How can I learn more?

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Sessle

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So, I've been hunting once and hooked now! :p I'm limited to travel currently so can only go to ones near me hence only gone to one! However I'm eager to learn more about hunting and the hunt itself, and not just follow on the field. Does anyone know of how I can go about doing this? Its such a new thing to me I'd appreciate any help :)
 
Assuming it is only transport for the ned that is limited, why not go to some other meets and foot or car follow. Listening to some of the experienced foot followers who have been hunting for 50 or 60 years will be an eye opener and they are always willing to share information and explain what is going on, who is doing what and why. You could also consider attending hunt social events, while you might not learn directly about hunting, you will get to know who everyone is and you never know someone might be able to offer you lifts to meets or other advice.

Secondly keep an ear out for any newcomers activities that might be happening round your hunt or elsewhere, we've held newcomers tours of the kennels, hunting seminars for newbies and old hands alike. Some packs, like the RA hold mounted hunting training sessions where you can brush up cross country, ask questions and get expert advice.

Try and visit some of the hound shows if you can - the major ones are Peterborough, Honiton, Bulith Wells, Ardingly, Rydal, Blaston, Harrogate and Duncombe Park. It is an excellent way of learning more about hounds, even if it doesn't make too much sense to start with. I like Blaston best as they give a commentary as to why the judges are placing hounds in that order.

The final option is to get reading. There are some excellent books you could get hold of. A lot are out of print, but you can pick them up from Abebooks and similar sites. The Chase by Michael Clayton is excellent if slightly dated, A Practical Guide to Hunting by Anne Holland is another good text for the novice, as is the Little Hunting Handbook. If you wanted something a bit more light hearted then try A Fox in the Cupboard by Jane Shilling or my personal favourite - In the Pink by Molly Watson. It won't teach you what the hunting horn calls mean, but it will make you laugh!
 
I don't know whereabouts you live but it's worth finding out about when the kennels has an open day - you can go along, meet lots of hunt supporters, get a tour of the kennels and learn huge amounts as well as having a lot of fun.

My husband is keen to teach enthusiastic newcomers as much as he can as they are the future, am sure other masters are much the same. If you're anywhere near Glos, he'd happily show you around our kennels and tell you as much as he can.
 
Combat_Claire - that is really interesting, the RA are local to me and I would love a mounted training session because it sounds like good fun! Might have to look into that one, thanks!!
 
The details of last year were on the Hunting Courses thread discussed this week, dunno if they are running another one in 2010 . They organised a morning of hunting, kennels tour, seminars on dress and then a cross country training session and ride over Salisbury plain. Looked fab and a great way to meet other hunting folk.
 
Assuming it is only transport for the ned that is limited, why not go to some other meets and foot or car follow. Listening to some of the experienced foot followers who have been hunting for 50 or 60 years will be an eye opener and they are always willing to share information and explain what is going on, who is doing what and why. You could also consider attending hunt social events, while you might not learn directly about hunting, you will get to know who everyone is and you never know someone might be able to offer you lifts to meets or other advice.

Secondly keep an ear out for any newcomers activities that might be happening round your hunt or elsewhere, we've held newcomers tours of the kennels, hunting seminars for newbies and old hands alike. Some packs, like the RA hold mounted hunting training sessions where you can brush up cross country, ask questions and get expert advice.

Try and visit some of the hound shows if you can - the major ones are Peterborough, Honiton, Bulith Wells, Ardingly, Rydal, Blaston, Harrogate and Duncombe Park. It is an excellent way of learning more about hounds, even if it doesn't make too much sense to start with. I like Blaston best as they give a commentary as to why the judges are placing hounds in that order.

The final option is to get reading. There are some excellent books you could get hold of. A lot are out of print, but you can pick them up from Abebooks and similar sites. The Chase by Michael Clayton is excellent if slightly dated, A Practical Guide to Hunting by Anne Holland is another good text for the novice, as is the Little Hunting Handbook. If you wanted something a bit more light hearted then try A Fox in the Cupboard by Jane Shilling or my personal favourite - In the Pink by Molly Watson. It won't teach you what the hunting horn calls mean, but it will make you laugh!
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Thanks, thats great! I will have to do some of that and hunt around for some of those books!! And I reckon I could drag my mum to a hound show, she's pretty up on her dogs :)
 
I don't know whereabouts you live but it's worth finding out about when the kennels has an open day - you can go along, meet lots of hunt supporters, get a tour of the kennels and learn huge amounts as well as having a lot of fun.

My husband is keen to teach enthusiastic newcomers as much as he can as they are the future, am sure other masters are much the same. If you're anywhere near Glos, he'd happily show you around our kennels and tell you as much as he can.
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Unfortunately I'm nowhere near Glos :( Otherwise I would have been eager to do that!! However I will see if my local hunt has an open day :) Thanks!
 
try to chat to your hunt staff (not whilst they're "on duty") and see if you can go down to kennels and 'help out' for a few mornings, most hunt staff are glad of the help and you'll get to see what goes on behind the scenes - take that opportunity to ask loads of questions!
 
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