Advice for hunting a youngster please?! :)

[dope-on-a-rope:)]

Hi everyone, I have a 6 year old ISH gelding, who I have owned for nearly a year. Previous to me owning him he had been out with the bloodhounds twice and this weekend I took him out on hound exercise for the first time since owning him. He was fine once we got moving, and was actually felt like a pro - really took to it. The only issues I had was at the 'meet' before we set out on exercise! He was mesmerised by the other horses and on hearing the hounds being brought from the kennels, had a bit of a spin, backing up and a mini attempt at a rear (he's not a rearer normally). We were well clear off other horses and hounds and settled in towards the rear of the field, where he settled quickly.

I would love to do some hunting this year on him (I've done three seasons prior to owning him, so am not a newbie myself), but I'm a little paranoid about introducing him correctly to it - don't want to blow his mind! My questions would be - cubbing or hunting?? Cubbing quieter I know, but perhaps a little steadier when I really felt that getting him moving was the better move. But hunting will be a bit more mind blowing at the meets!! Any advice would be gratefully received...thanks in advance

 

[Daddy_Long_Legs]

Take him Autumn Hunting!!! It will desensitize him for hunting, he still might act up but it will be less than if you hadn't taken him autumn hunting.

I would put a green ribbon in his tail too, so that other people know you are on a green horse. I think there is a thread about this, another girl was asking about this yesterday or the day before!

 

[dope-on-a-rope:)]

Thanks, I will definitely put a green ribbon in. And I think you are right about the autumn hunting - they tend not to stand around for too long at the meet anyway do they?

Like I said, once we got going he was absolutely fantastic, no silly behaviour whatsoever, even standing around he was very patient. Think he'll be a little gem so, I'll try him with the autumn hunting, keep him walking at the meet and out of everyone's way til he starts feeling a bit more settled! Thanks again for the advice.

 

[JenHunt]

even if it's steadier and with more hanging about, it doesn't stop you giving him something to do! getting him to walk circles or walk away and come back is a positive thing and much easier to do than arguing with him about standing still! and nobody in their right mind will have a problem with that, and your horse will learn its easier to stand still when asked!