Anyone tried hunting but hated it?

I would love to have a go at hunting but what worries me is not being in control. Unless I could borrow a tried and tested hunter (and I don't know anyone who hunts round here), I think I would be too scared. I could never have hunted my mare, even if she'd been keen on jumping, I just don't think her brain would have coped!
 
I went once, and thoroughly enjoyed it, but I'm not sure ill ever go again. At the time I had an ex point2pointer, so obviously he was the man for the job! I was also only about 15, therefore no fear!!

I'm pretty sure hunting would blow Ani's brain (he's only 4 so obviously never been), but I think I'd have to find some serious guts from somewhere to take him for his first hunt having only done it once myself on a superstar!!
 
I'm hoping to have a go at autumn hunting with mine this year, jesstickle you better get BH ready to join us. Hoping it will buzz him up a bit afterwards, just a little worried about his reaction to the hounds.
 
I am a bit confused by the title "Anyone tried hunting but hated it" Its quite feasible that you may not like it or decide it was not for you but hate is very strange language to use tbh. In my experience It's the most fun you can have with your clothes on! But just like everything else if you are are not properly prepared don't even think about it. Taking a horse out not used to hunting or otherwise unsuitable is not going to make for a good day out and has the potential to make it dangerous for the person riding and others. That said hunting is no more dangerous than any other equestrian activity but do respect that it is not an activity for the unprepared or faint hearted.
 
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Fiagai said:
I am a bit confused by the title "Anyone tried hunting but hated it" Its quite feasible that you may not like it or decide it was not for you but hate is very strange language to use tbh. In my experience It's the most fun you can have with your clothes on! But just like everything else if you are are not properly prepared don't even think about it. Taking a horse out not used to hunting or otherwise unsuitable is not going to make for a good day out and has the potential to make it dangerous for the person riding and others. That said hunting is no more dangerous than any other equestrian activity but do respect that it is not an activity for the unprepared or faint hearted.
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Meant to add,,

If you wish to start hunting do borrow / hire an experienced hunter. Ask for an introduction to a quite day or enquire for a hunting nanny so that you wont be on your own. If taking your own horse get someone experienced to hunt it first and used to going with a group of other horses. Go on foot so you know what is likley to happen and above all be prepared. Then you can go hunting and love it...
 
Generally due to funds I only mock hunt, which is fine. However the 2 times I got out with hounds (inc. in my RC memberships is 2 days hunting @ £25 a go instead of £90) was utterly brilliant and I loved every single second of it. Cobby lights up like a Christmas tree and has a blast!

Hopefully eventually I can afford to hunt regularly but at the moment the cost is too prohibitive :(
 
Fiagai said:
I am a bit confused by the title "Anyone tried hunting but hated it" Its quite feasible that you may not like it or decide it was not for you but hate is very strange language to use tbh. In my experience It's the most fun you can have with your clothes on! But just like everything else if you are are not properly prepared don't even think about it. Taking a horse out not used to hunting or otherwise unsuitable is not going to make for a good day out and has the potential to make it dangerous for the person riding and others. That said hunting is no more dangerous than any other equestrian activity but do respect that it is not an activity for the unprepared or faint hearted.
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The point of the original post was that there were zillions of posts about how fabby it all was and they wanted the balance of the silent people who had tried it but not enjoyed it for lots of good and less good reasons.

I think when your horse completely bolts with you in a situation where there is a strong code of etiquette and a lot of excited horses and hounds milling etc etc then hate is probably putting it mildly at that moment.

OP was asking if anyone felt that strongly. You might disagree that anyone should, and its fair to make the point about preparation, suitable horse etc, but people are allowed to answer whether they do in fact feel that strongly or have done in the past? I support hunting but part of supporting it is also supporting the right of those who either hate it as a concept, or hated the experience of taking part, to express their opinion.
 
I went draghunting last season on a hireling. I loved it horse was well behaved and a good jumper. I could have taken him home. He was such a sweet heart considering he had me on his back. I held back from jumping him and only jumped the small jumps due to my nerves and felt I couldve jumped him more. I dont know if I can go again this year as its not cheap hunting a hireling.
 
As lots of people have said having the right horse under you makes all the difference. Many years ago my cousin and I went hunting. My pony was a star but my cousins ginger lady had a bit of a meltdown. a lovely man at the hunt took her under his wing, swapped horses with her for a little while until hers settled and generally looked after her for the day. A few years back i met a gentleman who was in his 70's and had been hunting since he was a child - some very entertaining stories Lots of lovely people to be found on the hunting field. I'm hoping to have my fat beasties fit enough to get out this year.
 
I have always supported hunting and went on the marches in London. When I was in a position to go hunting, I was very disappointed to find that the people were very un-friendly. I had no idea what I was supposed to do, or where I was supposed to be. I had read all this nonsense about how welcoming hunting people are to newbies and I can only say I did not experience this AT ALL.

I approach some people and said it was my first time, and what should I do and they just blanked me. When we moved off (it was autumn hunting) a woman started shrieking at me to keep away from her horse. I really was no where near her horse !

