First timer going hunting - what to wear?

[Ambers Echo]

My daughter Katie is going out on 7th December. From what I can see, she should wear her black show jacket and a shirt with her pony club tie. But she will FREEZE. Do people really stay out all day with no coat on? And I have also read that body protectors should be under jackets as it is smarter, but there is no way hers would fit under a show jacket so that confused me too. Sorry for super-ignorant question but I have never had any interest in hunting. But she wants to, and her pony would love it, I am sure. Just want her to look correct while not dying of hypothermia....

 

[Roasted Chestnuts]

If she’s taking part in a full days hunt after the first line she won’t be cold. It isn’t all just sit there, she will be roasted with her BP and jacket on once they get going. If she’s cold then she’s not riding

 

[MaxboleyBlack]

Not sure who she will be hunting with but there's plenty of people on mine that wear body protectors over their jackets. I wear a thermal shirt under my jacket and always gloves! I'm sure she will love it

 

[Shay]

Actually I beg to differ. Show jackets are not good on kids unless there is no choice. They are too thin. Ideally as an under 18 she should wear tweed anyway and tweed jackets are much warmer. Yes ideally a BP should be under the jacket - but in practice the vast majority wear them over the top as you would need a separate jacket a size or two bigger to get the BP under - and air jackets are so common now and they have to go over the top.

If you have or can borrow a tweed wear that. PC tie and shirt. I put bamboo thermals on kids as they are suitably wiking if they do get warm and good comfy insulators. But if you have an XC baselayer that would do too - with thick tights under the Johds. You can get slim hand warmers that work when you flex a button. One in each pocket so she can warm them up when she needs them. Sweets - ideally not individually wrapped as kids drop the wrappers but something sugary. Really good thermal socks (feet are the worst!) and thermal gloves as long as they are not so thick that she would struggle with the reins. If find McWets really good for smaller hands.

The important thing is to go and have fun. If she ends up wearing a dark coloured coat over becuase she needs the warmth then so be it. Just not Hi Viz!

 

[Rowreach]

Actually I beg to differ. Show jackets are not good on kids unless there is no choice. They are too thin. Ideally as an under 18 she should wear tweed anyway and tweed jackets are much warmer. Yes ideally a BP should be under the jacket - but in practice the vast majority wear them over the top as you would need a separate jacket a size or two bigger to get the BP under - and air jackets are so common now and they have to go over the top.

If you have or can borrow a tweed wear that. PC tie and shirt. I put bamboo thermals on kids as they are suitably wiking if they do get warm and good comfy insulators. But if you have an XC baselayer that would do too - with thick tights under the Johds. You can get slim hand warmers that work when you flex a button. One in each pocket so she can warm them up when she needs them. Sweets - ideally not individually wrapped as kids drop the wrappers but something sugary. Really good thermal socks (feet are the worst!) and thermal gloves as long as they are not so thick that she would struggle with the reins. If find McWets really good for smaller hands.

The important thing is to go and have fun. If she ends up wearing a dark coloured coat over becuase she needs the warmth then so be it. Just not Hi Viz!

This!

But ultimately if it's her first time out, make sure she's warm and comfortable and safe, clean and tidy, and then if she gets the bug and wants to carry on, you can worry about getting her a proper hunting coat.

Ginger biscuits are good for pockets.

 

[ester]

Depends where you're hunting, I've certainly done plenty of hanging around and have definitely appreciated my thick hunt coat (and in shitty weather warm waterproof mountain horse one)/thermals!
I would absolutely not send her out in a black show jacket, thicker tweed or a darker coloured coat would all be better options. Body protector wherever you want to put it, I've mostly seen them worn outside of jackets.
Essentially if your first time, you are a kid and you look clean and tidy as does your pony no one is going to take offence at a kid being warm and comfortable.

 

[Rowreach]

Depends where you're hunting, I've certainly done plenty of hanging around and have definitely appreciated my thick hunt coat (and in shitty weather warm waterproof mountain horse one)/thermals!
.

