Advice for a first timer - Readyfields

[Blythwind]

Readyfields are exercising the hounds on the Prestwold Estate next weekend, and I am keen to join in. I gather from their website that it is 3 hours of hacking with optional jumps.

I havent ever done anything like this before, and would be taking my new horse if i go. She is young (5yrs) but brave, and will jump anything she is asked to. She is fine with dogs although I have no idea how she might react to a whole pack of them!

I havent ever been before because i didnt think my older boy would cope very well.

I understand the dress code, but has anyone got any other advice that I might find useful? Is it something that only the more experienced should do, and will I just be out of my depth/in the way??

 

[fleabittengrey]

As no one has replied!

I went out with them the Saturday just gone at Thrumpton- it was about 3 hours of a reasonably decent paced hack - mostly trotting and a fair couple of long canters around stubble. Enough to break a sweat on horse and rider though - I wouldn't take something that was just coming back from a summer holiday. There were about 30/40 horses I think, and as not any standing around anything that was going to be silly soon got pushed forward and got it out of their mind!

The bloodhounds in this instance stay at the front and you don't have to have "close encounters" - in fact you might well be quite a way back and horse might not even see them!

Prestwold is lovely and there might be a jump or two that is "less optional" from what I recall - usually find yourself having to hop back into the car park over a small log - but everything else is Xc type jumps. Loads of space to park and keep yourself in your own space.
definately much more sedate than "readyfields proper" which is quite often not for the faint hearted!!!

I went out last week as a nanny for a first timer rider and horse - I took my Mums cob out sidesaddle (sounds madness but I prefer it on her to astride!)
She is absolutely saintly and happy to have horses climb over her and crash into her - she works in a riding school for a day job and jollies around hunting on weekends!
If you are having doubts about going and want a very sensible nanny drop me a PM, I'll definately be there but if she's needed I'll pack her in the lorry and not one of my own young thoroughbreds! (Will put a leg either side if there are jumps to be had though - not her forte!!)

 

[Fiagai]

Readyfields are exercising the hounds on the Prestwold Estate next weekend, and I am keen to join in. I gather from their website that it is 3 hours of hacking with optional jumps.

I havent ever done anything like this before, and would be taking my new horse if i go. She is young (5yrs) but brave, and will jump anything she is asked to. She is fine with dogs although I have no idea how she might react to a whole pack of them!

I havent ever been before because i didnt think my older boy would cope very well.

I understand the dress code, but has anyone got any other advice that I might find useful? Is it something that only the more experienced should do, and will I just be out of my depth/in the way??

Well first thing contact the secretary and ask would it be possible to be paired with an experienced member of the hunt

Put a green ribbon on your horses tail to indicate that it hasnt been hunting before

and whatever you do dont call the "hounds" dogs!

and most importantly enjoy!

 

[Blythwind]

Thanks you two.

I have spoken to them now, so am feeling a little more confident that we will be ok! I have already got my green ribbon ready too

I would really appreciate it if we can buddy up - I will PM you

Thanks!!

 

[Orangehorse]

http://www.readyfieldbloodhounds.co.uk/

A good website - looks v. exciting!

 

[j17bow]

So how did it go?

It was a good day for it, ground was perfect and they had a good turn out too.

x

 

[becca1305]

I saw you guys in the fields on my way out to a competition you looked fab and all in control at that point I was ever so jealous went to the prev exercise and it was fab despite hyperactive pully monster , but luckily the competition was worth it

 

[j17bow]

Becca - Glad your comp went well!

The control didnt last for long! The hounds rioted at the meet while he was talking, was quite good to watch though!

The rest of the day was fab, lots of fences, hounds were great etc

x

 

[becca1305]

ahh fabulous
when I went one naughty hound kept diving across the road around traffic to the opposite ditch on the way home and had to keep getting retrieved there was a lot of trot, stop, trot, stop - ing. Cant wait to go again I need to buy/rent a different stronger bit first tho!