Going to a meet - advice please

[Firewell]

Hi,
The local hunt is meeting 5 minutes hack away from where I keep my horse. The hunt have come round to our yard and left a note letting us know and inviting us to drop by for a glass of port and a sausage roll.
Now I'm thinking of going but on my horse. He is a 5yr old that has never hunted before and I thought it would be nice to introduce him to the sights and sounds of the meet, have a chat and come home again before they set off. Would this be OK do you think? Should I ring the hunt and ask even though they left the note? Would they want paying anything do you think?
Also how long do meets usually last? It starts at 11 so I was thinking of hacking over about 10.30 so I'm there to get him used to it before it's too busy (although apparently is not normally that busy anyway). Obviously I would plait him up and dress appropriately.
Does this sound a good idea as a chance to give my horse experience?
I don't actually want to join in on the hunt as 1. My horse hasn't done it before and I don't want to wind him up and 2. They will be hunting over wet, boggy ground and I dont want to risk his legs before the summer season.

Thanks

 

[huntley]

I think it is a really good idea. As long as he is clean and tidy I would not worry about plaiting him up. It would be polite to call the Hunt Secretary and tell him what you are planning. I am sure they won't charge you for just attending the meet. I would put a green/red ribbon on him and make sure he does not get in a position to kick any hounds. Have fun!

 

[Firewell]

Yay thanks! He should be Ok with the hounds, he's used to dogs around his feet, I hack out with my friend and her 2 labs and my sisters tiny Yorkshire terrier likes to run between his legs .
I'll put on some understated tack and wear my jacket, we won't be there for longer then half an hour so not plaiting would make it easier
Excited!