General Guidelines

• The Master of Fox Hounds (MFH) is in charge in the field; to help him are a huntsman and two or more whips. Give these officers complete right of way and obey their orders or requests promptly and willingly. Be far enough away so as not to interfere with their work and do not attempt to assist them unless asked to do so. Ask all the questions you want.
• Do not over-ride the Field Master! If you do you will crowd or over-ride the main body of hounds. In overtaking stragglers, give them as wide a berth as possible to avoid any chance of stepping on them.
• Don't crowd the horse in front. Watch out for checks; be able to pull up your horse in plenty of time.
• At checks, keep behind and well away from the pack.
• You may want to rest your horse by dismounting or walking him around to prevent his catching cold whenever the opportunity offers.
• Ride quietly to the hunt, keeping behind the leading officers. Ride home quietly after a hunt and bring your horse in cool.
• Dress neatly and correctly for a hunt. It all adds to the color effect and enjoyment of hunting. On rides and hound exercises, you may wear any casual riding apparel, but hunts are formal occasions.
• Learn to take an interest in the hounds and in watching them work. Know as many of them as you can by name.
• Visitors should give way to members and keep well back until thoroughly familiar with their horse and with the procedure of the hunt.
• Spectators following in cars must keep behind or well to the side of the line of hunt.
• Remember hunting is not a race. Ride safely and sanely and be sure you can fulfill the requirement of the safety rules below.

Safety Rules

• Inspect your horse and equipment before mounting, giving special attention to your girth and curb chain. Safety is paramount.
• If you cannot stop your horse quickly when desired, you have no business on his back. Learn what is wrong or ride a different horse next time. Also do not be afraid to ask questions; some little hint or suggestion may be all that is required. Remember, controlling a horse is a knack, not strength.
• Do not give your mount an opportunity to kick or bite another horse.
• Ride straight. When approaching a wide jump spread out, then pick the panel directly in front of you. Glance behind and around you to see that there is sufficient room before proceeding to the panel.
• Do not crowd or ride too close behind another horse, especially at jumps.
• Collect your horse before a jump. Very few horses can jump safely at an extended gallop.
• Jump straight - if your horse persists in jumping at an angle, or refuses and then swerves along the jump, he is a danger to others. Stop jumping him or take him to the back of the hunt where there is no one behind you.
• Do not ride away from the group. There are serious hazards on the military reservations, including shell holes, fox holes, concertina (razor) wire, sometimes camafloged and therefore invisible. Follow someone experienced.