First timer going hunting - what to wear?

[Ambers Echo]

I admit I have got cold feet about the whole idea. Pony club is usually very safety conscious so when I emailed the DC I imagined I'd be told she needs to start with children's meets or be accompanied or whatever.

But this is the question I asked and the response I got which made me think I was being too cautious and she would be fine to just rock up and join in.

Dear XXX
Katie would like to get Dolly out hunting this season. We have never done it before. How do we get started?


Dear AE
That’s great news, we hunt every Saturday and Wednesday meeting at 11.15am, and because she is in Pony Club there is no need to pay a Subscription only the Field Money of £10 each time Katie goes out..... You will get notified by email and text of the meets and any changes etc, for the rest of the season. I have copied the joint Masters and Secretary in.

There will always be someone out to help Katie find her way about..... just come along!

Katie is 15, Dolly is 5 (6 next year) and sensible but forward. They evented at BE80 last season and were DC a few times so are not novices.

Should I just forget it? I don't want to hunt Amber. The last thing she needs is to get even more enthusiastic XC!!! But it was Katie's RI who suggested we get Dolly out hunting - she thought it would do her the world of good in terms of fitness and boldness for next season.

​

 

[ycbm]

I'd get someone else to take Dolly first time, then let Katie take over if Dolly was quiet and manageable. Second time out can be hairy, but the horse has usually given you good clues first time that its going to find things exciting. If in doubt, let someone else take her twice.

The answer you were given was from the hunter wanting new blood for the field, not from the PC DC 😆

Your RI is probably right, too.
.

 

[milliepops]

I haven't hunted post ban but I was younger and more novice when I started, and I just went with a friend the same age

We were told who to pay attention to, who to stay behind, how to not be in the way and how to be polite to the rest of the field... I'm going to go against the grain and say that she's a sensible girl with a sensible pony and I wouldn't take Amber either! I would ask around and see if there is an experienced friend or other youngster who could tag along with her and deliver her back to a pick up point after a couple of hours if things have gone well, or even sooner if it's been tricky. It may be that there are some meets that are better than others for that kind of thing. I knew the ones locally where I could peel off at lunchtime and toddle off home.

i don't have children though and this is the child of non-horsey parents who were clueless about what we were up to, speaking

 

[Michen]

Tbh AE, Dolly does a lot for her age (no criticism as she’s clearly fab and mine did similar at 6 but was arguably less mature!) and it’s worth making sure this goes right so you don’t have a trembling wreck afterwards. I do think it lacks responsibility for both the pony, rider and rest of the field to send them out mid season with no experience and without even a proper chaperone.

I know Dolly is super sensible but unless you’ve hunted yourself you can’t see the absolute carnage that can occur from normally sensible ponies or horses that lose their minds. Of course there’s probably a 99% chance it’ll be fine but the 1% that it’s not could be serious. You cannot guarantee her behaviour on the hunt field just because she’s good in other areas.

I would personally set the pony up to succeed rather than potentially fail and wait until next season and introduce her properly. I didn’t do this with Basil, but I did do it with Boggle and it’s paid off so much (though he’s still a strong tank!).

I know there is the “ we did this in my day” mentality but that doesn’t mean it’s correct.

I just don’t think mid season in deep ground under the circumstances you describe is the way to do it. I learned that the hard way.. I’m so so glad I did it properly with Boggle.

I also would think hard if you do send her out, the pony doing a full day. When tiredness kicks in is often when accidents happen. I made sure Bog went home fresh but educated his first few months hunting, I think it’s inportant not to let them get exhausted. Be mindful of the ground- I took Bog out today and regretted it as he had a very deep day last week and I thought it would have dried up more. And he is very much hunting fit but it made me cringe.

