FIELD RULES of Foxhunting
We encourage new -- and experienced -- hunters to read William Wadsworth’s concise Riding to Hounds in America.
1. Extend the utmost courtesy to all landowners, their tenants, and employees. Do not ride past anyone without a smile, a quiet greeting, a lifted hat.
2. You must have prior permission to bring a guest and prior means, at least the evening before. It facilitates the work of the Hon. Sec. if guests put a check or cash and signed waiver form in an envelope with name and address on outside.
3. Old Dominion has three fields; first field (jumping field), Second field (non-jumping) and a hilltopper field. Each group has a Field Master--you must stay in one group or the other and obey the directions of the Field Master. You must not take your own line. Request permission of the Field Master to leave early.
4. We move off promptly at the scheduled time. Be punctual and allow sufficient time to unload, ready tack, and mount up. Late arrivals often disrupt hunting.
5. Remember that when you come out you represent Old Dominion and the sport of foxhunting. Take the time to turn yourself and your horse out neatly and cleanly.
6. It is proper to greet the Master at the meet; conversation is best reserved for after hunting. A word of thanks after hunting is appreciated by the Staff.
7. Do not hack to meets through coverts likely to be drawn as you may cause the resident fox to vacate the premises and thereby lessen chances for good sport.
8. ‘Ratcatcher’ attire is acceptable for cub-hunting days. For the month of September jackets may be omitted, however if a chilly day comes along then a correct coat is required.
9. Be quiet when hounds are drawing for a fox or working to recover the scent after a check. Keep conversation at checks quiet as well.
10. Give huntsman, hounds and staff the right of way at all times.
11. Considerate foxhunters don’t hog the front of the field all day but spend some time near the middle and some at the back. They also occasionally get gates and go to the aid of the rider who has lost his horse or needs help replacing a rail.
12. Horses prone to kick should wear a red ribbon and should go at the back of their respective field. A red ribbon does not absolve the rider of responsibility. Keep green horses to the rear and leave unruly ones at home. If you have a refusal, move aside quickly and go to the rear—don’t hold up the Field.
13. Stay off the tail of the horse in front of you--leave room to avoid that horse and rider if they should stumble, fall, or refuse.
14. If you view a fox restrain the urge to shout. Watch it carefully, note its route, exactly, then holloa just loud enough for the Field Master to hear. When the huntsman returns with the pack be able to tell him the last spot you saw the fox and where it went from there. Also remember that often the viewed fox is not the hunted fox and much ado about your ‘view’ is distracting.
15. It is certainly important to warn others of imminent peril -- 'ware hole or 'ware wire. Please make your notation loud enough for the next couple of riders, then they put the word on to those just behind them.
16. Repair, at least temporarily, any damaged jumps or gates. Do not lower rails without restoring them to their original condition. Close, and securely latch all gates–a gate improperly closed can end our permission to hunt across a farm. Be sure all damage is reported.
17. If you have been awarded the ODH colors and are wearing them, you are required to wear rust-colored breeches. It is part of the livery and not optional. Cappers and subscribers that have not been awarded colors can wear tan breeches, or rust.
We encourage new -- and experienced -- hunters to read William Wadsworth’s concise Riding to Hounds in America.
1. Extend the utmost courtesy to all landowners, their tenants, and employees. Do not ride past anyone without a smile, a quiet greeting, a lifted hat.
2. You must have prior permission to bring a guest and prior means, at least the evening before. It facilitates the work of the Hon. Sec. if guests put a check or cash and signed waiver form in an envelope with name and address on outside.
3. Old Dominion has three fields; first field (jumping field), Second field (non-jumping) and a hilltopper field. Each group has a Field Master--you must stay in one group or the other and obey the directions of the Field Master. You must not take your own line. Request permission of the Field Master to leave early.
4. We move off promptly at the scheduled time. Be punctual and allow sufficient time to unload, ready tack, and mount up. Late arrivals often disrupt hunting.
5. Remember that when you come out you represent Old Dominion and the sport of foxhunting. Take the time to turn yourself and your horse out neatly and cleanly.
6. It is proper to greet the Master at the meet; conversation is best reserved for after hunting. A word of thanks after hunting is appreciated by the Staff.
7. Do not hack to meets through coverts likely to be drawn as you may cause the resident fox to vacate the premises and thereby lessen chances for good sport.
8. ‘Ratcatcher’ attire is acceptable for cub-hunting days. For the month of September jackets may be omitted, however if a chilly day comes along then a correct coat is required.
9. Be quiet when hounds are drawing for a fox or working to recover the scent after a check. Keep conversation at checks quiet as well.
10. Give huntsman, hounds and staff the right of way at all times.
11. Considerate foxhunters don’t hog the front of the field all day but spend some time near the middle and some at the back. They also occasionally get gates and go to the aid of the rider who has lost his horse or needs help replacing a rail.
12. Horses prone to kick should wear a red ribbon and should go at the back of their respective field. A red ribbon does not absolve the rider of responsibility. Keep green horses to the rear and leave unruly ones at home. If you have a refusal, move aside quickly and go to the rear—don’t hold up the Field.
13. Stay off the tail of the horse in front of you--leave room to avoid that horse and rider if they should stumble, fall, or refuse.
14. If you view a fox restrain the urge to shout. Watch it carefully, note its route, exactly, then holloa just loud enough for the Field Master to hear. When the huntsman returns with the pack be able to tell him the last spot you saw the fox and where it went from there. Also remember that often the viewed fox is not the hunted fox and much ado about your ‘view’ is distracting.
15. It is certainly important to warn others of imminent peril -- 'ware hole or 'ware wire. Please make your notation loud enough for the next couple of riders, then they put the word on to those just behind them.
16. Repair, at least temporarily, any damaged jumps or gates. Do not lower rails without restoring them to their original condition. Close, and securely latch all gates–a gate improperly closed can end our permission to hunt across a farm. Be sure all damage is reported.
17. If you have been awarded the ODH colors and are wearing them, you are required to wear rust-colored breeches. It is part of the livery and not optional. Cappers and subscribers that have not been awarded colors can wear tan breeches, or rust.
