Do I try again?

[jsr]

So after my appauling attempt at our Drag Hunts opening meet, where my lad gallopped into the yard for drinks, then bronked past the master when walking out the yard, then spun, bolted, jumped a garden wall and generally behaved like the biggest idiot around resulting in me aborting the hunt and going to stand at the lorry with a quivering, shaking, sweating, fire breathing monster while everyone else had a great time!!!!!

Do you think trying again would be stupid? I'd decided that was it for me and him but the last few weeks we've been working on my strength and position (lots and lots of stirrupless work...god my legs hurt!!) and him becoming alot quieter and responsive I'm getting very jealous of hearing about the fabulous lines and amazing weather we've had round here!!!!

I can't go next weekend but weekend after a couple of friends are going and one has offered to swap horses if he does become too much so I'm really really tempted. Do you think I just need to suck it up and think of him or could the fact he's chilled out and relaxed now after working hard the last few months mean he'll be back to his usual bouncy but respectful self on the hunt?

 

[meesha]

try again definately - mine was a handful first time out but second time sooo much better - if you have some calm horses you can go with and make sure that you have a suitable bit (I have cheletenham gag works like a dream) then worse case scenario you can swap with a friend then when he has calmed down swap back.

Well worth another attempt but if you are really unsure you can probably pay one of the hunt staff to take him out for you !!

Have fun

 

[jsr]

He did hunt last season and was fine, strong but certainly not dangerous as he was this time!!! Didn't help that the weather was tropical and it was a very busy meet!! My instructor said she'd take him but sort of defeats the object cos I want to ride him, I don't really want to ride anyone elses either as kind friends have offered quiet rides to me.

Got a curb for his bit cos he's in a NS gag so hoping that will help! It's the hacking out thats the issue, the lines he's fine on cos he's only a 15.1hh heavy cob so he doesn't go fast and is very safe and sure footed it's when he has to slow down he gets frustrated and starts to look for mischief!! Lol!!

 

[RunToEarth]

My little coloured in my sig is a fab hunter, but if I don't bottom him with a few weeks hunting he is a complete pig, and really does behave like an arse.
Bloodhounding seems to be his downfall, it just burns his brain, perhaps try a hunt that are on the move and not queueing for jumps- that really gets mine too. I would just be wary that hunt masters may tire of you if you are constantly over taking the field master- I know what it is like, it's awful, but just be aware of it.
I tend to take mine to a lot of Wednesday meets when I am starting him, try to stay at the front to avoid queues and pile ups, and keep him as chilled as possible.
I also leave mine on the lorry for as long as possible at a meet, as it just winds him up.
I have mine in a cheltenham gag, which I do like, but I have also considered the Tom Thumb, just an idea.
I would avoid social meets- opening meet/boxing day/ NYD as they are full of children, which is great- I love how well supported big meets are, but I fear for squashing some poor child at a fence, there are always huge fields out and if he is anything like mine it may just add fuel to the fire!

 

[jsr]

Thanks a Tom Thumb has been mentioned before I think I might invest in one to try. The Master was really kind and did laugh it off (vodka in the Pimms had something to do with his generous nature that day!!) and suggested next time I go out with the drag which will be less exciting for him and he wouldn't have horses ahead which is the problem...he thinks he's a TB but actually a shire x so speed isn't our forte!!! lol!

 

[JenHunt]

I second RTE in suggesting that you get him out and 'bottom' him. A different bit may give you more control during the day too. a tom thumb is a good place, or a good old fashioned double bridle may be worth a try too.

we have to do the same with Ron (he's 17 and has always hunted!) - we reckon we need to get 10 good long days into him before christmas to enjoy the season safely. If we're going to have a short day we'll hack further to the meet, or hack home.

OH was out for 5 hours today (hacked there, and home) and had a whale of a time, but Ron did launch himself across a field, and half unseat OH before jumping a hedge. I so wish I'd had a camera as by all accounts OH looked like he was getting on (i.e. both legs on one side!) as they went over the hedge. goodness only knows how they stayed together!

 

[Hunters]

Oh dear - what rotten luck you have had!

My advice? - Do try again.. When I was a MFH, the hunt staff were quite often given cast off horses... as in ones that were already tricky to ride, had a buck etc.

These horses invariably took to hunting, although it did take time with a few. The horses became accustomed to9 the hunt and hunting and eventually even enjoyed their work. However, of course these horses were working horses and due to the frequency of hunting soon learnt their job.

As a suggestion, if your local hunt secretary is friendly, maybe ask if you may ride quietly at the back for a few meets. You will sometimes find old 'traditional' dealers 'nagging' their horses at the bck of the meet in orde to teach them that really, hunting can be quite dull and boring..

 

[Hunters]

Sorry for typos - typing too fast & the phone rung...

 

[1987]

I took my TB last season and he was terrible. Started at the back and made it to the front before the 1st line, I promptly went back to the trailer and cried

My boy looks like he could be a brill hunter, albeit the jumping could be a problem, but I think maybe I am just too small for him and as it was new to me and him maybe it wasn't the best scenario.

This year I have been to shows (dressage, open shows) and he has been really chilled, warmed up and did what I told him. Do I try again? I'm thinking about asking a friend (who hunts a lot) to try him out and get her professional opinion.

 

[jsr]

Well I've spoken to them and they've agreed I can go with the drag which means no horses in front...which is his problem!! He's only a little cob and I think gets frustrated he can't be in the lead!! Lol!! Small man complex you know!!

1987, I'd give it a go as you've had a year to get to know him so things might go better this time! Good luck if you do...I know the crying feeling I was so frustrated last time too. And even worse the last 2 lines were very close to the farm we were parked in so I could see and hear everyone and it wasn't nice!!!! I'm not by nature a jealous person but I think I was green when they returned!! Lol!!

 

[FineFilly86]

If it was me I would try again. You've obviously been working hard and its a daunting and exciting experience for a horse first time. Let him have another go I say.

Best of luck!!

 

[JenHunt]

1987 - Id give it another go - speak to the sec and try to find a quiet meet where you can potter along with the back of the field, and enjoy yourself. You'll probably find that now you know each other better and you've been out and about more now he'll be much better.

and if you are up at the front, as long as you're not in front of the field master.... does it matter?

 

[tootsietoo]

Drugs solved my problems! I had a 14.2 who felt like an unexploded bomb out hunting, and we had a few close shaves which put me off taking him out hunting. Then a vet gave me potassium bromide (it's what they used to give to soldiers in the trenches apparently to stop them getting randy!) which I fed to him daily for a season, it chilled him out just enough to get him out and learning the job, and the season after he was a star. He still shook like a leaf at meets, but he stood still and was reasonably safe.

Just another option.

 

[Swirlymurphy]

I was hoping when you said "drugs" you meant something for the rider! My solution (and yes, I have the same problem with an overkeen TB) is valium and/or contents of hipflask before setting off Mine I think is worth persevering with as she behaves beautifully at the meet, it's just once everyone has set off that it all gets too exciting - we go everywhere sideways or backwards!!

 

[AmyMay]

I would defaintely go again - but make sure you go on a quieter day, and one where there is no 'meet'.