 

[oldie48]

I am sure Katie would be fine on a pony that had hunted but tbh if she were my daughter I'd not hunt this year but start with Autumn hunting next year. However, I will fess up, as a completely clueless mother I let my 7 year old daughter hunt on Exmoor on a 6 year old connie that had not hunted, but she was accompanied by an adult. She and the pony had an absolute ball but I did follow by car (that was pretty useless!) One thing to think about though is how Katie gets home if she d ecides she has had enough or if there is something she really doesn't want to jump and gets left behind. I let my daughter go out with the draghounds having been assured by the master that she would be looked after. She wasn't! They were completely bonkers and the adult who promised to look after her, forgot!! She jumped a line of hedges quite well then got jumped out of the saddle and hit the deck, fortunately I was following and at least you know where they are going and I was able to bring her and pony home, both unhurt.

 

[Ambers Echo]

Well I have contacted another parent who sent his daughter out. And he said it was total mayhem! The 'she'll be looked after' was forgotten in minutes and the pony bolted and she came off. He was following in a car and retrieved them both and took them home. I will see if someone else can hunt Dolly first and take it from there.

Thanks for all the advice. I have no clue about hunting as I have never done it. But it sounds like it is slightly wild!! I thought eventing was quite an ask for ponies and riders but it sounds like hunting is another level in terms of risk.

 

[Michen]

Well I have contacted another parent who sent his daughter out. And he said it was total mayhem! The 'she'll be looked after' was forgotten in minutes and the pony bolted and she came off. He was following in a car and retrieved them both and took them home. I will see if someone else can hunt Dolly first and take it from there.

Thanks for all the advice. I have no clue about hunting as I have never done it. But it sounds like it is slightly wild!! I thought eventing was quite an ask for ponies and riders but it sounds like hunting is another level in terms of risk.

What were you expecting it to be like AE if your surprised it’s riskier than low level eventing- out of interest? It’s a pretty uncontrolled environment and whilst it does depend on the pack it’s got to be one of, if not the riskiest sports we do with our horses. You are going at all speeds over often unchecked ground (and praying you avoid holes and flints of which I’ve seen two horses lose their life too), compare that with eventing over near perfect ground..

Good idea re Dolly but I’d still wait until next year and do it properly with quiet days.

 

[The Fuzzy Furry]

AE, def take in what Michen says as I can also confirm just about every point too, and wait till autumn hunting x

 

[Tiddlypom]

Hunting is very different to competing. Horse and rider need to be able to think for themselves much more, rather than relying on following a set route over a course of jumps. However, it shouldn’t have been ‘total mayhem’, maybe that was an exaggeration? Or maybe not... IMHO it was very naughty of the DC to invite your daughter out without a formal 1:1 pairing up with a mounted nanny.

Do check this pack out more. Follow them by car yourself first. If they are a wild lot, then give them a wide berth. It would do Dolly no good to be razzed up after a wild day out with hounds even with another rider.

What were you expecting it to be like AE if your surprised it’s riskier than low level eventing- out of interest?

This. Do some more homework before you send them out.
The hunt have been by me the last two w/e’s. It’s clear from following the hoofprints later along the footpath that several horses have put their feet down some of the many rabbit holes in the area. Hunters tend not to last too long in these parts...

 

[ycbm]

Total mayhem is an accurate description of parts of the field at some time during every hunt I've ever been on. It takes only one person not to be in control of their horse over a fence, in a queue or at a gateway. Then add the bad ground, the rabbit holes, the barbed wire ... It's way the most dangerous horse sport I've ever done.

.

 

[palo1]

Gosh, I am not surprised you are put off AE! Our local packs are a bit different to the experiences reported here though tbh. We are largely non-jumping due to the nature of the country and whilst everyone mounted needs to be able to ride confidently at all gaits up and down hill and to be able to jump a little if they want to keep up, there are actually plenty of people very willing to sign up for a day of looking after youngsters/new people and to go steadily all day, even if that means getting out of touch at times. I have escorted numerous people on short days and barely broken out of canter on good going but all hunts and all territories are a little different. If you are approaching a well-known or reasonably sized pack there SHOULD be someone who can be nominated to stick with your daughter and ensure that she has a good day. That is a common courtesy that is generally not ignored with a decent pack but perhaps you are more in the area with fashionable or very 'fast' hunting packs. Certainly it is a good idea for someone else to test the pony's manners initially.