I've hunted in several places where head to toe waterproofs are completely normal and acceptable

 

[ester]

As I was hacking there (and back) I didn't fancy being wet before I started one person made a comment about mufti but not anyone that mattered .

 

[Tiddlypom]

Essentially if your first time, you are a kid and you look clean and tidy as does your pony no one is going to take offence at a kid being warm and comfortable.

Absolutely this. If anyone from that pack makes any snotty remarks about her turnout, then shove that and try a different pack. Also check that your chosen pack isn’t one that attracts antis, there’s no way that the kerfuffle that I witnessed last Saturday would have been pleasant for a child to be out in.

 

[Ambers Echo]

If you have or can borrow a tweed wear that. PC tie and shirt. I put bamboo thermals on kids as they are suitably wiking if they do get warm and good comfy insulators. But if you have an XC baselayer that would do too - with thick tights under the Johds. You can get slim hand warmers that work when you flex a button. One in each pocket so she can warm them up when she needs them. Sweets - ideally not individually wrapped as kids drop the wrappers but something sugary. Really good thermal socks (feet are the worst!) and thermal gloves as long as they are not so thick that she would struggle with the reins. If find McWets really good for smaller hands.

The important thing is to go and have fun. If she ends up wearing a dark coloured coat over becuase she needs the warmth then so be it. Just not Hi Viz!

That's a relief! Yes she has a tweed coat but I had read that was for Autumn hunting. Perhaps it is different for kids. Thanks for advice on keeping warm. Hopefully she will be fine.

 

[SusieT]

For kids- I would put her warmest show jacket on and back protector over- nobody will mind this at all. I would also put severeal under layers, probably a zilt under the jacket and make sure she has good gloves. follow with a coat in case its wet- when you'r ehunting you dont tend to feel the rain so badly. and tights under jods etc.

 

[ester]

That's a relief! Yes she has a tweed coat but I had read that was for Autumn hunting. Perhaps it is different for kids. Thanks for advice on keeping warm. Hopefully she will be fine.

Tweed is never incorrect is a mantra which is repeated fairly frequently . I'm actually trying to remember if I've ever been out with kids not in tweed, I don't think I have.

 

[Shay]

That's a relief! Yes she has a tweed coat but I had read that was for Autumn hunting. Perhaps it is different for kids. Thanks for advice on keeping warm. Hopefully she will be fine

Tweed is correct for autumn hunting for adults but for under 18's always. It means that they are easier for the field master (and any other members) to identify and keep an eye on. In a good way - not a bad one. Just to be aware that they might either need a bit more support or be good for a lead because the kids are braver than the adults!

 

[Ambers Echo]

That's great. Thanks everyone.

 

[Ambers Echo]

follow with a coat in case its wet.

So how do I actually follow? How do I know where they are going? I assumed I would just drop off and pick up later?

 

[Ambers Echo]

ETA one of the Joint Masters knows she is coming for the first time and told me to ring him the day before to find out where they are meeting. She is only paying the Field Money because she is in pony club and does not need to pay a Subscription. And that it is fine for her to come along on her own. That's all I know!

 

[Tiddlypom]

Probably a good idea to keep tabs on her for her first time in case she doesn’t enjoy it. Can you take a separate car so that you can follow the hunt with the other car followers?

 

[Ambers Echo]

Probably a good idea to keep tabs on her for her first time in case she doesn’t enjoy it. Can you take a separate car so that you can follow the hunt with the other car followers?

Not really. I need to take her in the lorry. My OH is at a hospital appointment with my other daughter that day which will be an all day thing. Maybe I can jump in with someone else to follow.

 

[milliepops]

will she have a phone AE? In which case she can just give you a bell if she wants picking up sooner?

 

[ester]

I would expect you to be able to nab a car space, I think everyone would prefer parents to be reasonably close by in case, especially to start off with.

