Hunting Information

Membership Fees & Dues

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The sport of foxhunting requires suitable land in large quantities. Such land is not easy to find and can be lost to hunting by acts of carelessness or ignorance. Our first set of guidelines advocates courteous and responsible behavior to landowners. Hunt country is private property. Riding on non-hunt days must be done with prior permission of the landowner. Do not assume you can freely trail ride on land that we hunt.

Gates: Leave gates as they are found. Riders are responsible to pass the word to followers either “gate closed” or “gate open” before continuing. When in doubt, the last rider should close the gate and report the action to the Field Master or a staff member.

Cultivated Ground: Do not ride over plowed or planted ground. This includes hay fields. If the landowner has provided bridle paths on the edges of his fields, ride only on these paths. Most farmers now use the no-till method of farming. This means that they don’t plow their fields in the spring but plant their seeds with no obvious preparation of the ground. Hoof prints in the soil interfere with the proper functioning of the special planting machine and thus reduce the harvest. To lessen the damage horses do to cultivated fields, we must ride at all times on the extreme outer edge and in single file. In areas that are not cultivated but allowed to grow in heavy turf, riders should spread out and not ride in file so as not to make paths. This also gives the Field a better view of the hounds. The Field Master will signal when the Field should spread out.

Livestock: Ride slowly and try to avoid livestock.  If any of them break through a fence or go through a gate opened by the Hunt, report it to the Field Master.

Equipment on Location: Ask permission before using any equipment such as hoses and water faucets to wash horses. Avoid creating a muddy area.

Trash:  Clean up trash and manure. Trailers should not be mucked out at the meet. Clean up the area around trailer parking spaces.

Appreciation: If the landowner or his/her representative is present, you may express your individual thanks and appreciation.

Trailers: Always check your hitch. Park so that you allow enough space to unload and tie horses safely. Be aware of parking conditions and always check the hunt line or fixture card for specific parking instructions.

Babbler: A hound that gives tongue (speaks) simply from excitement, without regard for the line (scent).

Fox Mask

Biddable: A hound that obeys well and is responsive to the huntsman. He can be lifted off one line brought to a new line and will hunt that line. He only hunts fox, not any other game.

Break Covert: A fox breaks covert (cover) when he runs out of it.

Breast High: Scent is said to be breast high when it rises to the level of the hounds’ noses so they can hunt at top speed.

Brush: The fox’s tail.

Capping Fee: The amount paid by visitors (prior to the hunt) for the privilege of a day’s hunting. (In the early days visitors paid the fee in silver and dropped it in the cap of the Hunt secretary.)

Check: When the field stops. Also known as a hold.

Colors: A collar of definite color registered for a particular Hunt.

Country: The area assigned to a Hunt.

Couple: Foxhounds are coupled together (attached by leather collars) by twos. Foxhounds are always counted by twos known as a couple.

Covert: (Pronounced “cover”.) An area, usually wooded, which provides protection for animals.

Cry: The voice of a foxhound pursuing quarry is called a cry, or, giving tongue. Full cry occurs when every hound in the pack cries on the line of a fox.

Cub Hunting:The weeks preceding the beginning of formal foxhunting are known as the cub hunting season. It is technically incorrect to refer to this as Cubbing Season, although the expression is widely used.

Cub: A young fox.

Cur Dog: Any dog, other than a foxhound, is known as a cur dog by foxhunters.

Draw: The Huntsman and hounds are said to “draw a covert” when they search every part of the covert for a fox.

Field: Those who follow foxhounds on horseback, other than the Hunt staff, are known as the Field. They are usually led by a Field Master. The fields are often split into First Flight, Second Flight and Third Flight depending on the size of the group. First flight attempts to keep up with the huntsman and jumps obstacles as necessary. Second flight attempts to keep up with the huntsman but usually goes through gates rather than jumping obstacles. Third flight moves at a slower pace with the goal of maintaining a view of the huntsman and field, often known as "hilltopping".

Fixture Card: Lists the dates, times, and places where hounds and riders will meet during the ensuing month.

Foil: When a fox doubles back on his line, he is said to “run his foil.” Ground is foiled when it bears some scent (sheep, cattle, etc.) besides that of a fox.

Go To Ground: A fox “goes to ground” when it takes refuge in a hole.

Gone Away: The call “gone away” indicates the fox has left the covert.

Guests: Guests are encouraged, but they must have permission from a Master, be properly attired and be accompanied by a member of the Hunt.

Hark: A command used by the Huntsman to encourage hounds to listen.

Hit the Line: A hound hits the line when he finds the line (scent) and gives tongue.

Hold Hard: Stop, please!

Holloa: Pronounced “Holler.” The high-pitched call of someone such as the first Whipper-in who views (sees) a fox breaking covert.

Huntsman: The Huntsman is in charge of and directs the hounds on hunting days. When the Master or an amateur hunts hounds, he or she is known as the Honorary Huntsman.