 

[Michen]

Gosh, I am not surprised you are put off AE! Our local packs are a bit different to the experiences reported here though tbh. We are largely non-jumping due to the nature of the country and whilst everyone mounted needs to be able to ride confidently at all gaits up and down hill and to be able to jump a little if they want to keep up, there are actually plenty of people very willing to sign up for a day of looking after youngsters/new people and to go steadily all day, even if that means getting out of touch at times. I have escorted numerous people on short days and barely broken out of canter on good going but all hunts and all territories are a little different. If you are approaching a well-known or reasonably sized pack there SHOULD be someone who can be nominated to stick with your daughter and ensure that she has a good day. That is a common courtesy that is generally not ignored with a decent pack but perhaps you are more in the area with fashionable or very 'fast' hunting packs. Certainly it is a good idea for someone else to test the pony's manners initially.

I’ve hunted with 7 different packs now across Hampshire, Surrey, Berkshire, Wiltshire, Oxfordshire. I’m no hunting guru but the above may be suitable for early season but certainly not now with any pack I’ve been with. I disagree that any of them lack courtesy and are more concerned with being fashionable.

Whilst many have a second field master for non jumping or a steadier day it is still fast at times and you cannot ever guarantee “good going” IMO unless every inch of the ground has been checked for holes, wire, flints etc.

Mid season is not the time to bring a pony out for a steady day, and that’s assuming the pony will happily stay separate from the field as you describe. Autumn hunting/early season then yes.

 

[Ambers Echo]

What were you expecting it to be like AE if your surprised it’s riskier than low level eventing

I never really thought about it. That's why I asked the DC! If I asked someone if my kid could pop along to a BE100 and give it a whirl I think someone might ask me some questions not just say 'sure she'll be fine!"

I suppose if I stop to think I assumed there were more than 1 group - the gate jumpers and hedge hoppers in one group but also some slower groups. Young kids hunt on small ponies? Even if supervised, they are still the ones on top and they can't be doing what the 17hh hunters or the pro eventers keeping their horses fit are doing?

Plus my daughter's RI knows her and the pony well and said get her out hunting. She is not a huge risk taker. So I guessed it would be ok. I clearly have no clue though!

 

[Michen]

I never really thought about it. That's why I asked the DC! If I asked someone if my kid could pop along to a BE100 and give it a whirl I think someone might ask me some questions not just say 'sure she'll be fine!"

I suppose if I stop to think I assumed there were more than 1 group - the gate jumpers and hedge hoppers in one group but also some slower groups. Young kids hunt on small ponies? Even if supervised, they are still the ones on top and they can't be doing what the 17hh hunters or the pro eventers keeping their horses fit are doing?

Plus my daughter's RI knows her and the pony well and said get her out hunting. She is not a huge risk taker. So I guessed it would be ok. I clearly have no clue though!

Yes there will usually be two fields but the that doesn’t mean that none of the other hazards apply!

Has the RI hunted much themselves? I hope they are nieve rather than speaking with experience of hunting in which case they are irresponsible.

Well hopefully you’ve got enough info on here to make a reasoned choice.

 

[Ambers Echo]

Yes and I have decided no!
Thanks everyone x

 

[ester]

My hunting has always been quite civilised, albeit usually weekday meets.

 

[HufflyPuffly]

Yes and I have decided no!
Thanks everyone x

It is probably a good decision!
I think I would have hunted the same country you'd be in in the past (although the specific hunts were always changing or merging lol) and although the people are lovely and do look out for you (I was retrieved a few times with the naughty Topaz), I certainly wouldn't be recommending an 'unaccompanied' novice hunter out on an unknown pony.

