How fit for cubbing?

[skewby]

After managing to hunt only once last year, I've been waiting to start again all summer! Day after hound exercise horse took a horrible fall on a fun ride and came up lame, has had just under 4 weeks off. Got on him last week and he was sound (YAY!) but then had to go away with work. Took him out Sunday, intended to only walk but he was so keen, well and full of it (hates being off) that we ended up having quite a fast hack (only just over an hour though). He was hot but not too hot, it was very warm. His recovery rate was good.

Basically I want to get out cubbing ASAP, plus the hunt are in my local area at the mo. I would also like to get out early as I believe it gets more hectic as time goes on? And as horse was uber excited last time out I desperately wanted to give him a good introduction.

So how soon can I take him out, and what kind of work should I be doing with him, how often, beforehand? He is a horse who keeps his fitness well. But also one who is the sun moon and stars to me, so risks of breaking him will simply not be taken all advice hugely appreciated, thank you!!

 

[Patches]

I guess mine is quite fit, although she's not actually a hunter. (We've only been out twice)

I got to farm rides really regularly and did two one week + hound exercise!

I guess it depends on your pack. The two meets we've been on have incorporated a farm ride both times. There was alot of cantering/galloping, but also plenty of rest breaks.

My horse soon recovered her breathing to normal and was still tanking off and jogging on the way back to the trailer....three hours later!

 

[Irishcobs]

Depends on your pack and where the meet is. Some days (like today and yesterday) you barely get into trot let alone anything else.
Weekdays tend to be quieter.
I'm taking my new horse out on Sat (local meet, so hacking there). She isn't overly fit and with the hack down will probably be very tired afterwards but as it is her first time and I have no idea what she will do I would prefer her slightly unfit.
My plan is if she is getting tired to hang at the back and cut the corners. I know where we are going so I can stand at the top of the hill and watch the others bomb about at the bottom.
4 weeks isn't that long, if he was fairly fit to start with I doubt he will stuggle with cubbing, there is lots of chances for him to catch his breath.

 

[skewby]

Thankies guys! I have decided to go out next Thursday (whoop whoop!). Big man does not appear to have lost any fitness, he stays freakily fit no matter what I do it seems, combination of living out and being a giant ball of muscle I think. And yes he was verrrry fit before he went off.

I just wish I could stay one nth as fit as he does!!!

Will check with sec how hectic it may be, and bring him home early if need be


Ooooooooohhhhh excited now!!!!