First Timer

[dianchi]

Hi Guys,
Ive never ventured in here so first of Hi!!!!

I mam considering going hunting next season as the hunt meet local to my new yard, however i have not been hunting since i worked for a show yard that did pnp horses and we kinda just followed along my boss.

I know there are lots of ettiquette rules and just wondered where to start. Will prob only hunt once or twice as it will just be the lacal ones i'll want to do.

any help much appreciated.

 

[kombikids]

i will come, news horsey has been lots and did lots in ireland too so can manage it without blowing his brain. although im not good on the etiqutte either (not surprisngly being the slackest horse owner/rider known to man)

i am buying the horse off a woman who is friends with the hunt so can get some info that way. you going to do the burghley ride, i am!

 

[Baggybreeches]

It is a good idea to ring the secretary, they will advise you of the best meets for newbies, they will also explain any major do's and don'ts, anything else you will pick up along the way. Enjoy and Hound Ware!! (watch out for hounds) :grin:

 

[winterhorse]

Hi,and welcome.
Be neat and well presented: horse and rider.
Seek out the secretary and make yourself known as a new person at the meet, if you go alone they can sometimes introduce you to someone to help you through the day.
Suss out who the masters and huntsman are; they appriciate a thank-you at the end of the day.
Be hound wary
Have fun

 

[Maisy]

I went for the first time in January. I have never been; my horse had never been.....*we LOVED it*!!!

We went a further 7 times before the end of the season and am waiting to sign up for a full year!!

Luckily the hunt here is very low key, so as long as you are clean and tidy it is fine. They are also very helpful and I was given step by step guides from the Field Secretary!!

I was also very proud when my horse had to give the master a lead over a ditch on our first day!!!!!!

 

[JenHunt]

Hello!! and welcome!

first starting point is to find out from your local hunt secretary which days are suitable for a horse or rider that haven't hunted before/for a while. then ask how much a visitors 'cap' is, and if they do a discount for 3 or 4 days (definately worth finding out in advance)

secondly, make sure horsey is fit as you can reasonably get him with winter approaching (its easier to do this whilst the nights a light, and keep it 'topped up' than to try to get him fit whilst the nights are getting shorter). He needs to be able to do plenty of trot work (like several miles) without too much bother.

thirdly, make sure you have a fair idea of your way home from the area where you meet - nothing worse than walking home twice as far cos you got lost!

fourthly - make sure horse and rider are smart and that you introduce yourself to the master, and find out who the secretary is. When you find the secretary, introduce yourself, pay and if you are not planning to jump find out who the non-jumping field master is for the day and introduce yourself to them.

fifthly - when you get home, take care of your horse before yourself - give him a quick wash with warm soapy water, and a quick rinse with warm water. then give him lots of hay/haylage and leave him to eat if (with lots of water) for a good hour, whilst you tidy up and have a cup of tea. then go out and feed him, and check he is warm enough. this gives him time to unwind and calm down after an exciting day out, and make sure his gut starts working properly before you give him a whole heap of hard feed - preventing colic.

Have fun
I'm sure you probably know all this, but if you need any more help then just PM me.