Cubbing *also in hunting*

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lcharles

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Hopefully going cubbing tomorrow - half 6 meet though x

I've been hunting lots of times but never been cubbing - don't really know why not! x I don't have a tweed jacket (have my eye on one in Countrywide though!!) so is it ok to wear my usual black one? I don't have to plait do i? Dont think i could get up much earlier to plait! And does my numnah have a be black?

Can someone explain what generally happens at cubbing? I've been told its quieter than hunting and a slower pace, however last year a few people said cubbing had been better than hunting?!

Oh, and do i have to wear a hairnet?
 
Autumn hunting is introducing young hounds to hunting. It's quite, with very few runs, and a lot of standing about. But it 's rather a lovely way to start the day.

Your jacket should definitely not be black, and your numnah can be black, brown or beige (if sheepskin). Black or brown if not.
 
Ideally yes your jacket should be tweed before opening meet, and blue/black after. I'm sure some hunts are pinickity about such things but most are happy for newcommers to just turn up smart and tidy. I hunt once a year (and thats if I'm lucky) so I always wear tweed whether hunting or cubbing and I just appologise to the secretary before I turn up. No-one has ever complained. You dont have to plait but make sure the mane is neatly pulled (unless you have a native) and your numnah should be a neutral colour. Yes wear a hair net. I would also recommend a Mars bar in your pocket and 2 pairs of socks!

Cubbing is basically training young hounds, there is a lot of standing around coverts whilst the hounds work, there tends to be fewer runs and little jumping. The field also tends to be smaller and I've found people are friendlier as there is less going on. For most horses its a good introduction to hunting as there is less for them to get worked up about, however if you have a very forward horse then they may find the standing around too frustrating.
 
Re plaiting - is an arab plait OK? My mare has a long mane which I would like to take off her neck to help keep her cool but it's too long to plait conventionally and I'm not going to pull it short.
 
I've no idea what happens these days, but I went in the 70s - in those days you had to be invited to go and it was seen as an honour. Me and my friend, in our early teens went. We had to get up at 4am in order to get our ponies ready for the 6am meet (they lived out too, so there was a lot of brushing etc). I remember being utterly knackered and deciding never to go again.... I hope you have a good time though!
 
Haha Waffles, i dont think i'd go again if i had to get up at 4!! x I was planning on leaving him in tonight and get up at half 5, go to the yard and drag him into the lorry at 6 ready for the meet at half past! x

So i'll have to go and buy the tweed jacket i guess! x Dont know when else i'd use a tweed one but ho-hum!!

Do they have much jumping out cubbing then? x I dont either way but got the impression there is little jumping and is in general, a lot calmer? x

My horse might not like the standing about bit now you mention it, guess he'll learn!! x
 
Jumping depends who you go with but on the whole very little if any jumping.

Do you not have a friend who can lend you a tweed even if it is a little on the larger side? Best to be anyway to shove a jumper underneath if a cold morning!

There's a lot of standing around when cubbing so make sure you have some layers on.
 
Correct dress is pink matchy matchy, preferably from the katie price range. If clipped, leave a love heart on the quarters for anything ridden by over 18s. No plaiting, but pretty hairbobbles are ok for horse & rider. Wind plaits are acceptable in natives, provided you frequently charge through the field screaming 'help, the gypsies are coming'. Horses should not be groomed for at least a week beforehand, in order to provide natural camoflage (sp?). It's tradition for the entire field to ride through McDonald's drive thru for breakfast first, if this isn't mentioned, be sure to remind the hunt staff, they may just be testing your knowledge. First cubbing is an excellent opportunity to demonstrate your mounts speed, so remain in front, at full speed at all times. While standing around at coverts if your horse fidgets do be sure to move hounds on with a cry of 'heel doggies'. If young hounds come too close to your horse, 'get that ****ing dog on a lead & stop it barking' is the correct terminology. Follow these simple rules & you will soon be a popular member!
 
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