Lark: To “lark” is to jump fences when hounds are not hunting or when on the way home after hunting. The Farmington Hunt does not recommend larking.

Make Way: If the Huntsman wants to warn the Field of the approach of hounds, he or she will say “hounds please,” “Huntsman please,” or “make way.”

Mask: The head of a fox.

Meet: The place where hounds, horse, staff, and Field gather to begin hunting.

Over Ride: To ride too close to the hounds.

Pocket: A member of the Field is guilty of riding “in the Huntsman’s pocket” when he continually gets so close as to interfere with hunting the hounds.

Ratcatcher: A term used to designate the informal clothes worn during the cub hunting season.

Rate: To rate a hound is to scold him.

Reverse Field: When the field needs to go in the opposite direction.  Riders should pull off the trail, turn their horse's head to face the trail, and let the Field Master pass. A similar protocol may be required when making way for staff or a different field: riders pull off the trail, facing their horses heads in the direction of the trail and then moving off again in order when indicated by the Field Master.

Riot: When hounds hunt forbidden quarry (example: a deer).

Scat: Fox manure.

Scent: The odor emitted from glands of animals that is left on the ground, thus leaving a trail (line) which can be followed, i.e., fox by foxhounds.

Staff: The Hunt staff consists of the Master or Joint Masters, the Huntsman, the Whippers-In, and the Field Master.

Tally Ho: A call indicating the fox has been viewed.

Tongue: A hound is said to give tongue or to throw its tongue when it draws the first covert.

View: A fox is “viewed,” rather than “seen.”‘

Ware: This means beware of holes or wire, etc.

Whippers-In: The Huntsman’s assistants. If the Whipper-In is an amateur, he or she is called an Honorary Whipper-In.

The Master/Joint Masters: The Masters of Foxhounds have final authority in all matters of hunting. The Masters are responsible for the kennels and keep in close touch with the Huntsman on all matters relating to the hounds. The traditional greeting for a Master is “good morning,” whatever the time of day.

The Huntsman: Hounds are walked, trained and hunted by the Huntsman.

The Whippers-in: The Whippers-in are the Huntsman’s assistants on hunting and hound-walking days. They help control the hounds by moving hounds back to the Huntsman should the hounds stray and monitor game movement for the Huntsman. Whippers-in are known as honorary when they are volunteers.

The Field Master(s): The Field Master(s) are appointed by the Master(s) to lead the Field. Each Field Master is responsible for showing sport to his/her Flight and is the liaison between the Huntsman and the Field. He/she also has to make sure that the Field does not interfere with the hounds. There are currently three Field Masters.

The First Flight moves directly behind the Huntsman at varying rates of speed, over and through all obstacles.

The Second Flight follows behind the First Flight but moves at a steadier pace, and jumping is not required.

The Third Flight (Hilltoppers) proceeds at a much more modest pace to “view” the activities of the hounds, Huntsman and First and Second Flights.

Tack: All tack must be plain, serviceable and clean. Use bitting suitable to control your horse; under the exciting conditions of hunting, control is essential. Saddle pads should be white. String girths are acceptable, but they must be clean. Avoid colored browbands. Rubber reins are acceptable, but they must be brown.  A copy of a valid negative Coggins and Hunting License must be brought to each meet.

Horse: Foxhunting is a demanding endeavor. Be sure your horse is fit and able to handle the excitement of the hunt.  Farmington offers summer "walk and talk" trail rides that will introduce riders and horses to riding in lare groups at a controlled pace. Experienced hunt riders are available to help train you and your horse to handle all conditions of the hunt: riders should be able to keep their horses a minimum of one horse length distance from the horse ahead; horses should be able to stand quietly in a group if there is a "hold" or "check" and to move quickly out of the way and not get nervous if there is a "reverse field", horses should be used to hounds and not kick if a hound gets underfoot.

Horses should be clean and have their manes pulled. If your horse might kick, put a red ribbon in its tail and ride at the end of your field. If your horse is new to the sport, put a green ribbon in its tail and ride at the end of your Field. Try riding in third flight prior to moving up to second and then first flight. Those in first flight should be able to jump obstacles while maintaining a safe distance between horses. Most fences in the FHC territory are 3' or under.

Foxhunting is rigidly conventional. It is a ceremony enjoyed by participants and spectators. Attention is given to attire out of respect for tradition, safety, comfort, and practicability. Riders must also bring a valid negative Coggins and carry their hunting license. The following is a summary of the attire for to the Farmington Hunt:

RATCATCHER (INFORMAL)

The term "ratcatcher" applies to the least formal attire permitted in the Field, to be worn during cub hunting season (from Labor Day to Opening Meet) and on informal days during the regular hunting season (Thursday meets prior to January 1st; Tuesday and Thursday meets after January 1st). Ratcatcher attire may be worn on formal days by Juniors.

Coat: A tweed or wool coat in muted colors (no red), tailored and vented, is appropriate. In warm weather, at the discretion of the Masters, coats may be waived.

