Foxhunting in North America and in Great Britain is a very old sport with unique traditions and heritage. Over the centuries hunting has evolved a consistent etiquette that, once understood and adopted will allow you to hunt almost anywhere with the confidence that you won't be an embarrassment to your host and will be welcome again. To the novice hunter much of this etiquette will seem a bit rigid or old-fashioned, but actually everything has evolved for a purpose from hundreds of years of practical experience.
A good place to begin our discussion of etiquette is the morning of your first hunt. It's very important that you arrive on time, clean and ready to hunt. It is not only embarrassing to be late, but inconsiderate of your fellow riders and the staff that has worked hard to provide everyone with a good day's sport. Some hunts will not even let you ride if you are not mounted at the appointed hour and the least you should expect is a stern rebuke from the master. It is very easy to make lateness a habit, but everyone else has managed to get their horses and gear to the meet at the proper time and so can you if you learn to standardize your morning routine and always allow a little extra time for surprises. You don't want to get a reputation for being late or poorly turned-out, or worse - both. Take the time to arrive with a clean horse, tack and clothing. Again, not doing so only shows disrespect.
You've managed to get yourself and your horse to the meet on time and you look presentable. Before mounting locate the field secretary and introduce yourself. Once mounted you should introduce yourself to the Master if you have not already made their acquaintance. Good manners dictate that the other members will introduce themselves to you.
Now it's time to ride and since you are a novice you should ride at the back of the field and always allow enough room between you and the next horse so that when the field stops abruptly, you aren't ramming your horse into the unsuspecting rider in front of you. If you can't control your horse, he is a hazard to everyone as well as you, and should be removed from the field at once, before someone is injured. Remember, no matter how badly your horse misbehaves, never crowd the master and absolutely do not pass the master. If you have the opposite problem - not being able to keep up, perhaps you or your horse are tired and you should ask the master if you should go in. He or she may tell you to stay close because you are almost home any way. Remember, in the hunt field you must request permission from the master for everything from tightening your girth if you can't do it mounted to requesting permission to take a nature break. If your horse loses a shoe or has some other problem, let the master know and he or she will direct you. You don't need permission to talk, but speak quietly if you must and try to keep your horse still and quiet at a check. It is very difficult for the master to hear the noises of the hunt while you and your new found friends are laughing and joking behind him. The best behaved horses make enough noise without you adding to it. If the master can't hear, he will shout hark, which is hunt language for everyone to be quiet now!
The word 'ware, short for beware is used to alert your fellow riders to the proximity of anything that can cause harm or problems. You will hear such things as 'ware hole, 'ware wire, 'ware ditch, 'ware limb and of course, 'ware hound. Keep your wits about you and be observant and you'll do fine.
Many hunts have two fields, a jumping and a non-jumping or hill-topping field. If you are not absolutely confident in your ability you should begin your hunting career in the non-jumping field. When in the first or jumping field and you are approaching a jump in a tree line or fence row you should keep your horse in line and wait your turn, leaving enough room to stop if the horse in front of you refuses. If you have riders behind you and your horse refuses the jump and you've managed to stay on, swing your horse away from the jump and get at the end of the line. Do not block the jump and repeatedly try to force your horse over. Ultimately, if you can't get your horse over you must realize that you will probably be left behind if you can't find a convenient gate or other means. If you are lucky enough to have a gate close by, make sure you leave it as you found it. As long as you can catch-up with the field quickly, you should do so. Otherwise, you will have to go in. If you have no choice but to go in, do not wander around. Go back the way you came and do not ride on any planted crops or homeowner's lawns and stay on pavement if you have a choice. Horses leave big footprints whether the footing is soft or dry. It is especially important not to give any landowner or farmer a reason to close their property to the hunt.
Things are going pretty well and you are starting to relax and actually begin to look around you. The field has stopped on a trail and someone shouts huntsman or staff and riders begin to move their horses. The proper position for your horse should be out of the line of the on-coming rider with your horse's head pointed in his direction. Do not aim your horse's rear end in their direction. This is especially important if your horse might have a tendency to kick when being overtaken or approached from his blind side. If you are concerned that your horse might kick you should have already braided a red ribbon in their tale as a sign to all that they need to give your horse extra room, but a red ribbon doesn't give you license to forget about the riders behind you. Hold your horse long enough for any hounds to pass as well. The worst offense you can commit in the field is to have your horse strike a hound. The hounds are a hunt's most precious asset and they must be given every consideration. If your horse commits the unthinkable, you must immediately correct him with your hunt whip or crop. He must understand that this is absolutely unacceptable behavior. If the hound is seriously injured, the master has every right to send you in, but he probably won't if he feels you've administered suitable punishment. The best rule is to keep as far away from the hounds as possible and do not speak to them or otherwise offer encouragement or admonition.
When you see a fox, take off your helmet and point it at the fox or the direction he has taken and shout talley-ho. The master or other staff member may direct you to hold your horse on the line while the huntsman redirects the hounds. Hold your position until you are released.
The field has just had a great run and everyone has finally gotten their horses to check and out come the flasks. If you have one you should offer it to the nearest rider and if you are offered one, take a polite swig and pass it on or politely refuse. Many hunts have specific rules regarding flasks and often do not allow them during cubbing and at special hunts such as Junior hunt day. It should go without saying that no one needs to get drunk in the hunt field. If you want to bring a flask and are not sure it will be welcome, ask the master beforehand.
The trailers are in sight and you have the satisfaction and relief of surviving your first hunt, it's now time to thank the master for providing you with a fine day regardless if it was truly fine or actually the worst day imaginable.
One final piece of etiquette: Don't clean the manure out of your trailer until you get back home.
