Practical information

This is where you can find out how trail hunting actually works and why trail hunting might be the most enjoyable sport for you and your horse.

You can also find out what to wear and how to set about planning your day with the West Norfolk Hunt.

How does trail hunting work?

The trail layer sets off and will lay trails by dragging a rag dipped in scent behind them. The hounds then try to locate the start of the trail and hunt it. The Field (riders), led by the Field Master (typically in a red coat), follow the hounds wherever they go. Sometimes the Huntsman will know where the planned route is but not always. This provides great sport and interest for all involved. We lift and drop the scent throughout the trail which provides natural "checks" where hounds slow up to search for the scent. This ensures we do not go too quickly and ensures a really nice pace for the day without going too fast for long blasts.

Jumps and pace

We have days with lots of jumps and some with almost none. They are never compulsory and always well built, permanent fences, maintained all year round by our professional team at the kennels. The heights of our rails tend to be 70-90cm but at the Little Massingham meet, rails are 100cm+ and some big (and small) hedges to tackle if you want to get that special hedge photo!

Some meets will have a number of ditches (often south of the A47) which are fun to jump but as tractors can't yet jump ditches (!), there is always a way around.

The overall pace of our day is like a fun hack, There will be some canters, some trotting and some nice walks. We have lots of time where we stand and rest which is a great time to meet people and share hipflasks. We do not lay continuous trails and may often hack across country to access the next trail.

What to wear

To start off with, wear whatever you have. Please do not purchase hunting specific kit until you feel you want to!

During Autumn Hunting (before the Opening Meet) we wear Ratcatcher (tweed jackets and a tie), From the Opening Meet, we wear a black or blue (ladies only) warm wool hunt coat with a white or cream stock. A tweed jacket with a coloured stock is also an option during the main season. Breeches should be some shade of beige and boots plain and black. Gloves, a traditional hunt whip and a hipflask complete your look!

Horses' tack should be as plain as possible. The aim is to blend into a hedgerow rather than stand out from it! For the grander meets, manes are plaited and whilst many plait for every meet, it is by no means essential. The most important thing if you look neat and tidy out of respect for landowners, tradition and those who have arranged your day. If in doubt, just ask!

Etiquette

The world of hunting has etiquette in its DNA but don't worry, you soon pick it up and realise it is all founded in good manners and safety.

Hounds comes first. Always give space for hounds to pass and keep your horse's head turned towards them.
The Huntsman and Whipper In get priority. Give them space to pass easily and again, keep your horse's head facing towards them.
Novice horses should have a green ribbon in their tail.
Horses known to kick must have a red ribbon in and kept away from other horses. Ideally they are best suited to other careers rather than hunting!
Car followers must stay on public roads and make space for all riders to get ahead of them and let other road users pass easily. Never drive on private tracks unless you have express permission from the landowner.
If you stop when jumping, get out of the way asap and wait until the end to have another go if you wish.
Allow space between each horse jumping.
If you break a fence, report it some someone in a red coat immediately and be prepared to follow it up late in the day with a message showing the location.

Arriving...

Arrive with your horse tacked up and ready to get on 15 minutes sooner than you think!

You should have already booked in with the Secretary and paid your cap online by the night before.

Everyone hunting must have their own third party liability insurance. Do not come out without it!

As a rule of thumb, head to those in red coats to say 'Good Morning' - it's the Huntsman and the Masters you need to catch. This is firstly out of respect to the hounds and secondly, so the Field Master knows who is out and is able to welcome you properly!

Meets begin at 11am with port and sausage rolls and a catch up with friends, old and new. Don't be shy - Norfolk is a very friendly place to hunt and you will always be made to feel welcome.

Once you move off, around 11.20am, stick with the Field as you are only allowed to go wherever the Field Master leads. They are the only ones who know which fields we can (or cannot) go on and it is important that we all do keep up and remain in the correct places.

....and leaving

Whilst most come back with hounds mid afternoon, there are always those who need to get away earlier. When leaving before the hounds, please find the Field Master and say 'Goodnight' so they know you are heading off. Chances are there will be others wanting to peel away so head back to the parking, only going on land you have already been on that day. Never take new routes as they may not be open to the Hunt. If in doubt, head for public roads and ride back that way.

At the end of the day's hunting, there will be tea for all and nothing is more welcome than a hot drink and sandwich after a day in the saddle.

Children

Hunting is one of the best ways to develop confidence and skill for children. It is very important to start with the right pack of hounds and choose a quieter day where children and their ponies are not overfaced by too many people around them or a fast day.

The West Norfolk has lots of suitable meets which will be a great introduction to riding to hounds. The Secretaries can recommend a good meet. We can also put you in touch with qualifed BHS Instructor Janine, herself a mother and pony club instructor, who you can book to nanny your child on a one to one basis out on the hunting field.

There is no age limit for children coming out hunting but no child should go out unattended until it has been agreed with the Secretary that it is appropriate to do so, please.

All children should ride with a mobile phone and their parents should make themselves known to the Field Secretary on the day and make sure they are on hand if needs be!

Photographs

We often have professional photographers with us and you can purchase photographs from their websites. Our main two photographers are Matthew Olley and Lenny Blakemore. Click on their names to see photos of recent days out with the West Norfolk Hunt.

Good company!

Hunting is a social past time and we all started off somewhere, probably not knowing anyone!

Everyone is welcome to hunt with the West Norfolk and it is a great way to meet new faces and make lifelong friends.