First time hunting confusion!

[Jojo1984]

Hi All,

We are new to the forum and was hoping to pick your brains about hunting! I have recentlly to back into riding and have a Irish Cob type mare. We are looking to start hunting this season.
I don't know what she will be like in the field and only have previous owners word. I have been told to start off cubbing?
How does it work with regards to 'whipping in' I want to see if it is for us first. Also a little confused about subscriptions and 'day tickets' and what needs to be paid if I want to join a hunt.
Lastly we stable our horse in Clapton in Gordano, North Somerset- is there anyone on this forum who hunts regularily in the area who we could perhaps share lifts etc with (will pay our way!).

Any advice appreciated!

Jo

 

[combat_claire]

Rightio.

Her previous owner is quite correct in advising you to start autumn hunting - this is the start of the season where hounds meet early in the morning and finish around lunchtime. It is a steadier pace with no jumping where young hounds and inexperienced horses (and riders) can get an education. Around the end of October/beginning of November there will be the Opening Meet. From this meet onwards hounds gather at 10.45/11am depending on the pack and the hunting day will last until dark. There will be more fast work and jumping (although usually optional).

The Whipper-in is a member of staff within the hunt whose job it is to assist the huntsman - he will ensure that hounds are not left behind in coverts, that naughty hounds are rated (told off) for their bad behaviour and will be on point to act as an extra pair of eyes to the huntsman. You won't have to worry about it, other than making sure if someone yells 'whip on the left' you move out of his way.

There are a range of options as far as joining the hunt are concerned. You could pay a day cap which entitles you to hunt for one day. This is normally around £50-70 during main season or £15-20 for autumn hunting. If you really get into hunting then you can opt to pay a full subscription - these vary depending on the hunt, your age and whether you are a farmer within the hunt country. This entitles you to hunt every day that you wish from September to March. A middle ground is the special subscription which normally gives you 5 or 7 days hunting. They give you a book of tickets and you give one to the secretary each morning you attend instead of paying cash. Many hunts are doing a newcomers' deal with BOGOFs etc so it is worth calling the secretary for a chat.

 

[meesha]

If you want to get into it your nearest ones I think are weston and banwell harriers and mendip farmers with West Somerset Vale a little further (but lovely). Now is the time to go as autumn trailing has just started so it should be quieter - ring the hunt secretary for whichever hunt you are interested in and ask if you can go along and also if they know of anyone who goes from your area who you may be able to travel with. I am no expert as only went for first time last year but as an overview you will need to have horse clean and smart - no bright colours - no need to plait for now - you should wear tweed jacket, cream or beige jods and black or brown boots.

Put a green ribbon in horses tail or red if kicks - you will be part of the "field" along with everyone else who pays to hunt - there willl be a field master in charge of you and a master and whippers in working the hounds - as it is autumn trailing at the moment it is usually earlyish in morning and cheaper than main season (£20 ish I think for your nearest ones)

hope this helps, have fun.

 

[meesha]

combat claire - you beat me to it ! much better description than mine !

 

[spacefaer]

Fantastic, combatClaire

Another suggestion I would make would be to go along on foot a few times to get an idea of what it's all about before you go with your horse. It's a lot less stressful than worrying about how your horse is going to behave as well as working out what's going on and you'll get a good idea whether you're going to enjoy it!

Foot followers are very friendly crowd and will be delighted to enlighten you as to what's going on!

Give your local Hon Sec a ring and I'm sure they'll give you lots of helpful information.

ETA Foot/car following is very informal - waterproof/warm clothes and sensible footwear

 

[combat_claire]

Aye, we footies will always extend a warm welcome to newbies. As Spacefaer says they will voice their commentary of the day whether correct/sought or not! However stay in with us, as we open gates, reunite you with the field, tighten bridles, hold horses while you wee and scoop up fallers!

 

[LizzieJ]

http://www.westsomersetvalehunt.co.uk/ is our hunt website, it has quite a lot of useful info We wouldn't be your local pack but we are quite small and friendly without many massive hedges or ditches!