If it's something you do want to look into then maybe go watch a few, I've always managed to hop in with someone who was following and knew where they were going, and I'd also suggest starting at the start of a season for the autumn hunts and maybe getting an experienced jockey to see what the reaction is going to be like (will probably take at least 2 hunts to really see how they take to it).

It's something you really have to think carefully about, as although on the face of it hunting could really help Skylla become bolder and braver over fences. In reality she is far too hot and sensitive (she'd would hate horses being that close to her), so I've decided she will not be hunting for the foreseeable despite being excellent in group rides for not hotting up if others canter off, not caring about others spooking etc, she is also epically rubbish at gates (personal spaces issues again!).

 

[The-Bookworm]

If neither of you have ever been including the horse, have you followed the pack on foot / with vehicle/ assisted?

Think of it as sending your child out hacking and neither the child or the pony have ever been out.
Throw in some speed, a group of horses and it could go either way.

 

[Tiddlypom]

Think of it as sending your child out hacking and neither the child or the pony have ever been out.
Throw in some speed, a group of horses and it could go either way.

Going hunting is waay more challenging than tacking speed and groups of horses onto hacking.

Though I have seen saints of experienced hunting horses taking clueless lumps (usually male ) out and looking after them.

 

[ycbm]

Your new user name AE!


🤣😂🤣😂🤣

🍾🥂🍾🥂🍾

 

[oldie48]

Just for balance, if Katie and Dolly get's out Autumn hunting and the pony proves sensible, which I guess she will, then Katie can enjoy the rest of the season. My daughter loved hunting, her first pony was a star, her 14.2 allowed her to go out and jump anything with the big boys but wouldn't stand which she found embarrassing as she got "looks" from some of the women. Her eventer was foot perfect. However, she became very wary of going out unless the ground conditions were suitable and she'd also avoid meets which required a lot of road work as she refused to canter or do a spanking trot on the roads (that was sometimes quite difficult). I think you've made the right choice this time though. Also love the new name!

 

[palo1]

I’ve hunted with 7 different packs now across Hampshire, Surrey, Berkshire, Wiltshire, Oxfordshire. I’m no hunting guru but the above may be suitable for early season but certainly not now with any pack I’ve been with. I disagree that any of them lack courtesy and are more concerned with being fashionable.

Whilst many have a second field master for non jumping or a steadier day it is still fast at times and you cannot ever guarantee “good going†IMO unless every inch of the ground has been checked for holes, wire, flints etc.

Mid season is not the time to bring a pony out for a steady day, and that’s assuming the pony will happily stay separate from the field as you describe. Autumn hunting/early season then yes.

Sorry Michen, I didn't intend to suggest that any of the packs you have been out with are lacking in courtesy and are more concerned with being fashionable...apologies if that is what came across in my post; it was just my observation about packs I know and have been out with. I guess it depends on what you see as 'mayhem' also. A vale day with a large field could certainly be more challenging though our hill country in wet weather is not easy either!!

 

[ScampiBigMan]

Yes and I have decided no!
Thanks everyone x

Right decision I think

Lots of people tend to suggest hunting without thinking through the potential downside (particularly for other people's horses /ponies(!)). It did help greatly with 2 of my horses many years ago (only ever done drag hunting) and my riding over solid obstacles & many big hedges were jumped up with the Field Master but...I now have ways to achieve the same results without the additional risks. Definitely would avoid with Amber from what I know of her!!! Would never, ever take Nix - no idea where we would end up or in what state!!! She definitely needs no more stimuli then she already has! Reilee might benefit but I wouldn't want to risk her. She goes well enough as it is XC & has developed her confidence every time out, no issues with any of the obstacle types, eats them up. She's figured it out without the herd adrenaline rush.

Depends if it is an end in itself or a means to another end on whether to explore at a later date...for Dolly or Katie (whether together or separately)

It can be enormous fun but I worry too much about the risks to do it any more. One particular meet with lots of novice riders and horses with minimal control or common sense finished me off.

