Any tips when taking a youngster hunting? want her to enjoy it!!

[fruity]

I've hunted for many seasons but i had the same pony for most of those or was on ones that had been before. This saturday i'm taking my young mare that i bought for this very reason! i'm so excited i am finally taking my from 'scratch' horse out! My last young horse got an injury before i even got to go so it's been very frustrating up until now.
Anyway just wanted some ideas on how to make sure she has a fab time and do all i can to make it a good experience for her,she is quite a stressy quirky thing but i know she was bred for it and would be amazing in the field!

I obviously know to put her green ribbon in and always face hounds,keep at the back etc but want to focus on maintaining her confidence.

Any tips? Am going to make sure i get there in plenty of time so i'm not rushing which is what i used to do with my old timer!!!! Those were the days

 

[Darkly_Dreaming_Dex]

Are you out with VAH? if so- see you there!
Tips:
Find the quieter meets ideally wooded as they get less silly in enclosed spaces (Sat 28th meet with VAH is ideal!)
Avoid jumping at first so they dont get too het up.
Find someone quiet to ride alongside.
Avoid the crush you get at gates.
If she wont stand still, just keep quietly walking circles.
Smile and take a large hipflask

 

[fruity]

Yep i am going,been to xmas common one a few times now. I never jump straight away,it seems to wind them up before you've even began! I know quite a few people in the hunt so will hang to the most sensible if she gets silly! Planned on the circles so thats good,always plan not to be near the front but always end up there!!! saturday i'm determined to stay near the back for at least 20 mins!!!! She'll be fine once we get going.

What horse will you be riding Darkly_Dreaming_Dex?

Been trying to find out from Miles how much the cap will be but he's such a busy boy!! My parents live 2 doors up from Mike Murray which has always been very handy but now he's not secretary it's a bit harder to get info etc!

 

[Inchy]

When you jump stick behind something that you know will go over. First time i took my youngster hunting i went with a friend and followed her eventer...he had such a good time and jumped everything...now when he's out he'll jump everything even if he's at the front with no lead...its not good for their confidence having to pull them up because someone in front has refused.