Come Hunting

Come Hunting

The South Devon Hunt welcomes visitors and prospective members. Find out about our Trail Hunting activities, and check for the dates and details of any Newcomers’ events. Join us for a day’s hunting.

South Devon Hunt

The South Devon Hunt welcomes visitors and prospective members. Find out about our Trail Hunting activities HERE, and check HERE for the dates and details of any Newcomers’ events. If you wish to join us for a day’s hunting, you can contact us HERE.

We hunt on three mornings per week from August until October. The autumn season is vital to preparing the hounds, horses and country for the season proper. Though newcomers are welcome at any time, the autumn season is an ideal time of year to introduce a new horse to hunting. Meets are short and held at dawn. Hunting continues until the temperatures rise and evaporate the scent, and is often followed by a cooked breakfast. As the autumn progresses, Meets get later and hunting continues for longer.

Opening Meet marks the start of the “season proper”. The South Devon Hunt has two Opening Meets: one for the in-country followed by another for the moorland country. They are held in late October or early November. From then onwards, we hunt on two days per week. Meets are held at 11 o’clock and last for up to half an hour, during which refreshments are provided. Hunting will generally continue until dusk, though many mounted followers will retire by about 3 o’clock. The hunting season closes in early April.

Much has been written over many years about hunting etiquette and attire. Though it can seem an overly complicated topic, the objectives have always been to dress practically, pay due respect to the host and quarry, and to ensure hounds remain welcome on the land over which we hunt. As such, though many people who wish to come hunting for the first time worry they might wear or do the wrong thing, please rest assured we would be delighted to welcome you in whatever kit you have so long as you are polite, clean, tidy, warm and comfortable. We have provided a basic guide here, but if in doubt, please don’t hesitate to ask for advice.

Hunting has two seasons, namely autumn (August to October) and the “season proper” (November to April), each of which has its own dress code.

Autumn

A less formal order of dress, known as “Ratcatcher”, is worn during the autumn season.

A tweed hacking jacket or hunt coat is worn. Keeper’s Tweed is preferable because it is plain and understated, and designed to offer best protection against weather and thorns. A shirt and tie is generally worn, though ladies also have the option of wearing a coloured stock. Loud colours and patterns are to be avoided. South Devon Hunt ties are available from our online shop. Pony Club members should wear their Pony Club tie. A plain stock pin should be worn horizontally with both ties and stocks. A plain v-neck jumper, or plain or checked waistcoat, may be worn for additional warmth. Buff or fawn breeches are worn. Black or brown boots are worn, with garter and spur straps to match. Those wearing top boots should also wear brown garter straps to match the tops. Jodhpur boots and gaiters are a perfectly acceptable alternative to riding boots. Gentlemen wear a black hunt cap, bowler or velvet hat silk, and ladies have the choice of black or blue. The ribbons at the back of caps and riding hats are tucked or sewn up. Plain hunting or riding gloves may be worn. Brown hunting whips with brown thongs are carried.

The Season Proper

Though it is perfectly acceptable to wear ratcatcher all year round, particularly for children and occasional mounted followers, formal hunting kit is generally worn from Opening Meet onwards.

Heavyweight Melton cloth hunt coats and thick cavalry twill, Bedford cord, moleskin or one stretch breeches are worn to protect against the wind, rain and thorns. Gentlemen wear black coats with buff breeches, and ladies have the choice of black or blue coats with buff or cream breeches. Show jackets are an acceptable alternative to hunt coats, though do not offer the same protection. A hunting shirt and plain stock are worn, secured in place with a plain gold stock pin fastened horizontally. Gentlemen wear white stocks and ladies have the choice of white or cream. A plain or check waistcoat may be worn for additional warmth. Black boots are worn, with garter and spur straps to match. Those wearing top boots should wear white garter straps. Gentlemen wear a black hunt cap, bowler or velvet hat silk, and ladies have the choice of black or blue. The ribbons at the back of caps and riding hats are tucked or sewn up. Plain hunting or riding gloves may be worn. Brown hunting whips with brown thongs are carried.

