WHO DOES WHAT
The Masters
Hunts have one or more masters.They control all the important details of the day's hunt, including obtaining permission from the landowners. Female masters wear blue coats and green velvet hats. Male masters wear red coats with green collars and 4 buttons and green velvet hats.
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The Huntsman
The staff member who trains and hunts the hounds and controls them on the field with the help of the whippers in. The huntsman is the only person who will sound the horn. He will be in a red coat with 5 buttons and be carrying a white whip.
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Field Master
One of the masters will take the role of Field Master. This involves organising the riders who join the hunt. The riders who are not hunt staff are referred to as 'The field' Riders should never pass the field master. She or he will be wearing a green velvet hat.
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Whippers in
Riders who assist the Huntsman in the control of the hounds
Trail layers
Mounted helpers who drag the scent along a trail for the hounds to follow.
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IMPORTANT GUIDELINES
For the safety of yourself, others, horses and hounds there are rules of conduct participants must follow.
Ribbons
RED ribbon or plastic tape on your horse's tail if it has ever been known to kick.
GREEN ribbon for an inexperienced horse (or rider) It's the equivalent of an L plate.
If your horse bucks or kicks, keep to the back of the group. Please leave plenty of space between you and other horses. (At least one horses length, especially when cantering)
Don't pass the Field Master.
Warn others behind you of holes and hazards you notice. Call out loudly and point to the hazard.
If the huntsman and/or hounds are coming past, warn other riders by shouting 'Huntsman right (or left)' or 'Hounds right (or left)'
Wait for others to land safely and get out of the way before you jump anything.
Don't crowd closely behind other horses, keep one horse's length back.
If the hounds are anywhere near your horse, turn the horse to face them when possible, in order to reduce the risk of hounds being kicked or trampled.
Always smile and thank motorists and cyclists who slow down when they pass. It is good for the hunt's reputation locally and a friendly smile can make someones day!
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