Hunting for the 1st time Saturday- any tips?

nikCscott

nikCscott

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The title says it all really.
Never been hunting before, confindant that my horse Ziggy will be a good boy and enjoy his day, but not sure what to expect.
Also- anything I should take aswell as my inhaler?
Nikki
 
Take a snack in your pocket and a drink too if you can - or if you have someone following you by car then sandwiches and soup would be good if they can catch you when you're standing still for a bit.

When you get to the meet say Good Morning to the Master. You might like to mention that it's your first time and is there anyone you could tag along with. When you leave, say Goodnight to the Master (whatever time of day it is, you still say Goodnight).

Above all - have fun!
 
Oh Fab- only staying out for 2 hours as I don't have childcare all day, but will remember to say Good Night as I leave.
What about phone or hoof pick?
Thank you
 
Sensible to take your phone, wouldn’t bother with hoof pick and sure you’ll manage without a snack, drink and soup and sandwiches!! Take a hip flask and offer it round to people – will help you get chatting!

Who are you going with?
 
Secretary is aware, I'm going with 2 experienced friends who will be riding with me, stronger bit sorted (although he's not ever strong- but felt a bit daft to go hunting in a happy mouth! ha) I don't drink is a hip flask really needed? Will take phone and inhaler.
Very excited!
 
nikCscott said:
Secretary is aware, I'm going with 2 experienced friends who will be riding with me, stronger bit sorted (although he's not ever strong- but felt a bit daft to go hunting in a happy mouth! ha) I don't drink is a hip flask really needed? Will take phone and inhaler.
Very excited!
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No it's not really needed. Totally up to you! Have fun!
 
Try and stay close to someone with a similar paced horse - any slower and your horse will take the lead and may try and catch up with the rest of the hunt (which can be scary!!!). Too fast a horse and yours can get pooped too quickly.

Wear a stock - safety first and all that...

And don't feel you have to jump :)
 
Starbucks said:
Sensible to take your phone, wouldn’t bother with hoof pick and sure you’ll manage without a snack, drink and soup and sandwiches!! Take a hip flask and offer it round to people – will help you get chatting!

Who are you going with?
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Cotswold Farmers Hunt

Thank you for all your help- been riding and competing for 20 years and never pop my hunting cherry!
 
Starbucks said:
sure you’ll manage without a snack, drink and soup and sandwiches!!
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Starbucks - I only suggested these before the OP mentioned that she was only staying out for 2 hours. My daughter stays out all day (4, 5, or 6 hours - right to the end) and so her dad does go armed with food and drink for her.
 
As said before, martinagale and a stonger bit!!!

Both beasties I've hunted have been complete arses, the Tb lost his brain and the sensible 12hh pony managed to over take the huntsman on his ID!!! Red faced all round lol!!!

Very much fun though, but no matter how sensible your horse is normally, the first time I'd prepare for it to turn Into an idiotic banshee!!!

Good luck and have lots of fun :-D
 
You have informed the Secretary so that's the 1st step!

Make sure you & your horse are as clean & tidy as you can be.

If you don't know too much about hunting etiquette then make sure you say good morning & goodnight and stay behind the field master at all times.

If your horse is likely to kick with the excitement wear a red ribbon.

I have found that most horses on their first time out are reasonably sensible - it's the 2nd & 3rd times they go completely loopy. However be prepared for your horse to be excited & much stronger than usual.

Have fun!!
 
Stronger bit and martingale (as you have already said), one horse I took cubbing was the laziest beast ever ie spurs and 2 schooling whips and you just about managed a few steps of canter got him to the meet and was crazy. They will suprise you with how different they can be when hunting!
 
Bit worried about the weather. The meet is onlt 10minutes from my yard but I have to ride along a lane that is hard to drive on when icey- so don't wouldn't ride on it especially with lorries on way to hunt potentially sliding into us. Hopefully it's not as cold as forcast tonight (fingers crossed) xxx
 
Could I be really cheeky please? and ask if you would mind posting up a little report on how it went etc.

I'm hoping to maybe try a drag hunt next year and I've never even seen hunting!

Hope you have a fun time :D
 
If you do decide to jump then make sure your horse is sighted into the jump. Seems obvious but when there are load of you and yours is pulling like a train its actually not always that easy (but is essential of course!)
 
sonjafoers said:
You have informed the Secretary so that's the 1st step!



If you don't know too much about hunting etiquette then make sure you say good morning & goodnight and stay behind the field master at all times.

If your horse is likely to kick with the excitement wear a red ribbon.

I have found that most horses on their first time out are reasonably sensible - it's the 2nd & 3rd times they go completely loopy. However be prepared for your horse to be excited & much stronger than usual.

Have fun!!
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Not like me sailing past hunt master 5 times!!!!!!!!!! Oops!!! I was so embarrassed I can tell you, said horse was in a pelham too:mad:

strap to hang onto just in case!!

smile
 
Check it is going ahead!! We are currently frosted off for tomorrow, and unless a dramatic thaw occurs overnight, will not be mounted.

Good luck and have fun!
 
You'll have a great time!! Do tell the Master you are a first timer, they'll have someone who'll keep their eye on you, and point you in the right direction (I needed them first time out...got a bit lost once or twice!! Lol!!). Don't feel any pressure to jump, alot of people don't I rarely jump only if I can see clearly and it absolutely does not take anything away from the day!!

Personally I don't add anything to my horses wardrobes, they don't use flashes or martingales (or nose bands actually) everyday so I think adding them just for hunting when they are not used to them would be more of a hindrance. I do 'up' the brakes though..although because they are heavy cobs mine are strong but not fast enough that I need to worry they'll over take anyone they shouldn't!! Just as long as I can slow them for corners or gateways I'm happy to stick to my usual riding kit!

Photo's and update when you've been please!!:D
 
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I will add some photos if one of you would kindly tell me how? The picture icon (above text box) is asking for a web address???

All ready clothes laid out, Ziggy is plaited and preened, rode out in new stronger bit today to check he was happy in it, babysitter sorted, cleaned tack a couple of days ago so will give it a quick wipe over then all ready x

If I work out the photo this will post a picture of how he looks after plaiting.

Thank you :D
 
If the weather is anything like it is up here in Derby then it will probably be cancelled. They will not hunt if the ground is frozen.
 
TEST

Ziggy getting ready for his day out

IMG00624-20110121-1251.jpg
 
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