Kaipara Hunt

Dress:

Dress in the hunting field is largely traditional and essentially practical. Much of the pageantry and colour of the chase that thrills so many is due to the dress that is worn. That pageantry still persists today is due to the fact that the followers of a hunt are jealous of their correct appearance.

Each hunt has its own hunt colour, Kaipara Hunt's is the Royal Stewart Tartan (modern colours) which is worn on the collar of a black hunting coat. Colours are available from the Secretary.

Only hunt officials should wear full hunt livery, which consists of a velvet cap, hunting coat (five buttons for a master), white or cream breeches and black top-boots with mahogany or lighter tops.

Coats (Jackets):

Generally Black, but Navy is acceptable for junior riders. It is traditional to be presented the hunt colours for your collar. In wet weather it is polite to ask the master if you are permitted to wear an oilskin. A multi coloured, or bright coloured rain coat is not suitable for the hunt field.

Breeches: (Jodphurs):

Beige or cream, not white. Black or other colours is not acceptable.

Boots:

Long black leather riding boots or black chaps & jodhpur boots.

Hat:

The riding hat must be a standard approved riding helmet.

Stock: (and stock pin):

Stocks should be white in colour and tied in the correct hunting knot. Fixed in place with a small plain stock pin. The flaps can be fixed with small safety pins or sewn to shirt to prevent flapping.

General:

For those members not actually following the hounds, but qualifying horses, or bringing a young horse out to see hounds, brown boots, jodhpurs, hacking jacket, collar and tie is permissible dress. Clean and dull polished sadlery always looks well but is sometimes spoilt, together with the appearance of horse and rider, by a white towel under the saddle – if such a thing is necessary a proper numnah should be used.

Horses:

Members should bring their horses to the hunt well groomed. And fit for cross country riding. If you are bringing a horse out for the first time if you think it may kick please remember to put a red ribbon in its tail. Whilst riding in the field no one should pass the master with out his/her permission.

Manners:

As in every other social affair, manners play a big part in hunting. The ordinary rules of politeness and courteously apply, and should always be followed.

Here are some of the important ones as they apply, particularly to Hunting.

Be punctual and arrive in plenty of time so that you are able to prepare your horse and are ready when
hounds move off.

When you arrive at the Meet, say good-morning to the Master and other officers.
If you bring a friend to the hunt, introduce him to the Master and pay his/her capping fee.
When crossing a farm, say good-morning to teh farmer or any workers you may see.
If your horse refuses a jump and others are waiting move aside and let them go before you make another attempt, remember not to attempt the jump more than 3 times as you will cut up the famers land and may get left behind by the rest of the hunt.
When the hunt is finished, thank the Master, Huntsman and other Officers of the hunt, they have all been working hard for your pleasure and a word of thanks is very much appreciated.
Remember to do what the Master asks as they are working hard to ensure everyone has a safe and enjoyable day, remember not to argue.
If you open a gate make sure you either put your hand up so someone can see you want the gate closed or go through and call "Gate Please" if they are with in hearing, it is your responsibilty that the gate is closed if no one has acknowledged you.
Report any damage to an official of the hunt either during the hunt or at the end.
Remember Hunting is there for the enjoyment of all in the field, so take a deep breath and give it a go.
If you see or hear a whip coming through please try and may way so they can get through with out too much fuss, they are their assisting the huntsman to provide you with an enjoyable day.

Children are always welcome on the hunt field, although if under the age of 12 they must be accompanied by a riding adult. It is suggested that children should be able to control their ponies, they dont necessarily need to be able to canter down hill, but it is helpful if they can canter up so you can keep up, there is always people who go through the gates so children dont have to jump if they dont want to. It is polite if the children help open & close the gates. Many members who have brought their children out hunting can recommend taking some juice & a muesli bar or two as you are generally out for 2 or 3 hours.

Always remember to check your tack for any potential breakages.

HAPPY HUNTING

Hunting Etiquette