MOUNTED FOLLOWERS
Please be on your horse and at the meet location no later than 12:25pm. Arriving late is impolite and disrespectful to landowners and hunt staff who work very hard to put on our days on a voluntary basis.
The farm and landowners generously give their access to us on a voluntary basis. Please respect their property, crops and livelihoods! Without them we wouldn’t have any of the meet locations we are so lucky to enjoy.
Please always park considerably and obey any parking instructions given – never park in any gateways or covering any entrances to barns.
Bring tools to be able to clean up after yourself and your horse – do not leave any manure, hay or rubbish at the parking,
If you’re riding a horse that is liable to kick then it should wear a red ribbon in its tail and if you’re riding a young or inexperienced horse it should wear a green ribbon in its tail. Ribboned horses should be ridden safely and appropriately in the field.
If you wish to attend a meet and you have not draghunted before, or you are the parent of a child coming draghunting for the first time, it is polite to contact our Hon Secretaries prior to the meet to let them know you are intending to attend, they will be happy to pass on any relevant guidance. Please also make yourself known on a draghunting day to the hon secretaries or masters.
When booking in online, please include an emergency contact number, for someone who is not also out on a horse draghunting that day. Bookings for children MUST include an emergency number for a parent or guardian and they should be close by and contactable.
Children under 12 are unable to draghunt with us unless they are accompanied by an adult riding with them. One adult cannot look after more than two children under 12. Children under five years old should be on a lead rein. One adult cannot look after more than two children on a lead rein.
There are meets that are specifically designed for children or inexperienced riders, the Newcomer’s meets and the Lead Rein meets. Please contact our Hon Secretaries for details.
Although use of mobile phones are not encouraged while draghunting, we advise you to bring one with you in case of emergency and have emergency contact details including the registration of the vehicle you arrived in on your person – a note in your jacket pocket for example.
We will endeavor to clear the lines of hazards prior to the meet but if you spot a hazard whilst riding like a hole, low hanging branch, stray wire or broken rail point it out clearly to the riders following you and pass it on to the other riders if it is pointed out to you. The usual way to do this is to shout “‘ware hole/wire/obstacle”. If you hear any instruction shouted back please ensure you also pass these back.
You should wear clothing appropriate to the risks you are likely to encounter. This may be appropriate to cold and wet weather, jumping fences and riding at speed. You should certainly wear a skullcap / riding hare and/or a body protector meeting current standards.
Never pass the Field Master – it could put you and your horse in danger and its is incredibly impolite. If the Field Master feels you are a danger to yourself or others they may tell you to head back to the meet or home. Obey instructions given by the Field Master.
You are responsible for your own Health & Safety and of those around you.
Do not jump what you are not confident to jump. It is not a crime to have a stop but it is to get in other people’s way so if you do, clear the way and move onto your next fence. We always have plenty to jump!
FOOT FOLLOWERS
Please stick to public rights of way at any meet unless instructed otherwise by the Masters.Children should be supervised at all times.
Absolutely no dogs.
HOUNDS
Hounds will be kept to one side at meets and should not be approached without the Huntsman’s permission.
If the Huntsman or one of the Whips need to move through the field in a hurry, they’ll shout “Huntsman Please!” or “Whip Please!” along with “Huntsman on your left/right!” etc. so the field can move out of the way to allow safe and speedy passage.
If you see a stray hound whilst out draghunting please let any Masters or Staff know promptly.
By entering any event your are confirming your acceptance of this disclaimer you agree that save for the death or injury caused by gross negligence of the Berks and Bucks Draghounds, no liability is accepted for any accident, loss or damage, injury, illness to horses, ponies, riders, spectators, vehicles their contents and accessories, or any other person or property whatsoever, whether caused by your, or those you are responsible for, negligence, breach of contract or in any way whatsoever. By agreeing you also accept that horse riding is a potentially dangerous activity and that you are voluntarily participating. You accept the inherent risks of injury, including serious injury or death, and agree to abide by all the rules and instructions provided by the Berks and Bucks Draghounds and hold sufficient personal and 3rd party liability insurance for the participant and equine. It is not the responsibility of the Berks and Bucks Draghounds, the Master’s, Hunt Staff or Field Masters for the welfare and supervision of any minor attending our Hunt Meet’s or events and you acknowledge that you or the designated responsible adult will be in supervision of the minor you have booked in.