Does
the Tedworth Hunt within the law?
Whilst the ban is in place we follow a form of trail-hunting where several
members of the field act as 'the fox' and lay trails ahead of the hounds
hunting a particular part of the country. Our intention is to hunt within
the law.
How do
I find out about where the Hunt is meeting?
If you are a subscriber you will receive a meet card for the season. However,
there are last minute changes due to weather or other circumstances which
are communicated via email. If you are not on email you should always
check with the Hunt Secretary the night before for any changes.
What is
the format of the day?
The meets during the Main Season are normally at 11 am. Please follow
any parking instructions to ensure you are not blocking any roads or creating
a nuisance. At the meet you should find the Hunt Secretary and introduce
yourself and pay any monies owing. If you are a foot follower you will
also be asked for a small donation by one of the Hunt Supporters. The
hosts normally provide some refreshments to help calm the nerves and boost
the energy levels and you can spend time chatting to other members of
the field. It is customary to make a point of greeting the Master with
a simple 'Good Morning'. If your horse is excited make sure you keep out
of the way of people on foot and other horses. Before moving off the Huntsman
will address the field. It is important to listen carefully at this point
to any instructions for the day and to identify who the Field Master is.
The Huntsman will always explain who is laying the trail and the intent
of the day is to follow that trail. When setting off let the Hounds and
Hunt Staff set off first. It is imperative that you keep behind the Field
Master at all times during the day and follow his/her instructions as
to where you can ride. If you are at the back of the field please make
sure you close any gates. If you are coming up to a jump do not gallop
in front of other people, wait your turn and if your horse refuses, get
out of the way and try to follow someone further down the field. Do not
interfere with the hounds or Hunt Staff during the day. If you see a fox
during the course of the day do not holloa as was traditional as this
now confuses the hounds but indicate the direction of the fox to Hunt
Staff so they can take appropriate action. If riding along a road in the
field always say thank you to any cars that slow down. If you damage any
fence then please inform one of the Hunt Officials immediately. You are
free to go home at any point in the day and if you don't know your way
home then ask someone in the field and they should be able to either direct
you or hook you up with someone who is going home as well. On your way
home, please continue to be courteous and respectful. Ride carefully round
crops, stewardship land and around livestock and close any gates! We hope
you have had a fabulous day!
Have I
got to be a member of the Hunt to come out Hunting?
No, you can hunt with most hunts and pay a 'cap' but if you hunted
with one hunt regularly you would be expected to become a subscriber. However, to cover you for insurance purposes you need to be a member of the Countryside Alliance.
Do
I need to have the correct clothes to come out hunting?
You can get more information about what clothes are recommended from our
Dress Code section. As long as you and your horse are safe, clean and
tidy that is more important.
How good
a rider do I need to be?
The more proficient you are the more you will enjoy it. You should feel
confident that you can control your horse at all paces and jump natural
obstacles. Most of our hunt jumps are around 3 foot and are timber. However,
if you don't feel confident jumping there are normally alternative routes
but make sure you shut all gates and try to keep up with the field.
What should
I do to prepare my horse for hunting?
Your horse should be fit and able to keep going at a fast pace for a couple
of miles so walk, trot and cantering work should be done before hand.
Make sure that your tack is in good condition and is appropriate to enable
you to control it in open spaces. To introduce your horse to hunting it
is adviseable to start with Hound Exercise to get them used to hounds
and riding in a larger group at a slower pace.
I don't
have my own horse - are there places where I can hire one?
Go to our hirelings page for local yards where they hire out hunters.
I am slightly
shy about going out hunting and meeting new people - can you help?
Contrary to some misconceptions hunting people are friendly and always
keen to welcome new people. Make sure you call the Hunt Secretary before
going out for the first time as she will then look out for you at the
meet and introduce you to some of the field. Alternatively, sign up to
the Hunt Supporters Club who arrange many informal social gatherings over
the year where you can meet people involved in the hunt. Also volunteer
to help with things such as fence building or events throughout the year
and attend fund raising events where you can meet people without having
to worry about your horse!!
SEE ALSO
Home
Events
Country & History
Hounds & Kennels
Committee & Hunt Staff
Supporters
Pony Club
New to the Tedworth
Subscriptions
200 Club
Hunt Rules
Swap Shop
Contact Us
Like this page?
Email it to a friend
