Help me go hunting this season!

[Leo Walker]

So hunting is on my bucket list. I'm a fat, nearly middle aged disabled rider, although my disability isn't really an issue when I'm riding other than I dont think theres a snowballs chance in hell I could ever mange 5 hours of galloping! I very luckily have a very sensible little horse who doesnt care at all if his companions all gallop off and leave him, so I think he would be pretty sensible. As it stands now I'm bringing him back into work and we are up to about an hour hacking mainly in walk with some trotting. There is clearly a long way to go fitness wise for us both! Whats the best way to get him and me fit enough to do a morning out?

How long would I be expected to be out? And is there always a non jumping option? I am not supposed to ride, and I really dont want to risk jumping out hunting! Is it constantly high speed or is there breaks? Would I be expected to get off and open gates etc? There is no way I could get back on without a big mounting block or a winch :lol:

I'd be bringing my 4yr old cob and his crazy teenage boy rider. How much of an eye would I be expected to keep on him? Hes very gung ho about riding and would probably be jumping everything and going at high speed. I doubt he'd get anywhere near the front as the little cob is, well little! and not very fast :lol: Whereas hopefully I'd be at the back! Does the cob have to be plaited? Hes a traditional with a ridiculous amount of hair and I dont think theres anyway we could plait him! My boy is hogged and trimmed so wont be an issue.

Basically I haven't a clue how it works or what I am expected to do etc! Which is ridiculous really as I come from a long line of hunting people including a MFH as an uncle but my mother was dead against it while I was growing up, so I never had the chance to go out when I would have really got the best out of it

Can anyone recommend a really nice and friendly hunt close to Milton Keynes?

 

[spacefaer]

No one else is up to 5 hours of galloping and jumping- don't worry!

At the moment, hunts are autumn hunting so lots of standing around with some walking and trotting between coverts. As the season progresses, and horses/hounds get fitter, the speed increases (more cantering and some jumping)

After Opening Meet (end of October) then hunting proper starts. There is still some standing around but definitely more cantering. There is nearly always a non jumping group with most packs, who know the roads and tracks.

As a visitor, you won't be expected to open gates.

To find your local pack, go on the MFHA website.

Turnout - if your cob has a long mane, I'd suggest a running plait - bit more practical than a loose mane and looks like you made an effort lol!

 

[Ditchjumper2]

We have lady who hunts with us who has disability issues. She hunts a coloured cob too. She loves it as when she is on a horse she is the same as everyone else. In all hunts there is the WI...those that go slower at the back and avoid the big, hairy places.

At the moment th pace is slower so go and have some fun and find your feet. Enjoy x

 

[Leo Walker]

we arent fit enough at the min He had some time off with a kick and feet problems, and hes only a month back into work, I was very excited to canter for 20yds yesterday :lol: I think it will be the new year before I'm ready. I want to be as fit as possible because when I get tired thats it I'm done! Thanks for replying. I'll up the riding and have a look at the MFA website

 

[Leo Walker]

We have lady who hunts with us who has disability issues. She hunts a coloured cob too. She loves it as when she is on a horse she is the same as everyone else. In all hunts there is the WI...those that go slower at the back and avoid the big, hairy places.

The WI is definitley the place for me :lol: And I love my boy. Hes a bit of an old crock a well, but his legs definitely work better than mine :lol: