First time hunting, advice please !

[hannah90]

hi, i have just spoken to the hunt sec, thanks to everyone on here for pointing me in the right direction ! she was very helpful, but im still slightly confused ! iwas told i dont have to wear a proper jacket, as its autumn hunting, but look smart, and wear beige jods, and a stock. What sort of jacket do i wear, as im guessing its going to be cold ! and am i ok just to wear a normal coat ? dont want to get it wrong ! thanks

 

[lizziebinks]

This month's The Field has an article on what to wear.
For autumn hunting, you want to be wearing a skull cap with dark, plain velvet silk, hairnet for long hair.
Tweed hacking jacket. Plain shirt and tie (sept) or colour stock (october). OR just tie if you have no coloured stock. White stocks only for novemer (hunting proper).
johds - beige/browny colour, not white or canary yellow.
brown or black boots.
Horse not plaited.
If you have none of these things, don't worry. Just wear a smart alternative.

 

[hannah90]

thanks ! i am missing the stock, but have a yellow shirt and brown tie i used for showing, but no tweed jacket. Would shirt,tie and brown riding jacket/waterproof coat be ok ? am having to buy my horse new boots and stuff, dont want to buy to much for me just yet !

 

[L&M]

That's fine! Just by being clean and tidy, the hunt should appeciate you made the effort.

Assume you have already read the sticky on 'hunting for newbies' as is very helpful.

Have fun and don't forget to report back!

 

[combat_claire]

brown riding jacket/waterproof coat be ok ? am having to buy my horse new boots and stuff, dont want to buy to much for me just yet !

Frankly given the forecast for the next week or so the waterproof is looking like a great option and if it is tiddling down you won't be alone!

As Sidney says as long as you have made an effort to be as smart as you can afford to be at this stage of your hunting career then they will be okay. Don't panic. Ebay is a good source of second hand hunting kit if you really get into it.

 

[lizziebinks]

I'll e joining you in a waterproof outfit if this rain carries on. Hunting attire is all about practicality not just looks. Hunts are happier to see new people out enjoying themselves and less worried about their clothes.
Just wear what you have to hand and do not worry about it. It isn't a big deal.

 

[hannah90]

Thank you all so much ! put my mind at rest, i was getting rather stressed ! im not going until the 27 october, im rather excited if you hadnt noticed ! my mare is only 4, and i have only just got her, so have about four weeks to get her used to as much as possible ! i ride her in an eggbutt at the moment, would you advise a stronger bit ?

 

[lizziebinks]

You might well find that is your hunt's opening meet in which case scrap much of the above because it will be a different kettle of fish. There will be many more people about and the pace will be much faster.
There is no way I would take a 4 year old to the opening meet on her first day out. You risk having an upset horse and with all the loons out for the opening meet (think kids tearing about - it's half-term and horses that are too fresh), it could well end in serious disaster (think backing into someone, kicking and such like :-( ).

You've got four weeks so now is the perfect time to take her autumn hunting when the pace is very sedentary (much standing around) and there are few people out. Take her out once or twice a week starting next week until end of Oct! That now gives you a week to get used to her at home!
As a four year old, I'd probably do autumn hunting then turn her away from hunting until the end of the season where I'd bring her out for some quiet, end of season days.

Which pack of hounds will you be going with?

For autumn hunting, a snaffle should be sufficient.

 

[hannah90]

thanks lizziebinks, but i was told the next one is 27 oct, which is still autumn hunting ? Sec. said it would be quieter ! i was planning on just doing a little bit, when quieter, as im new to it all as well, and two novices doing anything could end in disaster ! (when i say novice, i mean to hunting, i can ride, im not that crazy !) Its the gelligear one ? in pontypool.

Thanks for all of your advice ! much needed, very grateful !