First timers and a horse thats nervous of dogs

[dafthoss]

Hi
I havnt ventured in here before but when the hunt are back in our area me and a friend from the yard are going to go out for a days hunting, very excited . They have hunted quite a bit at home so we are going with them.

Now me and the pony have never been before but the main thing thats worring me is that he's not great with dogs. Had a few bad experiances before so is understandably not keen and has been seen to go for dogs in his field. On the ground if told he will just stand there but is still not keen but havnt encountered many ridden really. Lots of people have suggested it as a kill or cure, although hopefully obviously a cure. So is there likely to be ways to avoid going to close to the hounds?

Also am I ok wearing beige jods, black boots and gaiters, white stock and black jacket with a navy velvet hat? I also have a tweed jacket, checked stock or pony club tie and a black skull cap if any of them would be better?

Tack wise would my grackle and snaffle be ok to wear with a plain browband? or would I be better using my gag with a cavesson (although would rather not have double reins for our first time if we dont have to)?

How do I go about proving I'm a pony club member as I think you get cheaper hunting or is this just on certain days? and I'm with pony club at home not near uni if that makes a diffrence either.

Any other useful things I might need to know? and it will be one of the essex hunts (dont know which one but can find out) if any one goes out with them? Have been doing some research on more general stuff so these are just a few things I havnt been able to find yet.

Dont know if foods the done thing to offer over here but if it is I have half a chocolate orange.

 

[Devonshire dumpling]

You need to phone the secretary for the hunt you intend to go out with and they will answer any questions re protocol for your hunt, this time of year it's correct for most hunts to be in black jacket with a white stock....

Do not under any circumstances let your horse kick / injure a hound! It is your responsibility to keep the hounds safe, you must check for hounds at all time and if one comes near wave your thong (hunting not knicker type lol) to discourage them from going near your horses legs, also make sure you always turn your horse to face the hounds, if your horse does go for a hound, make sure you reprimand so instantly! You will be sent home if your horse hurts a hound.

Put a green ribbon in your horses tail to let others know that your horse is green to hunting and this will make other people respect your space and not come flying up behind you.

Read up on hunt etiquette before you go

As regards to what your horse wears, make sure your tack is clean and put on whatever bit/noseband that you think appropriate for X Country, most horses get alot stronger out hunting, a breastplate is also a good idea. Use a dark plain saddle cloth

Lawn meets its courteous to plait your horses mane and be gleaming, although you will notice a lot that don't bother, but don't worry about others, you set a great example and you will feel great!


Enjoy, how exciting!! XX

 

[JenHunt]

it shouldn't be a problem to not get too close to hounds - at the meet stay well away once you've made your hello's to staff. and once you get going stay towards the back of the field and you shouldn't have problems!

Put a green ribbon in your horses tail as he's an unknown quantity, and never let him get his bum pointing towards hounds. if by some mischance he does kick, stamp on, or otherwise injure a hound, the done thing is to apologise to a master or the huntsman and take your horse home.

your hat should match your jacket if you're wearing black or navy - black skull cap with black jacket is perfect! tweed with coloured stock. PC tie if you're under 16 is more correct than a stock.

how does your horse behave in company? if good normally then go with what you'd normally use, if excitable then the gag would be better! main thing is that a) you need to have control, b) your tack needs to be clean and in good condition.

not sure about PC membership and hunting costs - you should speak to the hunt sec of the hunt you are going with to check that visitors are ok on the day you plan to go, and to check prices and where best to park.

most other questions are probably answered in the stickies at the top of the forum!

but most importantly, have fun and be sure to tell us how you get on.

 

[dafthoss]

Thanks guys
Dont worry he will definatly be told off for even considering getting grumpy at a hound (as he has been on the ground) and normaly just runs away if they get to much but wernt under his legs its only when he cant get away or is taken by suprise he tends to get grumpy now so hoping if we could get away he would be ok so I can let him take it all in and when he ready move a bit closer.

So I'll try find a green ribbon then and would an elastic breast plate be ok? its just I think my hunter ones still at home.Tack is always sparkling when we go out any where so thats not a problem, bitting wise he can be a little tankey if behind in his flat work bridle but will stay behind and we used to jump in the gag but have moved to a snaffle with rollers and a grackle now and he is great to jump in this but havnt tried him out hooning in company yet but will do before we go out.
Was going to plait any way as I think he looks so much smarter and less bog pony like.

My skull cap is pink but I can tape my hat silk down so its not visible if that would be better than an un matching velvet? and for a little more confusion I'm over 16 but still a pc member so tie or stock?
Thankfully we wont have to park as its within hacking distance

Thanks very much tho guys I have read all the stickys and have been having a bit of a google to.
Will definatly let you know how we get on as I already have a photographer volunteered

 

[huntley]

Re. the green ribbon it is easier just to use green insulating tape - most tack shops sell it now.
If you are hunting as a PC member it is correct to wear your PC badge and either a stock or tie. I would definitely go for the stronger bit - there is nothing worse than getting tanked off with on your first day's hunting! Have fun!

 

[HuntingB]

Which pack are you going to come out with dafthoss? Ooh, I could meet a HHOer if you're out with the right pack!