First time out hunting!

[Captain Bridget]

I'm going out with the South Downs Bloodhounds on Sunday.

I've read through all the info for newcomers on their website which is great. They seem pretty relaxed with attire but would a hacking jacket with white stock shirt and navy stock be okay?

Also for the horse will they mind him wearing a brown fly veil with beige stripe? We can't clip his ears so need to cover them up!! And what numnah or saddle cloth? White, black, brown, navy, burgundy?!

Although they're relaxed with attire I don't want to stick out like a sore thumb, his behaviour may do that for me...

 

[spacefaer]

Dark numnah not saddle cloth and tbh I'd rather see hairy ears than a fly veil thing!

Hacking jacket should be fine

In terms of turnout, just think clean, , smart and subtle and you will be fine

 

[Happy Hunter]

I think the veil would be 'sticking out' I'm sure his ears cant be that bad!
Try a little trim buy 'shutting' his ears like a book and gently snipping some of the bits that stick out?

 

[AmyMay]

Absolutely no veil thing.

Numnah, never a saddle cloth.

And a tie if you're wearing a hacking jacket.

 

[Captain Bridget]

I think the veil would be 'sticking out' I'm sure his ears cant be that bad!
Try a little trim buy 'shutting' his ears like a book and gently snipping some of the bits that stick out?

His ears are really bad.. We can't get anywhere near them even with scissors. He is bay so the veil blends in well apart from the stripe on the front. He doesn't like the little midges that are around at the moment either.

I have a black numnah but it has sheepskin edging?

 

[RunToEarth]

I wouldn't wear a fly veil - his ears will get sweaty and he will get irritated - it isn't a sin to have fluffy ears, my last horse did and no one commented. Sheepskin edging will be fine, much nicer than a saddle cloth.

It is correct to wear a stock with tweed after October rather than shirt and tie.

 

[arizonahoney]

And a tie if you're wearing a hacking jacket.

If you're showing - that would be correct. If you're hunting and wearing a hacking jacket, a coloured stock.

 

[Tern]

Fluffy ears, No veil! And midges? You won't have any of them around at the moment!

 

[Captain Bridget]

Thanks everyone! Really looking forward to it!

Last few days when I've been out hacking there have been midges and small flying pests around but if it's breezy it'll be okay.

 

[JenHunt]

don't worry about his ears!! they'll soon be so sweaty that nobody will notice the veil would be far more obvious!

otherwise, dark numnah, and as long as you're both clean and tidy you'll be fine!

have a fab time and let us know how you get on!

 

[MerryMystie]

Don't worry too much - SDBH are lovely and quite laid back about things. Just go and have fun!
Just to add - if you look at Sharon Thayer's photos ( link on SDBH website ) you'll be able to see what everyone else wears.

 

[Captain Bridget]

I had a great time! I wish I'd put his pelham in instead of the snaffle though as as the day went on he got stronger and stronger and I totally ran out of brakes at one point!

I would have liked there to be a little more jumping, which is saying something for me! But I definitely want to go again.

Everyone was SO lovely and friendly, looked out for me and gave me advice. Would definitely recommend them to someone wanting to go out for the first time.

A little video, I'm on the bay at the front of the second group of the field just before the grey refuses the jump!
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10151704664301644&set=o.210402722317536&type=2&theater

 

[Nicnac]

Great video and you really chose the best day for it! I think yesterday is the only day of sunshine since???

 

[Captain Bridget]

Yes, it was a beautiful day! We were SO lucky with the weather. The sun was lovely and warm but the air was nice and crisp. And the ground wasn't too wet either although puddles seem to be no issue for us!