Fox Hunting

The hunt—When hounds attempt to find and pursue a live fox, it is a fox hunt.

When hounds are put on a prepared "line" on which a natural or artificial scent has been dragged, it is a drag hunt.

Cubbing is early, pre-season hunting. Its primary purpose is the training of young hounds to hunt fox—pick up the scent, travel together, obey the huntsman's voice and horn, become used to the work and routine of hunting. The term is imported from England where Cubbing is primarily the Blooding of young hounds and the scattering of fox cubs.

To cast hounds means to spread them out in a predetermined manner in search of the scent, usually when it has been lost. Usually hounds are cast by the Huntsman, but, frequently, they cast themselves in search of the fox's "line."

A check is an interruption of the line (chase) caused by hounds losing the scent.

Drawing a covert means directing and urging the hounds into a small patch of woods where it is expected the fox will be found and chased into open country.

Holding up cubs (during the cubbing season) means surrounding a covert with a staff and field to prevent the fox cubs running out, and, if they attempt to come out, to drive them back so that the young hounds find and kill. Foxes or cubs that do go away are not run. This practice is more prevalent in England than in the United States.

The usual positions of the various members of the hunt staff when they take hounds to and from a meet should be as follows: Huntsman leading, followed by hounds flanked by Whippers-in, then the Master followed by the Field Master and the Field.

When drawing a covert, the usual positions of the members of the hunt staff are generally: The Huntsman (or the Master, if he hunts his hounds) with his hounds in the covert near the center, the Whippers-in on either side of him near the edge of the covert so that they may view the fox away and the Master (if he does not hunt his hounds) or the Field Master outside the covert holding up the field.

If there is occasion to lower more than one fence rail, lower the bottom rail first.

THE FOX—A male fox is called a dog fox. A vixen is a female fox. Cubs are young foxes.

Nicknames given the fox by fox hunters include: Reynard, Uncle Remus, Old Charlie, Gentleman Charles, Charles James—the last three after an 18th-Century politician, Charles James Fox. Chaucer refers to him as "Dan Russell."

There are two general types of foxes in the United States—red and gray. The red fox is native to the northeastern United States and Canada, the gray fox more to the south. English (red) foxes were imported to the Eastern Shore of Maryland in 1730 and spread widely. Red and gray foxes are now found in all but desert areas of the U. S. and Canada. The red and gray fox do not interbreed. Color variations of the red fox include the black, the silver and the cross (named for the dark cross on its back). The red fox is found in Europe, Asia and Africa. The gray fox occurs only in North America; it is the only fox that can actually climb trees. Foxes live from ten to twelve years.

The mask is the fox's head.

The brush is the fox's tail.

The pad is the fox's paw.

Traditionally, from among those of the Field present at a Toll," the Master awards the fox's mask to one of the gentlemen present (frequently a visitor), the brush to one of the ladies, and a pad each to others present, frequently children.

The chape (pronounced "chap") or the feathers is the cluster of white hairs at the end of a fox's tail.

A den, or earth is the fox's abode.

A covert (pronounced "cover") is a small wood, thicket, underbrush or similar place where foxes are sheltered and are apt to be found.

Gone to ground refers to a hunted fox getting into an underground den or culvert before hounds can get to him.

Stopping the earth refers to closing or blocking the entrance to a hole leading to a fox's den.

A straight necked fox is one which runs in a straight line for a long distance without resorting to trickery to throw the hounds off his line.

A breast high scent is one that is particularly good (strong). Scent is apt to be good when there is a gentle steady wind and the fox runs up-wind; when the barometer is steady or a little on the high side, when it is slightly damp, when frost is coming in; on grassland opposed to plowed land; early in the morning, when the ground is apt to be warmer than the air.

Down-wind means the fox is running in the direction the wind is blowing—with the wind.

Up-wind means the fox is running against the wind. HOUNDS—In the U. S. four breeds of hounds are used for hunting in packs: English, American, Crossbreed and Penn-Marydel.

