"There are those that ride to hunt, and others that hunt to ride."

 Can you guess what I'm thinking about?

 Fox hunting is on my list of to do's. I suppose the first thing on my list should be learning to jump, so I can actually go hunting. Anyways, It's a really neat sport and I can't wait to try it some day. Here are some rules, etiquette and guide-lines I found when I was doing some reading on it:

* The Master is in charge of the Hunt at all times. The Field Master is in charge of the field they are leading. Any instructions from either should be followed immediately.

* When you arrive at the Meet, go up and say 'Good Morning' to the Master.

* If you must leave the field, ask permission of the Field Master.

* Do not pass the Field Master, the only exception being a "gone away."

* At the end of the day thank the Huntsman and the Staff.

* Watch and listen to the hounds work - that is why we are here.

* Never 'rate' - talk to - a hound or correct a hound - that is a huntsman's or staff responsibility.

* Do not speak to one another when close to hounds -- you will bring their heads up, as well as bring the wrath of the Huntsman down upon you. Never call their names in the field.

* Let the hounds proceed over coops before you do - do not ride into or jump into hounds.

* Arrive early and give yourself time to be tacked up and mounted before the hunt goes out. If you are late - the hunt may leave without you.
 

* Smoking is never acceptable in the hunt field.
 

* If you bring a guest, call the Hon. Sec. the night before for permission.

* If you bring a guest it is your responsibility to inform them of proper etiquette and ride with them at the back of the field.

The riding order is as follows:

1. Field Master
2. Ex-Masters, Masters of other Hunts, by invitation of the Master
3. Gentlemen and Ladies with colors
4. Gentlemen and Ladies with Buttons
5. Gentlemen and Lady members
6. Visitors and Guests with their sponsors
7. Juniors with colors
8. Juniors

With respect for the overall visual picture, the less correctly turned out riders should remain in the rear of the field.

Riding Etiquette

* Stay in close to the field that you are riding with, straying off or working your horse is termed 'larking' and is not acceptable.
* Watch the horse in front of you, do not crowd other horses.
* Watch the group in front of you for changes in speed, direction, etc.
* Watch out for holes, or wire, or any other hazard.
* Listen for instructions: Gate, please! Reverse field! Hold hard! Stay on the edge of the field!
* Keep chatter to a minimum while the hunt is underway. Talking is allowable at refreshment breaks and when checking the hounds. Keep an eye on the Master for a raised hand to signal quiet when you are stopped. 

* Pass on warnings to the person behind you. Don't try to yell it to the end of the line. It is your responsibility to make sure the person behind you knows what to expect.

* Do not pass other horses too closely or at a high rate of speed.
* Do not circle in front of other horses.

Coops & Jumps  

* Jumps are to be approached in single file, leave enough space between you and the horse in front of you to be able to stop or turn away from the jump if the other riders horse refuses or the rider comes off at or just after the jump.
 

* If your horse refuses a jump, go to the back of the line and try again - do not continue to school your horse at the coop and do not prevent others from taking the jump and following the hunt. If you need a lead for the next time ask another rider on the way back.
 

* Never jump anything that the Field Master did not jump, if the field goes through a gate next to a coop, then you go through the gate.

Turnout

* Your horse should be clean and with a pulled mane.
* Tack must be clean and neat and in good repair. Any English style saddle will do. Girths should be in especially good repair - leather is most appropriate. Breastplates are advised.
* You should be clean and neat as well too.

* If you have long hair, you must wear a hair net.
* Do not wear anything that could get caught on trees or other obstacles and cause injury to you or your horse. Ties should be pinned to the shirt and under your jacket
* Jewelry and perfumes are to be avoided.