difference between autumn hunting and full hunting

[janetull]

I have taken my novice horse cubbing 3 times this year and she behaved quite well - a bit fizzy but controllable - just! I was wondering whether to take her full hunting but neither of us is ready to jump yet! Is it very different from autumn hunting? Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

 

[tractor]

I'm not sure where you are, but for our pack the difference is minimal.

Our end of cubbing meets are generally the same length as a full hunting day - for example, on Saturday we met at 9 and got back at 2. This Saturday, Opening Meet, we will meet at 11.15 and be home about 4. So little difference time wise!

Apart from the different dress code, the day is pretty much the same. Perhaps speak to your hunt secretary and see if they can suggest a quiet "full hunting" day for you? Also with the jumping, there is pretty much always someone who doesn't want to jump and/or a kind person who will show/tell you the way round. Or alternatively give you a glass of port and a good lead .

I hope that helps! Remember, everyone was new to hunting once, speak to your Secretary, find a friendly face and have fun!

 

[JanetGeorge]

I have taken my novice horse cubbing 3 times this year and she behaved quite well - a bit fizzy but controllable - just! I was wondering whether to take her full hunting but neither of us is ready to jump yet! Is it very different from autumn hunting? Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

While we old diehards still refer to it as 'cubhunting', that's now (since the Hunting Act) even more of a misnomer than it was pre-2004.

The MAIN purpose of 'cubhunting', autumn hunting, cubbing etc has ALWAYS been to 'enter' the young hounds and to teach them their jobs. And of course their job now is different - post 2004. It's about teaching the young hounds to work with the pack (rather than running around chasing anything from a rabbit to the interior of a hunt follower's car looking for sandwiches.)

Pre-ban, it was also about speeding up the dispersal of young foxes, and culling either the weaker cubs - or older foxes which would not do well through the winter and would be the primary takers of poultry/young lambs in winter/spring.

How much different hunting is after the Opening Meet has ALWAYS varied from hunt to hunt - relying on the individual hunt's terrain (and the opportunity for long runs over a lot of fences/hedges.) Some hunts are faster and more challenging during autumn hunting than others are during the season proper.

With a youngster,. at some hunts, you'll need to pick your meets - and the hunt secretary or another knowledgeable follower will be able to advise you about whether the particular bit of country being hunted is practical if you're not jumping. Some hunts are easy for the non-jumper (the Beaufort springs immediately to mind - it has LOADS of gates pretty much everywhere - you could just about follow on a push bike!)

 

[EAST KENT]

While we old diehards still refer to it as 'cubhunting', that's now (since the Hunting Act) even more of a misnomer than it was pre-2004.

The MAIN purpose of 'cubhunting', autumn hunting, cubbing etc has ALWAYS been to 'enter' the young hounds and to teach them their jobs. And of course their job now is different - post 2004. It's about teaching the young hounds to work with the pack (rather than running around chasing anything from a rabbit to the interior of a hunt follower's car looking for sandwiches.)

Pre-ban, it was also about speeding up the dispersal of young foxes, and culling either the weaker cubs - or older foxes which would not do well through the winter and would be the primary takers of poultry/young lambs in winter/spring.

How much different hunting is after the Opening Meet has ALWAYS varied from hunt to hunt - relying on the individual hunt's terrain (and the opportunity for long runs over a lot of fences/hedges.) Some hunts are faster and more challenging during autumn hunting than others are during the season proper.

With a youngster,. at some hunts, you'll need to pick your meets - and the hunt secretary or another knowledgeable follower will be able to advise you about whether the particular bit of country being hunted is practical if you're not jumping. Some hunts are easy for the non-jumper (the Beaufort springs immediately to mind - it has LOADS of gates pretty much everywhere - you could just about follow on a push bike!)

Good Lord ,really? And there was me thinking the Beaufort was a real horseman`s challenge!

 

[JanetGeorge]

Good Lord ,really? And there was me thinking the Beaufort was a real horseman`s challenge!

You can jump a LOT there if you want to - and most of the jumps are 'safe' and not too huge. But there are gates almost everywhere!

 

[janetull]

Many Thanks for your replies. I will definately contact the hunt secretary about which meets would be suitable for a non jumper! I am with the cotswold vale - i don't know if any of you have hunted with them before?