Here is a "Hunt Language" glossary. Drag Hunting has its own unique vocabulary, and knowing these terms will help new members understand what is happening in the field and avoid common faux pas.
The Wellington-Waterloo Hunt
Glossary
The People (The Staff)
Masters of Foxhounds (MFH): Joint Masters of W-WH. They are responsible for the Hunt, landowner relations, and the safety of the day.
Huntsman: The person in charge of the hounds. They use a horn and specific voice commands to direct the pack.
Whipper-In: Staff members who assist the Huntsman by keeping the hounds together and preventing them from wandering onto roads, too far away from the pack, or into unauthorized territory.
Road Whip: People who help hounds and riders keep safe from roads.
Field Master: The person you follow. They lead the mounted riders (the "Field") and ensure everyone stays in the correct area without interfering with the hounds.
The Hounds & The Hunt
Couple: Hounds are never counted individually; they are counted in "couples." (e.g., 20 hounds is "10 couple").
Speaking: When hounds begin to cry or bark because it has found the scent. A group of hounds barking together is called "the cry."
Full Cry: When the entire pack is hunting the scent and "singing" together.
Casting: When the hounds spread out to search for a lost scent. The Field must remain absolutely silent and still during a cast.
The Line: The scent trail left by the quarry (our foxes on horses, ATV or on foot who lay the drag scent).
Check: When the hounds lose the scent and stop to work it out. This is usually when the riders get a brief rest.
The Traditions & Etiquette
Fixture: The location and time where the hunt meets.
Capping Fee: The daily guest fee paid by non-members to ride for the day.
Ratcatcher: The informal attire (usually tweed jackets) worn during the "Cubbing" or pre-season (August–September).
Formal Attire: The traditional black/navy coats and white stock ties worn once the formal season opens in September.
Larking: Jumping fences when the hounds are not running or when it isn’t necessary to keep up. This is considered poor etiquette as it risks the horse and the landowner's property.
"Hold Hard!": A command given by the Field Master (usually accompanied by a raised hand). It means stop immediately where you are.
Common Phrases to Say
"Good Morning!": The traditional greeting, even if the meet starts in the afternoon.
"Ware Wire": (Pronounced wear) Shouted to warn those behind you of a wire fence or hazard.
"Ware Hole": Warning of a hole in the ground.
"Hounds, please!": Shouted to alert other riders that hounds are passing through the group, so everyone can move their horses' heads toward the hounds. “Ware Hound”: Signifies a hound is approaching riders from the rear or sides. (“Ware Hound” Left or Right may be shouted and repeated up the field)
