Too many who hunt are unfriendly and get hunting a poor social reputation

Do you think there has been a deterioration in manners, respect and curteousy since the ban?

Being from Ireland, where hunting is still legal (foxes anyway!) and serves a purpose in most places, I can't see how the 'drag system' works. Are you paying the landowners? If so, would the majority of people not be of the mentality 'you pay your money, you hunt' especially newcomers, or members who have joined, post-ban.

Similar to at a competition venue. Very few people at a competition go out of their way to thank the staff, organisers, helpers etc They pay their money, they compete.
(unless its a small or locally run show)

The anti's may have achieved in reality what they so detested, turning hunting into a 'sport', without the tradition, culture or purpose.

Here, where hunting is still legal, I doubt any reasonable person would fail to wave/smile, thank or talk to people on the ground. For all you know, they could be the daughter/sister/brother/mother/father/neighbour of the landowner?

Its with their permission that you hunt across the land, so it makes sense.
 
I also think that all riders should keep some "high viz" leg bands, etc. tucked into their coats, so when they arehacking back to their lorry in the gloom they will be visible to road users, and not be cross as motorists who don't see them at the last minute as they are invisible in their dark clothes (ladies particularly). That is being polite to other road users.
 
What a debate!

For a few years, I hunted as a visitor with a local hunt, but one season, my OH made me a full subscriber as an early xmas present. :D

You can imagine I was over the moon....but although the cheque was cashed, I recieved nothing...AND the huntball was approaching that me and the OH wanted to go to....

So I wrote a letter, and asked very politely why I hadn't recieved any info on the meets....I got a lovely letter from the Masters wife apologising profusely and to make myself known at the next meet I went to....which I did. They had seen me about sometimes before I was a subscriber and were thrilled I had finally joined them....they couldn't have been nicer.

Bad news though...I got pnemonia and that put paid to my hunting season!!!

Been with other hunts too....all have been friendly and welcoming, never had any bother.....

It's unfortunate that people DO come across negativity, but as has been said, you get it in all walks of life.....and the biggest bunch of unwelcoming people I have Come across were a hockey club!!!
 
ORANGEHORSE said:
I also think that all riders should keep some "high viz" leg bands, etc. tucked into their coats, so when they arehacking back to their lorry in the gloom they will be visible to road users, and not be cross as motorists who don't see them at the last minute as they are invisible in their dark clothes (ladies particularly). That is being polite to other road users.
Click to expand...

Orangehorse your comment is very appropriate, indeed very sensible and practical.

However many years ago I had a florencent tabard for just such a purpose.

Upon hacking home one evening, indeed it was very dark after a magnificent hunt after a travelling dog fox. I encountered two ladies of the far back - right up themselves - high crowned blue hat brigade, who asked what I was wearing. So I informed them.

They said to one another, "some of our members do have some strange habits". Ok, somewhat jokingly, but the inference that it was NOCD (not our class darling) to wear something reflective and to be practical.

I offered them my spare, they replied in total horror, "we would'nt be seen dead with one".

That about sums it up!
 
Judgemental said:
Orangehorse your comment is very appropriate, indeed very sensible and practical.

However many years ago I had a florencent tabard for just such a purpose.
Click to expand...

I am enjoying this!

Our hunt staff have mini halogen headlights strapped to their boots and you can always see your way home because of the horses shoes giving off sparks over the stone walls.

I was born and bred in Surrey, went out with the Union, Mr Goschens, Crawley and Horsham and found them fine. There are pompous prats in all walks of life not just the hunting world. I recall sitting on trains from Surrey listening to the tedious conversations and sniggering silently at the sheer of "had to mow the pony paddock at the weekend", "Oh How much land do you have?" "Two Acres"!!! yada yada yada.

I then moved to Sussex which suited me better and now in Ireland this last decade or so I am in my bloody element. Our master(s) wear top hats, most of us follow etiquette but nobody turns a hair at the showjumpers in their blousons and GPA's or kids in pink saddles and matching jods. Mostly hunt pockets are used for cans of Bulmers and everybody gets over the country as most of the field will dismount/chase/give a lead/knock down a wall so every follower can follow the hunt to its conclusion. No gate openers (the walls are lower than gates anyway - lol) . The tail riders are fantastic and everyone is helpful and friendly. On a good day with 80 stone walls to the mile it is nothing short of magic.

May I suggest "HUNT CREW" on the backs of jackets in large lettering like the FBI wear? ;)
 
Irishlife said:
I am enjoying this!

Our hunt staff have mini halogen headlights strapped to their boots and you can always see your way home because of the horses shoes giving off sparks over the stone walls.

