Experienced hunting folk - please tell me whether this idea is workable

[Kat]

I've just realised that there is a hunt going from near our yard on Thursday. This is the first time since I've had my horse that a hunt has gone from within hacking distance when I've been free.

I've never hunted before and neither has my horse but it is something I am really keen to try. My horse is 4 and hacks nicely but doesn't jump yet.

I know we can't actually hunt because it is a big jumping day and my horse isn't fit enough anyway.

So I'm thinking of phoning the secretary to see whether it would be ok to hack to the meet show my horse the hounds, stand around and let her experience the sights then hack home.

Would this be ok? Any thoughts on whether this is a good or bad idea?

I'm aiming to have a good allrounder rather than a hunter but would like to further my horse's education and improve our chances of having a good experieynce when we do go hunting - probably autumn hunting next year.

 

[Horsey_dreams]

I'm hoping to do this with mine in February in preparation for next season, experienced hunting friends tell me this is fine, I'm going to phone first and check etc first still

 

[Kat]

Cool would love to go along, so I hope it is ok.

Hope the experienced people will post and give me some hints on the etiquette of the situation if I do go.

 

[LizzieJ]

Yes, it should be fine Phone the secretary first though to check and see what/if they will charge you.

 

[Kat]

Eeek I'm going! Secretary was very helpful, I can go to meet the hounds in return for a donation to the hunt. I don't have to plaits or wear proper turn out as long as horse and I are clean and tidy.

So next question, when I asked what I should wear the secretary said smart casual....... What does that mean? Long black boots and beige jodhs are easy enough. I wear a skull cap and have either a black lycra cover or a green velvet (to match my tweed). But what to wear on top? My tweed, if so I don't have the right stock, it would be either a white one or a navy tie. I also have a black jacket for sj/dressage. Or should I wear a clean dark waterproof jacket and hi-viz bib with a usual fleece underneath? any other ideas?

Horse is easy her boots are black, so is her girth and I can use a black cotton numnah. Nice and discrete. She's bay so easy enough to clean up. Mane is a little long but tidy.

Very excited but also nervous about horse disgracing herself! Hubby is coming in case I need a hand.

 

[Horsey_dreams]

exciting!!!! let us know how u get on, get photos!!!!

 

[BombayMix]

I would present horse as if going to a show (minus plaits) so she is smart and then for yourself long boots, beige jods and a dark waterproof jacket Good luck!

 

[LizzieJ]

your tweed and tie will be fine If it's wet then a waterproof will be too but without the hi viz! If it was me I would go tweed jacket and tie

 

[Kat]

Thanks folks, horse isn't a problem, just worried about me. Will have to dig out a hair net! I think given how cold it is round us I'll probably wear a dark waterproof my smart gear is all a bit summery. Would like to dress up but don't want to freeze and will be hacking about 40 mins each way. Will wear hi viz but take it off. We aren't allowed to hack out without on our yard.

 

[Kat]

Horse can be presented as if for a show but booted up. I don't back without boots as the roads are slippery and as we're in stone wall country the hunt recommend boots.

 

[BombayMix]

Boots are fine! How did it go?

 

[Kat]

It was great thanks! She behaved well, stood quite well apart from some head tossing. She wasn't bothered about the hounds and behaved even when other horses stood very close or bumped her.
Nearly had an incident when they brought port round and my horse thought she might like some too.

Was especially pleased that she behaved when we left.

Was glad of my waterproof as it tipped down!

Made it very clear how much fitter and more muscled she needs to be though seeing her next to the proper hunters. Especially as she was wet through.

 

[JenHunt]

that sounds like a good start!

if you want to go hunting properly next year, you should aim to get her to hunt rides and hound exercise next summer - it will help you get her fit enough, and be a good introduction to hunting for you both!

 

[Kat]

Thanks, I will be on the look out for hunt rides and hound exercise as well as newcomers days and autumn hunting. Hopefully by summer I will have some transport, this year the problem has been finding anything within hacking distance.

 

[cathy rd]

ahh, i like this thread! hope he's a good boy for you. enjoy!