Bernster
Well-Known Member
With one thing and another, I haven't made it out hunting and thought maybe that was a goal for 2016. But my local pack were meeting fairly close, my friend was going, I had the day off, and I didn't need to plait. I realise these are not the markings of a true hunter haha, but they were enough to persuade me to venture out for a half day.
I went fully kitted up (universal bit, flash, martingale) on the basis that I'd rather have it and not need it. Glad I did as he found a much needed fifth gear, but I didn't need to take much of a hold at all. Its quite nice being able to still feel your arms at the end of the day.
I was really pleased with how he went. He stood nicely at the meet, seemed a bit too interested in the hounds but behaved himself. Keen but controllable and didn't bat an eyelid at people going past, or getting crowded, or the occasional emergency stop. We popped a teeny log as it was in the way, so we've done our first jump too.
I'd forgotten how nice it is to be out in the countryside. The weather was lovely, warm and bright, not at all like winter hunting, although the ground was a bit boggy in places. Overall a really nice day out and a great first time for F. Could not have asked for more from him.
I really need to get quicker though. I spent hours preparing the day before, and hours tidying up afterwards. I'd also forgotten about the mud, it gets everywhere!
Hacking back to the meet, sporting an interesting Mohican
Slightly fuzzy pic of the gorgeous Herts countryside
This is what me, my horse and my kit looked like afterwards. So glad I spent hours the day before getting it all clean (sorry about the sizing)
I went fully kitted up (universal bit, flash, martingale) on the basis that I'd rather have it and not need it. Glad I did as he found a much needed fifth gear, but I didn't need to take much of a hold at all. Its quite nice being able to still feel your arms at the end of the day.
I was really pleased with how he went. He stood nicely at the meet, seemed a bit too interested in the hounds but behaved himself. Keen but controllable and didn't bat an eyelid at people going past, or getting crowded, or the occasional emergency stop. We popped a teeny log as it was in the way, so we've done our first jump too.
I'd forgotten how nice it is to be out in the countryside. The weather was lovely, warm and bright, not at all like winter hunting, although the ground was a bit boggy in places. Overall a really nice day out and a great first time for F. Could not have asked for more from him.
I really need to get quicker though. I spent hours preparing the day before, and hours tidying up afterwards. I'd also forgotten about the mud, it gets everywhere!
Hacking back to the meet, sporting an interesting Mohican
Slightly fuzzy pic of the gorgeous Herts countryside
This is what me, my horse and my kit looked like afterwards. So glad I spent hours the day before getting it all clean (sorry about the sizing)
don't miss the muddy tack though!