A fab morning....

[L&M]

I enjoyed the most lovely morning autumn hunting on Tues. The forecast was appaling so there were only 2 of us in the field, with the other lady leaving after an hour.

I debated whether to stay out on my own as was riding my youngster, but decided to brave it. I was gifted the opportunity to hunt with our kennel huntsman, right up with hounds, and had the most glorious 2 hours helping him. I had to take his horse on several occasions, including leading it from my chap who rose to the occasion, and spent the time admiring the stunning views and watching hounds work close up.

I was so proud of my horse for coping on his own, and felt very privileged to be assisting with hounds - a morning I won't forget for a while.

Is it only me that feels 'complete' on days like this?

 

[domsmith]

This is my first ever season, and it has been amazing. i have seen so much wonderful country. weve had stunning beach sun rises. Misty country house meets and so much more.
we had a 4 in the field day the other tuesday. it was great a very social hack!

I hope it stays this good

d

 

[Midlifecrisis]

I wonder if Ill ever be brave enough to hunt - I love the reports that I read and fantasise about riding out on misty autumn mornings.

 

[L&M]

Just do it! People build up hunting to be a 'scary' thing, but honestly it is not.

If you are confident in yourself and your horse out hacking or on fun rides, hunting is only a more extreme version of this - in fact I often refer to hunting as 'extreme hacking'!!

You don't have to jump, and if you want to go slower, then just sit at the back or equally if you are a thrill seeker, then head to the front. There will always be a like minded person out on the field that you can stick with.

For me it has always been the hound work - I do enjoy the social side of a Saturday, but a quiet day mid week watching hounds is my idea of heaven.

Also the bond you develop with your horse on the hunting field is like no other - the trust you have to put in each other is awesome, and there are things I have done out hunting on mine that I would never risk in cold blood.

I only started hunting 8 seasons ago - I hadn't got a clue what to do and was quite frankly terrified, but nobody laughed or ridiculed me. I am still no expert but have an idea how things work now, and have made some life long friends through it.

I believe 'Newcomers week' is coming up, where meets will be put on specifically to introduce newbies, so an ideal time to give it a go?!

 

[MissMistletoe]

What a lovely post OP!

I can't wait to take my 3 year old out next Autumn!
Enjoy the rest of the season