ABOUT HUNTING WITH THE NORTHERN HUNT CLUB

The Northern Hunt Club has been a drag hunt bringing an experience similar to British or Irish Fox hunting to Tasmania since its inception in 1953.  The aim of riding to hounds is for a group of disciplined horses and riders to enjoy a day of non-competitive riding following hounds across country in a congenial atmosphere.  The pride we show in our Club is reflected in the attitude and presentation of members and their horses.

We are generously allowed the use of hunt properties across Northern Tasmania from Elizabeth Town to Epping Forest.  A Facebook event page is created for each hunt including all details, and the red hunt club flag will be displayed at the entrance to each property on hunt days.  Out of respect for property owners, please do not bring dogs or hay to hunts.  

Hunting generally starts at 11am, after morning tea and registration from 10am when the property gates are opened.  The Master will call for riders to mount and warm up their horses around 10.45am and at 11am will welcome all riders and give instructions for the day.  The hunt sets off soon after.  Spectators are welcome to follow the hunt in 4WD vehicles.

Our hounds are trained to follow scent (aniseed) traditionally laced onto a piece of hide and dragged on a long rope behind a rider.  Nothing is chased and nothing is caught.  Most jumps are natural logs and optional.

The Hunt field is headed by the Hunt Master, who is assisted by Whippers-in.  They control the hounds and must not be interfered with in any way.  To ensure this, drag hunts appoint a Field Master or Field Mistress, who is identified by a white sash, to lead the field. 

Riders can choose to canter at the front or go sedately at the back.  Riders in the field are not to pass the Field Master/Mistress, and if they do so, will be “fined” a bottle of port (or cordial in the case of children).  A $2 “fine” also applies to falls and calling the hounds “dogs”!

We welcome new riders to try hunting.  Hunting is a friendly non-competitive sport and it’s a great way to encourage a horse to jump and to be able to ride on private land in a safe environment.

ETIQUETTE

The existence of the Hunt Club relies on the generosity of Land Owners.  We should all consider ourselves as their guests for the day and show them due respect.  Quite frequently we park our cars and floats in their ‘backyard’ and it is the responsibility of every Member to ensure that we leave it as clean as when we arrived. 

At the commencement of each hunt the Hunt Master will assemble the field and explain the Hunt of the day.  Show her your undivided attention and LISTEN.  This applies to spectators as well as riders.  Also, it is traditional to toast the landowner/s during the Hunt and again show your respect by not talking during the toast.

• Listen to the Hunt Master both at the start and during the hunt.
• The Hunt Master must only be addressed as "Master" at hunts.
• Take care of roadways and pastures when driving on the property.
• All riders MUST REGISTER prior to the hunt.
• No feeding of horses outside of floats; no hay allowed and all manure to be removed.
• If your horse has any tendency to kick, it must wear a red ribbon on its tail.
• Pay attention to warnings and directions from the Field Master/Mistress.  Ensure that you never pass the Field Master/Mistress (fines apply).
• Whips have a right of way; give way when they call “Whip coming through”.
• Be very respectful around the hounds, keep well back wherever possible.
• Inexperienced riders should stay towards the back of the field; request assistance if needed.  Junior riders must ride under the supervision of an adult.
• If you cannot control your horse steer it out to the side of the field rather than through it, then circle away to regain control.
• Do not charge through the field – maintain the position you start in for each run.  Do not crowd at gateways.
• If you need to leave the field, you must request permission from the Hunt Master.
• Report any property damage or stock injury immediately.
• Follow all Covid-19 precautions as outlined in the NHC Covid-19 Safety Plan.

DRESS

The Club requires a reasonable standard of dress from members as follows:

• Riding helmet complying to current EA standards (essential).
• Light coloured breeches or jodhpurs; riding boots or jodhpur boots; shirt & tie or stock, jacket or jumper.
• Safety vest encouraged.
• Safe, well-fitted and appropriate tack.
• NHC hunter green & red saddle blankets can be purchased through the club.
• Members who have been recognised for significant service to the club are invited by the Master to wear the club’s “Colours”.  Gentlemen who have been awarded colours may wear a “pink” riding coat with an emerald green collar; ladies and gentlemen are invited to wear an emerald green collar on their normal riding jacket (preferably black).  NOTE that red jackets (‘pinks’) may only be worn on request from the Master. 

