hunting and gateways....

[marley and danni]

hi im hunting on tuesday with a local hunt. im wondering do you slow down and walk through gateways or does everyone gallop through them and last person closes it? thanks iv watched hunts set off before and all seems a bit hectic to start off with is this what im to expect? thanks....

ps iv done all senarios with my hirse to get him used to all aspects of hunting inthink we will be fine the only issue will be gateways he might panic and go sligjtly faster u less in a walk or trot and when others pass us on horse back he will try to run but if i catch him in time its ok x

 

[minnierosie]

Hi
there will be someone in the hunt who will open up the gates and close them so don't worry about that.
It will be a bit manic at the meet because all the ponies and horses will get excited and jumpy, plus the hounds will be let out.

 

[marley and danni]

ok thats good one less thing to worry about tha ks that sound ok he doesnt generally get excitable untill another horse passes us then he thinks its race time but hoping if i stick to what iv been practicing we should be ok and im going to try and stay at backnso we dont get in to that sort of situation and ruin anyones day x

 

[Springy]

If its the first time he has seen the hounds then get him to turn and face them as they are let out then he wll get less of a shock as they get everywhere.... you might be a bit disgraced if he kicks one of them lol

 

[marley and danni]

ahh ok thats great advice ill make sure i do that!! he is a good lad can just get ahead of himself sometimes

 

[L&M]

With our pack 'gates' are quite a civilised affair - the first person opens it and we all go through steadily, then offer to wait with the person shutting it, in case they need help mounting, then all say 'thank you' before moving off.

If it is a 'big' meet and gates are pre-opened we may go through faster. The general rule is to be aware of what is going on around you, try not to get yourself boxed in, or carve somone else up - manners count for a lot on the hunting field!!

Hope you have a good day!

 

[TeamChaser]

I find that hunting folk are sensible folk .... in the main!

Gateways are the one thing my boy can be a bit funny with - stands lovely at the meet, doesn't pull or barge, fine with hounds and doesn't kick - but can get a bit fractious when queueing to go through a gateway. Think he worries he'll be left behind. I've found though that people are very helpful and will let me go ahead if I look like I'm having a problem. In return, I will always offer to wait with person closing gate if I'm near the back

As Sidney says - basic good manners will stand you in good stead. Have fun!

 

[AdorableAlice]

Hi
there will be someone in the hunt who will open up the gates and close them so don't worry about that.
It will be a bit manic at the meet because all the ponies and horses will get excited and jumpy, plus the hounds will be let out.

Who do you hunt with.

OP - Hounds will unbox and arrive at the meet long before the mounted field, they will most certainly not be unboxed and allowed to run around the mounted field.

I would suggest you unbox a reasonable distance from the meet and hack on to the meet with your inexperienced horse, this will just let him settle a little. At the meet itself ensure your horses head is always turned to face hounds. After moving off stay towards the rear of the field on an inexperienced horse, if there is any doubt about it kicking put a green ribbon in its tail.

As for gates, there will be 2 or 3 dedicated gate shutters out, they will wear rat catcher and often have string on the saddles, they will be at the rear of the mounted field and will ensure gates are secure. However this does not mean the mounted field has exemption from shutting any gates. If you find yourself adrift from the field you must not leave any gates open, please don't assume someone else will take the responsibility. If a kind foot follower or a land owner is holding a gate open for the field you do not gallop through and shower them in sxxt, trot is ample and a loud thank you is needed.

Have a lovely day, there will be plenty of friendly experienced people out who will guide and help you.

 

[spotty_pony]

It depends on who you are hunting with as to how hectic is is at the meet. Ours is usually fairly sensible when we set off - although I mainly hunt big country days and our field is usually pretty small and made up of the same regulars. As for going through gateways, we have some fantastic gate openers (as do many hunts) who will sort out opening and closing the gates. If you are unsure as to who the gate opener is on the day you are out, ask the Secretary or the Field Master as I am sure they will be able to point you in the right direction. Most of the time we tend to walk/trot through the gateways but if in 'full cry' we are known to canter - which is actually better for my boy as if he gets held up going through a gateway he has been known to jump the backend of the horse in front of him just so that he can get through quicker - naughty boy!

Hope you have a good time - looking forward to your hunting report!

 

[VoR]

With the state of most gateways at the moment not sure galloping through them, espcially if there's a turn to be made the other side on to a headland, is a good idea anyway!!!!

 

[marley and danni]

i will give a full report tomorrow