STAY SAFE OUT HUNTING

There is no denying that riding to hounds can be a dangerous game. Not all accidents can be avoided but here are a few pointers to help you stay safe.

Keep a safe distance, whether on the flat or over jumps. Leave enough room that if the horse in front stops, stumbles or falls you can avoid them safely.

Make sure you and your horse are fit - tired horses and riders make mistakes. Be prepared to go home early if you and/or your mount are struggling.

Double check you have a strong independent seat with a secure lower leg and have experience riding at speed in company, over jumps and over varying natural terrain. It may be wise to ask your instructor to assess whether you are ready to come out hunting.

Ensure your clothing and tack are safe - and particularly check that you are wearing a properly fitted approved riding hat.

Ensure your horse is correctly bitted to give you good control whilst riding at speed in company. Most horses find hunting rather exciting and may need a different bit for hunting than they do for day to day activities.

Always stay behind the field master and listen to any instructions from them (or other hunt staff) - they know the route and the location of any hazards like holes, wire etc. Always pass messages such as ‘hole on the left’ back to those behind you and when you pass the hazard yourself point to it as well as calling out the warning.

Go slowly through gateways and over bridges and always wait for the person behind you to come through or go over before picking up speed again.

If you know your horse can kick, please wear a red ribbon and please stick to the back of the field. It is your responsibility to keep your horse out of kicking reach of others.

If you’re not jumping an obstacle, please do not canter past or go through an adjacent gateway as someone else is jumping it. This can distract the horse jumping, please wait until it is safe to proceed.

If you aren’t sure that your horse will jump, stay towards the back of the field to avoid holding up others.

If your horse refuses a fence, immediately turn away and let others jump before representing. If your horse refuses again please don’t keep representing as this holds up other riders and there is also a real risk that either the fence or hedge could get damaged or even yourself or the horse!

Stay alert - watch your surroundings, the terrain, the ground conditions and the horses and riders around you.

If you leave before the end of the day please let the field master know - most of the time they will know the quickest and safest route for you to get back plus we need to know everyone is accounted for.

UNDER 18s
Children aged up to 16 MUST be accompanied at all times by a mounted adult, unless at a dedicated Children’s Meet. Children aged 16 to 18 must be accompanied by a responsible adult who may be a member of the dismounted field (vehicle followers) or waiting at the boxes.

Following these guidelines should help to ensure everyone gets home safely and that the hunting day is more about thrills than spills!