I was born and bred in Surrey, went out with the Union, Mr Goschens, Crawley and Horsham and found them fine. There are pompous prats in all walks of life not just the hunting world. I recall sitting on trains from Surrey listening to the tedious conversations and sniggering silently at the sheer of "had to mow the pony paddock at the weekend", "Oh How much land do you have?" "Two Acres"!!! yada yada yada.

I then moved to Sussex which suited me better and now in Ireland this last decade or so I am in my bloody element. Our master(s) wear top hats, most of us follow etiquette but nobody turns a hair at the showjumpers in their blousons and GPA's or kids in pink saddles and matching jods. Mostly hunt pockets are used for cans of Bulmers and everybody gets over the country as most of the field will dismount/chase/give a lead/knock down a wall so every follower can follow the hunt to its conclusion. No gate openers (the walls are lower than gates anyway - lol) . The tail riders are fantastic and everyone is helpful and friendly. On a good day with 80 stone walls to the mile it is nothing short of magic.

May I suggest "HUNT CREW" on the backs of jackets in large lettering like the FBI wear? ;)
Click to expand...

Like it or not PRESENTATION AND IMAGE are everything these days.

Interesting that nobody has fundamentally disagreed with the idea of having a name tag.

Indeed there has been no dissent from The Masters of Foxhounds Association, assuming they participate on this forum - which they should - do they?

In fact the majority of comments favour Name Tags.

Just in case somebody from the Masters of Foxhounds Association does participate, let me point out the power of the Internet.

The fact that hundreds of thousands of people can all communicate and express their views from all over the British Isles , indeed the world.

That means those who offend out hunting can be named and shamed.
 
Perhaps IF we were more like Eire in our informality there would NOT be this us and them attitude,which is what is behind all the hunt banning acts in the first place! Bloody great ,I say,off to Eire to see for myself..tout de suit:D
 
Irishlife said:
I am enjoying this!

Our hunt staff have mini halogen headlights strapped to their boots and you can always see your way home because of the horses shoes giving off sparks over the stone walls.

I was born and bred in Surrey, went out with the Union, Mr Goschens, Crawley and Horsham and found them fine. There are pompous prats in all walks of life not just the hunting world. I recall sitting on trains from Surrey listening to the tedious conversations and sniggering silently at the sheer of "had to mow the pony paddock at the weekend", "Oh How much land do you have?" "Two Acres"!!! yada yada yada.

I then moved to Sussex which suited me better and now in Ireland this last decade or so I am in my bloody element. Our master(s) wear top hats, most of us follow etiquette but nobody turns a hair at the showjumpers in their blousons and GPA's or kids in pink saddles and matching jods. Mostly hunt pockets are used for cans of Bulmers and everybody gets over the country as most of the field will dismount/chase/give a lead/knock down a wall so every follower can follow the hunt to its conclusion. No gate openers (the walls are lower than gates anyway - lol) . The tail riders are fantastic and everyone is helpful and friendly. On a good day with 80 stone walls to the mile it is nothing short of magic.

May I suggest "HUNT CREW" on the backs of jackets in large lettering like the FBI wear? ;)
Click to expand...

Sounds fab..what part of Eire is this in,it sounds like the west somewhere
 
Can I come down and hunt with you irishlife??? Sounds fab!!

I am up in the Northeast and if there are newcomers who come in blousons they are usually grand a few times and then asked if they are going to hunt regularly that perhaps they might get a hunt coat! Usually someone has a spare one that they borrow for a while!!

We try and be as friendly as possible, welcome all newcomers and ask them loads of questions! We are also a very sociable hunt.
 
Judgemental

The colour of duct tape to wrap around brushing boots in these parts at the moment is silver since a choice of colours became available.

Presentation and Image are the icing on the cake, it is the fundamental nature and character of people that create a collective conciousness that engenders a welcoming or frosty atmosphere or indeed changes a situation or creates an ideaology. I am a great traditionalist and prefer the correct attire/tack etc to be worn and there is not a rider on this earth that does not undergo a change of emotion when pulling on their boots whether that be excitement, a sense of professionalism or even "don't my legs look good". We gain confidence also in correct attire and "feel the part".

Name tags? Better to carry a medical card in your pocket if you are going for the full id. It all seems a bit para military to me and does not need anymore detractors in the press - imagine the hoo ha that would stir up.
 
"I am up in the Northeast and if there are newcomers who come in blousons they are usually grand a few times and then asked if they are going to hunt regularly that perhaps they might get a hunt coat! Usually someone has a spare one that they borrow for a while!!"

You are missing the point. You are still weeding out those who can't afford a hunt coat. Hunts need to welcome everyone who turns up at the meet. Booted and plaited or not.

Presentation and PR are not the icing on the cake. your lack of understanding of the public's perception of you is the reason hunting is (currently) doomed. Shooting and fishing will be next.
 
I have to ask... has someone missed the obvious that there is already a "tag" system of sorts in place?

