SOME HINTS FOR A HUNTING DAY

DRESS: AUTUMN HUNTING: Rat catcher or Barbour or modern smart equivalent. OPENING MEET and afterwards, the same or a black/navy hunting jacket is permissible.

PARKING: Try to park a little distance from the meet. This gives your horse time to settle before arrival at the meet which should be prompt. If in doubt and you are intending to park in a steading or private land, please make prior arrangement with the landlord.. Do not block access to any field or road or track or in any way inconvenience other people. Plan ahead! Remember to thank your host.

GATES: WE ARE ALL RESPONSIBLE!
We must avoid stock escaping from fields and or becoming mixed with stock from neighbouring fields. If this happens the farmer at worst might ban the hunt from his land. All gates which are shut when you  arrive at them must be closed again after you pass through them and tied or chained properly.

PROCEDURE:
On arriving at a gate which needs to be closed the first rider shouts ‘GATE PLEASE’
and each rider after that passes the same message to the person riding behind.
If you approach a gate which is to be shut do not move off until either you have closed the gate or the next rider realises that it must be shut. To pass on the message hold up your hand until the next approaching rider acknowledges your instruction by holding his or her arm up. So, look ahead if you are coming to a gate and be ready to let the rider in front get ahead by giving your signal. There is nothing more irritating than having to wait until the approaching rider arrives to get you message across. Also, if someone has been kind enough to open a gate wait for them to remount before moving off. Be ready to open gates for the Huntsman and or the Field Master. They have plenty to think about and appreciate your help.

KNIFE AND STRING:
Not all gates are well hinged swinging gates. Be equipped to retie any gate which is tied together with string.

TRAFFIC:
Be careful not to hold up traffic. Let them through and show your appreciation for their patience. Acknowledge oncoming cars too. A smile and a wave does no harm.

LIVESTOCK:
Cattle in particular, give them a very wide berth. Occasionally we have to be prepared to go round another way rather than spook cattle which can easily stampede through fences. The watchwords are slow down, keep wide, and look ahead. If they start to run you are getting it wrong.

BYSTANDERS AND CAR FOLLOWERS:
They are important in our club and enjoy hunting as much as mounted followers.  We are all in it together and should enjoy mutual support and communication.

GROUND CONDITIONS:
Be careful if the land is wet. Do not canter down hill if the ground is cutting up. Keep right in to the edge of sown fields or young grass.

DAMAGE: If you damage a jump or a fence then you must report it to one of the Secretaries, as soon as possible.

RICHARD SWAN MFH
RORY INNES MFH
Mrs LOUISE AITKEN-WALKER MFH

Godfrey Bryson takes responsability as Field Secretary. To assist him, would you, please, hand him your Field Money or Voucher (sent to 5-Day Compound Cap Subscribers on receipt of their payment) at the Meet.

Godfrey and Lynn will be trying their best to make your hunting as enjoyable as possible but will not always be out all day, every day.  If Godfrey is unable to be at a Meet to collect Caps/Vouchers, another responsible person will be present on their behalf.  Lynn will be regularly updating the List of Subscribers so that the person collecting Caps/Vouchers will know who has paid!!! 

Godfrey can be contacted on 01890 883949  and will gladly give advice on parking.  Lynn can be contacted on 01361 883796

All the members of the Hunt Committee are happy and willing to assist with any other queries, especially on a day’s hunting so please feel at ease to ask them for assistance or advice.

In the interests of safety, it is essential that young children are accompanied by an adult or responsible person– if you are having trouble finding a ‘mounted nanny’, please do give Alison Brewis (Tel: 01573 430224) or Jane Clark (Tel: 01573 450275) a call and hopefully they will be able to assist you.

Visitors are advised to contact either Godfrey or Lynn in good time, if they wish to come out as there may be changes to the original Meet arrangements – please pass this message to anyone you know who might like to visit us for a day.

WE HOPE YOU enjoy your hunting  - PLEASE try to make sure those around you are DOING THE SAME. 

Lynn Anderson: Hon. Secretary/Treasurer
Godfrey Bryson: Hon. Field Secretary