The early hunting (cubbing season) has now begun and now there’s only a month to go before the opening meet! If you’ve always wanted to try hunting, now’s the time – it’s not as scary as you think!

Here’s a few handy tips to get you started:

1. When/where to hunt. Find your local hunt by looking online, ask at the pony or riding club. You are able to hunt a few days a season without being a full subscriber, this information will be available on your local hunts website or by calling the hunt secretary.
2. Dress code. In cubbing season, tweed jacket, tie, shirt and pale breeches. At and after the opening meet, black or navy jacket with pale breeches. Always wear a hairnet!
3. Horse’s Dress code. They should be turned out to a high standard, plaiting in the main season is preferable out of respect. Black/Brown shaped numnah.
4. Learn the etiquette. Before you go, ask a friend or look online for hunting terms and sayings so that you know what’s going on. First rule: Never overtake the field master. Second Rule: never let your horse kick a hound.
5. Be safe. Hunting can be great fun as long as you and your horse are safe. Watch out for horses with red ribbons (means they might kick). The back is usually slower, so if it is your first time, you might want to stay there to see how your horse copes.