ROSE TREE-BEAUFORT HUNT

Foxhunting Guidelines​

The following summarizes important foxhunting guidelines rooted in common-sense principles of safety, courtesy, and horsemanship.  More detailed discussion can be found in many books, including Riding to Hounds in America by William P. Wadsworth, MFH.  The Masters are happy to discuss these practices with members and guests as we work to uphold the customs, etiquette, and sporting values that define foxhunting.

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LANDOWNERS AND FARMERS

Without the generosity of our landowners and the tolerance of those who farm, there would be no foxhunting as we know it in Pennsylvania today.  Please adhere closely to these guidelines and respect the landowners who have given us such kind permission to cross their land.

• Leave gates open that you find open. Close securely those that you find closed.

• Carefully circumvent any crop fields or fields that you suspect have been recently seeded. Following the field master will keep you out of trouble.

• Go slowly around livestock so as not to agitate them or make them run.

• Be extra careful around loose horses. They have a tendency to jump fences behind you. Know where they are at all times.

• Never set foot on lawns or closely mown areas such as the sides of drives and roads. Whenever possible stay to the drive.

• Please remember that foxhunting does not imply permission to trail ride. When not foxhunting, specific permission must be obtained from landowners for cross country riding privileges.

 

PREPARATION

• Before you go foxhunting, you should obtain a Pennsylvania Hunting license and current negative Coggins test. These are required by law.  Please keep them with you at all times.

• Each time you prepare to hunt, check all tack to be sure it is safe and clean.

• It is always a good idea to check email the night before hunting. Any last-minute changes due to weather or other conditions will be communicated via email.

• Make sure that you have prepared sufficiently the day before so you will have plenty of time for the unexpected: the horse you can’t catch, the truck that won’t start, etc.

• Be on time. The hunt moves off promptly at the appointed hour. Leaving individuals to catch up on their own is unacceptable.

• If you are not a member or would like to bring a guest, contact one of the Masters for permission to hunt.

 

AT THE MEET

• Guests should check in with Brian Kiely, MFH, upon arrival. Please arrive early and have your fees and release form ready for expediency.

• Releases can be found on the "Season" section of the website.

• Please be mounted and ready to move off prior to the stroke of the hour. Give way to hounds and staff as they move off from the meet.

• Wherever we meet we are guests of landowners. It is inappropriate to clean out your trailer or van on land other than your own.

 

HUNTING

• When we leave the meet, you should find the appropriate position within the first, second, or third field as available. Those with colors have earned the right to hunt in the front of the field. Those who are newer to a hunt or are guests, traditionally hunt toward the back of the field. If you are a longtime member and have earned the right to hunt up front, it is courteous to afford others the same opportunity during the course of the day.

• Keep a safe distance between you and the horse in front of you. Never be close enough for your horse to touch the one in front.

• When jumping leave enough room for the horse ahead of you to make a mistake.

• If your horse refuses a jump, go immediately to the back of the field before attempting to jump again.

• If a horse or rider ahead of you falls, stop to make sure everyone is safe or that someone has the situation under control, then proceed thoughtfully to catch the rest of the field.

• When you hear “gate please” or “rail please,” take the responsibility yourself for the gate or rail, or make sure the word is passed to someone further back in the field.

• When gates are to be opened, members of the field should take their turns assisting the field master.

• When a gate is being held, hurry through the gate so as not to delay others. One or two people should stay with the volunteer holding the gate.

• When crossing streams or trappy areas follow the masters. Jump where the masters jump. They more often than not know more about the country than you do.

• If you see a hole or wire or some other danger, point to it as you go by and say, “ware hole” or “ware wire” so the person behind you can hear. Yelling loudly has the potential to disrupt the hounds and is unadvised.

• Turning your horse is not a substitute for stopping in a straight line and is often dangerous. If you cannot stop your horse in a straight line, get more bit. If you still cannot stop him, get another horse.

• When hounds are running it has been said “the devil take the hind most.” Pass slower horses only in a safe and open area. Remember, foxhunting is not a competitive sport. The only winners are those who come home safely; the only losers are those who spoil the sport for others.

• Do not offer unsolicited riding or etiquette advice in the hunt field. If you see a situation that you think is dangerous or improper, report it to the fieldmaster.

• Cellular telephones should be turned off and not used unless to assist with a medical emergency.

• If you wish to go home before the end of the day, ask your fieldmaster which way to return to the meet so as not to interfere with the rest of the day’s sport.

 

HOUNDS AND STAFF

• If you hack to the meet, stay to the roads. Even if you think you know where we will be hunting, never go cross country as you have the potential to ride through a covert and spoil the day.

• Never speak to or interfere with hounds in any way unless asked by the Huntsman or Whippers-In.

• When a group of hounds is behind you on a trail quietly move to the side to let them pass.  Swing your horse's haunches off the trail so as to avoid any danger of hounds being kicked.  Kicking a hound is a most grievous offense and must be avoided at all costs.

• When hounds are hunting or at a check, be quiet. Keep your voice low. Avoid rustling leaves. If you must pat your horse, do it quietly. If hounds are distracted, they may lift their heads and noses.

• At checks, give the field master enough room so he or she can hear hounds or the horn.

• When you are on a trail and the field is changing direction, quickly get off the trail and turn your horse’s head in the direction of the oncoming horses, keeping your horse’s hind quarters away from those approaching.

• The staff works very hard and puts forth maximum effort to show good sport. It is tradition at the end of the day to thank them individually after hounds are safely back at the meet​.

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We thank our members, guests, landowners, and supporters for their continued commitment to the hunt. The success of our club depends upon the collective efforts of those who respect the country, support the hounds and staff, and uphold the standards of good sportsmanship in the field.
- The Masters