A. We pride ourselves on turnout at our meets and would like you to make an effort. We do, of course, realise that those who don’t hunt regularly probably won’t have all the correct hunting wear. If you are trying hunting or just getting going, then a tweed or show jacket is acceptable. If you ultimately join, then you should work on your turnout throughout the season. Traditional hunt attire is practical, as well as smart. For all but the early meets, you may need a warm coat. A hunting stock can save your neck from whiplash, can be used as a bandage for an injured horse, hound or human and can be used as a sling or even to lead a hound. Safe headwear, gloves and boots are essentials for safety and comfort.

A. Choose your meet! We cater for everyone and have special meets just for people who are worried about jumping. There are Children and Beginner meets and Introduction meets organised throughout the season. The Children & Beginners have small optional jumps which you can try. At the Introduction meets, we have a jumping and non-jumping Field Master to lead the way so you can have a couple of runs without jumping, or you can see how you cope with jumping. We aim to keep all compulsory jumping no bigger than 2’6 at all meets. We occasionally have rides or hound exercise meets which are quieter than hunting. These are lways worth attending, especially early in the season when you need to get your horse fit.

A. People are often worried and apprehensive about their first day out hunting. Once you’ve been out and know what to expect, we hope you’ll want to come with us again. We want to encourage people to enjoy their day with us and if you’re having real problems when out, you can approach anyone with a red collar. These are Senior Hunt Members who will be able to help you. Don’t be afraid to ask for help if you need it!

A. Any horse new to hunting should wear a green ribbon in his tail to alert others behind you that your horse could be unpredictable. If your horse is known to kick or is temperamental in company, then a red ribbon should be worn in the tail to warn others to give you a wide berth. You can use coloured electrical tape or plait a small section of the tail, secure with a plaiting band then thread the ribbon through the band and secure in a bow. Either method should last the day!

A. You should stay behind the Field Master at all times, he dictates the distance between the riders and the hounds and sets the pace depending on conditions on the day. Horses often get strong out hunting and it can be a good idea to use a harsher bit until you know how your horse behaves. Many horses are strong at first, but after a few long canters, they often settle. We all stop together at the end of a leg, giving you the opportunity to adjust your tack if you think you need it.

A. Again, choose your meet. Seasoned hunters are started early and attend the rides and exercise days so that once the ground conditions become tough, their tendons are sufficiently hard. Most horses which are getting plenty of turnout or regular riding will cope with the flat meets. Hilly meets are harder for a horse which is young or unfit. Take a view on how your horse feels and if he’s struggling, you can cut your day short.

Etiquette

We're a friendly bunch of people at the North East Cheshire Drag Hunt and we don't like to think that a day's hunting is bound by endless rules. However, we do have this code of conduct which each member, as well as guests, should follow. If you're not sure what you should be doing when out on the field, then please ask someone.

Dress Code

The dress code is light coloured breeches, long black boots, black or navy coat, white hunting stock and black or navy riding hat.

Children under 17 years of age can wear jodhpurs and jodhpur boots instead of breeches and long boots. They can also wear a hacking jacket instead of a black/navy coat. Unless very young, they should wear a hunting stock rather than a collar and tie.

Gloves are optional but it is sensible to wear them as it can be cold on the hunting field. Gloves should be plain black, navy or white. For safety reasons long hair should be tucked under your hat, plaited or worn in a bun with a hairnet.

Guests should follow these dress codes although adult guests can wear hacking jackets.

Horses

Horses should be clean and well presented with their manes plaited or hogged and their tails pulled or plaited. If your horse kicks, you should put a red ribbon in his tail. If you are new to the hunting field, please put a green ribbon in your horse's tail.

Hounds

Never overtake the hounds and keep an eye open for any hounds that are coming up behind you. If the hounds are brought past you, always turn your horse to face them to minimise the risk of your horse kicking them or backing into the pack.

Farmers

In order to hunt, we need the co-operation of farmers. They have nothing to gain in allowing us over their land and if damage is caused we can't blame them for refusing permission the following year. Bad relations with one farmer often influence the attitude of his neighbours towards us. Consequently the farmer is always right and we should treat him or her with courtesy at all times.

Walk past any livestock; if any get loose, stand still until they are caught. Report any damage to crops or property to the nearest staff as soon as possible. Care of a farmer's stock, crops and property always takes priority over our enjoyment.

Insurance

Insurance is really important these days and it is your responsibility to ensure that you are covered by insurance for all eventualities before riding out with the North East Cheshire Drag Hunt. We recommend you have adequate personal accident and third party liability insurance as we don't accept any responsibility for any damage, injury or loss that may occur during hunting.

Parking and Road Sense

Horseboxes and trailers should be parked considerately as we want to avoid congestion, possible damage to property and, very importantly, annoying local residents. If you have to park on a road, please ensure you park on the same side as everyone else so other vehicles can still get through.

If you are following on foot (in a car), please park well out of the way of horses and hounds.

Some pub landlords are happy to have boxes and trailers parked (sensibly) in their car parks. However, you must ask their permission first, thank them afterwards and clear up any mess before you leave. If you don't clear up after you it's not fair to the landlords or other patrons nor the conscientious few who do tidy up.

Sometimes we need to ride on roads when going from the end of one leg to the start of another. Please respect other road users and do all that you can so that they can get past the field. Acknowledge courteous drivers with a thank you. Remember that thoughtlessness in these matters means members of the public can take a very dim view of the North East Cheshire Drag Hunt.

Jumping

Only jump obstacles which are part of the hunting line. Please make sure you report any damage to the person responsible for the line in order that they can make good the damage or advise the appropriate farmer.

If your horse refuses, don't try the jump over and over again instead find an alternative way round. Repeated attempts to get over obstacles churns up the approach to the jump for other riders and damages the land. If you have a refusal, circle your horse away, then bring him back on line. Don't remain stationary in front of a jump and don't push in front of someone who is just about to jump.

Try not to ride in a bunch otherwise there'll be congestion at a jump particularly if a horse refuses.

Don't ever jump a fence in the wrong direction because of the obvious hazard to those who are jumping it correctly. This doesn't apply to staff who may have to retrace their steps to collect hounds.

Following Instructions

Instructions given by the Masters or Field Master must be followed without question. There will also be others in the field who have specific responsibilities on the day so please pay attention to what they have to say. You may, for example, be asked to walk your horse over a particular stretch of land because the ground is very soft at that point and galloping over it would churn it up.

If you hear "gate please", please pass this instruction down the line and the the last person through must close the gate. Usually there are members assigned to gate duty who will stay at the back of the field and ensure gates are closed. This isn't always the case so we all need to play our part.

Courtesy

If you spot a hazard such as wire, a pot hole or boggy ground, please shout a warning to those behind you.

Always give way to a member of staff and try to help them in any way you can, such as opening a gate for them.

The Masters are entitled to respect, particularly on the field. It is customary to bid them good night at the end of the day and to thank them for the day's hunting.

For reasons of health and safety, as well as courtesy, you must let the Field Master know if you decide to go home before the end of the day.

Falling Off

If someone comes off their horse, please help them. If their horse has run off, please either go after it yourself or ask someone else to do so. Check the rider isn't hurt and if they're not, help them back onto their horse if needed. If they are badly hurt, don't move them, and seek medical advice.

Being Sent Home

The Masters have the right to send a rider home although this is something no master likes to do. To avoid this happening we recommend you familiarise yourself with our etiquette.

And don't forget, if you're not sure about anything, just ask someone.