What should I wear when I hunt with Wateree?
Fox hunting attire is an essential aspect of the sport, reflecting its age-old traditions and contributing to the pageantry that makes it a memorable experience. Your outfit may vary based on gender, seniority, and whether the season is formal or informal. Here's a guide to help you dress appropriately:
Formal Attire:
Helmets: Preferably navy or black velvet. Although not required, they are preferred.
Coats: Navy or black for those without colors. Men over 21 with colors may wear scarlet.
Stock Tie: White.
Shirts: White or canary, paired with a white stock tie running horizontally.
Vests: Canary or tattersall plaid.
Breeches: Beige, tan, or canary colored riding breeches.
Boots: Black leather tall boots.
Cubbing Attire:
Helmets: Navy/black or brown, accompanied by a hairnet.
Coats: Muted brown or grey hacking jackets.
Stock Ties: Fun colored or traditional men’s ties are acceptable.
Vests: Canary or tattersall plaid.
Breeches: Beige, tan, or canary colored riding breeches.
Boots: Brown.
It's important to adhere to these guidelines to respect the traditions of fox hunting and to enhance the collective experience for everyone involved.
What time should I arrive if the fixture card indicates a 10:00 start for the Meet?
To ensure you don't miss a beat, please plan to arrive 45–60 minutes beforehand to give yourself ample time to get geared up and mounted. Your horse will appreciate the extra time to settle in before the cast. Please note that the hunt will depart promptly, so please aim to be ready at least 10 minutes prior.
If you're bringing a guest, please introduce him or her to the Masters and make sure they complete the necessary paperwork and cover the capping fees. It's up to you to help them grow familiar with proper etiquette and ride alongside them.
Finally, please inform the secretary at least 24 hours before the event in case the breakfast hosts require a headcount. Can't wait to see you there!
Is it possible for novice riders to participate in fox hunting?
Wateree Hounds has three fields of mounted foxhunters to accommodate the hunting experience, riding ability, and fitness of both horse and rider.
FIRST FLIGHT: The first field follows closely behind the huntsman. The speed is dependent on the quarry and hunting conditions. Riders and horses should be comfortable traveling over obstacles and differing terrain. This flight is for experienced foxhunters with fit horses.
SECOND FLIGHT: The second field follows closely behind first flight, jumping only fences that seem reasonable for both horse and rider. This is a great place for both the rider and or the horse to gain confidence and experience, as well as for those whose jumping days are mostly behind them but still want to keep up with the hounds and huntsman. We find by staying close behind first flight, there is much less chance of riders turning the fox towards the pack or roads.
THIRD FLIGHT: The third field accommodates riders and horses who need a slower pace out hunting but want to stay as close to the action as is reasonably possible. This field often takes a parallel line to the movement of huntsman and hounds and therefore tends to see more fox than the first or second flights, who follow behind the huntsman. Third flight is an ideal field for novice riders and horses, as well as anyone who may be challenged by the speed of the first and second fields. Both horses and riders should be comfortable trotting cross country and traversing streams.
With these three options available at Wateree Hounds, there’s no reason why almost any horse and rider couldn’t enjoy a morning riding behind our wonderful pack of American foxhounds.
What should I wear when I hunt with Wateree?
Fox hunting attire is an essential aspect of the sport, reflecting its age-old traditions and contributing to the pageantry that makes it a memorable experience. Your outfit may vary based on gender, seniority, and whether the season is formal or informal. Here's a guide to help you dress appropriately:
Formal Attire:
Helmets: Preferably navy or black velvet. Although not required, they are preferred.
Coats: Navy or black for those without colors. Men over 21 with colors may wear scarlet.
Stock Tie: White.
Shirts: White or canary, paired with a white stock tie running horizontally.
Vests: Canary or tattersall plaid.
Breeches: Beige, tan, or canary colored riding breeches.
Boots: Black leather tall boots.
Cubbing Attire:
Helmets: Navy/black or brown, accompanied by a hairnet.
Coats: Muted brown or grey hacking jackets.
Stock Ties: Fun colored or traditional men’s ties are acceptable.
Vests: Canary or tattersall plaid.
Breeches: Beige, tan, or canary colored riding breeches.
Boots: Brown.
It's important to adhere to these guidelines to respect the traditions of fox hunting and to enhance the collective experience for everyone involved.
What are the key aspects of etiquette in the hunt field?
Etiquette in the hunt field is crucial for rider/horse safety and maintaining positive relationships with landowners. Key points include:
Avoid distracting the hounds by talking to them.
Make way for the Huntsman, staff, and hounds upon hearing cues like “Staff, Please” or “Ware Hound.”
Never overtake the Field Master.
Follow at a safe distance behind other riders, especially at fences.
Maintain a horse’s length between you and the next horse, avoiding tailgating.
Ensure safe passing and do not disrupt other riders by circling or creating gaps in the field.
Manage a kicking horse by tying a red ribbon in its tail and staying at the rear.
If your horse is disruptive, it's best to leave the hunt.
Properly excuse yourself through the Field Master or Field Secretary if you need to leave the field.
Respect fallen riders or loose horses by following the Field Master's instructions.
How should riders conduct themselves to maintain good relations with landowners?
Maintaining positive relations with landowners involves:
Adhering to a carry in and carry out policy to keep the hunt country clean.
Riding carefully to avoid damaging the land, especially avoiding divots in driving lanes.
Reporting any accidental damage to property.
Ensuring gates are closed if you open them during the hunt.
Riding at a respectful pace near livestock to avoid exciting them.
Respecting planted crops by not riding through unharvested fields.
Politely greeting landowners whenever encountered.
What is the protocol for dealing with accidents or disruptions during the hunt?
In case of accidents or disruptions:
If a rider falls, the hunt's continuation depends on the situation. Minor falls may see the hunt continue, with designated riders assisting the fallen.
For significant incidents like loose horses or injuries, the hunt may pause, with riders staying with their field and allowing unobstructed assistance.
Disruptive behavior by a horse or rider may lead to being excused from the hunt.
Leaving the field requires permission from the Field Master or Field Secretary for guidance back and to avoid disrupting the hunt.
