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What roles did the master and huntsman have in a traditional fox hunt?
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hunting
Bird hunting with a dog.
In a traditional foxhunting sport, the master and the huntsman hold distinct leadership roles:
- The Master: The master conducts the hunt and oversees the entire operation. All participants take part at the master's invitation. The master directs the movement of the hounds to search for a fox and traditionally awards trophies, such as the brush, mask, or pads, to deserving followers.
- The Huntsman: The huntsman is responsible for controlling the pack of hounds. While the master may sometimes serve in this role, the huntsman is generally the senior paid servant of the hunt. They manage the hounds using voice commands, known as cheers, and a specialized copper horn to produce distinct, penetrating notes.
Both the master and the huntsman, along with the whippers-in, hold precedence over all other riders during the hunt.1