Advice on preparation to go hunting please!!

[Kerryleigh]

Hello all!

We are considering going on the Badsworth and Bramham Newcomers hunt on the 6th February and I just need a bit of advice on what I should be doing over the next couple of weeks to prepare. I'm a bit nervous as I have only been on one previous newcomers hunt but I thought that if I felt well prepared for it I would feel better!

I can pretty much guarantee that my horse will be well behaved so there should be no issues there. However, there is a slight worry that he will remember how exciting it was last time and not be quite as well behaved - has anyone else had this experience? Advice would be great but please dont tell me any horror stories as that will just make me wimp out!!

He is moderately fit but surely this wont be an issue if it is a newcomers hunt - will they go easy on us? What sort of work should I be doing with him over the next couple of weeks?

How about feed? He is on Top Spec complete balancer normally. Should I consider giving him some higher energy feed in the run up to the hunt or would this just be inviting bad behaviour?

Any advice would be gratefully received!! Thanks guys!

 

[maggiesmum]

I'd probably keep the feed as it is, chances are he'll have plenty of adrenalin to keep him going on the day. As for his workload, I suppose it depends on what he's doing at the moment but a good mix of hacking, schooling and some fastwork should be sufficient. If you're planing to jump then make sure you're doing some jumping each week too.
And a tip for the nerves - when someone offers you a hip flask - say YES PLEASE!!! LOL

 

[Kerryleigh]

He, he! Yup, have often found that is a good cure for nerves!

Thanks for your advice!

 

[JenHunt]

I agree, keep the feed the same. If you plan on going regularly then it might be worth looking at longer term.

whether he's more excited 2nd time out really depends on his character. some are, and some aren't. If he's generally quite sensible then I would suspect he'll be fine!

Exercise wise i would suggest that if he coped with the newcomers day, and you've not changed his workload much then he should be fine. Remember it's always better to come home before he's too tired

There's an article on my blog if you need some help on getting ready for the day.... http://jenniferjcash.blogspot.com/2009/07/getting-ready-for-day-hunting.html

 

[Kerryleigh]

Thanks for your reply, Jenhunt! Your blog was very useful for some handy tips!

 

[skewby]

Jen your blog is cool, some stuff on there I will do from now on!

Kerryleigh I am a complete newbie to hunting but hooked already, the only thing I will say I've found about preparation is that it takes a lot of time! I work full time and am on DIY so I try and spread the load a bit, i.e. clean tack and load wagon a few days before, then the night before I only have horse to worry about. Also my horse has a crazy thick mane so I need to pull it over the course of the previous week - he doesn't mind it being done at all but I cut my fingers open on it if I try and do too much at once!

I'm sure your boy will be fine. My first few times out I was on here constantly asking the experienced guys on how to stop (passed the Master 4 times in one morning once!!) but then the last time I went he had completely "got" it, had impeccable brakes and manners and noone could believe he wasn't a seasoned hunter.

Also people on here are EXTREMELY helpful and I come on here a lot for advice.

Have a fab time and please post a report! I love reading people's reports!!

 

[Kerryleigh]

Thanks Skewby! Your advice about preparation is definitely good advice! I have been waking up in the middle of the night and making imaginary lists of all the stuff I need to do and when I should do it. Issues like shall I plait the night before or in the morning have kept me occupied for hours! V.sad.

I will def post a report and will try to post some piccies - I am going to look a true tourist with me camera out all the time. I think I need to get a grip....!