The Masters and Hunt Staff of the South Devon Hunt wear red coats with a buff collar and brass buttons, with white breeches and top boots. Lady Masters wear a blue or black coat with a buff collar and brass buttons. Masters and Hunt Staff wear their hat ribbons down, and professional Hunt Staff wear their stock pins vertically and carry white whips with white thongs.

The Masters may award hunt buttons in recognition of a subscriber’s service to the Hunt. Subscribers wear three black buttons inscribed in white. Ladies who have been awarded their hunt buttons are also entitled to wear a buff collar. The Chairman and Honourary Secretary may wear three engraved brass buttons. Masters who don’t hunt the hounds wear four engraved brass buttons, and the Huntsman and Whippers-In wear five engraved brass buttons. Until awarded their hunt buttons, mounted followers should wear plain black buttons regardless of whether their coat is black or blue.

Foot Followers

Foot followers wear warm weatherproof clothing in plain country colours in order to blend in with their environment. For Lawn Meets, smart casual clothing is considered a mark of respect and gratitude to our hosts.

Your horse should also be well turned out for hunting.

Tack should be plain black or brown, clean, and in good condition for your own safety. Clean plain black or brown numnahs that follow the shape of the saddle are preferable to saddle cloths. The correct bridle and bit for hunting is the one that allows you to control your horse’s speed and direction. Boots are worn at your discretion. Though by no means obligatory, manes are generally plaited and hooves oiled from Opening Meet onwards, particularly for Lawn Meets.

Helpful hints and tips to keep you warm, dry and comfortable whilst hunting.

Hunting whips are optional but are carried predominantly as a tool with which to open gates. The long thong is left to dangle down the horse’s foreleg as this discourages the hounds from coming too close. It’s a common misconception that hunting whips are carried for whipping hounds or striking horses.
Though a good quality, well-fitted hunt coat is almost waterproof, it is perfectly acceptable to wear a plain dark or neutral waterproof coat, hunting apron and/or over-trousers. Over-trousers may be taped to prevent them riding up your boots.
Carry a pocket knife, length of bailing twine and snacks in the pockets of your coat. Also consider carrying a reflective belt for hacking to autumn hunting or home after dark in winter.
If visiting alone, consider also carrying your next of kin’s emergency contact details in case of emergency. If applicable, wear a medical bracelet and carry any medication you may require in an emergency.
A spare pair of gloves may be secured under your saddle flaps in case the weather deteriorates.
Garter strap buckles should sit below the kneecap on the outside of your leg. The tail of the strap should point rearward. Traditional hunting breeches have three or four buttons sewn below the knee. A buttonhole can be cut into garter straps to prevent their buckle spinning to the inside of your leg and causing discomfort.
Though correct, spurs are entirely optional. If worn, Prince of Wales spurs should be fitted high below the ankles for comfort, with their neck pointing downward. Spur strap buckles should sit on the outside of your instep with the tail of the strap pointing rearward. Long tails should be cut to fit your boot.
Ladies tights may be worn under breeches for additional warmth.
Spending a little extra time, effort and care on your and your horse’s turnout for Lawn Meets (those held at houses, farms, pubs and hotels) are a mark of respect and gratitude to your hosts.
Different hunts observe different dress codes for the spring, with many packs returning to ratcatcher from the Cheltenham Festival onwards. At the South Devon Hunt, we tend to return to ratcatcher from 1^st April onwards, but do remember that ratcatcher is a perfectly acceptable form of dress all year round for those who prefer it, and the most important thing is to be comfortable.

Hunting Etiquette is all based on common sense and good manners. It is designed to keep hounds, horses and people safe, to maintain the goodwill of farmers and landowners on which hunting depends, to avoid damage to property, and to reduce any disruption caused to the other users of roads and rights of way.

