Complete Beginner Wanting Tips

[gokartbandit]

Hi - I'm new here and a fairly novice horse owner too!

I'm going hunting for the first time at the beginning of January - never even done any showing or anything so complete newbie.

I've just ordered a brown tweed hacking jacket, cream jods and white show shirt. Already have long black leather boots. Would that be OK?

I'm told that you can do the non-jumping route so will do that for our first time. We're used to doing fairly fast hacks for around 2-3 hours 3 times a week, plus a couple of shorter hacks on very hilly terrain so reasonably fit. Will be getting full clip (currently have a trace).

Green ribbon in tail? Keep to back?

Do you get much opportunity to slow down and rest your horse? How long would you normally be out for? What if you fall off - will everyone bugger off and leave me?

Any handy tips for complete beginner much appreciated.

Thanks
Sarah

 

[virtual]

In terms of dress, what you have sounds fine, although you should also have a coloured stock or shirt and tie.

A green ribbon sounds like an excellent idea if you're not sure about the reaction your horse might have to hunting.

Non-jumping routes are often a bit slower than jumping (partly because it's the nervous, older and younger people doing it!) The rest you get will depend entirely on the hunt you go with - drag hunts tend to be faster than if foxes are being flushed to guns for example. Hopefully if you fall off everyone will be helpful (but this can depend on the hunt too).

You can decide how long you want to be out for. Some people will just go for an hour, others will be out until the bitter end (until it gets dark). You don't have to stay out all day, and usually someone will be happy to point you in the direction of home (or you can tag along with someone else).

I hope you have a good time!

 

[truffles]

I can't give you any advice, but I wish you the best of luck - you will have an absolute BALL!!!

Don't forget thermals, I froze and I had mine on! And gloves! So easy to forget, but VITAL!

Have an excellent day.

 

[CastleMouse]

A brown tweed hacking jacket will be perfectly fine! Wear a decent pair of warm gloves as well. The non-jumping routes are always much longer, do you know if the meet you are going on has much jumping? As some meets only have the odd jump or two. The green ribbon sounds like a good idea, and keeping to the back would also be a good idea. You may be standing around for a good while at times, bring a bar of chocolate with you in case you get a bit hungry! Youmay be out for a few hours, but some people do only stay until a certain time. Most people are very kind and helpful when you're hunting, and there's always someone who will stop and wait with you if you fall off Start chatting to a few people and you'll have new friends in no time! Hope you have a great day! Hunting is great fun!

 

[SusieJane]

Oh have a FANTASTIC time.
My only advice is...
layers, layers, layers and then one for luck!

Tights, leggings & thermals, with vests, long sleeved cotton tops all nicely hidden under your jods & tweeds.

As a newbie to shows, hunts etc I would make a list and tick it off as you load it, because even experienced riders get to the venue to realise they've forgotten their hats/gloves/horse!

Have a great day, get lots of pics xx

 

[gokartbandit]

Thanks guys - Another Question......

Should I plait? I have a native type and cannot plait it myself and refuse to pull it although someone more experience than me might be able to plait.

Ta

 

[Ferdinase514]

No need to plait a native.

Have fun

 

[gentle_giant]

Absolutely dont plait up, and have a wonderful time!
I agree with all the advice here, and just remember its supposed to be fun so dont worry!