Hunt going by, in or out?

Dizzykizzy

Dizzykizzy

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I was told yesterday that the hunt will be going along the full length of my field on Saturday 11th. There are going to be a lot out as it is one of the freebies encouraging people to go.
The person who told me told me to bring my horse in to the stables but our yearling has never been stabled since she was born and none of them come in except my daughter's riding horse ( I have an old arab mare and her 2 year old as well as the yearling)
Would they be ok in the field if I take all the electric fencing down so they can run about freely. In the bottom half of the field which has a wooden fence separating from the top half, they can't actually get to the track as there is a schooling area fenced off as well. It is about 2 and a half acres.
What do you all do when the hunt comes past? Thanks for reading.
 
i'd bring them all in, personally. he's going to have to go in a stable at some point so this is a good reason to start! if you leave the radio on loud all day (if possible) it'll desensitize them a bit and drown out the sound of the hunt.
i got caught out once when the hunt came past (they hadn't bothered ringing to warn me) and once of mine made a very spirited attempt to join them, smashing the post and rail as he tried to go with them before i rugby-tackled his head! very embarrassing!
 
I would say 'get them in' personally, as better to have him a bit uncomfortable being put in the stable than thrown on the horsebox and rushed to the vets because of some horrid injury
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I'd say bring in if at all possible. Is there, by any chance, somewhere near you that has a large, safe barn or even an indorr school that you could use so that your baby doesn't feel too confined?
 
My Mum just read the OP over my shoulder and disagreed with me on the best thing to do
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She thinks the trio will be calmer and less likely to cause themselves an injury in their own environment than by being excited in a confined space which they are not accustomed to...
 
It is a difficult one isn't it? I'd be concerned about putting a horse in a situation where it is likely to get over-excited or panic and potentially cause itself any harm but I have also seen so many horses hurt themselves in their own field when over-excited. My preference would be for a safe enclosed space but realise that many others will disagree! Aren't horses simple?!!
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You can't over estimate the effect on horses of the hunt passing - even if they are just at walk. There is something about that many horses together which really brings out the herd instinct and field kept horses do just want to join in. That is why the hunt will try to warn horse owners known to be on the route.

If they are going to get excited and race about they are better in a field but only if you are 110% sure your fences are utterly unjumpable - not just normally unjumpable - and there are no hazards at all in the field.

To my mind you are far better of bringing them in if you can. Even if it is just for a breif period. No matter how careful we are with fences, uneven ground etc horses, especially youngesters, get hurt when they start to hoon about. If one tries to jump out and doesn't make it - or if they do and then gets hurt on the road - you'll never forgive yourself.
 
It all depends on what the others are like. It only needs one loopy one to set the others off. I always bring my riding horse in. When they were cubbing close to my field, I left yearling, mother, and oldie out. But I knew the 2 adults would be fine and the horses in neighbouring fields were taken in. I also hung around for 3 hours to see how the yearling behaved. When the Hunt comes close again it will depend on what else is being left out.
 
I'd say in, when i was at livery every horse came in, it's not worth the risk.
Can you try bringing the youngster in today for a while and see how it goes, then at least tomorrow won't be such a shock for him, like said, he's got to come in at sometime.
Good luck, it's a worry
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Mine stay out , they do get excited and turn into dragons but have always calmed down quite quickly once they have moved on. Even when hounds have been in the horses field they thought it was great fun, i am sometimes there to watch proceedings but not always.
 
Thanks all, the general opinion seems to be in then!
It is a week tomorrow so we have time to clear out another stable and practise bringing Lily in!
I am a bit worried they might actually come through behind the stables as well but I can't do anything about that.
Keep all your fingers and toes crossed for us please that they are all ok!
 
In and shut the top doors if you have an ex hunter ! - last yard i was at up north forgot one of the horses was a hunter on "box rest" ... uh oh! not a good day for anyone. Result - a lot longer on box rest and a new stable door
 
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