Proper Etiquette

HORSES

Horses should be clean, well groomed and presentable. Manes should be neatly pulled. Braiding is appropriate for Opening and Joint Meets.

TACK:
Tack should be clean and polished.
BRIDLE:
Brown leather, single or double with noseband. Flat hunting bridle
is most appropriate. Colored or ornamental browbands are not acceptable.
SADDLE:
Brown leather. Saddle pad should be white, buff or canary and saddle-shaped.
BREASTPLATE:
Optional
MARTINGALE:
Optional, standing or running with 'Stops'
GIRTH:
Leather. Clean string, cloth or fleece covers are acceptable.
ACCESSORIES:
Figure eight and flash nosebands, bell and shin boots, gel and cushion saddle
pads should be used sparingly and only when required for the health and safety
of the horse.

HUNT ETIQUETTE

  • Arrive at the meet properly attired and mounted in sufficient time to move
    off with the hounds at the appointed hour.
  • Upon arriving at the meet, it is traditional to greet the Master(s) and staff.
  • Guests may hunt with the prior approval of the Master(s). Prepare your guest
    by informing him/her of proper hunt attire and etiquette. At the meet, introduce
    him/her to the Field Master and Field Secretary and pay the capping fee to the
    Field Secretary before the hunt. This will allow the Field Secretary to secure
    the required release and avoid embarrassing your guest by having to be asked
    for the capping fee. It is your responsibility to remain with your guest throughout the hunt.
  • If you wish to go out with another hunt, it is always necessary to contact the Master of that
    hunt to request permission. Do not wear your colors at another hunt without permission. A formal
    black coat without colors is proper. Most Joint meets are restricted to riders with colors only.
    If in doubt, check with the Master(s) of your hunt.
  • The Master, Hunt Staff and Hounds should be given the right of way at all times.
    Always turn your horse so that its head is facing the hounds and staff as they pass.
  • Never speak to or call hounds.
  • Do not engage in loud conversation while in the hunt field. Speak softly and briefly in order
    not to distract the hounds or staff.
  • Do not open your flask in the Forest Preserve or on the Prairie Path
  • Never ride over crops or planted fields.
  • Always be courteous and friendly to the public. A smile or wave promotes the good
    of our sport. Do not impede traffic unnecessarily. When crossing roads, cross as
    one group, quickly. Public relations are everyone's responsibility.
  • If you need to leave the field for any reason prior to the end of the hunt, always ask the
    Field Master for permission to be excused. Get Directions on how to return in order
    to avoid interfering with the hunt. Should circumstances prevent you from reaching the
    Field Master, ask another rider to notify the Field Master of your departure.
  • It is traditional to thank your Field Master and the Staff at the end of the day.

    PROPTER HUNTING ATTIRE

    Cubbing and Weekdays
    COAT: Ratcatcher, tweed or conservative color (buttoned)
    VEST: Optional
    SHIRT: Colored with necktie, stock, or choker (Turtlenecks acceptable on weekdays)
    BREECHES: Tan, Rust, or earthtones
    BOOTS: Brown or black, field or dress (No brown or patent leather tops)

    Formal (Weekend Hunts beginning with Opening Meet & Thanksgiving)

    Members without Colors
    COAT: Formal black or frock (Buttoned)
    VEST: Canary or tattersall
    SHIRT: White with white stock tie and plain gold safety pin
    BREECHES: Tan, buff, rust or canary
    BOOTS: Dress Black

    Gentlemen with Colors
    COAT: Scarlet with canary yellow collar and scarlet piping (Buttoned)
    VEST: Canary or tattersall
    SHIRT: White with white stock tie and plain gold safety pin
    BREECHES: White
    BOOTS: Dress Black with brown tops

    Ladies with Colors
    COAT: Black or navy with canary yellow collar and scarlet piping (buttoned)
    VEST: Canary or tattersall
    SHIRT: White with white stock tie and plain gold safety pin
    BREECHES: Tan, buff, rust or canary
    BOOTS: Dress black with patent leather tops, dress black also acceptable

    Other Appointments
    HEADGEAR:
    Velvet covered hard hat with harness or traditional headgear (Top hat or bowler),
    hard hat without harness appropriate for staff only.
    BUTTONS:
    It is proper for members of the field to wear three buttons on the front of the
    coat. Masters and staff wear three black WDH Buttons.
    GLOVES: Dark brown or buff leather, or string
    HAIR: Hair should be neatly confined. Hairnets are most appropriate
    CROP: Hunt whip with thong or crop may be carried. (Never stuck in boot)
    RAINGEAR: raincoats may be worn with permission of the Master(s).
    PARKAS: Parkas are not acceptable.




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