The Chinese call their years after animals and birds but surely in the year of the 125th Dublin Horse Show, this has to be the Year of the Fox.
The Irish Fox Hunting Association has made an announcement, coinciding with the Kerrygold Horse Show, that it is going to give old Reynard fair play from now on.
That means that in future when hunting The Red One, he can never be dug out when he goes to ground so he can be hunted again, unless he is suffering from "mange, injured, maimed, aged, or deformed". Looking over the showgrounds here yesterday, one would hope that the Irish Fox Hunting Association never applies its rules to its own members, because some of them would qualify for "digging out".
The horses in the parade rings looked gorgeous, but not so some of their owners and minders, who will, no doubt, be hunting foxes this coming winter.
There was further good news for the fox in the association's new rules. Only one terrier will be used to locate him when he escapes underground and only skilled diggers used to get him overground.
"No instruments may be used other than those required for digging or locating the terrier quickly. There shall be no handling of the fox, save as may be necessary for the humane despatchment of the fox below ground," the document continued.
"Where possible, an electronic locator should be used in conjunction with a suitable baying terrier. In no circumstances will a live fox which has been dug out be thrown to the hounds," it added.
Foxes nationwide will also be glad to hear that "earth stopping" - blocking holes into which the fox might escape - can be carried out only in limited circumstances.
Another line in the new code of practice said: "Reasonable efforts shall be made to ensure that digging out will not become a public spectacle." That seemed to come ill from the horsey set who yesterday were making a public spectacle of themselves and their charges around here in the sunshine.
Attendance at the grounds was up to average with many people enjoying what may pass for the summer of '98. We are all hoping it stays good for today's "Fashion Day" events.
And what about tomorrow when for the first time the Nations Cup will be held without the presence of the President? That was a subject everyone wanted to avoid.
The Minister for Agriculture, Mr Walsh, said the Government had no role in advising the President, Mrs McAleese, on whether she should attend the show.
Dr Noel Cawley, the managing director of Bord Bainne, would not comment on her absence but said he hoped she would come next year.
But then again, she may go to ground next year now the rules of hunting have been changed.