Hunt staff wear red (or gold, met the Berkeleys the other day :D ) coats with collars which correspond to the hunt they're a member of. Our secretaries and other staff are in black with yellow collars. That, IMO, is all the identification one needs.

But then, I also made the effort to meet the staff, I have been introduced to all the masters, and had a very pleasant conversation with one whilst hacking to the meet. My hunt, who I hope to return to this season, has already had some fabulous comments in this thread, and I'll concur for a bunch of toffs they're a blinking friendly bunch!

Yes, maybe for the sake of Joe Public, the Master's want to be wearing a huge name tag, but I don't see why. Ask anyone who's part of the hunt and they won't try and keep the Master's identity a secret!

The only downside to knowing everyone now is that I haven't been able to show my face since my horse behaved incredably badly. It was about 4 years ago now, so I hope they've forgotton!
 
As I said when I first posted on this subject, "remember where you first heard this, i.e. the issue of name tags".

The fundamental tenet upon which The Masters of Foxhounds wants repeal of the Hunting Act 2004 is that they can offer Self Regulation to DEFRA, i.e the Department of the Environment and Rural Affairs.

Personally I feel that is the right and proper way for there to be a repeal, assuming it can be achieved on the floor of the House of Commons.

DEFRA may say fine, but how do we check up on you at any given time, rather like a VAT or TAX inspector's spot check, turning up unannounced. Remember there is a ban in place and ultimately you would be dealing with Civil Servants.

In my opinion, in order for Self Regulation to be a runner, it must be seen that everyone and I mean everyone, engaged in a days hunting can be readily identifiable by name.

Think about it and you will reach the same conclusion.
 
Last edited:
So at the meet take names, addresses, date of birth NI number or take a followers reg number. The eventing health card not sure what its called is a very good idea, but this thread alone has made me want to give up hunting, its a tradition so keep it traditional, and as far as business lets run it like a golf club not all memebers have to have name badges ID. Or am I totally missing the point.
 
Last edited:
Anyway back to the title.

Too many who hunt are unfriendly and get hunting a poor social reputation, that's not just the followers, its certain hunt staff too!!!
 
Simsar said:
So at the meet take names, addresses, date of birth NI number.
Click to expand...

Those who monitor self regulation i.e. Civil Servants will be under considerable pressure from so called Hunt Monitors (former Sabs)

Think about the position of a Civil Servant not necessarily attending a meet, might even attend on a horse - how to get a days hunting at the tax payers expense.

Please think about the logistic of Self Regulation.

DEFRA to whom the MFHA will be answerable must be able to readily identify the 'players', so they can technically issue a Yellow Card if necessary. Before anybody jumps on me I am speaking figuratively.

In order to give DEFRA comfort they, DEFRA must have COMFORT that they can easily see who is participating.

If I was a Civil Servant with DEFRA detailed to carry out a spot check on a hunt I would not bother to attend the meet that would be an instant giveaway.

No I would quietly potter along and find hounds and the 'event' at about 13:00 hrs.

Frankly I don't think hunting people really understand what self regulation entails - when one is dealing with a government department and there is proposal to have a repeal of an Act of Parliament and it is very possible that Act may be repealed on TERMS to be agreed.

Have another think about this concept.

They, the governement and their civil servants are going to want some copper bottomed assurances.
 
Last edited:
Irishlife said:
Judgemental

The colour of duct tape to wrap around brushing boots in these parts at the moment is silver since a choice of colours became available.

Presentation and Image are the icing on the cake, it is the fundamental nature and character of people that create a collective conciousness that engenders a welcoming or frosty atmosphere or indeed changes a situation or creates an ideaology. I am a great traditionalist and prefer the correct attire/tack etc to be worn and there is not a rider on this earth that does not undergo a change of emotion when pulling on their boots whether that be excitement, a sense of professionalism or even "don't my legs look good". We gain confidence also in correct attire and "feel the part".

Name tags? Better to carry a medical card in your pocket if you are going for the full id. It all seems a bit para military to me and does not need anymore detractors in the press - imagine the hoo ha that would stir up.
Click to expand...


Irishlife,

PRESACTLY!!

Alec.
 
Judgemental said:
Those who monitor self regulation i.e. Civil Servants will be under considerable pressure from so called Hunt Monitors (former Sabs)

Think about the position of a Civil Servant not necessarily attending a meet, might even attend on a horse - how to get a days hunting at the tax payers expense.

Please think about the logistic of Self Regulation.

DEFRA to whom the MFHA will be answerable must be able to readily identify the 'players', so they can technically issue a Yellow Card if necessary. Before anybody jumps on me I am speaking figuratively.

In order to give DEFRA comfort they, DEFRA must have COMFORT that they can easily see who is participating.

If I was a Civil Servant with DEFRA detailed to carry out a spot check on a hunt I would not bother to attend the meet that would be an instant giveaway.