She was the same person who happily took my donation on the coach up to London for the second big march !

It really put me off the whole thing and I just took myself off home.
 
Hi,

I'm an occasional draghunter, mainly due to finance and only one suitable mount between me and daughter. Have found the drag very welcoming, keen to encourage and look after new members and you can call it a day between legs if it's too much. Our local foxhunt I found unfriendly, I don't think they like adults on ponies and they are very expensive imo.
 
In my experience, people aren't super talkative to newbies at the start of the meet...lot going on, talking to people they already know, enjoying the hospitality (hic). But give it half an hour to an hour and I have had some very nice chats with complete randoms :D

Your first time is going to be a bit :eek: in all likelihood, so best to go well equipped with BP / hipflask / air jacket / sense of humour... Even if you absolutely hate it, it's likely to be a source of good stories for time to come!
 
I used to hunt a lot, with a fantastic pony, she hated dogs but loved hounds, she knew the difference. Then I had a succession of horses some with more success than others as regards hunting. With the best hunting is a pleasure, horse stands still at meet and at stops. Queues nicely for a jump, doesn't barge through other horses. WILL jump when required but only what they know they can get over and won't take a chance and leave you both on the floor.

Since a 10 year gap from horses I haven't hunted as my first horse would kick and I couldn't have borne the stress, also her jumping wasn't great. Present horse - well I wouldn't hold him, he is clumsy on his feet, has legs like matchsticks and I just don't fancy it. If you presented me with a nice hunter to take I would like tohave a go again..............
 
I have done it a few times and not enjoyed it,for some of reasons mentioned above(sent horse nuts,virtually impossible to control him-not enjoyable or safe,for us or others) and he never 'got used' to it or improved with each outing:-/ He lost lots of weight on the day and for wks afterwds,stressing-it did blow his
mind. I decided its not for us-I can see how,on a 'mannerly' hunter that people can enjoy it tho!
 
I hunted for the first time last season on my cob (profile pic) I'm 50 and he is my first horse. I had him for 8 mths when I was invited to go. Well let me tell you I was absolutely C**ping myself I should of worn brown jods instead of cream I was that scared! :eek:

At first he was really strong but the more tired he got, the more I enjoyed the day. There is a lot of standing around thank god as it gives me a chance to draw breath!

It's funny really, because I really enjoy it when I'm there but I dread the build up to it I get so nervous as I know how strong he becomes but after a few gallops he clams down Phew!!
 
I used to go with a great drag hunt when I was younger on the times that it crossed our land, and absolutely loved it. It was very fast, and people were very friendly, even when I was a teen on an unclipped hairy nutcase that danced at all the rests and was up the front when things were moving. When I was on my first horse, who was a fantastic hunter, I absolutely love it.

I used to work with hunters and went a few times with some of the bigger foxhound packs when something needed schooling. I found the experience pretty awful (not a fan of foxhunting anyway) and a lot of the people totally ignored me when they realised I was only the groom!

Nowadays I would love to go drag hunting again, but my horse would be a nightmare. I would love to take my husband's horse if I could get him fit enough, as he would be a superb hunter.

I would suggest going on a pre season hunt ride for a taster, or one of the taster drag hunt days they do - they are usually geared towards helping people that have never hunted find the ropes, and are good fun. Be sure that you are happy controlling your horse cantering in company and on farm rides/xc before you go - it gives you an idea of how your horse may behave (although all horses can get excited the first few times..).x
 
planete said:
What constant speed? More like a lot of hanging around in the freezing cold with the occasional run if you were lucky in the old days, with mountains of mud to clean off tack and horse when you got back. Can't comment on the new hunting without a fox though.
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^^^^^ This!!

I did it begining of this year, didn't hate it but don't think I'll go again. Spent a lot of the time just stood, or in my case trying to stand still :)
 
I didn't really take to it. I found it quite hard work and stressful. Its probably more fun on an experienced hunter but of the horses I went on my gelding got far too excitable and pulled more and more as the days went on and the mare was too dim to jump and run at the same time and nearly fell over too many times.

My main memory was crossing a ditch where about every fifth horse had difficulty and a couple went down. My gelding made a great job of it after us standing watching so many have problems, but I was worried about us and our safety. So all in all, I wasn't overly keen on going back out, and I haven't. Endurance involves far less drama. :cool:
 
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I ahve been twice, both Boxing Day hunts.

Once was on my 14'3 cob, 1st horse, 1st hunt and actually he was very well behaved, jumped, cantered, galloped. Unfortunately my friend fell off and we had to go home early so quite enjoyed it.

2nd time I hired, I was on a steel grey mare called Barbie who was a treasure. She tripped at a flat out gallop (intended gallop) and I went shooting out the front door and pretty much beggared my knee. Got back on, carried on for a while and my knee slowly gave up the ghost, she pulled up politely while the rest of the field galloped off, she then walked with no fight to the next stop where someone could direct me back to the stables. Was an expensive day out (£50 cover and £150 hire) but I reasonably enjoyed it but as someone else has said I would rather now go tot the beach or go to XC course for the money.

