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'Hunting, its a way of life'
The boxing day hunt is a annual meet I try to attend every year. I love it! The atmosphere is brilliant and it brings a lovely closure to Christmas. Lots of friendly faces to be seen and no one's high spirits were dampened by the controversy surrounding hunting that seems to be in the media this time of year. A perfect opportunity for photography too.
What to expect as a spectator?
Personally I can't think of a better way to spend my boxing day. Id 100% recommend going. Apart from finding a place to park and a good spot for photos the morning is a truly positive one. The horses turn up individually or in groups, horse and riders all pristine and turned out to perfection. There will be a set time to arrive by , some prefer to be early others will be on the dot. Id recommend as a spectator to arrive early, giving you time to enjoy everyone's company and to get involved in the festive spirit.
The huntsman and hounds will arrive shortly before the designated meet time and the hounds may mingle through the crowds. This gives you a chance to experience the hounds true beauty and see how friendly they are! My local hunt gather in a field where you can take photos, see all the riders and if you're like me , wish you were riding it!
The master then signals for riders and huntsman to move to where they will start from. Shortly after all arriving and a quick tipple and a few nibbles a short speech will be made thanking supporters and finally "hounds please" will be heard. This is a request for all spectators to clear a path for the hounds and horses to leave through.
The field (the name given to the riding spectators and hounds) will now leave, on foot spectators commonly applaud and cheer and the horses and riders will now be in very high spirits, excited to see what the land offers them! For many riders it's a chance not only to socialise and enjoy their horse but to ride on areas of land not normally available.
As a on foot spectator many choose to stay and socialise others follow the hunt on foot or in cars and others return to the warmth or their car and head home. Whether you choose to stay out or head back attending a hunt is a experience which must be had for any country lover.
What to wear?
Being outdoors and with parts normally not on hard standing suitable footwear would be recommended. Id recommend wellies or country boots, a few layers and a good waterproof or warm jacket. There's lots of standing around and making sure you're warm ensures you enjoy the full experience , with no rush to get home! You will see people in real tree, equestrian clothes, normal country wear and lots of tweed! As a on foot spectator there isn't a strict dress code but for riders and horses it's normally smart show style outfits, black and brown with no bling or bright colours and horses despite not being obligatory are commonly plaited.
General phrases and terminology.
Having a little bit of basic knowledge will help you understand the hunt further and understand what people are talking about.
Hounds: Hunting breed of dog, always referred to as hounds and not dogs.
Pack: What hounds are collectively known as. Hounds are counted in pairs of any sex called couples. (12 couples making 24 individual hounds in the pack collectively)
Meet: Where everyone collects and starts a days hunting.
Field: Group of people riding to the hounds, excluding staff.
Master: Individual responsible for the hunting and organisation.
Field master: Designated person who controls field in masters absence.
Huntsman: Individual responsible or the care, breeding , training of the hounds etc and controlling them in the field.
Whipper in: Huntsmans assistant in hound control on the hunt field.
Fox hunting is now illegal and drag hunting or trail hunting now takes it's place. This is where the hounds follow a scent on a set trail laid out before the hunt begins. The old traditions such as the dress code and etiquette are still in place without the actual hunting of a fox.
Despite the negativity a hunt meet is a excellent morning out, full of passion and enjoyment with friends and family. Get in touch with your local hunt to find out when they will next be meeting and see what you think.
Speak soon,
Meg xx
