in Hunting. More specifically earning or wearing colors at a hunt?? I am not even sure if I am giving you enough info in this question to get the answer I am looking for!
I have loved horses all my life - but don’t know much about hunting. I am so intrigued and do have an out of state friend who hunts. (Hi Kim!) I love to read about her adventures and just wanted to learn more.
TIA
The privilege of wearing a hunt’s buttons and/or distinctive collar is awarded at the discretion of the Master(s). It’s an honor, and also brings with it responsibility for the wearer. It means the Master(s) consider you a valued member of the hunt, based on your participation year 'round in supporting the hunt, and your abilities in the hunt field. Other riders should be able to look to you to solve little problems as they arise during a hunting day. You know the country, and the landowners, and help to keep them happy.
During the hunting day, those with colors are entitled to ride ‘up front’ in the field, with the caveat that when hounds are running, and a member with colors is Too Slow, ‘anyone’ in the field may pass them-safely- and the Real Member With Colors knows that. You do get some uppity folks who think otherwise- but they are wrong.
Let me just add that earning one’s colors is certainly an honor, and a nice touch- but it isn’t, or shouldn’t be, a ‘make or break’ for anyone. I’ve earned them with two hunts and have honorary colors from a beagle pack. But- you can have just as much fun hunting without colors as with, in my 38 years of experience!
from the Marlborough Hunt Club website;
"One of the greatest honors a Hunt can bestow on a Hunting Member is to award them the privilege of wearing the Hunt Club’s individual colors. This entitles them to wear a special collar and buttons on their hunt coat, gentlemen and Staff can wear a pink coat, as well as different boot tops, brown for anyone wearing a pink coat and black patent leather for ladies. Awarding of individual Hunt Colors is completely a Master’s prerogative. Master’s often follow a set of guidelines in determining a candidate for colors. Prerequisites may include hunting regularly to permit a proper evaluation of the individual’s qualifications, participating in Hunt events and assisting with the affairs of the Hunt. Any member awarded colors should, in the opinion of the Master, be a person knowledgeable of Foxhunting etiquette, and a proficient rider, who when hunting with any Hunt, would not be an embarrassment to their club. The Marlborough Hunt Club also awards colors to it’s Social Membership who have done great service to the club. "
Traditions vary amongst hunts.
honors & duties
but it is not all riding just “nearer” the front
if you have a good sense of direction you could find your self an occasional field master
off set by…
for sure the master[s] will make use of your talent with request for help in keeping the club afloat.
behind the pageantry the job jar is never empty
those that have been awarded their colors display to all they know this and have been willing helpers.
[QUOTE=Beverley;4274893]
I’ve earned them with two hunts and have honorary colors from a beagle pack.[/QUOTE]Mr. Blondie’s beagles??
[QUOTE=armandh;4276498]
for sure the master[s] will make use of your talent with request for help in keeping the club afloat.[/QUOTE]Which in my case means persistently recruiting other hilltoppers so that I have someone to ride with at the back of the pack!! :lol: :lol: :lol:
You do what you gotta do to get the job done.
No, though I do enjoy Mr. Blondie’s beagles immensely when I have the chance! From Waldingfield, the year they won the WC and I whipped in.
Tri colored
I have colors with a Beagle pack, Basset pack, and a Foxhunt. Expensive getting all those coats. I was lucky on the basset pack as my Father-in-law had colors with them. He is deceased now and I was able to alter his coat for $50 so that it fits reasonably well. It’s still nice and roomy so I can layer lots of warm clothes under it.
Basically you have to contribute to the hunt in some fashion. It varies from hunt to hunt. The Beagle pack I walk out hounds and have cleaned kennels on many an occasion. I also hunt the hounds.
The Basset pack I have whipped for for three seasons and hosted several hunts offering a warm meal afterwards.
The foxhunt club I do the newsletters, the photography, hunt reports, donate to the silent auction, hosted brunches etc. I have also given my horse up to a staff member and took her lame horse in. I walked hounds many a time. Took 5 seasons to get my colors.
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