If you have suitable hunting dress the club expects you to wear this at events.

MORNING TEA, BBQ LUNCH AND RAFFLES AT HUNTS

The Hunt Club provides tea & coffee prior to the start of the Hunt, however we request that members bring their own mug or cup wherever possible.  In addition to this, we rely on the generosity of members to bring a plate of scones, cakes, sandwiches etc., whenever possible.

The club has a well-appointed BBQ trailer available at every hunt for members to cook up a feast on their return from a day’s hunting.  We appreciate offers to help transport the BBQ trailer from Junction Farm to other hunt venues.  Bring along whatever you’d like to indulge in and cook for yourself.  It is a wonderful opportunity to catch up socially, get to know fellow hunting devotees and share experiences from the day’s hunting. 

Weekly raffles contribute a substantial amount of money towards the Club’s ongoing costs (primarily the hounds!) and we urge you to support them.  The prizes are all kindly donated by members each week and the raffle drawn towards the end of lunch – please consider the occasional donation.  Small or large items and anything of use or interest is welcomed – please bring donations with you when you register.

SPECTATORS’ NOTES

If you wish to follow the Hunt then this is usually practical, however, some properties may require a four-wheel drive to get around.  Often cars following the hunt have spare seats and passengers are welcome so please ask if you’d like to join another vehicle.

The following points should be observed when following a hunt:

• Travel in a convoy.
• Respect all roads and pasture.
• Do not cross “drag” tracks.
• Make sure that all gates are left as found.
• Keep yourself, your vehicle and children clear of the Hunt course and in particular, jumps and gates.
• Photography appreciated and may be shared on our facebook page.

INSURANCE  -  RIDERS PLEASE TAKE NOTE

The Northern Hunt Club does not cover your accident insurance; you ride at your own risk. 

Riders must register prior to the Hunt to be covered for Public Liability Insurance. 

The Northern Hunt Club is affiliated with Equestrian Australia for insurance purposes.  The club recommends riders hold their own accident insurance – Equestrian Australia participant membership gives 24/7 personal accident insurance and is highly recommended.

MAJOR FUNDRAISER – RECYCLING BATTERIES

The club’s major fundraiser is an ongoing collection of old batteries for recycling, with the collection point being Junction Farm.  Please support our hounds by supporting this initiative – they are the heart of our club and as adorable as they are, unfortunately they do consume the majority of our club’s funds. 

Bring used batteries (beg them from friends and family) to hunts to be recycled or contact a committee member to make alternative arrangements.

MEMBERSHIP & SUBSCRIPTIONS

Membership of the Northern Hunt Club costs $50 and gives access to discounted ride fees.  Members may purchase a season ticket which covers all hunts and trail rides held or a 6-ride ticket covering 6 hunts or trail rides.  Student and couple rates are also available.  Alternatively, members may ride at any individual hunt or trail ride for $35 and non-members for $45.  Membership forms are available on the club's Facebook page. 

COMMUNICATION

The Northern Hunt Club has an active Facebook page where events are advertised with specific event pages and other information is communicated.  We will also regularly email important information as we recognise not all members use Facebook.

To be included on the mailing list, please send an email to the Secretary on the club’s email address – [email protected].

Search for and request to join The Northern Hunt Club on Facebook – this is a public group.

Members who supply mobile phone numbers may be sent urgent and timely information by text, such as if a hunt is cancelled at late notice.  This information will also be advertised on Facebook as soon as possible.

Members are invited to share photos from NHC events on the Facebook page.

Tally Ho!

from the NORTHERN HUNT CLUB 2026 COMMITTEE

Email: [email protected]