is young, you should put a green ribbon in his tail to warn other people to give him some room. If he has ever kicked, he must have a red ribbon in his tail and you should stay to the back of the field - please do not risk injuring another horse or rider. Tack should be clean and in good repair. It is generally advisable to have a slightly stronger bit in than normal in case your horse gets excited or is strong. |
| At the meet and during the day.... Arrive in good time and find somewhere safe to un-load. Hack quietly to the meet and remember to smile and say good morning to people. If you have not been before and you do not know how your horse will behave, it is as well to stay on the outside of the crowd in case he gets excited. The hunt secretary will come and introduce him or herself and will take your cap. If it is your first time out, do say so to the secretary who will try to find someone to look after you for the day. |
| If there is enough room, take you horse to see hounds. At most meets you will be offered a drink by the hosts and may also be offered something to eat. There are normally a lot of foot followers and a great deal of excited chatter and gossip. It is very atmospheric. One of the Masters may make a short announcement, thanking the hosts and confirming who the fieldmaster is and where we are allowed to go so listen carefully. After a short time, a cry will go up "Hounds Please" this is the signal for the crowd to part to allow hounds through. The huntsman will gather together hounds and will leave the meet. |
| At the end of the run, we will normally have a check while any hounds that have got left behind catch up. The whip will count hounds and may go and look for them if there are a few missing and the huntsman will blow his horn for them as well. If you have been left behind, this may also give you an idea of where the hunt has got to. At the end of the day, the huntsman will blow for home and everyone will hack back to their boxes. If you decide to finish before then, which is quite in order, please return by road or bridleway as best as possible and not through fields or across ground previously crossed. Remember at all times that our hunting is a unique privilege that depends on the goodwill of our farmers and landowners. Social events, point to points and fund raising functions.. The hunt holds many social events during the year - hunt ball, dances. quiz nights. pub night, carol services, the hunt review etc.. Please come and join us at these and at our point to points and other fund raising functions. |
| What does it cost? We have a special offers for newcomers and you will only pay a small 'cap'. We also have a variety of charges to suit those who just want to hunt a few days through to others who come out every day possible. Need to hire a horse? If you haven't your own horse then there is no better way of getting started than by hiring one for the day. Usually, one can be found to suit all needs whether you are a novice or an experienced rider. If you would like to investigate this possibility then why not: Contact: John North on 07597 431781 |
Vale of Aylesbury with Garth & South Berks Hunt
NEWCOMERS
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