Mounted Followers

Insure yourself against public liability by joining the Countryside Alliance. Insurance against veterinary fees is also highly recommended. By following the Hunt, you agree to indemnify the Hunt and its landowners against any liability for injury to you and your horse.
Consider hacking to the Meet to settle your horse.
Park horseboxes considerately. Do not obstruct traffic, inconvenience local residents or damage tended verges. If provided, parking instructions must be strictly followed.
Hounds meet at 11 o’clock during the season proper. Try to arrive at the Meet before or with hounds. You should notify the Secretary in advance if you need to join the Field later in the day.
Bid the Masters, Hunt Staff and others “good morning” when you or they arrive.
Seek out the Secretary and pay your “cap” promptly and willingly. This is your contribution to the Hunt’s costs for the day.
If your horse is unsettled at the Meet, stand at a safe distance from others at the Meet. Everyone will understand.
If your horse has a tendency to kick, tie a red ribbon in their tail to alert others. This does not absolve you of your responsibility to maintain a safe distance from other horses. Horses that kick should be ridden at the back of the Field, even when a red ribbon is worn. If your horse is inexperienced or unreliable, tie a green ribbon in their tail and take the same precautions. Afford extra space to any horse you encounter with a red or green ribbon in its tail.
Listen to and follow all instructions issued at the Meet and throughout the day. The Field Master will be announced at the Meet. The “Field” is the collective noun for mounted followers, and the Field Master is responsible for their conduct throughout the day.
Thank the hosts before leaving the Meet.
Never obstruct traffic on the roads. Call out “car please” to alert others to the presence of a vehicle waiting to pass. Thank all drivers, regardless of their own behaviour, with a smile and a wave. Wave with your hand, not your whip.
Give the hounds, Huntsman, Whippers-In and Masters right of way in that order at all times. Call out “hounds please”, “Huntsman please”, “Whip please” or “Master please” to alert others to their approach. Turn your horse’s head to face them as they pass to avoid their being kicked. If your horse does kick a hound, be sure to notify the Field Master.
Stay behind the Field Master at all times and follow their line. If they cross a field by hugging the edge, do likewise. Try not to pass the Field Master or ride an alternative line without their permission. Stay together and keep up as best you can. This is for safety, to protect the welfare of livestock, to avoid damage to crops, and to minimise disruption to the general public. If the Field Master calls out “hold hard”, the field must stop still and await further instructions.
Warn others behind you if you see a danger to horses and riders. Call out “’ware hole” or “’ware wire” for example, and point to the hazard. Call out as you pass the hazard, not as you hear others’ warnings. This way, people know more precisely where the hazard is.
The Field is responsible for helping the Huntsman and Whippers-In at gates. Leave gates as you find them. Close any gates you open, but do not close gates you find open. Hold gates open for others, and thank those who hold gates open for you. If there are others behind you, call out “gate please” or raise your hand or whip if they are out of earshot. This alerts them that the gate must be closed behind them. Do not leave the gate until your signal is acknowledged. Do not leave anyone alone to close a gate.
Where there are queues at a gateway, obstacle or crossing, do not rush off on the far side but wait for the person behind you to safely negotiate it. Offer a lead to anyone who might struggle.
Any damage caused to gates, fences or rails must be reported to the Field Master so it can be made good. Any livestock inadvertently released must be reported as a matter of considerable urgency.
Keep quiet whilst hounds are drawing or casting. Speak in a hushed low tone to avoid disturbing or distracting the hounds from their hunting.
Do not holloa if you see a fox. Notify the Field Master so they may alert the Huntsman to take any necessary evasive action.
Bid the Field Master and others “good night” when you go home, regardless of the time of day.
Never engage with Hunt Saboteurs, but do alert the Field Master to their presence.

Foot Followers

Drive and park considerately. Do not obstruct traffic, inconvenience local residents or damage tended verges.
Thank all other road users, regardless of their own behaviour, with a smile and a wave.
Do not follow the Hunt off road in a vehicle without the express permission of the landowner or a Master. Do not assume you are permitted to drive over private land just because another follower does so.
Turn off your engine when stationary to minimise noise and avoid masking the trail.
If you come across hounds on the road, stop where safe and legal to do so, and switch off your engine. Warn (but do not obstruct) other road users.
Never engage with Hunt Saboteurs, but do alert a Master or Whipper-In to their presence.

Ashcombe Fun Ride 9/6/24

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What to Wear

Your Horse

Top Tips for Mounted Followers

Etiquette