Dolly seems to be a lovely pony, perhaps some fun outings over farm rides etc. with others would help her boldness further? That is something you might be able to do together too (!) I tend to start mine off jumping using Somerford farm ride after making sure they know how to leave the ground over a few small SJ fences at home. They are going somewhere, you can chooose the pace, varied terrain and varied obstacles, well maintained going and obstacles. Also use it as a fun low pressure outing to reward /refresh /start jumping again at start of a season.

OH used to quite enjoy following the hunt on his bike, he did find alot of what went on q eye opening(!)

 

[Ambers Echo]

You read my mind SBM - We are taking Amber and Dolly round the Someford farm ride on Saturday instead of hunting. Aim is to keep the pace fairly high. Not hammering them round but not hanging around either. Lots of trotting, a few long canters with small jumps along the way and one or two gallops up the hills to open them up a bit and really let them have their heads. Looking forward to it.

 

[ScampiBigMan]

You read my mind SBM - We are taking Amber and Dolly round the Someford farm ride on Saturday instead of hunting. Aim is to keep the pace fairly high. Not hammering them round but not hanging around either. Lots of trotting, a few long canters with small jumps along the way and one or two gallops up the hills to open them up a bit and really let them have their heads. Looking forward to it.

Sure all four of you will have a brilliant time , really good to be able to go at a pace and practice jumping out of their stride. Teaches them just to run and jump for fun. Being with (super enthusiastic) Amber should be good for Dolly.

Kelsall's is pretty good too when not too wet - goes around the outside of fields more (than Somerford) & can always combine with a spin up the gallops if you want (also much fun!) . & when not too wet the BE water obstacle is available on it as well which is good practice, narrower range of jumps overall but enough for it to be interesting for an outing

 

[Roxylola]

You read my mind SBM - We are taking Amber and Dolly round the Someford farm ride on Saturday instead of hunting. Aim is to keep the pace fairly high. Not hammering them round but not hanging around either. Lots of trotting, a few long canters with small jumps along the way and one or two gallops up the hills to open them up a bit and really let them have their heads. Looking forward to it.

Can also highly recommend the ash arena super range of jumps from logs/poles on the floor up to some much more technical stuff about a metre

 

[ihatework]

Another thing to look out for AE is team chasing - there is a spring season. Whilst most TC is quite terrifying, many venues will have a Novice bogey class - which will a relatively steady pace over checked ground and take off/landings. The size does vary but there are some around the 2’9/3’ mark so if you have any near you that could be an option to help bring Dolly on Xc. All mine have done Novice bogey TC before going Eventing.

 

[Ambers Echo]

Another thing to look out for AE is team chasing - there is a spring season. Whilst most TC is quite terrifying, many venues will have a Novice bogey class - which will a relatively steady pace over checked ground and take off/landings. The size does vary but there are some around the 2’9/3’ mark so if you have any near you that could be an option to help bring Dolly on Xc. All mine have done Novice bogey TC before going Eventing.

That's a good idea! There is some team chasing around us - I keep being asked to join a team with Amber but noooooo thanks!

Dolly is going on the Boxing Day Hunt with a friend too so we shall see how she gets on.

 

[Sandstone1]

This may be a stupid question but IF hunts are hunting within the law,and laying a trail rather than hunting foxes shouldn't it be safer as crossing safer ground. As I said a stupid stupid question?

 

[Ambers Echo]

This may be a stupid question but IF hunts are hunting within the law,and laying a trail rather than hunting foxes shouldn't it be safer as crossing safer ground. As I said a stupid stupid question?

Sounds logical but as this thread has demonstrated I have no clue!! I am sure someone else will be along in a minute to answer your question. x

 

[Sandstone1]

Sounds logical but as this thread has demonstrated I have no clue!! I am sure someone else will be along in a minute to answer your question. x

I fear I know the answer.