Fulfilled a childhood dream

Sealine

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Some of you may remember my post from back in July when I asked about hunting in the Herts/Beds area. Well I finally did it! At the age of 47 in the space of two weeks I've been out on hound exercise with the Farmers Bloodhounds and Autumn Hunting with the Kimblewick.

The two experiences were very different but both enjoyable in different ways. The bloodhounds was very fast and a real adrenaline rush whereas the Kimblewick was slower which gave me more time to take everything and enjoy the experience. I found everyone to be very friendly and welcoming although someone did tell me I looked terrified! I think I was more terrified of making a fool of myself than of anything else. I was really pleased that my lovely horse, although very strong, stopped when everyone else did, jumped what I asked him to and was generally pretty sensible.

I have to confess I shed a little tear yesterday morning. After cantering across a field I looked back to see the hounds and huntsman gathered at the edge of the wood in the glorious autumn morning sunshine. I had to pinch myself to check it was real - me on my own horse out with the hunt! As a horse mad, horseless child I grew up dreaming of having my own horse and being able to do things like hunting. I only got my own horse a few years ago and it's taken me a while to get to the point when I've felt confident enough so it was an emotional moment. I was on the verge of embarrassing myself by crying in public so I gave myself a mental 'slap around the face' and pulled myself together and got on with it.

I haven't stopped smiling since and I can't wait to go again. If anyone else is thinking about going hunting my advice is 'just do it'.

Apologies for the rambling, self-indulgent post.
 

Kat

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Well done! It was a childhood dream come true for me too and I was immensely proud of my five year old who behaved perfectly so I know just how you feel!
 

PolarSkye

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What a lovely post . . . soppy as I am, it brought a tear to my eye. Not rambling or self-indulgent at all . . . keep enjoying that wonderful feeling :).

P
 

Addicted to Hunting

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Did you go out with the Kimblewick yesterday morning?? I was out as well. Very gals you enjoyed both days. We are going to be holding a hunt information evening later this month pm me if you would like some more details.
 

Shay

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Fab Post - exactly what it is all about. I love Autumn hunting and the weather has been stunning. My daughter now hunts with the same pack I did when I was a child. My childhood dream was to be in H&H "brave young thruster..." etc - although in honesty pony and I were more often apart than we were together, never mind leading the field! Sadly a broken back in a riding accident has put paid to my hunting days - but I still follow on foot as best I can and love it!
 

Sealine

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Did you go out with the Kimblewick yesterday morning?? I was out as well. Very gals you enjoyed both days. We are going to be holding a hunt information evening later this month pm me if you would like some more details.

Yes I did. I was on the coloured with a green ribbon in his huge tail.
 

Addicted to Hunting

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Yes I remember, I was on a little bay horse but wasn't actually with the field loads as kept standing in other places :)
I've Pm'd those who were interested but can you let me know if don't receive as phone was being a little weird. Thank you :)
 

EquiEquestrian556

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Well done you! Glad you like hunting. I'm 13, been hunting since I was 9, and I love it SO much, as does my NF mare Sunny! I hunt with the Four Shires Bloodhounds, and bloodhounds are one of the fastest packs, but both Sunny and I love going fast and jumping so that's OK.

Keep hunting, it's amazing, and great at keeping your horse fit, so when the eventing season is back they're ready for it! :)
 
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