Essex Hunt North Pony Club

HUNTING RULES

The Essex Hunt are keen for Pony Club members to come out hunting.  If you haven't been before, and even if you have,  you will benefit from reading these rules, provided by the Hunt.   Please read them carefully and if you have any questions, please ask Jo Pinkerton by ringing her on 07970 029762

First of all what do you wear? 

Boys over 17 should wear fawn breeches, black boots, black coat, white hunting stock, secure black velvet hat/skull cap.  Gloves should be either dark or beige string.

Girls over 17 should wear light coloured breeches, black boots, black or navy coat, white hunting stock, black or navy blue velvet hat/ skull cap, hair neatly in place with a hairnet.  Gloves should be either dark or beige string.

All members under the age of 17 should wear jodhpurs and jodhpur boots (matching half chaps are acceptable without tassles!), a hacking jacket showing your PC badge (only), shirt and pony club tie or coloured hunting stock, black or blue velvet hat/skull cap. Hair should be kept neatly in place with a hairnet for the girls, and jackets should always be buttoned.  Gloves should be either dark or beige string.

Before the Meet

You would normally check the meet card for where and when the hunt is meeting.  It is courtesy to ring the secretary and ask if you may join the hunt for the day if you are not a paid up subscriber to the Hunt.  On a Pony Club meet your application form will serve instead of such a phone call. 

Ensure that both your pony and tack are clean and well turned out.  Your pony’s mane should be plaited.  Make sure you leave in plenty of time and arrive at the meet 20mins or so before the time stated on the meet card.

Arrive at the Meet:

Please park sensibly in the designated area ensuring you aren’t blocking a lane or driveway or anywhere that might cause congestion or inconvenience to other road users.

It is etiquette (good manners) to seek out the Master and introduce yourself.  If you do not know who this is, please ask one of the Pony Club representatives who will show you.  At the PC meet you may have paid your money in advance, but if you have not, or on a normal hunting day you should find the Field secretary to pay your money and not leave it to them to seek you out. 

When the hounds are brought out at the meet, your pony may be surprised and you should make sure you face him to the hounds if you are in close proximity to them.  Do not allow your pony to tread on or kick a hound.

During the Hunt:

When the hunt moves off, your pony may become quite excited if he hasn’t been before.  Be prepared for this and if necessary put a stronger bit in his mouth.  If you are not sure, please ring Jo Pinkerton for advice beforehand. Jo’s number is: 07970 029762  If you and/or your pony are novices, a green ribbon should be worn at the top of the horse’s tail to warn others that you may be un-predictable.  If you know your pony is liable to kick then put a red ribbon at the top of its tail and you should keep at the back to avoid confrontations with other horses etc. 

The person in charge of the "Field” (the mounted followers) is called the Field Master.  The Field Master is responsible to the Master.  All instructions given by the Master or the Field Master during the course of the hunt must be carried out without question.  There will be others in the field who have specific responsibilities on that day and you must obey what they say - if, for example, you are asked to walk your horse over a particular area, you may rest assured that there is a valid reason for this request.  It may be that the ground is very soft at that point and to canter over it would churn it up unnecessarily.  Probably the person who asks you to walk your horse has been instructed to do so.  The Field Master is responsible to the Master for the conduct of the field.  The Field Master is in command and followers should keep an eye on him while hounds are running, and do as he says.  Keep behind the Field Master at all times and only jump obstacles specifically prepared or jumped by the Field Master.

ENSURE YOU STAY BEHIND THE FIELD MASTER, HUNTSMAN AND WHIPPERS-IN AT ALL TIMES

Make sure you never overrun the hounds and keep an eye open for any hounds that are coming up from behind.  If the hounds are brought passed you at a check, always turn your pony to face them so as to minimise the risk of the pony kicking or backing into the pack. 

If your pony is unruly or ill-natured with other horses, keep it away from the rest of the field not only whilst hunting but also at checks and while hacking along the road.  The use of a red ribbon to indicate a kicker should make the field give a wide berth but it does not absolve its rider from ensuring that it does not get into a position to kick out at other horses.  If you see a hazard such as wire, a pot hole or boggy ground you should call a warning to riders behind.  Pay attention to such warnings coming from in front of you.

REMEMBER - CARE OF A FARMER’S STOCK AND CROPS ALWAYS TAKE PRIORITY OVER A RIDER’S ENJOYMENT.  It must never be forgotten that without the goodwill of farmers who give their support, the Hunt would not exist and no sport would be enjoyed by the members. Unnecessary noise should always be avoided, especially when hounds are working and the Field Master is listening for them.  When jumping, wait your turn.  If your horse refuses then let the others go first before trying again.

Remember, if you have any questions or are not sure about anything, then please ask.  

EHNPC members are welcome to ring Jo Pinkerton for advice on:  07970 029762