Boxing Day with the Pytchley

[Bav]

Just wondering if anybody off this lovely forum is going with the Pytchley on Boxing Day? I'm very nervous and excited, it will be my first ever time hunting! I know, I've picked a busy first time out but some of the girls from the yard are going so I've decided to tag along as there is a spare space on a box!

I'm not sure what to expect, so any previous experience/advice would be good? I've heard it's non-jumping, is this correct? The mare has been out a few times before, but I haven't, would it be acceptable to wear a green ribbon in my own hair? 😂 Har-har.
I'm expecting to be relatively speedy, so worry that I may leave my fellow liveries behind on their far more laid back steeds. Anybody also on a speedy gonzales fancy nannying?
Gaaahhh so excited but bricking it already!!!

 

[Schollym]

Not sure about the pytchley but I know the Oakley hunt have a convivial meet outside the pub and a bit of a stretch of the legs, it is not quite the same as a normal day's hunting. Makes sure you have brakes and sit up!

 

[frostyfingers]

I have to say that if it's your first time hunting I'm not sure Boxing Day is the best choice - it's often full of overexcited, underexercised horses and there are usually much bigger fields. I appreciate you're grabbing an opportunity but if there's any chance you can get out before hand I would take it!

 

[Bernster]

I went to a couple of boxing day meets - my horse had by that time hunted a few times and was very steady and safe. He was fab. There is a lot of atmosphere, people, dogs, kids, cars etc - great fun but only because I had a steady neddy. The actual hunt was pretty light, a quick whizz round the fields and then done, so it was a short day. Not sure I'd go as my first day out but not having transport does limit your options.

 

[MiJodsR2BlinkinTite]

I have to say that if it's your first time hunting I'm not sure Boxing Day is the best choice - it's often full of overexcited, underexercised horses and there are usually much bigger fields. I appreciate you're grabbing an opportunity but if there's any chance you can get out before hand I would take it!

^^^ Agree with this!!! which would apply to ANY hunt in the country TBH. In olden times, cubbing (err no tis "Autumn trail hunting these days LOL) was a very useful place to get green horses (and green riders!) used to hunting quietly, before the hurley-burley of the opening meets and "big" hunts over the festive season.