Dress & Etiquette Dress The correct dress is either black (dark blue or black for ladies) or ratcatcher coat and hunting tie (stock), a BSI approved hunting cap or helmet with chin strap in either dark blue or black.  A hunting whip, with or without thong should be carried when possible.  For safety reasons long hair should be tucked under the cap or carried in a bun with a hairnet.  Tack must be secure and the horse be properly groomed; plaiting is preferable but not obligatory. Unruly Horses Novice horses or those that are liable to kick, should keep well away from others at the Meet or at checks, and should wear a red ribbon (green for novice horses) and remain at the rear of the field for safety’s sake.  Members are reminded that they are responsible for hunting in a courteous manner to other members. Horse Boxes/Trailers Boxes/trailers must not be left in gateways or in fields without permission nor on narrow roads where they will impede the safe flow of other traffic.  Horses should be unboxed at least one mile from the Meet and hacked on.  Boxes/trailers must not halt at the site of the Meet or finish.  Some landlords of public houses are happy to have boxes or trailers parked (sensibly) in their car parks, however, it is imperative that permission is sought beforehand, the landlord is thanked and any mess is cleared up before leaving.   Car Followers Car followers should, whenever possible, share cars in order to reduce numbers; on no account should they exceed the speed limits or stop at places which will block the road.  If you do get out to watch the Hunt pass, the driver should remain with the car in order to move on if necessary.  Remember that hounds will cross the road without any warning.  Always give way to the hound van, moving on from a vantage point if necessary; this is imperative in the interests of safety.  Please take note that the Hunt is in no way responsible for any car followers. Riders Riders must at all times obey the instructions of the Field Master or other Hunt Staff (Green Coats).  Never ride within 100 yards of hounds running and avoid stragglers and loose hounds.  Never overtake the Field Master at the front of the field.  Pass back any instruction or warning from the Field Master (it is only necessary to ensure that the rider closest behind you has heard).  The most common are:- “Spread Out” – jump anywhere between the tapes, not in gaps “Single File” – usually around headlands of fields “Ware Hound” – loose hound behind you “Ware hole/wire” – watch where you are going “Ware Road” – slow up before crossing “Way Please” – make way for the Master or Hunt Staff Lines advertised in the JEP as “combined lines” indicate that these lines have optional jumping.  There will usually be two Field Masters on these occasions, one of whom will be specifically responsible for less experienced horses and riders and will remain near the back of the field.  Remember, if your horse refuses, pull out of the way immediately and go to the back of the queue. Accidents You must stop and help at any fall of horse or rider unless told to “go on”.  You should have some knowledge of First Aid, but if in doubt only clear airways and/or stem bleeding.  Do not move the casualty unless they are in further serious danger.  One or two people should try to catch a loose horse, the remainder should stand still. In the event of a serious accident, someone must stay with the casualty and summon help, even it means missing the Hunt. If you get left behind, for any reason, and cannot see the tail end of the “field”, go back the way you came to the nearest road.  On no account try and catch up across country. Report any damage to crops, property or jumps to the nearest Hunt Staff as soon as possible. Crops and Cattle Learn to recognise cultivated land whether the crop is showing or not.  Unless you are certain of the contents, keep off. Walk past any cattle or tethered animals; if any get loose, stand still until they are caught. If someone is told to shut a gate, those nearest to him/her should wait until he/she is remounted. Road Safety Always ride single file on the road; remember the BHS and Pony Club Road Safety Code.  Use hand signals correctly and acknowledge courteous drivers with a salute and “thank you”. If you are not certain of reaching home in daylight, arrange for distinctive clothing and suitable lighting to put on at the finish.  In Jersey’s narrow roads it is safest to ride on the left. Lost Hounds If you see a lost hound after a Hunt try to coax it into a secure shed (they can jump over 6 feet!) and give it water but no food.  Telephone the Kennels or one of the Hunt Staff and tell them the location or where you last saw it and at what time. Access to Fields and Private Tracks (non hunting) Never enter any field unless you personally have permission to do so; this does not include friends riding with you.  On no account assume that you can follow the route taken by the Hunt; this has caused the Hunt to be warned off on previous occasions. When out exercising try to get to know the farmers in your area and in particular make a point of thanking them if you have recently hunted over their land. Insurance The Hunt is not responsible for any injury to horses or riders nor is it responsible for settling any claim for damages made against any member.  It is imperative that all riding members carry adequate personal and third party insurance; failure to do so is an offence under the Rules of the club and could result in suspension of Membership. Hunting Etiquette Some traditions such as wearing top hats and jumping five bar gates for fun are outdated, however, some others are worth preserving:- Always say “Good Morning/Afternoon” to the Master at the Meet and “Good Day/Night and thank you” at the finish. Don’t wait to be asked for your cap and ensure you have the correct sum. If the Master or Field Master’s horse is injured during a hunt, someone with a suitable horse should offer to exchange horses and recover the injured one. Pass the time of day with the Huntsman and show interest in the hounds; his is a largely unrecognised but essential responsibility for 365 days a year. It is customary to give a Christmas bonus to the Huntsman and the cap on Boxing Day is partly used for this purpose.  If you do not come out on Boxing Day but feel you wish to show personal appreciation, please give to him direct. Slow down and say “thank you” if you see and recognise a farmer over whose land you are hunting. Remember – hunting is a friendly sport and the thoughtless actions of one or two individuals can ruin the afternoon for many riders, so please be aware of your hunting etiquette!