How dangerous is hunting compared to eventing?

[Starbucks]

What do you guys think?

A big arguement for why there are so many fatalities eventing now, is because the horses aren't hunted as youngsters etc., but would they just have the same falls hunting while they were "learning"?

 

[flowerlady]

I just hate fixed fences that won't fall down if horse or you make a mistake.

 

[seche]

I *think* out hunting when your blood is up and the adrenalin is pumping yes accidents to happen but mainly due to too much port at the meet or older people on younger horses... Ive hunted with a drag hound pack where the fences were beyond massive - the same you could say with racing - horses are always going to peck on landing etc
- I just think the speed at which they are jumped causes riders less injury - they are thrown clear over large hedges, chase fences etc in general...
Though im certainly not insinuating that riders speed up at solid fences XC - there is a fine balance at jumping out of a stride well over something big and solid..

I have no idea with XC - alot of falls happen at simple fences too, though I think for alot of riders some go out of that start box a litttle half heartedly and have to wait to perhaps fence 3 before theyve stopped shaking and their into a stride etc - I for one love the XC and dont get nervous as such - just excited and look forward to the challenges ahead. Its the riders who are "terrified" and "felt sick" who really should question weather or not their really doing it for the right reasons...

 

[Christmas Crumpet]

"I for one love the XC and dont get nervous as such - just excited and look forward to the challenges ahead. Its the riders who are "terrified" and "felt sick" who really should question weather or not their really doing it for the right reasons... "

In response to the above comment I always feel sick and terrified before I do any thing competitive because I suffer from nerves. However, whilst I am actually doing whatever it may be I love doing it. I think its unfair to say that they should question whether they are doing it for the right reasons. You are obviously lucky that you don't suffer from nerves. I, for one, have found on more than one occasion when I am overly confident I don't ride as well, I get a tiny bit cavalier about the whole thing. I ride much more positively when I'm slightly nervous - I think its my survival instinct!!

I don't drink so when I go hunting (three times a fortnight) especially before a "big" day I am always slightly nervous of what may lie ahead. I am fine once we've got going and I've jumped the first few. Sometimes I envy people who have a little bit of dutch courage before we move off but at least I know my judgement is not blurred at all and I am sensible not trying to jump things that I know I shouldn't.

 

[seche]

Guildford - you havent misread what ive written but perhaps I didnt phrase it as well as I perhaps should have done.

I do get "nervous" the tummy butterflies etc but thats only because im really looking forward to it - you read about people who genuinely shake, go pale, feel sick, dizzy etc and I personally think that if I felt like that then I wouldnt want to continue, in a sport which lets face it has its risks!

Im sure not cavalier about it far from it in fact as Ive had a fair few bone crunching falls (One team chasing, one hunting when I got a drop hedge very wrong!) - two have landed me quite seriously in hospital. Being 17 & 19 (then)crazy and Gung Ho does learn you some of lifes' lessons..

Hunting is as dangerous as you want it to be no one says you HAVE to jump that hedge/gate etc.. But when the hounds run I have to say my horses tend to too!!

THough when you are entered for an event - there is the preparation, the practice, schooling everything you put into it - If you dont like the course you can always WD - though I dont know many who pay their fees and then do that...

 

[Christmas Crumpet]

Ah!! I don't go pale and feel sick - well I do feel sick sometimes when I see the size of a trakehner but just close my eyes and kick on!! I see your point!!

I totally agree about hunting being as dangerous as you want it to be - sometimes there are jumps that I just won't jump and its got nothing to do with being weedy. Ist jsut common sense.

I hunt, do team chases and hunter trials because I love them. I do always get nervous when doing competitions but probably because other people are watching not because I'm terrified. I love it when the adrenalin kicks in and you are flying round a course or on a good run hunting and you are on top of the world. Can't beat that feeling!!

 

[Orangehorse]

At least out hunting the ground is usually reasonably soft and you don't HAVE to jump, there are generally people at the back who always find a way round!

There is always going to be the odd accident, galloping across unknown fields - the horse putting his foot in a hole, slipping off a bridge, falling in a ditch, slipping on take off, tangled in wire, getting bogged down, but considering the numbers taking part and the different standards of horse and rider, accidents aren't that numerous and tend to be in the broken arm and ribs category.

 

[Starbucks]

Interesting you mentioning you don't HAVE to do stuff hunting... I'd never really thought of it like that.

Even then though I think you jump stuff hunting where if you walked it in an event course you'd think the course designer was mad!!!

 

[yeeharider]

for one fatalities are more publicised now .Horses are forced to gallop and jump to make the time leaving no margin for error courses are more technical calling for marked lines and turns which again leave no margin for error time for BE to look at timing/technicality I think before spoiling our fabulous sport The danger has gone from hunting as most hunts now follow a laid scent and know the exact route the hunt will take which for me takes the excitement out of hunting