Understand the Hunting Lingo
A Glossary of terms you may hear whilst out hunting with the drag hunt.
“Hounds please”
Usually called at the meet and means the pack (as opposed to a single hound) is coming through. Please move out of the way and turn your horse’s head to face them.
“Ware hole on the left/right”
This means that someone has spotted a rabbit hole on their left or right hand side. Pass the warning back down the field.
“Ware wire on the left/right”
This means that someone has spotted wire, and you should pass the warning back down the field.
“Hold hard” (often accompanied by a raised hand)
When you hear this you must stop your horse immediately, and quickly pass the message back behind you.
“Headland please”
You must stay on the very edge of the field, usually to protect growing crops or wet grazing land. Please pass the warning back down the field.
“Gate please”
This means that the last person through must shut the gate. Again you must pass the message back through the field and if you are at the back, either shut the gate, or assist the person doing so. Avoid galloping off and leaving the person shutting the gate, especially if they have dismounted, as they may end up stranded with an over excited horse.
“Car please”
This means that a car is trying to get through. Move over let them past.
“Hound/Whip on the left/right”
This usually means that a hound and/or whip is coming through the field behind you. If you hear this shout you should move away to the opposite side, and keep your horses head faced to the hound/whip to avoid kicking them.
“Bridge”
This means that the field is crossing a bridge. A wet wooden bridge can be very slippery and if you hear this shout you should pull up to a walk, walk across the bridge, and make sure that the person behind you has crossed before galloping on.
Cap – the terminology ‘cap’ means your hunting fee. A secretary will come around and collect your cap at the start of the hunt.
The Quarry – this is the terminology used for the two or three cross-country runners that the hounds follow using their scent.