Plaiting up for the first time since the end of last season, putting on your old hunt coat to find it has shrunk over the summer and lost a button, or rifling through your chest of drawers to track down your best breeches can all be some of the signs that the new season is about to start.
However once all the preparation is out of the way, everyone can get on and enjoy the first day of the season.
Opening meets have been taking place across the country during the past couple of weeks with people of all ages experiencing their first day out behind hounds.
We take a look at some of your pictures capturing the excitement that has been taking place up and down the country.
1. The Banwen Miners opening meet at The King Arthur in Reynoldston. Pictured among members of the field are Nia Godsmark MFH and field master Peter Bowdler
Picture credit: Simon Rees
2. Gina Woodhouse, amateur whipper-in to the South Downs Bloodhounds, jumps a fence with ease on her young horse Tikka
Picture credit: www.sharontphotography.co.uk
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3. One-year-old Digby riding his 38-year-old pony, Bubbles at the opening meet of the Wilton
Picture credit: Hannah Betts
4. The opening meet of the Wheatland added at least one new member to their tumblers’ club — both horse and rider were unharmed and soon reunited
Picture credit: Katrina Shaw
5. A mounted field of more than 75 horses and riders — including these four ladies — enjoyed the North Cornwall’s opening meet at Hamatethy in St Breward
Picture credit: Claire Collings
6. A young follower and her horse give this fence plenty of “air” while following the North Cornwall
Picture credit: Claire Collings
7. Officials of the Ross Harriers at their opening meet
Picture credit: Amber Simms
8. A lady follower out with the East Essex successfully negotiates a ditch
Picture credit: Mark Rendall
9. Tom Lyle MFH, huntsman of the Dartmoor keeps hounds up together
Picture credit: Hamish Mitchell