First time hunting (VWH, North Cotsworld & Cotsworld come here)

[Tern]

Okay so I'd like some advice.. Next season (Yes i know ages away.. I'm sorry)
My horse is as described:
Welsh Sec D
15hh
7 Years Old
Mare
Fussy..
Never hunted

Me:
Girl
Never Hunted
Will be going on Child's hunt first
Willing to try anything


Okay, So i want to try hunting but 1.what do i wear 2.should my horse be plaited 3.she has very little stamina, how can i help this? 4.Which is best to start with (Don't want 4ft hedges..) VWH, Cotsworld, North Cotsworld. 5. How much should i be expecting to pay as the 'cap'

Sorry for all these questions Complete Newb at this

 

[SuperCoblet]

how old are you?
I went on my first meet on tuesday and loved it! Kind of addicted already
This website helped me: http://www.osbwk.co.uk/hunting etiquette.htm and have a look on the different hunt websites as different hunts have different standards and rules

Have fun!!

 

[Tern]

Well yeah im reading this now

 

[Countryman]

On the question of which Hunt to go out with, all 3 of the hunts you name are very well regarded and have some excellent hunting, with galloping and possibly some jumping. Unfortunately this can also mean they have very large fields-lots of riders out, and it can be a bit crowded. I am unsure of the specifics of the Cotswold and N. Cotswold country, but I do know that the VWH have very few hedges compared to some of their neighbouring hunts.

It might be best to ring up/email the secretary of the hunt you decide to go with and explain to them what you have told us, and they will be able to recommend a good day for you. In my limited experience, Thursdays with the VWH tend to be slower days with the smallest fields, so you might want to go for them!

Contact details for the secretaries (Mr and Mrs Dibble) can be found here:
http://www.vwh-hunt.co.uk/vwh_contact.php

 

[Doormouse]

The Cotswold Vale might be better for you as I believe they have slightly smaller fields. Worth ringing round a few local packs, speak to the secretary, and they will be able to advise on dress, cost and the best days to go. I would advise starting with Autumn hunting next season as early on they will only have a small number of people out and it is very quiet so a good introduction for your mare.

 

[Inthesticks]

North Cots have a smaller field, and are very friendly. I follow them occassionally

 

[Tern]

Okay thank you, everyone has been LOTS of help The VWH Hunt Kennels is just down the road (can walk to it, takes about 5 mins!) But a friend who hunts with the VWH say they are quite fast and furious and probably not suitable for my mare (Though i must admit.. I'm not sure how much brakes she would have )

 

[spacefaer]

IME the larger the field, the more chance have of going slowly as there is a greater likelihood of other people wanting to be steady. Small fields can be much faster as it's easier to get fewer people across country than many.

I do agree that The bigger fields out on a Saturday can be a bit intimidating but you will find it's slower

My OH has had quite a few days with the VWH and said that Thursdays can be great - but he likes to kick on!JeHe also said that the Thursday country tends to be less "made" fewer hunt jumps than the areas hunted the rest of the week.

Have some days autumn hunting next season and let us know how you get on!

 

[Tern]

Okay thanks I may find someone nice on here to see if i could stay with them haha