Useful Info > Hunting Basics

The Joint Masters: The masters are responsible to the Committee for all that takes place upon the hunting field. They are responsible for your day's sport, for the welfare of the land, hedges, gates and fences that you use as part of your day. They are responsible, on your behalf, to the farmers and landowners whose land you cross. They are responsible for the hunt staff, hounds, terriers and terrier-men and last, but not least, for your welfare as well. Any ruling by them concerning the behaviour of the field is final.

The Field Master: The Field Master may be a Joint Master. He will act in all cases on behalf of the Joint Masters, looking after the Field of which you are part. He or she will look after your interests for the day's hunting and be responsible to the Masters in ensuring that landowners' property is in at least as good condition as it was at the start of any day's hunting.

All damage to property must be reported to the Field Master as should incidents involving injury or saboteurs. The Field Master is also responsible for arranging your days’ sport when following hounds and for that purpose will direct the Field as required. This may include the foot and car followers.  When you finish for the day, the Field Master should be informed.   Directions from the Field Master, or a subscriber appointed by him or her, must be obeyed.

The Mounted Field: The Field will probably be made up of both subscribers (of one sort or another) and guests.  In particular, guests should be welcomed and looked after.  Some subscribers and most guests will not be familiar with the country and should be therefore assisted if necessary.  The Field should observe the normal rules of good conduct in relation to the countryside and hunting, reporting to the Field Master all damage to property or persons including other members of the Field, foot followers or the public.

Foot and Car Followers: As with the Field above, normal rules of good conduct apply.  In particular, obstruction of the road and public rights of way must not take place.  Foot & Car Followers should adhere to instructions from the Masters and Field Master in the interests of a good day’s hunting.

Statement of Intent: By subscribing to the South Herefordshire Hunt or its sub-committees all members and followers agree to abide by the rules of the South Herefordshire Hunt as detailed above and those of normal good conduct in the countryside.  It is further accepted that damage caused to persons or property and all other risks associated with hunting, are those of each for individual alone and not the responsibility of the South Herefordshire Hunt.

INSURANCE All who hunt are strongly advised to check that they have Third Party Insurance in case they cause injury to other people, damage to property or to others’ horses – the CA and BHS can provide this.  You should also ensure that you have your own personal accident policy – to hunt without is simply foolhardy.

KICKING HORSES 
It should be kept in mind that kicking horses are not welcome in the hunting field. Riders of horses liable to kick, even occasionally, must keep them at the back of the field. Red ribbons should be worn (green ribbons for young horses), but this does not negate the above. Sorry is not good enough.

PARKING AT MEETS 
Please could all subscribers, visitors and car followers ensure they have obtained permission to park horse boxes and cars close to the meets.  It is vital to keep driveways, farm buildings and gateways clear to enable farmers and landowners access to their land and buildings. It is an offence to park on a verge in such a way as to obstruct traffic or taking a vehicle onto a public footpath or bridleway. Please take care not to park or ride on mown verges.  If you require advice where to park, contact Barbara King Hon Secretary: Tel 01981 541334 or the Kennels: Tel No 01981 540319.