hi id like some advice please :)

[marley and danni]

im taking my TB hunting on new years day we have both never been before but im about 90% confident he will be fab

hes fantastic incomoany can gallop in a snaffle at the back and pull up ect...

what would happen if he did take hold and i lost control?

also i dont have a stock so borrowing a blue one will that be ok? also i do have a navy show jacket but dont want to ruin it so would a grey one be ok?

also i would like to wear my body protector will that be acceptable?

can my horse wear boots?

thanks x

 

[JenHunt]

certainly sounds like he's got the right sort of brain for it! but, if he does get carried away turn him in a circle to come back behind everyone else, and he'll probably come back to you when everyone else pulls up.

please try to find a white or cream stock - coloured stocks are for tweed/ratcatcher. If you are under 18 then pony club tie with a grey/tweed jacket would be ok. I don't know about wearing a grey jacket specifically, but should imagine that it's ok for one day. A white stock is rarely expensive, and can be worn for competing too!

Body protector and or air vest are fine, and perfectly acceptable, as is a skull cap with a velvet cover on (black or navy).

as long as your horse is clean and smart you'll be fine - boots are acceptable, though many prefer not to hunt in boots due to the risk of rubs, overheating tendons, and boots coming off and causing falls.

hope this helps!

 

[marley and danni]

thanks for the reply! i appreciate it.

hes a genuine horse very well mannored... if he does run off im 100% sure he will pull up when everyone else does as this has happend before

ill have a look on ebay in regards to stock and maybe another cheap jacket as i dont want to be the oddball in grey

can i wear a normal shirt with a stock?

also about the boots on him will his legs be ok with the impact of jumping on slippy groud etc?

x

 

[JenHunt]

you can wear an ordinary shirt with a stock, but a stock shirt will be warmer and more comfortable!

as for the boots - it really depends on your horse! my Ron jumps better (cleaner) if he's got no boots on, but Tom treads on himself in his excitement so wear Overreach boots.... if you're happier to take him in his boots, that's the best thing to do!

oh, don't forget to let us know how much fun you have!

 

[abi31]

If you are hunting on muddy ground the dirt can get up inside the boots and make life very uncomfortable for the horse. However, it's personal choice. Can you get your TB out to a meet before New Year when it's a bit quieter to get used to the occasion?xx

 

[Drakerath]

I'd wear your grey tweed with a poloneck and your stock. Stock safer than tie. With a body protector on top, I don't think you need to worry too much over the sartorial effects ofyour outfit. You are a first timer and people make allowances for that.
I never take mine in boots because of the heating up of their tendons not to mention sweat and mud that irriates them. It's not like you are doing a 12 minute cross country course - you could be out for hours. Wear over reach boots though if your horse needs them.
I would not take a horse hunting on new year's day or eve first time out. That is crazy. Too many other crazy riders taking crazy, fresh horses just like you are planning on doing!! recipe for disaster. Find a quiet mid week date in early december (before christmas holidays) to introduce him to hunting first if you value yours and the other peoples around you safety!
Forgot your other questions now!

 

[Drakerath]

I also think that a grey tweed looks nicer than a show jacket. Obviousl a proper wool hunt coat is best for that is too much investment for people just grying things out. Wear your grey tweed with a coloured stock and you will be just fine. Don't plait your horse if wearing tweed either.

 

[marley and danni]

iv been on the website now and it stays im tobwear blue or black and cream stock only so will do that and as said abivecan wear it for competitions anyways is a drag hunt so is fater but shorter than most and inunderstand thatbthere will be many more horses about but he wont be fit enougj for anything before hand and i can only hack to places and this hunt in jan is only one thats hacking distance. and of course i value my horses safty hence i will wear green and red ribbonad keep to the back and if he gets uncontrolable which i doubt i wil take him home!

i appreciate the advice. thanks