No I would quietly potter along and find hounds and the 'event' at about 13:00 hrs.

Frankly I don't think hunting people really understand what self regulation entails - when one is dealing with a government department and there is proposal to have a repeal of an Act of Parliament and it is very possible that Act may be repealed on TERMS to be agreed.

Have another think about this concept.

They, the governement and their civil servants are going to want some copper bottomed assurances.
Click to expand...

So, if the Act is Repealed and on the basis of Self Regulation, expect to be under scrutiny!
 
digger66 said:
"I am up in the Northeast and if there are newcomers who come in blousons they are usually grand a few times and then asked if they are going to hunt regularly that perhaps they might get a hunt coat! Usually someone has a spare one that they borrow for a while!!"

You are missing the point. You are still weeding out those who can't afford a hunt coat. Hunts need to welcome everyone who turns up at the meet. Booted and plaited or not.

Presentation and PR are not the icing on the cake. your lack of understanding of the public's perception of you is the reason hunting is (currently) doomed. Shooting and fishing will be next.
Click to expand...

Would you turn up to a football match in an old t-shirt and shorts???? Of course we are welcoming them, it's not that expensive to get a hunt coat these days. Maybe I am missing the point but I still think correct turnout is important.
 
I was given two hunting coats by a very friendly member of the hunt! I still have one somewhere!!!

Seriously, lets not get started on the presentation of the hunt. It's an equestrian event, ALL horsey events have uniforms and expect riders and mounts to be presented as thus. you wouldn't see a jockey in jeans and a t-shirt, or a top showjumper in a tracksuit, so lets keep it smart for hunting too please.

That, and a good hunting coat will keep it's owner warm and dry, which is slightly more important than whether you look like a tit on a horse or not!
 
Judgemental said:
Like it or not PRESENTATION AND IMAGE are everything these days.
Click to expand...

+100,000

It is extremely important to be aware of PR. It is a good idea to bring refectives with you when hunting, even a hat and something to clip onto the top of your boots is better than nothing.

It can be interesting how the sight of a red coat can boil peoples blood.
 
QR

Good post! And I do know what you mean. Growing up as the poor kid at pony club with dodgy tack and a loan horse, I seemed to develop a huge chip. I went hunting for what I knew it would do for me and my horse (worked on a hunting yard from 11 to 16, never found horses like it before or since, had a huge desire to turn my horse into that), with huge misgivings about how I may be treated.

My hunt is fabulous. We stick out like a sore thumb at every meet - and yes, there are those who look down their noses at us and will not return my smile or "good morning" at the meet. I am the working class kid, yet I would never be so rude. So a mental note is taken.

However, these are such a minority as to be barely noticeable, and it says far more about them than it does about me, or my horse.

This morning on hound exercise my horse got stupidly excited to see hounds again, and broke away from my wagon and rampaged off. A mahoosive coloured marauding, riderless and bridleless, with his headcollar round his neck and lead rope (with twine still attached :)) dangling. A clever lady caught him for me (after a few failed attempts), four or five members of the mounted field then held on to him and surrounded him while I bridled him :), and a lovely lady on foot took my now redundant headcollar back to my wagon for me, and everyone made light of it.

That is a good, welcoming hunt, in my mind. I already knew they were this way, after taking my horse out many times, unable to ride one side of him when push came to shove.

I have guested at another hunt and encountered chaos and dreadful rudeness, brought on to my mind by too much drink. Being burst out of a gateway by two men apparently oblivious to my presence (hard to believe on a 16hh very heavyweight coloured draught cross), I took my horse home shortly after. I want my danger out hunting to be from jumping a hedge or galloping flat out over unknown terrain. I do not feel the need to risk injury to me or my horse, just by minding my own business when others clearly think I need to be shown my place as a newbie or stranger, or whatever it is they consider me.

My hunt has earned my allegiance and subscription/cap for as long as I am able to turn up. Mounted or otherwise. I firmly believe that the good hunts such as mine will survive; whereas the others may realise all too late that tradition and heritage is not all; but new money is what will keep them alive.
 
Last edited:
I've pretty much stopped hunting because of the rudeness of the members of one hunt, members of that hunt often state how friendly they are - but in actual fact they are friendly to people who are acceptable to their clique NOT all comers. I went out with a different hunt and found some of the worst offenders out as guests and had an awful day again. I'm correctly turned out, on a well mannered horse and a generally smiley person - twice I've been in tears because of remarks made.

Sticking with the bloodhounds who are generally friendlier, more down to earth, have a better day with better jumping and hugely better value for money. I doubt ordinary hunts will have my support again, and they've lost the support of my best friend who's hunted all of her life, and 2 other friends who were introduced on one of my horses, who's become a hunting schoolmaster in the years since we started.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top