Hunt Policy & Protocol

Except for landowners over whose land the Marlborough Hunt Club hunts, and MHC members, hunting is by invitation only. A fixture card properly received will be considered an invitation to hunt.  Members of the Field should observe common sense rules of safe conduct and courtesy including the following:

Respect the landowner and his property. Stay off crops, newly seeded fields, and wet fields. When in doubt, don’t go there!  Avoid interfering with livestock. The last rider through should close all gates and gaps, unless otherwise instructed. Immediately report any damage to the Field Master, and make temporary repairs where possible. Do not ride over country on non-hunting days, particularly off-season, without express permission of the landowner.

All members should arrive at the meet in sufficient time to be mounted before hounds move off. Members who arrive late should not try to find the field unless given permission from the Master.

Stay together under the direction of the Field Master(s). If it is necessary to leave the field, ask permission of the Field Master.

Non-jumpers should have the courtesy to allow jumpers to go before them. Do not pull out before a jump and interfere with the horse behind you. If you know you are not jumping and you know a “second field” is needed for a meet, call a Master before the meet so a second field master can be appointed beforehand.

Do not crowd the horse ahead at crossings, in the field, or at fences, nor lag too far behind. Allow the rider ahead to land safely before attempting a jump. Know the country, and know your horse, deciding before the meet if you are able to jump safely.  Mistakes happen – if you have a refusal, have the courtesy to yield to riders behind you before attempting the jump again.

Observe movement of Hounds and Staff. Immediately turn off the path and face your horse’s head to the path when hounds and staff pass by.  The correct lingo to all staff entrée through the field is “Huntsman, please” or “Staff, please”.

Please refrain from unnecessary conversation during a check when hounds are drawing. When hounds are speaking, riders should be listening, and the Field Master must be able to hear hounds.