Vest: A canary or tattersall vest is optional.

Shirt: During Cub Hunting season, solid polo shirts or turtleneck (other than red), tucked in, are permissible if coats are excused.  With a coat, acceptable attire includes a riding shirt with choker (for ladies), necktie (both) or stock (both). FHC also allows turtlenecks with no additional neckwear, although this is not necessarily acceptable at other hunts so should be avoided when visiting other hunts.

Stock: A stock tie in a conservative plaid or coordinating color may be worn with a ratcatcher shirt and vest or coat. Below is a diagram demonstrating how to tie a stock tie.

Headgear: A black or brown hunting cap is required, and the Masters of Farmington strongly recommend a hunting cap with harness. Juniors must wear a hunting cap with harness.

Breeches: Any earth tone color of breeches or jodhpurs are allowed but tan and rust are preferred.

Boots: Boots must be clean and polished. They can be either brown or black leather, and may be dress (without laces) or field (with laces). Half chaps are acceptable if they resemble tall boots and are worn with polished paddock boots of the same color. Rubber boots are acceptable, as are canvas-topped (Newmarket) boots. Jodhpur boots worn with Jodhpur pants may be worn by Juniors.

Hunt Whip: A regulation hunting whip is optional for those with colors. Thong and lash may be removed during cub hunting. A short plain-colored riding crop is also optional.

Belt, Spurs, Gloves, Raincoat, Stock Pin, Hairnet, Wire Cutters: Same as for Formal Hunting.

FORMAL ATTIRE

Opening Hunt (near the end of October) is when formal dress is required for all Saturday and Tuesday meets (prior to January 1) and all Saturday meets (after January 1).

Coat: Gentlemen without colors should wear a plain black hunting coat or frock coat. Ladies without colors should wear a plain hunting coat or frock coat, preferably in black or navy. The coats must have three plain black (or matching) front buttons. Frock coats (which have a seam at the waist) have two additional buttons on the back. Ladies (but not gentlemen) awarded colors may add Belgian Blue to coat collars, and buttons can be changed to black engraved FHC buttons. Gentlemen awarded colors and gentleman Masters may wear scarlet (frock) coats with Hunt collar and brass buttons. It is not appropriate to wear colors while visiting another Hunt without prior approval from that Hunt’s MFH. You should keep your coat buttoned at all times.

Vest: Vests are optional and should be canary, tattersall or “Belgian Blue” for members with their colors.

Stock: A white stock tie is required for formal hunting. See diagram above for tying instructions or have an experienced Hunt member tie it for you.

Headgear: A hunting cap is required, either black or navy (for ladies) A Bowler or Top Hat should only be worn with the corresponding hunt attire. The Masters of the Farmington Hunt strongly recommend a hunting cap with harness. Juniors must wear a hunting cap with harness.

Breeches: Gentlemen without colors wear tan and lady members wear buff, tan or canary breeches. Gentlemen with colors may wear white breeches.

Belt: A belt is recommended, as it can be used as equipment in an emergency, i.e., a broken stirrup or as a sling.

Boots: Boots must be clean and polished. Plain black boots with or without black patent leather tops (sewn on) should be worn with black hunting coats. Gentlemen with colors wearing frock coats (black or scarlet) should add russet leather tops to their boots (sewn on). In wet weather, one may wear French rubber boots which look like leather boots (although this may not be allowable if visiting another hunt).

Spurs: Spurs are optional. They must be heavy and blunt, without rowels or chains and set high on the boot below the ankle and with spur arms parallel to the ground. The straps must be the same color as the boots.

Gloves: Gloves are optional. For dry weather, these should be brown, tan or black leather. In wet weather, white wool or cotton string gloves are allowed.

Raincoat: Raincoats should be used sparingly and be of muted colors (brown, black or dark green). Look to your Master(s) for guidance. When visiting another Hunt, ask your host what is proper.

Stock Pin:  Plain gold stock pins are proper for both sexes. These should be attached horizontally to the stock tie. Stock pins with the Farmington Hunt logo are optional for those who have been awarded colors. FHC also allows ornamental stock pins, but this may not be acceptable at other hunts.

Hunt Whip: A regulation hunting whip is optional for those with colors. A short plain colored riding crop is also optional.

Hair Net: Hair should be neatly confined with a hair net for ladies. Long hair should first be tucked under the helmet or in a bun.

Flask and Sandwich Case: A pocket flask is optional. Gentlemen may carry a flask or sandwich case (or both) attached to the saddle, and lady members may carry either a sandwich case or a combination flask and sandwich case attached to the saddle. (Be prepared to share!)

Wire Cutters: Only Staff are authorized to use wire cutters during a hunt.

The Awarding of Colors

The privilege of wearing the colors and buttons of the Hunt is awarded at the discretion of the Masters. Those awarded colors exhibit knowledge of the sport, its protocol and Hunt territory. Members with colors have the privilege of riding in the front of the field. Farmington colors are awarded at the Thanksgiving meet.