A hunting newbee - also in New Lounge - Genuine Enquiry**

[moneypit1]

TBH i have not hunted before. Not that I was against it particulaly just haven't really had the horses to do it on. Even so, If a fox went to ground my 'sporting' instnict would be to leave it there, job done.

I have been twice (cubbing) in the last couple of weeks, with a frsh open mind.

It is definately NOT FOR ME judging on what I have witnessed by two separeate hunts in as many weeks. The first was uneventful. Lots of standing around and the frantic activiity which must be be bad for the horses. I witnessed the hunt master whipping his horse around the head because "it would not ride" up a steep bank. Not nice.

A week later and a different hunt. Heaps of pounding it along the tarmac road and then nothing for 15 mins. Suddenly a flat out gallop from cold, then nothing for another 5 mins. I took my leave and went home.

So, what is the attraction? Perhaps I missed something but I seriously went in with an open mind. Oh yes, a youngster kicked out at a hound. The hunt masters insisted the "horse was tought a lesson" and a vicious whipping ensued. Now I do not wish to appear controversial but what am I missing? A genuine enquiry. x

 

[Irishcobs]

That is one of the downfalls with autumn hunting. Lots of standing about then cantering then standing again, which is why lots of hunting oldies don't go Autumn hunting.
'Proper' hunting there is a lot less standing around.
Kicking a hound is the ultimate sin, so the horse should be told off for it, when it happened not 5 mins later. A ''vicious whipping'' is a little bit OTT.

 

[Orangehorse]

You go hunting to watch the hounds working. There is often a lot of standing around, then activity, then more standing around. The idea is to teach the hounds to find and follow a scent, not to entertain the followers, which comes later in the season after the opening meet.

Although "vicicious whipping" sounds unpleasant, and is no good after the deed has been done - should be immediate punishment, the Master would have been annoyed at his hound being kicked. MOST horses do not kick hounds, who have to be able to work around horses in safety. If they think they are going to be kicked it makes them shy. If you think you horse is going to kick you should take it out of the way, and that is also why you carry a hunting whip with a long lash, to keep the hounds away from your horse's legs.

Sorry you didn't enjoy it. May be try again after the opening meet.

 

[marmalade76]

Well, I don't go hunting to watch hounds work, I go to have a good ride across country that I would not otherwise have access to.

To the OP, try Bloodhounding, you only stand around when everyone is having a break and they really look after you. Its great fun!