Other Important Guidelines for Hunting

Stay Together.
In order to have a good run, the fox needs to feel free to move.  Do not get spread out all around the covert (woods) or he will feel boxed in and go to ground. A tightly grouped, QUIET field promotes good fox hunting and good hound work. Do not get ahead of the older members of the hunt who are leading the field. They know how to give the huntsman and hounds the room they need without losing them.

Keep Up.
Do not let more than a couple of horses lengths separate you from the horse ahead of you.  If you or your horse becomes too tired or upset, PULL OFF THE TRAIL and let the next person go ahead.  It is considered a major sin to lose the hunt and ruin the day for all of those who are trapped behind you. Do not let your horse stop at the top of a steep Gully, or you will leave everyone behind you clinging in a dangerous place.  Keep the horse moving until there is plenty of space behind.

Jumpers Go First. 
When hounds are running,  if you do not want to jump, you must wait to open the gate next to the fence that is being jumped until everyone who is jumping (and succeeding) has gone over.  If you are jumping and your horse refuses, you should quickly GET OUT OF THE WAY and go to the back of the line.   

Face the Staff and Hounds.  
Always turn your horse’s head towards the hounds and staff as they pass by or you might kick them or back into them.  Practice backing into the woods at home so your horse knows what’s expected of him.  If you are worried, you can go way back into the woods to keep yourself out of trouble.

Getting Lost. 
If by some chance you discover that you are lost, STOP, BE STILL, AND LISTEN. Ride towards the sound of the Hunt. Pray you make the right move and do it quietly and quickly.  If there is a large group of you lost, STAY TOGETHER. Do not bother the staff. If you ask the staff for directions, you are interfering with their work. They are trying to melt into the landscape and not make any noise.  They may not look it to you, but they’re busy and do not want to be disturbed.

Hacking to the Meet and Leaving Early.  
Stay out of the coverts! Stay on roads, farm lanes and the old railroad tracks.  When leaving early, WAIT until you have a straight shot to the road, lane etc. without getting in front of the hounds.  It is a game of wait, watch, and listen.  Stay with everyone until the right time to pull out. That time will come. 

Guests. 
It is always proper to call the Secretary in advance.  The cap & waiver should be in an envelope with the capper's name & date on the front.  Junior cappers must have a waiver signed by their parents.  Please do not make the Secretary find you at the meet.  This is considered bad manners.  Junior Contributors cannot invite a guest, but their Sponsor can.  If they want to bring a friend hunting, they must ask their Sponsor first.

Please remember that you are a guest of the Genesee Valley Hunt. Defer to the older Members and treat them with courtesy and respect.  Remember, they have kept this Hunt alive and thriving through the years by their generosity, commitment and spirit. Everyone can learn a lot by watching and listening to them.

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