MOCK HUNTS

Warlingham & District Horse Club (WDHC) Established in 1950

WDHC is unique as we are the only Club in the UK that hold Mock Hunts. We are very lucky to have the use of the fantastic facilities at Warren Barn Farm, Woldingham and to have connections with other local farmers.

The proposed dates and venues for the 2020 season, subject to arrangement, are as follows:-

2nd February - Beginners Mock Hunt - Warren Barn Farm

 
22nd March – Beginners Mock Hunt - Warren Barn Farm
 

26th April  - Mock Hunt closing meet - Park Farm Oxted

27th September -  Mock Hunt Opening Meet - Park Farm Oxted 

25th October - Mock Hunt – Warren Barn Farm

26th December - Boxing Day meet - Bull Common Chelsham

Please note, you must complete and sign this disclaimer before joining a mock hunt.

So what are Mock Hunts?
These take part during the Autumn/Winter seasons and are run by our most experienced members passing on their knowledge thus enabling all levels of horse and rider to participate.
 
The Mock Hunts involve a rider who is the Fox who wears a red jumper who will know a predetermined trail and will interpret a fox’s nature (where possible) and we will have riders as the Hounds who are counted in couples (pairs i.e. 2 and a half couple=5 hounds).  These are chosen by the number in the field (people riding) with priority to members of WDHC and their jumping ability. We will be looking for hounds to follow the fox (good riders who can jump without a lead) and the field (riders) stay behind the Field Master who then dictates the route and pace of the hunt which is done for your own safety and others when riding unknown country

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What to Wear
You must wear correct headwear and be turned out neatly.  A black jacket with a white stock and white or beige breeches or, a tweed jacket (known as Ratcatcher) with a shirt and tie, or a coloured stock, and beige breeches, together with riding boots, should be worn.  We also have a prize for the best turned out so it well worth the effort of plaiting up and wearing a hair net (where applicable).  We, also, advise you to wear back protectors, as with many events with horses, but this is not compulsory. We also have a paramedic, who follows us on our beginner mock hunts, just in case.

The Hunt Masters wear Red coats as do the Hunt Staff whilst Hunting Farmers wear Black coats, unless acting as a Hunt Master.

First Time Out
Warren Barn in Woldingham is ideal for beginners as the hunts are run on one large farm so easy to get back to the lorry park if you retire early i.e. throw a shoe, toilet break, horse/rider not fit enough etc. The postcode for Warren Barn Farm is CR3 7HN for those with a Satnav.  We have toilet facilities at Warren Barn but no refreshments so remember to bring your own (a hip flask comes in handy). Although you will always get the opportunity to have some mulled wine to warm you up before the off. It is important to ensure you are adequately dressed for the weather winter hunting can be really cold especially at the top of the Downs so wear plenty of layers and bring a hot drink for afterwards.

Etiquette
If you come by horse box or trailer, please ensure you park you vehicle considerately and on no account block a local resident’s drive. At Warren Barn Farm, there are ample parking facilities. Before the Hunt commences, you will receive a welcome message from the Hunt Master and it is important to listen to instructions and advice given at all times. If you have any questions, please ask. Always make way for the Master, hunt staff and hounds at all times.

Behaviour in the field goes without saying but you must obey the instructions of the Master, or his deputy, at all times. If your horse becomes excited and find yourself in front of the Master, turn away as soon as possible and rejoin the field further back. At all times allow sufficient space between you and the horse in front. Queue in an orderly fashion at set jumps and if your horse refuses, make way for others before trying again. There will always be somebody willing to give you a lead if required.

Generally, we meet at 10.30am for 11.00 but check the website or phone if in doubt i.e. due to weather conditions. The weather or ground has to be seriously bad before a hunt is cancelled so don’t worry.

If you haven’t been before, don’t be concerned, just let one of the Masters know and they will keep an eye on you or you can stay with them for support.

The cap is £15 for members and £25 for visitors. Payment is called a cap and is taken on the day so no advance payment is needed, just turn up.  As regards membership of the Club, this brings many benefits-see website.  In respect of the hunts, the cap for members is, as mentioned, £10. less than visitors so the annual fee is quickly recouped.  In addition, new members of Warlingham are invited to hunt twice with the Old Surrey Burstow & West Kent for only £25. per day compared with their usual visitor’s cap of £90. for weekdays and £120. for a Saturday.  A big saving which covers our membership fee a few times over. 
Important: If you are a novice or riding a novice horse you should wear a green ribbon if your horse is likely to kick wear a red ribbon.

All our jumps are optional at Warren Barn with a few on other hunts that may not be although they will not normally be any bigger than about 3ft.

Foot followers can also come along and we can point them in the direction of the best places to stand although they may want to bring some binoculars.

Finally, we aim for you to have a great day out with us.

Any enquiries on the Mock Hunts please ring:-
Mike Potts   Tel: 01883 627405 or Jean Bywater Tel: 07766 313850

Please note, you must complete and sign this disclaimer before joining a mock hunt.