Can you just turn up to the meet on boxing day?

[ThePony]

Hi,
Sure this is a stupid question, but am a total hunt idiot (went cubbing once as a child, got tanked off with then my pony rolled - I haven't been since!!).
There is a hunt meet near us on boxing day (ciren park if there is anyone local reading) and I would like to go along with my mare just to stand at the meet then head home - I would be suprised if they hunt 'properly' anyway as we are under nearly 1 foot of snow! Would that be ok or would it be considered bad manners? I don't want to cause offence! My mare is a legend so I have no reason to think she would do anything than stand, be interested in looking at the other horses, then we can have a nice hack home.
Should I call the sec esp if we don't intend to hunt? I would normaly think that would be good manners, but not sure they would want to be bothered by a small request over christmas esp if what I would like to do is normal?
Hope you can help!! I don't have a hunt coat, so would go in my black jacket, with the usual long boots, stock, biege jods etc and imaculate plaited horse - assuming that is acceptable turnout?
Thank you guys!!

 

[tractor]

Hi,

It's quite rude to just turn up - especially in this weather! I'd give the Secretary a ring, just to introduce yourself, ask permission to go out, cap charges etc - also if they are actually going or not, if it's icy then they may just parade hounds, so it may only be hunt staff & a few members mounted so the public aren't disappointed. There may be special parking arrangements or a change of meet time too.

If you've not got the Secretary's number then have a look at the MFHA website, it should be on there.

Most of all, if you do get to go out, have a lovely time, and think yourself lucky - we haven't been out since 20th November :-(

Happy Hunting!! xx

 

[ThePony]

Fab, thank you! Just didn't want to wind up being rude and wasn't sure of the etiquette.

 

[tractor]

If in doubt - ring! I'm the Secretary for our local pack, and would much rather someone phoned and asked rather than just turning up - it's much easier to tell someone the right things to do in advance then to be apologising to farmers/landowners/pub landlords the day after as something has gone wrong.

You could have a quick google of the hunt name to see if they have a website - it might give details/a person to contact specifically for Boxing Day.

Have fun! We have already decided to go on foot tomorrow and Boxing Day is looking dodgy.

 

[ThePony]

Brilliant, shall do that. Just didn't want to bother them over Christmas, esp if I was asking a stupid question. Shall see if they have a website too.
They are def meeting as there are posters in town, but I think they would have their work cut out actually hunting!!