Huntsman's Training Programme

GROWING FUTURE TALENT

A career as a professional Huntsman is a rewarding and fulfilling one combining horse and hound husbandry, hound work, and caring for and working with horses. Identifying and training future Huntsmen is a key strategy for the governing body of hunting in Aotearoa – the New Zealand Hunts’ Association Incorporated (NZHA).

Twenty-eight Hunts across the country provide seasonal sport to around 4,500 hunting participants from all walks of life. The role of the Huntsman is a critical one to the sport and sees them breed, train, and take care of hounds and the Hunt property, hunting of hounds, riding horses to hounds, liaising with Hunt Committees, landowners, and hunting participants.

The NZHA has a two-stage training pathway for Huntsmen with Introductory and the Advanced levels, which see best practice standards taught to and applied by trainees. The programmes are specifically designed for people interested in becoming a professional Huntsman, or those already in the role of Huntsman who wish to formalise their skills and knowledge or undertake professional development and continuing the longstanding tradition of hunting with horses and hounds.

The two-stage training is intended for people who have some experience with horses and hounds and preferably the sport of hunting with horses and hounds and who want to develop the skills and knowledge to work as professional Huntsmen employed by a Hunt affiliated to NZHA.

Training Pathway

The training pathway begins with completion of the Introductory Workbook and awarding of the Introductory Certificate for Huntsmen, then moves on to the advanced modules which make up the Advanced Certificate for Huntsmen. On completion and award of the Advanced Certificate for Huntsmen, the trainee will be able to safely and effectively work as a qualified Huntsman, managing a pack of hounds both in kennels and on hunt day for any NZHA affiliated Hunt.

NZHA Introductory Certificate for Huntsmen

The workbook tasks see trainees complete a number of activities aligned to achieving best practice skills and competencies. Based on the practical components of being a professional Huntsman, the workbook follows a 12 month calendar of activities undertaken by those hunting and caring for hounds. Upon successful completion of the workbook trainees will be awarded an NZHA Introductory Huntsman’s Certificate.

NZHA Advanced Certificate for Huntsmen

Upon completion of the NZHA Introductory Huntsman’s Certificate, trainees are able to complete a series of eight learning modules to further hone their skills and experience. A Learner Guide for each module will provide background information, and prepare trainees for assessment.

The programme recognises the necessary skills and knowledge of individuals who can take responsibility for the day-to-day care, breeding (in association with Master and/or Hound Committee) and training of a pack of hounds, manage the hounds on hunt day, manage the hunt kennels and surrounds, and care for their own hunt horses. Spending valuable practical time in different Kennels environments will help supplement learning required for some modules of the programme and financial support from NZHA may be available for obtaining licenses.

GROWING FUTURE TALENT