Wouldn't say I hated it but it is just not really for me, may do a Boxing Day one again just because the meets are so nice.
 
I've never been hunting (never had a suitable horse!) but would love to have a go. I'm currently horseless though as I'm off to university in October so it doesn't look like I'll be going any time soon!
It sounds like SO much fun though and I'd probably consider hiring a horse to hunt for the day but none of my friends hunt so wouldn't want to just turn up on my own :)
 
I have only been out with a 'proper' hunt a handful times, and hated it, but this was pricipally because I was working at a yard where it was my job to introduce the young horses to hounds. I used to put a red and green ribbon on their tails, didn't stop people running up your backside. It usually ended up with me clinging onto a snorting steaming beastie for a couple of hours trying not to upset anyone. But locally we had a 'hunt club' which was basically a saturday mock hunt for adults only. This was brilliant because we all knew each other, rode over some brilliant land with masses of jumping and because it was more structured, didn't seem to wind the horses up so much. I had a wonderful 14h pony who would jump anything, including 4' solid timber. If I had the chance I would like to drag hunt because it's the jumping bit I like the most.
 
I went for my first time beginning of this year on my new boy (only had him 2-3 months) so yeah i know not the best of situations as hes an ex hurdler and had never been hunting!!
Not guna lie i was cr*****g my pants!!! he didnt want to stand still at all so i gave up on that one! i didnt know what to expect (i assumed we would maybe trot for a few mins or something!) no off we went straight up a rather steep hill dodging trees, thankfully i just gave my lad his head and he followed the horse in front while i ducked from the branches!
I had never galloped him before this day so had no idea how much brakes i would have! to save getting into any form of trouble i stuck to the back of the pack and let him run along behind! and found out rather quickly that the brakes were lacking!!

There was one point where i lost him and he shot past the main group and some very nice (oldish) lady shouted to everyone to stop cantering and told me to circle in front once i gained control again everyone moved off... it involved lots of ' are you ok m'dear, have u got him back now love' :p:p:p they were all so friendly and nice!

About an hour into the hunt i started to relax and actually loved it, i cant wait for the season to start up again, thankfully my boy jumps anything put in front of him so now ive had him for a bit longer than 2-3 months i have found some brakes that work so should be able to enjoy myself from the start this time!

but i agree with everyone posting you need a sane(ish) horse and some dutch courage you'll be fine!! :D:D:D:D:D:D

p.s i went drag hunting so we had a run then stopped for a breather and some more port then off we went again, was quite because i took that time to rest my arms!!!! :D :D
 
I did a bit of hunting as a child and sort of enjoyed it but then didn't for about 15 years. 2 years ago I took my pony, and hated it. I hated the crowding, the galloping across churned up mud and the lady who shrieked at me because her horse was being an idiot and rearing, not sure how it was my fault but hey ho.

Generally I hated the down right arrogance of them and have since learnt they are known for it. They came all down the set aside of our fields without permission (also forcing a gap in our hedges) and as I happened to be out walking my dogs I got hold of the terrier man and complained, he was pretty nasty until i told him it was my father in laws land and he said the master would be out on Monday to apologise...still waiting for it a year later!!! Funnily enough he never turned up but it's hardly surprising as he is a total plonker anyway.

So yes, tried, and never again. Can think of way better uses of my time and money :)
 
My horse is now a perfect angel hunting but I won't be doing it again. Far too much standing around, nothing much happening, don't like following other people etc. Everyone is so snobby and not inviting at all.

Plus our local hunt is not a drag hunt but does the kill with birds of prey. I'm sorry, but I don't approve of it.
 
I've been a few times and would generally describe my experience as long periods of standing around freezing my bits off followed by bursts barely-in-control galloping (usually down hill on a narrow track with my horse breathing fire wanting to overtake the one in front...) followed by more standing and freezing. Then a couple of miles of bone jarring trotting along the lanes being glared at by antis.

And then repeat the above until it starts getting dark (or you fall off ;) )
 
I love it. Went first as a working pupil on a comp yard near a hunt. I was hooked straightaway, despite the fact my sweet natured schoolmistress turns into a lunatic. And hunted anything else I can get my hands on since. Can't think of a better way to build a horses confidence jumping. Gave up when pregnant, then by the time I had mine fit enough she injured herself. No way she would be happy to go & not jump, & now I'm a mum I don't want to take random nutters for a first day either. Have promised daughter she can go on a proper of lr hunt next season. Been offered a friends relatively sane sec d so I can watch daughter. Can't wait tbh!
 
Last time I went it was dragging on my 5 year old TB ex racer, he was as good as gold however, my friend who came with me twice on novice days on her 19 year old 'twice a week hunted all his life' once fell off negotiating a 90degree turn and concussed herself and then next time he got so excited he jogged all the way home next to my baby boy. When she got him home she had to have the vet out as he could not settle, the vet described him as 'having gone to a rave and not yet come down'!! Suggestions were made to dope him before she took him next time but next time never came!!
 
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