JOIN US HUNTING
NEW TO HUNTING
Being new to the hunting field can be a daunting prospect, and the etiquette and traditions can vary from hunt to hunt. The most important thing is that we are all here to enjoy ourselves and watch hounds work the trail that has been laid. (More information on trail laying is available HERE) Everyone has had their first-day hunting, and we at the Blankney pride ourselves on being a friendly and approachable hunt.
A great source of information called “The Little Hunting Handbook” has been produced by the hunt staff benevolent society and makes for a really interesting read.
​
Your first contact is the Hunt Secretary, who can give you lots of information about what to expect and answer any questions you might have. No question is a silly question, and our aim is to make you feel as prepared as possible so that you can relax and enjoy your day.
The most important thing to do on arrival is to introduce yourself to the Hunt Secretary. They will normally be mounted at a meet, often in a red coat and brass buttons. However, if you speak to any mounted rider, they will point you in the right direction. The Hunt Secretary will ensure you are looked after throughout the day.
The trails vary weekly depending on location. We try to include an element of jumping for the mounted field on most days. We also work to ensure that any non-jumping members of the field can find a way around and keep up with hounds. The Hunt Secretary can advise you on where to go to ensure you have a safe and enjoyable day.
​
A typical day will include both trail hunting and hound exercise. The pace will vary throughout the day, and we recommend that you and your horse are fit, confident in open spaces and in all four paces.
JUMPING & NON JUMPING FIELD
JUMPING........
At Blankney Hunt, we recognise that not everyone wants to jump. That's why we offer a non-jumping field for those who want to keep within viewing distance of the hounds. Our team of Masters and subscribers are on hand to provide guidance and support every step of the way. We aim to have a designated member who supports the non-jumping field, so you can rest assured that you're in good hands.
HUNTING ETIQUETTE FOR MOUNTED RIDERS
Hunting etiquette is all based on common sense and good manners. It is designed to keep hounds, horses, followers, and the public safe and to maintain the goodwill of farmers, landowners, and shooting friends on whom our sport depends. There is a wealth of information available regarding hunt etiquette online and also from our hunt secretary, who will be more than happy to help you by answering any questions. Some helpful pointers are below:
-
Arrive promptly with enough time to be mounted and ready to move off at the scheduled meet time – the hunt Secretary will advise you in advance of meet times and parking.
-
'Good morning' and 'Goodnight' – although it may seem peculiar to say 'Goodnight' at 9am on an Autumn hunting morning or 'Good Morning' at a 1pm meet, it is (as with most hunt etiquette) an essential part of the day. When introducing yourself to the Secretary and, if appropriate, the Masters and hunt staff ensures that you can be looked after and have the best possible day. If you choose to leave the hunting field before the end of the day, it is essential that you say “Goodnight” to the Field Master. The Field Master wants to ensure you are not left behind. Trails are laid continuously throughout the day, and it's important that anyone ‘hacking’ back to the boxes doesn’t interfere with the day's trail hunting.
-
Always follow the Field Master, who will know where we have permission to ride and which fields are drilled with crops.
-
Hounds and hunt staff – without them, our day would just be a hack around the countryside. Always give way to hounds and hunt staff. When mounted, we ask you to always turn your horse's head towards hounds. Unfortunately, even the most placid of horses may kick when approached by a hound. By turning your horse's head and allowing them to watch the hounds approaching, we ensure you, our hounds and hunt staff are as safe as possible.
-
Respect others - everyone who follows the hunt, albeit mounted, on a bike or in a car, is an ambassador for our sport. Our sport relies strongly on goodwill and support. An incredible amount of work and effort goes into each day's trail hunting. Saying thank you to landowners, the lady or gentleman holding a gate, keeping off cut grass and crops and respecting all road users are all ways that you, as a follower of the hunt, can help to keep our sport alive.
-
Safety - while we all want to have an incident-free day, you must read and agree to our disclaimer and we recommend all mounted members have their own personal public liability insurance.
WHAT TO WEAR
If you are new to hunting, you are not expected to come dressed in full hunting kit on your first time. We ask that you are safe, clean, and tidy, ideally wearing pale jodhpurs, a shirt and tie, dark or tweed jacket. Our presentation and behaviour on the hunting field affect the people we meet throughout the day. Again, there is a wealth of information on turning out yourself and your horse available online, and the hunt Secretary is available to answer any questions.
​
By arriving smart clean and ‘correctly’ turned out we are continuing tradition that is based on respecting the hounds and the land we are crossing.
YOUR HORSE
We ask that all horses or ponies are clean and well turned out for hunting. Before the opening meet, plaiting is not required.
​
All tack and accessories, e.g. boots, browbands, and numnahs, should be either brown or black, clean and in good condition. Traditionally, a numnah should follow the shape of the saddle rather than using a saddle cloth.
​
If you or your horse is new to hunting, wearing a green ribbon on your horse's tail Is recommended to advise others to give you and your horse a little more room if needed.
HUNTING ETIQUETTE FOR FOOT/CAR FOLLOWERS
-
Drive and park considerately. Do not obstruct traffic and gateways, inconvenience local residents or damage tended verges.
-
Thank all other road users, regardless of their own behaviour, with a smile and a wave.
-
Do not follow the hunt off-road in a vehicle without the express permission of the landowner or a Master. Do not assume you are permitted to drive over private land just because another follower does so.
-
Turn off your engine when stationary to minimise noise and avoid masking the trail.
-
If you come across hounds on the road, stop where safe and legal to do so, and switch off your engine. Warn (but do not obstruct) other road users.
-
Never engage with hunt saboteurs.
AND FINALLY...
We look forward to welcoming you with us soon. If you have any further questions, please contact the Honorary Secretary.
​
OUR GALLERY
A Collection of Our Favorite Moments
