how do i get started hunting?

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skewbaldmillie

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i have a 5 year old mare but she is good in fields,not in traffic. i would like to start hunting next season and was wondering how i get started with her. Also anything about dress for hunts and anybody know of good hunts on the somerset/dorset border. Can children go to any hunt?
 
Hi,

I'm not from your area so cannot recommend a hunt - but http://mfha.org.uk/pack_directory/ should help you. Next stage would be to contact the secretary, who can recommend which days are suitable (especially for children) and give you all the details.

I would suggest trying Autumn Hunting first, much slower paced and suitable for getting green horses used to the hounds and atmosphere of hunting.

Great article here explaining etiquette and dress code - http://www.horsecountrylife.com/catalog/turnout.html
 
I have hunted with the Blackmoor and Sparkford Vale many years ago and they were always a friendly bunch. They have a website.
 
edgedem said:
sorry to hijack I would also like to start next year! can you opt to not jump at your first hunt? and what is autumn hunting.. sorry to hijack!
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Sorry nobody replied to you. Yes, with most hunts you never have to jump if you don't want to-there is almost always a way round. Autumn Hunting takes place in early mornings in September and October before the 'main season'. It's usually shorter, and has a more relaxed pace, with little to no jumping and lots of standing around.
 
Edgedem whereabouts are you? Wsvh are great to go with and their area is quantocks way. If I get out autumn trailing September onwards you can follow me down there if helpful ( I get on m5 at j22 then off at Bridgwater). Just have to check stupid pony isn't still broken first.
 
meesha said:
Edgedem whereabouts are you? Wsvh are great to go with and their area is quantocks way. If I get out autumn trailing September onwards you can follow me down there if helpful ( I get on m5 at j22 then off at Bridgwater). Just have to check stupid pony isn't still broken first.
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hi Meesha, im in Weston Super Mare so not too far and I have done a little research on WSVH and they do seem to be a great friendly bunch. I have recently got my new boy so we are in early days, he a been there done it all chap and has jumped over 3' ive been told, ive not done hardly any jumping so I would have to get my confidence up but we are starting regular lessons and he is a real champ in company and very responsive so I have no doubt he will come back to me in a busy hunt field if needs be. Am going to try him on a few events and fun rides with what's left of the year with the hope to taking the plunge and hunting either this winter or next, not sure if my confidence will handle this autumn but I may do just trying to see what's best!
 
Hi edgedem if you would like to send me an email oglestables@btinternet.com I may be able to help. I'm based on the quantocks and hunt with the wsvh and this season heading out with the west Somerset if you would like to meet and go. On the whole everyone is very friendly and welcoming. There is also a fun ride 7th September at Stockland Lovell if that's of any interest?

Meesha are you coming out again with us? X
 
Hi, be out soon, wash out last year only managed couple outings then he didn't feel right so stopped and was diagnosed with bone cyst but has had injections and cleared by vet and been told to crack on. Soon as they meet an hour later I will be there. What horse have u got now chancing?
 
Hi Meesha. I've had 2 seasons out pretty much. Sold chance at the end of the season you were out. Had a break for nearly a year and then bought totally wrong horse last summer and had a nasty whoopsie first day cubbing last year. Now got a gorgeous gelding called brandy. Loves his hunting but very sweet. Have you still got your boy? X
 
Yep same chap, I managed to get out that first year and the next then wash out last year but hopefully he should be OK this year. Also been doing some fab fun ides (Cirencester and miserden are great, tonnes jumps) and did the wsvh hunter trial - was hilarious. Brandy sounds great, let me know when you are planning on getting out.
 
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