first day hunting!!

[beetlejuice]

well i survived for starters! it was both mine and my horses first time hunting ever. there were about 30 people + at the meet.
My horse was fairly well behaved but just started getting a little too strong after a couple of hours where i made the decision to take him back -another person came with me though.

it was quite different to what i expected but i enjoyed it all the same. Off again next week for the opening meet.

Do horses tend to settle a bit more the 2nd time or get a bit worse? i suppose it will be make or break next week!!

 

[JenHunt]

Glad to hear you enjoyed it!

depends onthe horse really - some just take to it and get better with practice, some feel like they're getting worse before they get the idea and settle down.

Sometimes they get stronger when they're tired too, as they use your hands to hold themselves toegether (does that make sense?!) so it could be that he was telling you he was ready to call it a day. In either case, you did the right thing in taking him home when you did!

 

[beetlejuice]

thanks jen i wondered if it was because he was getting tired. it was all trotting and cantering and up and down hills very fast paced so it was probably that.
He was fab with the hounds and the only thing i could really fault him on was nearly crashing into someone after getting a bit strong-thats when i took him back.
He was still a bit het up when i got home though and trotted round the field.
Hopefully it hasnt upset him and he just needs to get used to it

 

[JenHunt]

It does just sound like he was tired then, you must have had a pretty busy day. I'm sure it won't have upset him too much, he might be a bit keen tomorrow, but that'll be it I'm sure. He'll be great as he gets more experienced and fitter!

i'm glad you turned him out when you got back, it helps them settle down so much better than just putting them in with food! (having said that Ron won't go out when he gets back, just stands at the gate looking like i've abandoned him! but then he's wierd!)