Oh, no worries, I can find my copy when I get back, if hubby hasn’t rearranged the bookshelves again- headed out myself later today for some horse camping.
“During the summer you should get him used to the hunting whip. Never use a hunting whip or bat to discipline a hunter. Use spurs instead, if necessary, and he will not be whip-shy” -Page [6]
“Hunting Whip: Crop with thong and lash should be carried. (use a thong short enough that the horse cannot step on it if carried in the normal manner.)” -Page [9]
What about carrying the hunting whip without the lash and thong?
Silly. They are a bit too clunky to be used just for riding. The only real use is with a thong attached. What you describe is technically known as a crop, but it is now used to describe lighter riding whips with a flappy bit on the end instead of a lash and thong.
I’ve also heard of some hunts discouraging the riders in the field from carrying a hunt whip. That makes no sense to me whatsoever! A hunt whip is so perfectly designed for the field. The stag horn handle is super for grabbing a fallen item and for pulling gates, whacking tree branches etc. And the lash is very helpful, when dropped, in keeping hounds safely away from your horse’s heels. I would never discourage riders from carrying their hunt whip in the field with or without having received their colors yet!?! This past weekend we had a joint meet with a neighboring hunt and as is my custom I carried my hunt whip. Toward the end of the hunt the MFH asked if a couple capable members from my hunt could assist his huntsman rode hounds to the kennel truck as her whippers-in where out collecting hounds. I called to a fellow whipper-in from my home hunt to come forward and help us rode hounds. He apologized all over himself for not carrying his whip that day. He told me in private that he had always heard it encouraged to carry your whip even if you were not staffing and never found a need. But, after that hunt he said he’d never make that mistake again!
How to carry a hunt whip
Not that I plan to put this knowledge into practice anytime soon but how do you correctly carry a hunt whip? Left hand or right hand or does it matter? Do you fold the thong up and hold it against the whip?
Through the hand (thumb and forefinger) just below the top with two coils of lash. Reins up between 3rd and little finger and through with the whip. You tend to whip with your strong hand.
Thank you Ravencrest.
I think many hunts only allow members with colors to carry a whip because by then (one would hope) you “get it”. You understand when and how to use it and how to use it correctly, and you (should) have enough hunting knowledge to be able to be pressed into service if need be.
Especially if you are staff, you really should be carrying your whip all the time, just in case you are needed in the example Maple Meadows gave.
I can think of tons of reasons why one would not want people new to hunting or new members carrying hunt whips around.
I have yet to hunt with a club that does not allow the carrying of whips, so I’d really be intrigued to know who they might be!
I can’t think of a single reason to ban the carrying of whips. If some whipper in wannabe does something stupid with a whip, he/she can look forward to a good dressing down from Master and/or huntsman.
Even if a field member never ever envisions using it on or near hounds- there are a zillion other uses for it- leading horses, etc. AND- it is the well prepared field member who can be pressed into service by Master and/or huntsman to use that whip- even if it’s just holding up the pack while whippers-in go after stragglers, or using the thong to restrain an injured hound until help arrives.
PS… now I’m inspired to go re-read Wadsworth and see what else I disagree with! (No offense to Mr. Wadsworth, but the outstanding huntsman is not necessarily also a knowledgeable horse trainer!:)).
