A few hunting questions!

[popsicle]

I have hunted about half a dozen times, but have a few questions if anyone can help!

1]
I don't have a wool hunt coat, just a hacking jacket and a black show jacket, does that matter?

2]
I am absolutely hopeless at plaiting and to be honest, it takes me so long, looks so bad and i get so stressed doing it that it puts me off hunting. Do they really need to be plaited during the main season? She is a medium weight 16hh cob/arab mix, with a thick mane and tail.

3]
Jumping. I am not a confident jumper, I can physically manage a 3"6 knock down jump, but mentally i struggle, are the jumps at most hunts bigger than this would you say?

Thanks everyone, I really need your help

 

[popsicle]

anyone?

 

[Maisy]

Our hunt is pretty low key, so plaiting is only 'high days and holidays'...I am wondering if I can be bothered for the opening meet!!

I hunted in my black show jacket last year.....it was a little cold, so have bought a proper hunt coat for this year.....they look fairly alike though, so I should think youll be fine.

Where we are is pretty flat....not many jumps at all (thank god!)....lots of ditches, but all of them are optional.....here there is always a group who go round anything too big.....Im sure most hunts would be the same! You have to not be afraid/embarrased to say you dont want to do it......I always think of my horse.....I want to get her home in one piece and be able to hunt another day, so if I'm unsure I go round!!

 

[popsicle]

Thanks Maisy, I think our hunt is pretty laid back too and we too are in a very flat area, so I will try not to get too hung up on plaiting. Thanks again

 

[Ravenwood]

I am sure wearing your show jacket will be fine (hopefully you can get a jumper and a waistcoat underneath! :grin

I think perhaps you should plait for a lawn meet out of politeness but other than that I suspect the hunt will welcome your attendence (and money ) however you turn up :grin:

 

[CrazyMare]

The jumps aren't always big - trust me I hunt a 13.1h pony! We cope! There are a few occasions where I decide to take the gate route for both of our safety.

I'd probably go for the tweed jacket if it is warmer, if you decide you like hunting you can always keep an eye out on Ebay for a thicker navy or black jacket later on.

I always plait, but personally I find it easy, as a result I do a few friends horses too, earns me enough to cover my cap - is there a willing teenager on the yard to do it for you?

 

[popsicle]

No willing teenager I am afraid, it's just a very small yard! Sorry to be a div but what is a lawn meet? Is that where you meet at the hunt masters house or something? Doh!!

 

[Kenzo]

1) No, black jacket is fine, as long as its smart and does not have any coloured buttons or badges etc on. You can get a nice thick stock shirt that are thermal, plus a waistcoat so as long as there is room to bulk up underneith your fine, just might get a bit soggy when it rains.

2) No, providing your the mane is neat/pulled and tidy, but is expected that you turn your horse out to the best of your ability, a lot of cobs are hogged and natives type are not always plaited but I would try to, gives off a better impression...like you have made an effort but dont worry if your not.

3) You dont always have to even jump, usually there are alternative routes, you'll find that all the horses and riders will have different jumping abilities anyway, even the the ones that belong to the hunt, youngsters etc sometimes they even have a non jumping group for those that dont wish to jump or tear around too much.

 

[combat_claire]

I don't have a wool hunt coat, just a hacking jacket and a black show jacket, does that matter?

There is absolutely no reason why you can't wear tweed with a coloured stock or a shirt and tie during the main season. The proper dress code should be a black or navy coat, but I have seen plenty of adults wear their ratcatcher if they hunt enough to warrant investing in a proper black hunt coat, it will be much warmer than a polyester show coat and much better than catching your death of cold. Better check with the secretary first, I'd hate to get you into trouble!

Or you could check out field & country antiques, online and based in Lincolnshire - they have second hand decent hunt coats from around £125.