Am I mad? Hunting newbie day this weekend, should I take horse?!

[Smith123]

I would love opto start hunting this winter, my local hunt is having its newbie day this sat. It's only £10!!

My problem is my horse has just had a holiday, about 4 or 5 weeks (just ha hacked once or twice in this time) he came back into work 2 days ago!! He has been out24/7 in this time playing with his friends!

I phoned the hunt and they said I should take him! They said its very quiet and it's how they get theirs fit.

Am I mad even considering it?! I have evented upto novice level so I do know about fitness, but everyone is saying I should just go for an hour!! Neddy is 15.

The only thing is I don't know how he will react! Don't know if he will just walk quietly at the back?!

What do you think? How quiet are the newbie days?

Thanks

 

[JenHunt]

I would say he'd need a bit more work really, but then our newcomers day is a bit more than just a stroll...

I would say get some work into him over the next 3 weeks and aim to have a morning or two autumn hunting before the main season starts!

 

[DeaDea]

I would say he'd need a bit more work really, but then our newcomers day is a bit more than just a stroll...

I would say get some work into him over the next 3 weeks and aim to have a morning or two autumn hunting before the main season starts!

Agreed. Not sure how the newbies days are run but i do think you need to be confident your horse is fit enough to handle it. Wouldn't want him hurting himself

 

[pinklilly]

Most hunt horses will have done a considerable amount of roadwork before Autumn hunting starts to condition them after their summer break. How fit was your horse before his holiday? If he was very fit he maybe ok as they do hold their fitness for a while, but if he was just in light work beforehand I probably wouldn't.

 

[pinklilly]

Sorry didn't look at the date this was posted, did you go?

 

[Smith123]

I went on foot, everyone was lovely. Going cubbing this weekend for an hour or so I hope!!