The American fox hound differs from the English largely in these respects: He has a louder and deeper bay (cry) and uses it more often and freely when on the line of a fox; he has a better nose for the scent; he is lighter and smaller; he has a "hare" foot (as against the "cat" foot of the English hound). These characteristics of the American hound are suited well to the hilly, wooded country of the American countryside, the rough going and comparatively dry climate.

To train young hounds, they are usually coupled to older hounds. The couples or couplings are collars joined by metal links.

The number of hounds are referred to as so many couples, e.g., ten hounds would be referred to as five couples, eleven hounds as five and a half couples. In practice the s is usually dropped.

The most important attributes of a good fox hound are:

A good nose (ability to follow a scent)—hounds are born with, or inherit this, but the ability can be sharpened by training and hunting.

Speed—Depends upon scent. "A hound is no faster than his nose."

Stamina—Largely a matter of good conformation and condition.

Obedience—The willingness to hunt with a pack,  respect the huntsmen's horn and voice is affected by disposition and temperament, but is largely a matter of training.

Usually hounds are divided for hunting into fox hounds and drag hounds, but sometimes the same hounds hunt fox and follow a dragged scent.

Where a hunt has a large pack, frequently the male hounds are hunted together (the dog pack) and on other days, the female hounds (the bitch pack).

Hounds in their first season of hunting are known as young entry.

Hounds' ears are frequently marked to show their breeding and ownership.

The dewlap is the pendulous fold of skin under the hound's neck.

Hackles are the long hairs on the back of the hound's neck.

The fox hound's bay or cry, when working on a scent, is referred to variously as: giving tongue, speaking, honoring the line and as music.

Blooding hounds means encouraging them to break up their fox after they have caught him so that they will be more keen for the chase.

Roading hounds means to exercise them along a road or cross country at slow gaits. The hunt staff may be mounted or on foot.

Walking (putting hounds out at walk) means turning young hounds over to members of the hunt or farmers, for care and exercise until they are ready to be trained and used for hunting. THE HUNTER (the horse)—The Hunter is not a distinct breed of horse. Actually, any horse that follows hounds cross country over fences is a hunter. Usually, however, they are Thoroughbreds or have a large infusion of Thoroughbred blood.

The height of hunters, for adults, is usually 16 to 16.3 hands. They range in weight usually from 1100 to 1250 pounds. A lightweight hunter carries up to 165 lbs.; a middleweight up to 185 lbs., and a heavyweight up to 205 lbs.

During the hunting season, hunters are usually clipped, except for their legs and often the saddle area. The legs are not clipped in order to provide protection and because the legs do not sweat.

A red ribbon on a horse's tail means that he is a kicker—beware.

A hunter's mane is usually braided—in even numbers for mares, odd for geldings.

Chief characteristics of a good hunter are:
Reliability in jumping all types of obstacles, especially strange ones.

"Honest" jumper, jumping in stride and off hocks in trappy places. Surefootedness across country of all kinds. A good stride and speed (way of going). Comfortable gaits.

Good manners (calm, even temperament and disposition). Endurance—physical soundness and good conformation.

TACK—The hunting bridle has a plain leather brow band and a caves son nose band. The weight varies according to the bit used, but usually it weighs about 3 lbs.

The bit is a snaffle with laced reins, a Pelham (generally of the "Tom Thumb" or short shank variety) with double reins not laced, or a bit and bridoon ("double" or "full" bridle) double and not laced.

Reins are (preferably) sewn to the bit or attached with studs, not buckles. Rubber reins are not used.
 
Martingales are of either the "Standing" or "Running" variety. There is also an Irish "Martingale" which simply couples the reins together to prevent them flying over the horse's head in taking high bank jumps.

The saddle is of the type that is referred to as "English" or "Flat." The flaps of the saddle may be relatively straight or of the forward seat variety. The underside is most usually lined with leather, but sometimes with cloth. It is heavy and rugged. The weight varies according to construction, size and age, but it usually weighs about 16 lbs.

Stirrup Irons are large, workmanlike and well polished.

Girths most generally used are leather—Folded, Lonsdale, Balding and Fitzwilliam.

The billet guards under the saddle flaps are pulled down to cover the girth buckles.

