Hound exercise/Hunting for a hunt virgin in Lincolnshire

[FabioandFreddy]

Hi,

I'm considering the possibility of hunting Fabio a couple of times this year, neither of us having done it before! What would be the best way to introduce him to this - would it be by taking him on hound exercise or going straight for a hunt meet? Also which hunt near to us would be the best for a beginner? I'm based near Sleaford so have the option of a few hunts near us, the easiest of which for me would be the Belvoir as they meet a couple of times within hacking distance of my house. But also have Blankney and Readyfield that are local.
Any advice greatly appreciated. I've always worried in the past that it might blow his head a bit but he's generally a sensible chap and although strong when behind others, he'll stop once right behind so at the very least if we embarrass ourselves he'll at least stop behind the field master!

 

[Countryman]

I would suggest you start off by taking him Autumn Hunting, which begins at the end of August. The earlier you take him the better because the mornings gradually get more fast paced through September and October. The Belvoir are known to be a fast, frantic pack but if you're only going Autumn Hunting you should be fine. If you wanted to be doubly sure, I suggest the Blankney. Autumn Hunting has very little galloping at first, mostly consisting of standing still, getting used to other horses and hounds and the odd canter. It is ideal for introducing young horses.

 

[FabioandFreddy]

Thank you for that

 

[RunToEarth]

Hello. I hunt with the Blankney and we are a very friendly lot. You are best autumn hunting to begin with - it is usually very steady and a nice chance to meet people. We usually run a few summer ambles which would be a great chance for you to come along and meet some new faces

 

[FabioandFreddy]

Thank you. We're gonna go on the fun ride next weekend, not sure if many of the hunters will be on that but thought would be good for us to go on anyway.

Best buy myself a rat catcher and convince OH early morning starts in October are the way forward!

 

[Countryman]

Thank you. We're gonna go on the fun ride next weekend, not sure if many of the hunters will be on that but thought would be good for us to go on anyway.

Best buy myself a rat catcher and convince OH early morning starts in October are the way forward!

Early mornings are one of the best things about Autumn Hunting and you'll grow to love them -once you're out of bed and at the meet anyway! Not so much when the alarm goes off just a couple of hours after you've climbed into bed...