Foot Follower, 1st time ... anything I need to know?

[Bustalot]

Would like to follow the hunt this weekend as they are only down the road from our yard. One day horsey may come But in the mean time as a 1st timer to the hunt / hunting would rather follow on foot to see what it is all about.

So is there anything i need to know as a foot follower or can I just turn up and follow?

Thanks

 

[AprilBlossom]

Look out for someone in a rugged looking landy or on a quad and ask very nicely if you could join them I never managed to get a space on a quad last season as a foot follower but did get pootled about in a car with a few people and learned so much from the longstanding foot followers. I really enjoyed it and as cant afford to hunt mounted very often, plan to foot follow as often as I can - enjoy it! If its anything like near me, ask lots of questions and take a camera

 

[Bustalot]

Thanks AprilBlossom. Had wondered how you could actually walk the whole thing! lol. Looking forward to going to learn about the world of hunting

 

[AprilBlossom]

Yeah, you basically can't, and by hopping in with someone who knows it all you don't have to panic about getting lost either!

Hope you enjoy it, let us know how you get on - maybe contact the hunt sec and ask if she knows of anyone who might have a space for you too

 

[JenHunt]

speak to the secretary before you go, and see if they can hook you up with someone knowledgable - explain to them like you did to us about wanting to learn, and it will be grand!

 

[Countryman]

From my experience as a regular foot follower, I'd say introduce yourself to as many foot followers as possible! It's amazing how much you can learn from them. If your ever unsure about what exactly hounds are doing, the experienced 'footies' are a mine of information.

Some people do get lifts in cars and quads but it is possible to follow solely on foot - especially at this time of year (and often it can be much more fun). A word of advice though-try and stick with the hounds and huntsman as much as you can to avoid getting left behind, and don't get stuck behind the mounted field! Waiting for 40 horses to trot through a gate while the hound's disappear into the sunset can be incredibly frustrating, and it's much more fun to be ahead of them watching them jump a hedge.

Be prepared to get muddy/scratched by thorns! Have a great time, listen if the Huntsman gives you any special instructions (as he might at this time of year) and don't be afraid to ask anyone for directions/advice. Let us know how it goes!

 

[soggy]

Sound advice there Countryman. Stick with the huntsman and the hound as much as you can. Don't get between him and the hound though.

Get a good map and learn how to read it.