Colors and Hunt Attire

The color of the Piscataqua Hounds is royal blue.  Staff with colors wear scarlet coats with four gold buttons and royal blue collars, white stock tie and waistcoats of royal blue with white breeches, and black boots which may have brown tops. Ladies with colors wear black coats with three buttons and royal blue collars, white stock tie and waistcoats of royal blue or canary or tattersall, with breeches of buff, tan, rust or beige. Gentlemen with colors wear scarlet coats with three gold buttons and royal blue collars, white stock tie with conservative stock pin and

waistcoats of royal blue, canary or tattersall with white breeches, and black boots which may have brown tops. Members without colors wear jackets of a dark conservative color with three buttons, white stock tie, conservative stock pin and waistcoat of canary or tattersall with breeches of buff, tan, rust, or beige.

During cubbing season, members may wear royal blue polo shirts with breeches of conservative color. Staff with colors wear red polo shirts. Cappers may wear white polo shirts with breeches of conservative color.  Members, staff, and cappers may also wear ratcatcher attire.

Junior colors are given at the discretion of the MFH. Junior members with colors wear dark jackets with, piping and patches.

 Piscataqua Hounds Buttons, which feature the head of a bridled horse encircled in a French hunting horn, are awarded by the MFH for service to the Hunt.

 Members with colors and/or  in another hunt who join Piscataqua in its inaugural year will be awarded colors upon payment of their subscription fee.

Foxhunting Etiquette 

LANDOWNERS Foxhunters must be very respectful of all the property we ride over. Do not ride the territories on non-hunting days without special permission. We close what we open (gates), put up what we take down (rails), report and repair what we damage. Make no telephone calls to the host of the day unless there is an emergency en route. Call the MFH instead with any questions.

HOUNDS have right of way at all times. There must be no talking while hounds are drawing scent. Only staff may direct hounds we must be silent in their presence, Stepping on a hound is the most serious transgression a rider can ever make.

STAFF has right of way, right after the hounds for whom they are responsible, and ahead of us. 'Ware staff means to turn your horse to face staff and back off the trail as they pass. We must also always stay behind the designated field master. If you wish to retire or move to another field, report your move to the Field Master. (You may have to ask another rider to relay the message, as you will likely be at the tail end of the field, and the Field Master will be at the front.) Nevertheless, you must make sure that she knows of your departure, as she feels responsible for your safety, and keeps count of her riders.

RIDERS must neither be a hazard to others, nor cause delays. Please be mounted and ready to move off at the designated time. If your horse is not under your control, you should excuse yourself and retire to the trailer area. If you are more capable or more fortunate, then show every consideration to riders on young or inexperienced horses. Take your turn at jumps, and If your horse refuses, move on quickly.

MEMBERS have the responsibility of setting a good example in all aspects of hunting, including turnout, riding, and particularly greeting and welcoming newcomers.

EVERYONE Bring a muck bucket and fork and shovel, and pick up any manure that you find around your trailer, even if it looks old. We can't help leaving a few tire tracks, but we can treat the environment with respect, especially in the parking area, and NEVER leave manure, or litter. Also bring a delicious potluck to share at the tailgate tea after the hunt. Finger foods and healthy snacks are good. Avoid food that might spoil in the sun.

"SAFETY FIRST" is the rule in the hunt field Here are some suggestions to keep you safe:
Remember that foxhunting is not a competition. You don't need to try to outdo others. Fox hunting is a field sport for everyone to enjoy together in the country with horses and hounds. Give other riders and especially hounds plenty of room.

Always pay attention to the footing and to your surroundings. That way you can be prepared to avoid holes, ditches, rocks, wire, trees, objects your horse might shy at, and so forth.

If the footing is bad, pull up and take it easy. Your horse will stay sound. It is safer to ride straight up or down a slippery slope, not slantwise across it. Do not turn your horse on a paved road, go straight across or along the shoulder.  "Crossing guards" are provided at most road crossings. Use extra caution in swampy ground, plowed fields, and icy conditions.

Always leave enough room to jump a fence. Be certain your horse is capable of jumping whatever you head him at. "Larking" (jumping unnecessary fences) is asking for trouble. School your horse at home, not in the hunting field.

Check your equipment at home, too. Have your horse shod regularly, make sure your girth is tight, your saddle and pad is comfortable for the horse, the bit is appropriate for adequate control, and your hunt cap is properly fitted with a harness. Practice and preparation are key. Hunting is full of surprises, and places stress on horses, riders, and equipment. Pay attention to details.

Make sure your hunt horse is suitable to your ability. Get advice from a professional, and make sure your horse has been well-exposed to experiences of all kinds: trailering, obstacles, trails, the company of other horses, and so forth. The older, steady horse is prized as a field hunter. Even the quietest horse responds to the excitement of hunting.

Bring your children. Foxhunting is a family sport, and many of the most avid foxhunters began at a young age.

Start in the Hilltoppers field. You will know when it is time to move up.