You can try hunting before you become a member of North Hills Hunt. You need to be a guest of a member so that you can have a guide for the day. If you do not know a member of North Hills Hunt, you may contact Holly Barrett, who will be happy to help or match you up with someone who can.
If you have English tack and attire – tan pants, black coat and black boots – that’s great but don’t let clothes and saddle types stop you from coming out for the day. Western gear is fine for first-timers. Minimum requirements are a hard hat, heeled shoes and a bit that stops your horse.
Guests are allowed three “caps” (guest appearances at a hunt) per lifetime, at a fee of $75* per hunt. Guest capping is allowed at all but Opening and Closing Hunts and Joint meets.
Capping fees may be applied to the fee to upgrade to full membership status.
Before the hounds move off, capping fees and a signed waiver should be presented to the Honorary Secretary in a sealed envelope. The outside of the envelope should state name, date and the name of the NHH sponsor. Capping fees can also be paid online with an emailed waiver sent to Holly Barrett
*If capping fee is not paid prior to start of hunt, then capping fee is $100.
Hunting Etiquette
Members of the field should ride according to the honors as given, or by specific invitation of the Field Master. The field should be ranked in the following manner:
- Field Master
- By invitation of a NHH MFH, Ex-MFHs & MFHs of other hunts
- Gentlemen & Ladies with colors
- Gentlemen & Ladies with buttons
- Gentlemen & Lady members
- Visitors & Guests with their sponsor
- Juniors with colors
- Juniors
- After hunting has begun, please refrain from all unnecessary conversation and loud laughter-either in the field or in the gate group. The noise makes it difficult for the staff to hear the hounds, the Huntsman, or the horn. It may cause the hounds to become diverted from their work.
- Do not talk to a hound as this may distract them from hunting.
- Listen for “Staff, Please” or “Ware Hound” and then make room for the Huntsman or staff, and hounds. Always move out of their path and turn your horse’s head toward them.
- Never get in front of the Field Master.
- When following at a fence, do not jump until the horse in front of you has cleared the fence and is a stride away. If your horse refuses the fence, please move to the back of the field.
- Keep a horse’s length between you and the next horse.
- Do not pass other horses too close or at too high a speed.
- Do not circle in front of other horses.
- Do not allow large gaps to develop in the field.
- If your horse kicks, tie a red ribbon in its tail and keep clear of other riders by riding to the rear of the field.
- Do not run into other horses to stop your horse. If you horse is unmanageable, please excuse yourself and take it home.
- Protocol for a fallen rider or loose horse: If a rider falls, the hunt may or may not stop, depending on the situation. If the hunt continues, in the case of a minor fall, two fellow riders, assigned by the field master, should stop and stay with the fallen rider and assist the situation. The field master will stay with their field in case the hunt moves on. Should it be necessary for the hunt to stop, in the case of a loose horse or injury, riders should stay with their field and allow those who are assisting to do so unencumbered. The hunt will move on immediately, so riders should stay quiet and alert to their field master’s direction. If necessary, the assigned riding secretary or a whoopie wagon will assist the rider from there.
- Close all fences and gates to prevent livestock from escaping.
- Do not ride over wet or newly planted fields–keep to the edges even if the staff rides through the field.
- No one is allowed to ride on hunt country at any time other than a scheduled hunt activity.
- Remember to show courtesy and consideration at all times to the landowners, without whose continuing support we would not be able to hunt.
- Should you wish to leave the field, please request permission of the Field Master or the Field Secretary.
- Be on hand early enough to warm up your horse, as the hunt will move out promptly at the hour designated.
- Refrain from smoking at all times.
- All riders and hilltoppers must sign a liability release form.
- Members of other hunts may have their colors honored by a NHH Master and would then ride accordingly within the field.
- When riding with other hunts, request permission to wear your colors before arrival at the meet.
- Greet the masters and staff on arrival at the meet and thank them at the end of the meet for the day’s sport.
The End