A hunting breastplate is frequently used to prevent the saddle slipping to the rear. It is a leather strap encircling the horse's neck and attached to the saddle by a strap to the girth under his belly and two small straps near the pommel of the saddle.

The sandwich ease is carried on the off side of the cantle.

The flask is carried on the near side of the pommel.

THE HUNT STAFF-The Hunt Staff consists of the Master of Fox Hounds (MFH); the huntsman (unless the Master hunts the hounds), usually a professional—if not a professional, he is referred to as the Honorary Huntsman; two or more whippers-in (frequently referred to as whips)—either professional or honorary; a field master. The Honorary Secretary is an important member of the hunt, but not technically a member of the Hunt Staff.

Master and Huntsman carry a short, straight, metal horn, usually between the first and second buttons of their field coat, or in a leather saddle case. Some Southern hunts still retain the cow horn.

The Huntsman carries wire cutters and a pocket knife on his saddle.

The Whippers-in carry a set of couples on the off side of their saddies and a spare stirrup leather outside of their coats over the right shoulder and under the left arm, buckled in front with the point of the strap down.
All members of the Hunt Staff carry hunting whips.
The term the master carries the horn means that the Master himself hunts the hounds rather than employing a professional huntsman.

THE FIELD—The field are all of the mounted members at a hunt meeting other than the Hunt Staff. They are composed of members of the hunt, subscribers, landowners and their invited guests.

The Field is usually controlled by a field master. The Field must adhere strictly to the Field Master's instructions and be careful not to get ahead of him except on his direction.

It is important that all members of the Field are properly turned out. (See DRESS.)

ETIQUETTE—Greet the Master on arrival at the meet by raising your hat and saying, "Good morning, Master." When the day's sport is over, thank the Master, the Huntsman and the Field Master for your day's sport.

Be careful not to jump a fence if there is danger of harming a hound.

If hounds come upon you from the rear, say, "Ware Hounds" (for "Beware").

If a member of the Hunt Staff wishes to pass, say, "Way for the Huntsman"; (Make way).

Give the person ahead of you room to fall.

When you are headed for a panel, jump that one and do not cross over. A panel is a jumpable section of fence.

When riding through the woods, brush by branches and twigs (and duck under them)—do not hold a branch or twig; if you do it will snap back in the face of the rider behind.

If you view a fox in sight of a member of the Hunt Staff, say nothing, but remove your hat and with it point in the direction the fox has gone.

When in the vicinity of hounds, or hounds are passing, turn your horse's head toward them to avoid the possibility of kicking.

Remain quiet at covert-side and at check avoid disturbing any stock at pasture.

DRESS—The origin of the scarlet hunting coat is somewhat obscure. The version most generally accepted by hunting men and those who have made a study of the subject, is that scarlet was used by early fox hunters to distinguish themselves from the harriers and stag hunters who traditionally wore green and sometimes blue or gray. Scarlet was probably popular because of the predominance of this color in the English military uniform. Also, Henry II decreed stag hunting a royal sport and that members of the hunt should wear the royal livery-scarlet. Previous to the ascendancy of fox hunting, the hunting uniforms, as a rule, were tailored in the colors of the Master's livery.

The term Pink, so frequently used to describe the scarlet hunting coat is not slang for scarlet as is generally assumed; it has nothing to do with color. The term derived from the popularity of a fashionable gentlemen's tailor by the name of Pink, famous for his fine sporting turnouts early in the 19th century. The term Pink appears in writing at the time but was little used prior to the advent of the tailor. In any event, Mr. Pink seems to have emphasized and popularized his name among the hunting set of his time—and since!

The term ratcatcher refers to informal hunting dress as opposed to formal hunting attire—a tweed jacket, an ordinary felt hat or cap, brown boots, etc.

DRESS in the hunting field is a matter of custom which may vary somewhat in different hunting countries—but, as a rule, the following is customary and considered correct:

In America, Scarlet is worn only by gentlemen members of the hunt awarded their buttons and colors by the Master. (In rare instances, ladies who are Masters of Fox Hounds have worn scarlet.) Other than scarlet, the correct color of the coat worn at formal meetings is black. While scarlet is traditionally associated with fox hunting and is most universally worn, in some instances, the formal hunting coat worn by members who have been awarded their colors is other than scarlet, such as blue, gray, yellow, etc. This, however, is more common in England where these other colors have been handed down from the livery of an early Master.