 

[Ambers Echo]

Yes she will have a phone. I'll try and follow in a car. The DC has assured me she will be fine. I am sure I will recognise other pony club parents when I get there but I don't know anyone going at the moment. x

 

[Rowreach]

If you're emailing one of the masters the day before, ask if there is a regular follower who wouldn't mind you tagging along. Most people are more than happy to have an extra along. Obviously a good idea that your daughter has her phone on her, but tell her to keep it in her pocket unless it's an emergency

 

[Shay]

Also be sure she has downloaded the "What3words" App. hopefully she'll never need it - but she might be able to help soemone else. If you have reaosnable phone signal you can also track her either using the Iphone "find my phone" feature or any of the Andriod tracking apps. We used to track our DD using Osmodriod - other apps are available.

 

[Skib]

Your bp should always be worn over the base layer, closest to your skin. In winter i wear a thin polo neck sweater, then the bp, then any fleeces and coats as needed. I hate these pics of kids out hunting with the bp worn over their jackets.

That affects safety too. The bp should not slip in a fall. If it rides up that is dangerous.

 

[Michen]

Can I play devils advocate.. (sorry). Even the steadiest and best of ponies can lose their mind out hunting the first time. My last Connie was snaffle mouthed XC and unstoppable on the hunting field. I’m not sure I’d send a child out on an unknown pony mid season.. I think I’d either want an adult to take the pony out first or then to do quiet autumn hunting at the very beginning.

I also think it’s important for any child to be properly escorted the first time by a nominated adult. The master cannot possibly keep a full eye on her, and accidents on the hunt field are so easily done. The field master of my local pack had her leg smashed to bits from a kick at the very start of the season... I’m sure Katie is very sensible but it really is a whole different ball game.

I’m probably being really boring!!

 

[Upthecreek]

I agree with Michen. First time out she needs to be with someone. Even the most sensible kids & foot perfect ponies can lose it out hunting. Our local hunt are very keen on getting kids out & pair them up with someone experienced for the their first few times out. It helps them learn how it’s done both in terms of safety and etiquette. Even if your daughter is older and a very competent rider she will benefit from buddying up with someone.

 

[oldie48]

Hi, if this is a children's meet then I would assume that there's an adult who is keeping an eye on them. If not, it is usual with the two packs that my daughter hunted with for them to expect to have a responsible adult with them until they are 13/14, sorry not sure of age. Don't worry about the kit, just make sure she's warm and as dry as pos. I remember my daughter saying she couldn't wear her long mac, but she was very glad that I insisted as it poured all day! My daughter used to hunt with two packs, one thought they were rather posh and the other was welcoming and friendly, I'll give you a guess which she preferred and which has prospered in these difficult times! I don't know if Katie's pony has hunted before but neither of ours had, one turned out to be a complete saint and the other would jump anything and everything, keep up with the main field but was an absolute pain to stand and needed to leave the field and be kept moving. I hope she has a fab time!

 

[AmyMay]

I’d assumed you’d be with her, and echo others who say she should be accompanied.

 

[Michen]

I agree with Michen. First time out she needs to be with someone. Even the most sensible kids & foot perfect ponies can lose it out hunting. Our local hunt are very keen on getting kids out & pair them up with someone experienced for the their first few times out. It helps them learn how it’s done both in terms of safety and etiquette. Even if your daughter is older and a very competent rider she will benefit from buddying up with someone.

Or go very early on when it’s quiet and just a lot of standing around. At least then the master can actually keep an eye out, though it’s not their job to babysit!!

 

[ycbm]

Have you hunted yourself AE? I am a bit shocked by what your DC is saying unless she knows the pony has hunting experience. If I had any children I wouldn't allow them out of my sight at their first hunt no matter what they are on. It can be mayhem at times with people who aren't in control of their horses.

I've also had several horses which were angels in a snaffle at home who pulled like trains in a Pelham out hunting. I had one who ran straight through a barbed wire fence on his first time out and we both ended up on the floor. It really isn't possible to predict how a first time out horse will behave.

.