Advice Please!

[JosieSmith]

I have never ever hunted, and have never felt brave enough too, until I learned to gallop my arab. Now that I'm used to the speed, I am constantly looking for 'fixes' and after watching the Cheshire Drag Hunt on Horse and Country TV I think I might like to take her. I'm not sure though as I'm not overly confident, and she's very nervous jumping. Could we avoid the jumps, and what if everyone takes off without me, she'd go nuts and drag me across the field to catch up. I'm pretty sure she'd stop when everyone else does as she's more clingy than anything and just rushes to catch up, out on her own she's totally controllable, I'm just worried in case she tries to go past thr master and I can't stop! And what happens if you fall off, does everyone just head off without you?. She's 15.1hh arab mare, I think overall she'd be pretty good but she's not massively bold and I'm worried it'd just scare her silly! Any ideas for starting out? I've heard of newcomers days, could we maybe take this route? I'm in newcastle upon Tyne so if anyone knows of the nearest meet please let me know :crazy:

 

[camilla4]

Hi Josie - you've certainly given yourself a lot to worry about haven't you?!! I think a Newcomers day would be a good idea but prior to that, is there someone else who could take her out for a day (or part of a day) - someone experienced, who does hunt and could just show her the ropes and get an idea of how she will take to it before you go out? The reverse may work as well, if you could perhaps have a day on an experienced hunter to give you some idea of what to expect?

 

[irish_hunter]

i agree newcomers days, childrens meet (sorry don't know how old you are but they're not just for children, good for anyone new really!) or autumn hunting which is quieter would definately be a good idea to start off with. you don't have to jump...i'm sure there will always be a way round, and often others that don't jump either. if someone were to fall off people will always stop and help don't worry! find someone to go along and stick with, so your not on your own and they can teach you the ropes and ensure your horse always has someone by her side so she doesn't panic

 

[Ravenwood]

Agree with all of the above replies but just to add that when you do actually go on the first day, introduce yourself to the Field Master and stick with him/her, they are there to look after you and keep you all in check! All the packs I have hunted with have been very friendly with a great camaradarie (sp?) so if you do fall I am sure there will be plenty of people who will stop and help you

Have fun - bet you will love it!

 

[zsmm4]

Hi, I used to hunt with the Chesshire drag when I lived in that part of the UK. I am nota great jumper by any means. I found it best to stay at the back pick my place and go through gates if necessary. In fact occasionally there were bits with large walls I couldnt jump so I just waited for the other riders to come back or join in further along the lane/field. If you get talking to people you'll find them most helpful,nobody seemed to ind. Its the greatest fun. I hope you have a fabulous day and come back and report to us all about it.

 

[Patches]

I'm going out with the Four Shires on Sunday. It will be mine and P's first ever time hunting too.

I believe they have two masters. A jumping and non jumping one and you follow whichever group you feel more comfortable with.

You can also swap and change between the groups if certain jumps take your fancy, likewise if you want to sit some biggies out.