Children Hunting

[MGG]

My daughter who is 12 has been hunting once on a specific chidren's meet. She was fine and enjoyed it a lot, pony was a little strong, but jumped everything and she managed him fine. The children's meet was specifically only for children and they said that they didn't need to be accompanied and some lovely people from the hunt looked after them all. She is decent rider very biddable, quiet and polite.

On the list we have for the season there are a few hunts where it says 'suitable for children'. I assume I still need to find someone to keep an eye on her and she can't just go on her own. I can't go with her (no horse or inclination to hunt) so how do i go about finding someone to watch out for her? Is it very cheeky to phone the organisers up and ask if there is someone who would take her under their wing? I just thought there may be someone who would perhaps quite enjoy having an enthusiast to show the ropes, but then again maybe they would think it was plain cheek? She has her hunting certificate (ie passed the theory test and the Master said she was safe and competent to hunt).

The thing is how else is she going to be able to go? I wouldn't mind paying in some way - either a straight fee or perhaps covering the person's cap and diesel.

What do you think? I would like to let her go, but don't want to upset anyone by even asking or take advantage of anyone and spoil their day.

 

[connie1288]

I started hunting when I was 7, always went on my own, originally my Mum rung up the Master/Field Master (not totally sure) and I went cubbing when it was local, the Field Master looked after me, and he kept an eye on me for years.
I got a pound for staying out all morning that 1st day, I have never come home early since unless I had lost a shoe or lame horse!!
I dont think my Mum ever paid anything other than my cap.
Good luck and I hope she enjoys it.

 

[Digger123]

I think I would get in touch with the hunt secretary.Explain the situation and they will be able to give you some advice as to whether there is any one out who would be able and willing to keep an eye on her.

 

[JenHunt]

I am another one who hunted on their own from a young age. At 12 your daughter won't be the youngest one out, and there is bound to be someone who is out with their kids who won't mind keeping an eye on her for you.

My mum always used to ask someone she knew just to make sure I was still around every hour or so. And she always told me to tell that person when I was going home.

If you don't know anyone who hunts then I would ask the secretary if they know of anyone who might be able to help, and then ask them to point this person out to you at the meet.

I now look after kids for people out hunting, and I have a regular bunch who keep with me. They all keep up because they want to and they all jump to some extent.

I for one believe that kids who hunt are better kids. They know how to talk to adults respectfully, they are responsible for themselves and for their pony, they are bolder, braver, more sensible kids.

 

[Shay]

If you contact the secretary you may be able to get a member of the hunt to ride with her for half the day in return for the full day's cap. I.e. if you pay the adult's cap in exchange for half a day "babysitting". Our local stables always has hirelings out and the owner is quite willing to hunt for free in exchange for supervising a child for a bit.

 

[MrWoof]

My daughter who is 12 has been hunting once on a specific chidren's meet. She was fine and enjoyed it a lot, pony was a little strong, but jumped everything and she managed him fine. The children's meet was specifically only for children and they said that they didn't need to be accompanied and some lovely people from the hunt looked after them all. She is decent rider very biddable, quiet and polite.

On the list we have for the season there are a few hunts where it says 'suitable for children'. I assume I still need to find someone to keep an eye on her and she can't just go on her own. I can't go with her (no horse or inclination to hunt) so how do i go about finding someone to watch out for her? Is it very cheeky to phone the organisers up and ask if there is someone who would take her under their wing? I just thought there may be someone who would perhaps quite enjoy having an enthusiast to show the ropes, but then again maybe they would think it was plain cheek? She has her hunting certificate (ie passed the theory test and the Master said she was safe and competent to hunt).

The thing is how else is she going to be able to go? I wouldn't mind paying in some way - either a straight fee or perhaps covering the person's cap and diesel.

What do you think? I would like to let her go, but don't want to upset anyone by even asking or take advantage of anyone and spoil their day.

Ring the Secretary - there are always people willing to "babysit" and the Secretary will be able to put you in touch with them. I was known as the childminder - surrounded by children and loving every minute with them. I never took a penny from anyone - but did acquire quite a few bottles of gin during the seasons! However, do telephone "the babysitter" one evening during the week to ask first. You don't sound like the type to do so but some people do just bring their children to a Meet and then expect others to look after them for the day - which is then done as a matter of principle as no-one likes seeing an upset youngster. Come and have a day with The R&WH - we all look after each other! Hope your daughter finds a buddy or two and enjoys her hunting.

 

[Lollii]

I looked after (well kept an eye on) two young girls on Sunday, they were great and so well behaved, I stayed behind them just to make sure they were ok.

I would happily keep an eye out for kids on a hunt, I would take your mobile number just in case, I'm sure there will be other people on your hunt that will do the same.

 

[Optimist]

If your hunt has an associated Pony Club, you could try there - your daughter may well already be a member. Often pony clubs have a specific hunting rep who would be able to point you in the right direction, whether it is a system already in place for keeping an eye on members or possibly a parent who hunts with their children. I think we all recognise that hunting has no future without children coming up through the ranks, so I am sure you will find people more than happy to help. Good Luck!

 

[cptrayes]

Where are you? Cheshire Farmers Drag will look out for unaccompanied children. We have a sweeper who always makes sure that no-one is left behind and we take particular care of the kids.

 

[MGG]

Thanks for all the replies. I will phone the secretary and see what they can advise.

We are in Surrey and the Children's meet she went to was with the Surrey Union and it was their meets we were looking at - would make sense to go with them as they are nearest and they were very nice that day.

 

[Lizzie66]

I was in exactly the same position as you (a few years ago now). I rang the local hunt secretary and explained, they said they were happy to have youngsters along as long as I followed on foot, so if anything happened I could be there and take responsibility for her. Good Luck and happy hunting !