Foxchasing Etiquette and Tips

Foxchasing is filled with tradition.  At Elkridge-Harford hounds we hope to carry on these traditions the best we can.  We also want to make sure all horses and riders are safe while they are out with one another.  The following covers the rider’s attire, the horse’s turnout and tack, and a few helpful tips to remember while in the field.  Most of all we want everyone to enjoy themselves while being safe.  If you have any questions or concerns about this topic feel free to reach out as we are happy to help members and guests alike!

Formal Attire

The women in the hunt field should wear white shirts, white stock ties, gold pins, tan britches, and navy or black coats on formal days. They should wear black gloves and black boots.  Women should have their hair in a hair net and neatly tied b ack.

The men should wear black coat and tan britches or if they have their colors they may wear a scarlet coat and white britches on holidays and joint meets. They should be in a white shirt, white stock tie, and gold pin.  They should be seen in black boots and black gloves.

Juniors on formal days are allowed to wear their cubbing attire; brown coat, tan pants, and etc.

All those in the hunt field should be tidy, clean, and neat.

 

Cubbing

During cubbing season along with Mondays and Wednesdays of formal season, cubbing attire is appropriate for all.

Women, men and juniors may wear brown or tweed coats, brown boots, and tan britches.  Those with long hair should have it tied up and in a hair net and helmets must be worn by all at all times.

Horse’s turnout

Your horse should be clean and tack should be brown or black English tack.  A white shaped saddle pad should be used.  If boots or wraps are needed they should be black, brown, or white.  On holidays and joint meets, horses may be braided with flat or button braids.  We ask that  horses that kick wear red ribbons and those in training where yellow to alert others to keep extra distance away from your horse for the safety of all.

Tricks and Tips

Foxhunting can be confusing at times, there is a lot to learn, and often a lot going on. We want to make sure all horses and riders are safe while they are out with one another. Below are a few tips to help you along your way.

  • The first is riders are required to where proper hunt safety helmets at all times
  • Remember communication is key! If you aren’t sure about something, quietly ask the people around you.  If you see a hole, staff, wire, or other obstacle say “Ware, wire”, “Ware, hole”… and point to it.  Also, communicate if you see a hound, want to head back to the meet, or need a gate to be closed.  We should point out that talking should be kept to a minimum and when you speak make no louder than necessary. This is not only a courtesy to others in the field, but for those listening it helps them hear and locate the hounds.
  • The third is when riding on grass try to walk in single file lines and do you best to stay on the edge.  We don’t want to tear up people’s lawns or ruin planted fields.
  • Fourth, when you are following another horse, and want to keep a proper and safe distance use the rule that if you can’t see the hocks of the horse in front of you when you are looking through your horses ears – you are travelling too close. Also mentioned earlier is; give horses with red or yellow ribbons even extra space!
  • Remember, if your horse refuses a fence, go to the rear giving others the chance to go ahead before you try again.

Overall, have fun! Be friendly, polite, and enjoy our beautiful countryside while riding your beloved horses!

Most of all we want everyone to enjoy themselves while being safe.  If you have any questions or concerns about this topic feel free to reach out as we are happy to help members and guests alike!