Unpicking the story of hunt buttons

These treasured tokens are bestowed only upon those who go above and beyond in service of their hunt but the rules around them can be complex

- Mary Skipwith

THE HUNTING field is a welcoming place but it is not immune to wider society's tendency to buy, rather than earn, what is desired. One might spot someone who has been able to fork out on another expensive pair of boots or breeches instead of polishing or patching old ones. However, the right to wear hunt buttons is granted purely on merit, and for this reason these small but significant additions to a hunt coat have, justifiably, been treasured for generations.

There are many strands to the hunt-button story. Tom Arthey, Joint Master of the Pytchley with Woodland, unpicks why they are bestowed: "Individual packs have their own etiquettes but in general they are awarded to subscribers who have actively helped the hunt, whether it be on or off the hunting field." Qualifying factors include being on gate duty, holding the huntsman's horse, going on point regularly or helping to scoop up fallers and loose horses.

Off the field, those who volunteer to help run fundraisers or repair fences will also be in contention for recognition. "Ideally all this is done without complaint, too," Arthey jokes. "The length of time someone waits is usually commensurate with how supportive they are, so some people may wait quite a long time if they aren't willing to roll their sleeves up. In that regard buttons are rather like being given a school colour."