Feeling a bit guilty, is it daft?

[nurselainee]

I have arranged with friends to go on my very first local hunt on a visitors cap in Dec. I have decided after all this time to go due to the fact there is a ban on the fox hunting side of things as i believe an animal does not need to be killed for us as riders to have fun across the countryside. However, please believe me when i say iam NOT anti hunting, its just my personal feelings on the subject and believe there is something beautifully English when you see pictures of hunt masters and their dogs on a hunt. I'm just feeling really guilty about being part of a 'hunt' and what used to happen at them. I just cant wait to go on the hunt and have been preparing my 17hh horses' fitness and gaining more confidence over natural jumps at home in my fields to get ready for the 2 hours riding over fields and countryside, im just so excited, but then, i start feeling really guilty, and think i shouldnt do it! Its eating me up just the sheer fact i'm going to be part of something relating to the word 'hunt'. I know this post probably doesnt make much sense really, i just wondered if anyone has felt like this or if many other riders have taken up hunting since the ban because the hunting of the fox doesnt happen anymore?

 

[muffinino]

To be honest, I think you either accept what hunts used to do and go, or don't agree with it and not go. There's no point in going if you feel bad about what hunts used to do, especially as they have now changed. Either way, it's your decision has to be right for you.

If you still have a niggling feeling, why not find a hunt that was a draghunt before the ban? Then you can go and enjoy without feeling guilty.

 

[nurselainee]

Thanks, you're so right. The thing is drag hunts aren't as plentiful as the original hunts (too far from my area), this one in Dec i've agreed to go to is just down the road, hacking distance from my yard, hence why i wanted to try it and one of my local famers runs it. I thought with fox hunting banned this would be my opportunity to experience the thrill of it. I think you're right though and I appreciate your honesty, thank you. Its just a toughy for me. I'm so excited about the whole meet and the 2 hour ride then i get hit by guilt. Nightmare.

 

[Lollii]

Why don't you go bloodhounding? they have never hunted anything live - just the scent of a runner (human) and such great fun!!

 

[skewby]

I think you are beating yourself up a bit there! Why not go and try, either you will love it or, if you find it does still bother you, you don't have to go again?

 

[Shay]

Fox hounds need to chase fox scent. Not artificial scent - that is used for drag hunting. Where do you think the fox scent comes from? I can assure you the fox does not wander up and agree to pee in a bottle.

You have an absolute right to your own ethical stance. Make an informed choice and if this is an issue for you stick to drag hunting or blood hounds.

 

[combat_claire]

Go once in December as invited and then you will be better placed to make your own mind up. Sorry, but nobody is going to be able to give you a definitive answer only your own conscience can do that.