How to introduce a horse to hunting?

[kyanya]

What's the best way to introduce a horse that has never hunted before to the hunting field? Would you advise changing ordinary tack to be better prepared (stronger bit, martingale etc) or perhaps another approach?

I've heard of cubbing - is this the way most hunters are started off? How far would you want to get into a young horses' ridden career before introducing him to hunting?

 

[natalia]

I like to have all my 4 yr olds out hunting ASAP. Most of mine so far this season have been cubbing and doing lots of fittening work ready for the opening meet at the end of october. I take them normally for the first time mid week in a snaffle as it will be quieter with less out. Always have a martingale and hunting whip. Mine are noramlly ready for the start of the season after a couple of autumn cubbing sessions and when fit.

 

[JenHunt]

IMO and IME don't change anything - go out as if you were going for a hack with friends. Change things next time if you need to. I try not to overact the excitement of hunting to young horses, it just leads to more work on your part. Make sure you put a breastplate on if you don't already use one though, sometimes a neck strap is invaluable!

I like a horse to be going forwards confidently, jumping little fences and having seen a few cross country fences and ditches.

Cubbing is ideal to let the horse see the hounds and not be charging about instantly. They learn to move on when asked and stand quietly.