Do horses get less excited about hunting the more they go?

[nemo_]

As above really. I'm quite new to hunting, having only been autumn hunting a few times. My pony has only been out as much as I have and is quite well behaved, although very strong, I just about have brakes and he will stop and start with the rest of the field so not too much of a problem there. It's more the behaviour after hunting that's the problem!! When out with large groups hacking or at rallies he gets very joggy and the last few times we've been on fast hacks he has tried (sometimes successfully) to get me off and tank off. He also gets like this when he hears any dogs, we hacked past a kennels on the way to a rally the other day, got a bit interesting! So anyway... I've been invited to go autumn hunting with a friend and her mum next week and would really like to go, but I don't want the silly behaviour to get worse. My instructor said it's likely he will calm down alot if I can take him more this winter so the novelty will wear off. Would you agree with this? Or have you had any similar issues?
Many thanks

 

[Judgemental]

As above really. I'm quite new to hunting, having only been autumn hunting a few times. My pony has only been out as much as I have and is quite well behaved, although very strong, I just about have brakes and he will stop and start with the rest of the field so not too much of a problem there. It's more the behaviour after hunting that's the problem!! When out with large groups hacking or at rallies he gets very joggy and the last few times we've been on fast hacks he has tried (sometimes successfully) to get me off and tank off. He also gets like this when he hears any dogs, we hacked past a kennels on the way to a rally the other day, got a bit interesting! So anyway... I've been invited to go autumn hunting with a friend and her mum next week and would really like to go, but I don't want the silly behaviour to get worse. My instructor said it's likely he will calm down alot if I can take him more this winter so the novelty will wear off. Would you agree with this? Or have you had any similar issues?
Many thanks

Work any horse or pony and it will become amazing compliant.

In my opinion, all ponies and horses should, be ridden out on exercise twice a day, except of course hunting days and Sundays.

Work and a regular routine coupled to a feed that is COMPATABLE with the level of work.

This is something you will have to learn, feed comensurate with work are an art.

 

[spacefaer]

If a horse has been "made", ie is a hunter rather than a horse that goes hunting, then the answer to your question is yes

You need to take your pony regularly, keeping him at the back, and quiet. Standing about is a very good education for him.

If you let him gallop with the others every time he goes out, then he will never settle as he will always associate it with that excitement.

The whole point of autumn hunting is to teach young horses and young hounds the manners essential to enable them to hunt properly.

I used to hunt my event horses and have a very stressful time, with leaping horses, not standing still, charging about, pulling my arms out etc etc,

Now I hunt hunters, who stand on point, stand at the meet, canter on a nice contact, jump and queue as required. It takes at least a couple of seasons to "make" a horse, but it's such a delight, it's well worth the effort

 

[JenHunt]

i agree with both posts, the more you take him the better he will get. He might still bet excited, but it will be more manageable.

my lad, who's 16ish this year will always go in a double bridle at the start of the season and be in a snaffle by the end! He's a made hunter but gets a bit like a kid in a sweet shop at the start of the season!

The only way to make a hunter is to get out there and do it, you have to put up with the sillyness for a while, but be positive, don't argue about standing still or tearing off, just give him something to do. I was always taught that you don't let a horse gallop, you make him gallop, and you don't let him stop, you make him stop. that way he doesn't associate the galloping with hunting, he associates galloping with being told to, so if you don't tell him to he doesn't!

ETA - plus, i suppose it stops you hanging onto the reins thinking you've got no brakes!

 

[Judgemental]

Depending upon how old you are, in my day - too long ago to remember, if one was very lucky you were invited to tag along with the huntsman, especially during Autumn Hunting. Indeed also, later in the season too.

Opening gates, holding his or the whips horse etc, that is remarkably instructive for a pony and gets them away from the 'madding crowd' and keeps them on the move without galloping about.

In other words you are moving with the draw from covert to covert.

Whether you can engineer this through older members who know you etc, it is to be recommened for a pony's education and yours.

 

[bahumbug]

Depending upon how old you are, in my day - too long ago to remember, if one was very lucky you were invited to tag along with the huntsman, especially during Autumn Hunting. Indeed also, later in the season too.

Opening gates, holding his or the whips horse etc, that is remarkably instructive for a pony and gets them away from the 'madding crowd' and keeps them on the move without galloping about.

In other words you are moving with the draw from covert to covert.

Whether you can engineer this through older members who know you etc, it is to be recommened for a pony's education and yours.

Indeed! Wise words. And it also has the effect of making you concentrate on the job in hand, so less worried about your horse/pony will do. He will do what you ask because there is a job to be done! Do find out about engineering this, you'll have so much fun!