The black velvet hunting cap is worn only by members of the Hunt Staff, the Honorary Secretary, former Masters of Fox Hounds and children.
The ribbons on the back of the hunting cap are conventionally worn hanging down below the cap by professionals—up by others.

The breeches are traditionally and nearly always white and of heavy material—not cotton polo breeches. Some hunts, however, prescribe, as uniform for their members, rust or buff color breeches.

The boot garter, for men in scarlet, should be the same color as the breeches—therefore, generally white. Women, however, wear black patent leather boot garters. Men wearing black coats, also wear black boot garters.

Formal hunting boots for men are black with tan or russet tops. These should not be worn with the black hunting jacket. In this case, the boots are black without tops. Women's formal hunting boots are black with black patent leather tops.

Plain heavy spurs—with moderate shanks—should be worn with formal attire.

Gentlemen wearing scarlet—who are not members of the Hunt Staff —wear a silk top hat with a scarlet cord. Others wear bowlers (derby) with a black cord. Women wear a bowler with a black cord. (As previously stated, children generally wear hunting caps.)

The stock pin should be plain and worn horizontally (in order to avoid being stuck by it in the event of a fall).

Following is a memorandum on correct hunting attire circulated to its members by a long and well established New York hunt:

CORRECT HUNTING ATTIRE

(During the Regular Season)

GENTLEMEN:

Those invited by the Masters to wear the Hunt buttons and colors:

Top hat with scarlet cord

Scarlet coat with metal Hunt buttons, and Hunt colors on collar

Yellow vest

White Hunting stock with horizontal plain pin
White twill breeches
Black boots with tan tops
White boot garters
Blunt spurs (no rowels)
Hunting whip

Those who have not yet been invited to wear the Hunt colors: Black bowler (derby) with black cord Black coat

Yellow or tattersall waistcoat Hunting stock with horizontal plain pin Grey, rust or buff breeches Plain black boots, no tops and black boot garters Blunt spurs

Only members of the Hunt Staff, former masters of recognized hunts and Juniors may wear hunting caps.

Tan top boots are worn only with scarlet coats. Patent leather tops are under no circumstances worn by gentlemen.

Professionals, whether subscribers or "capping," wear the same attire as the other members of the Hunt—grooms and second horsemen wear ratcatcher.

LADIES:

Those invited by the Masters to wear the Hunt buttons and colors: Black bowler (derby) with black cord. Black coat with colors on collar, black bone Hunt buttons Yellow vest with metal Hunt buttons White hunting stock with horizontal plain pin Canary or buff twill breeches Black boots with black patent leather tops, blunt spurs

Those who have not yet been invited to wear the Hunt colors:

The same, with the exception of colors, and buttons on coat and vest, which will be plain black bone, for coat, plain metal for vest.
JUNIORS:

Those invited by the Masters to wear the Hunt buttons and colors: Same as ladies, with the exception of plain boots for boys, and hunting caps in all cases.

Those who have not yet been invited to wear the Hunt buttons and colors: Black hunting cap Black coat Yellow vest

Hunting stock with horizontal plain pin Grey, buff or canary breeches

Black boots, plain for boys, patent leather tops for girls Blunt spurs

ALL:

Gloves—tan leather, or, in wet weather, yellow or white string, will be worn.

LORE

MR. JORROCKS is a famous mythical character who freely dispensed good advice on hunting in cockney. He was created by the noted English hunting author, R. S. SURTEES.

JOHN PEEL is a famous Old English foxhunting song composed by

JOHN WOODCOCK GRAVES.

For origin of the term PINK see "Dress" in this section.

It is traditional to pull on the LEFT BOOT first.

ORGANIZED HUNTS

The governing body of foxhunting in the United States is the MASTERS OF FOXHOUNDS ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA.

In the United States there are approximately 100 hunts recognized by the Masters of Foxhounds Association. A list of these is published annually by The Chronicle. 

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