Huntsman John Tabachka“Are MFHs supposed to carry white whips?” asks John Tabachka, huntsman for the Sewickely Hunt (PA).
While there are slight differences in the answers from our experts, the common thread seems to place the white whip properly in the hands of those who deal with hounds in the field, either as huntsman or whipper-in. That said, as always, the Master may do anything he or she likes!
One thing you can always count on from Foxhunting Life‘s Panel of Experts: they speak their minds!
Nigel Peel, MFH
White whips should only be carried by hunt servants. However, some Masters do carry them, and it might be tricky to tell them not to!
Hugh Robards, ex-MFH
I find this a very interesting question as I think I am correct in saying that white whips only arrived on the scene about fifty years ago!
The Captain [Ronnie Wallace, MFH] always carried a white whip and his servants also carried them. [Note: Captain Wallace hunted hounds.] When I went on interview for the huntsman’s position in Limerick [as arranged by Captain Wallace], much to Lord Daresbury’s chagrin I carried a white whip. He was not slow in pointing out to me that it was a horrible provincial practice that you would not see in the Shires. Well, I still carry a white whip for high days and holidays.
To answer the question, I do not think Masters are supposed to carry white whips. I believe it is very much up to the individual Master if he or she wishes to carry a white whip. And why not? Modern day Masters put a great deal of time and finance into the sport of foxhunting, and it should be their choice as to the type of whip they carry.
Martin Scott, ex-MFH
I think that professional huntsmen, whippers-in and amateur huntsman can carry white whips. While I do not think it is the prerogative of an MFH who has not hunted hounds, I would not like to argue this one way or the other. The important matter is for all MFHs and hunt staff to look tidy and smart.
James L. Young, ex-MFH
With very hazy hindsight, I seem to remember a white whip was always an article for the staff members in England, and that slipped into common use here via all of the British huntsmen and whippers-in who were hired here. I never sought or thought to carry one myself. To me it smacks of childish “me-too”-ism.
Posted September 30, 2011
Our questioner, John Tabachka is an experienced American-born huntsman and is recognized as one of the finest horn blowing huntsmen in North America. Click to view John’s video, Calls on the Horn.