What to expect on the day

Meets Start at 11.am, Most people have their horse tacked up and ready when arriving at the meet, Hounds wait for no one as the saying goes, so get there a good 20 minutes before. Trail hunting is a very sociable day and a great time to meet new friends and see old acquaintances.

As a polite way, look for those with red coats, these are the Masters, Huntsman, and whipper-In of The Suffolk Hounds and a "Good Morning" to all as you arrive. Find the Field Master and let him know you are joining us that day so he will then know who is out in the field.

A glass of port and sausage rolls is the start of your day, Once Hounds are off, you must stay behind your Field Master at all times, you can only go where ever they are as it is very important that we all keep up and stay in the correct places.

What do I wear

During Autumn Hunting, we wear Ratcatchers (tweed jackets & tie) from Opening Meet, we wear a black or blue (ladies only) warm wool hunt coat with a white or cream stock, some stay with their tweeds with a coloured stock. Breeches are beige and boots plain black. Gloves to keep your hands warm a traditional hunting whip and most carry a hipflask on their saddle.

Horses tack and accessories should be as plain as possible, your wanting to blend in to the county side not stand out. Manes are plaited but this again is not essential however most do on Lawn meets and opening meet.

When you first start we do not expect you to go out and buy all of this, get the bug and then add to your wardrobe, as long as you and your horse look smart, out of respect for the landowners & tradition, we want you to come and join us and enjoy the day.

Young Riders & Young Horses

The Suffolk Hounds hold suitable meets for the introduction of riding with Hounds.

We also run " The Class Of Hunting " which started back in 2021 to help and encourages people wanting to understand and learn about trail hunting.

We hold meets for beginners, pony club riders and those with young horses to build confidence with hounds and following in a group. The Secretaries can recommend these days which are much quieter for children on and off the lead rein. No rider is ever too young to go hunting but all children must be accompanied by an adult unless it has been agreed with the Secretary that it is appropriate to do so, parents/guardians must make themselves known at the meet.

The Suffolk Hounds also run hack ride days throughout the year to help you start riding with groups of horses, these are very steady days of walk and trot & ideal for young or green horses

EVERYONE HUNTING MUST HAVE THIER OWN THIRD PARTY LIABILITY INSURANCE keep a copy in your horse box.

Etiquette

* Always give way and space to Hounds, they come first, keep your horses head towards them

* The Huntsman and Whipper In get priority, you must give them space to pass any hounds following always say to the person in front "Hounds passing to your Left/Right please"

*Novice horses should have a green ribbon

* Horses known to kick MUST have a red ribbon and you are asked to make sure you keep away from other horses and ALWAYS face hounds

* If when jumping you STOP move out of the way asap & let all others pass before having another go

* If you break a fence, report it to someone in a red coat IMMEDIATELY

*Car followers MUST stay on public roads always make space for riders to get ahead & let other road uses pass easily. NEVER drive on private tracks.

*At the end of your day, (some do leave early others come home with Hounds) please remember to always say "Good Night" and let it be known you are leaving so we don't think you are missing from the field.

* There is so much more to learn, never feel you can not ask, we are all here to help.