Hunting for the first time

[Ladybird L]

So.. I’m back. For those of you wondering, my pony got vet checked and was fine! So she is officially mine now .
Anyway, I would really like to try hunting. There’s a local hunt I could hack to, as we don’t have a horsebox yet!
But I have doubts… for a start, what should I wear? It seems like I need a whole new wardrobe just to go once! I have a pair of beige jodhs, a black cover for my helmet, my black paddock boots & black half chaps. Is that ok? And what should I wear for a coat/jumper/shirt etc? I’m only 13 and I can’t really afford a lot of new stuff.
Then the whole other question. How fit does a horse need to be for a hunt? Is my pony fit enough? We are riding just over an hour every day. We’ve built up to cantering about 2 kilometres, plus a few jumps up to 60cm. We probably do 1/2 kilometre walk and trot. There’s a steep hill which we walk up and down. She takes about 5-10mins to recover 100% from the cantering and she’s ready to go again. But we don’t usually, even though she’s jogging and snorting like a dragon! I can post pics etc of that helps. She isn’t very well muscled yet. But better than when i got her.
And am I skilled enough? I can w/t/c/g and jump what I mentioned.
Sorry if they are stupid questions! I feel a lot nervous about it, I don’t know why. I’m not usually nervous about stuff.

 

[SpeedyPony]

Dress-wise, beige jods, black boots and hat silk will be fine, a shirt and tie- if you can borrow/buy a tweed jacket that would be perfect. Tweed jackets can often be picked up cheaply second hand, but if you don't want to buy yet or can't find one to borrow, a raincoat in a dark colour (navy/black/brown) will be fine.
The best person to speak to about the hunt will be the secretary- they will know which meets are likely to be close enough for you to hack to, people that might be able to look out for you, which meets will have less challenging ground/jumping for your first few times out. If you are in the pony club, they sometimes have a pony club meet.
Has your pony hunted before? If she hasn't, I would definitely recommend taking a trusted adult along with you (preferably mounted on a been there and done it horse) as they will be able to help you if she gets a bit excited.
I would recommend going out early in the autumn the first time, as the days will be much shorter, which is better when you are first getting a pony fit and it is generally quieter which is better while you are finding your feet.
It sounds as though your pony could do with being fitter, but as long as you can recognise when she is starting to tire and will take her home early when this happens, an autumn meet/hound exercise should be fine.
As for riding skill- there are usually ways around any jumping if you are nervous, again the secretary/field master should be able to help you with this and as long as you are confident you will be able to control your pony when she is excited/in company, you should be fine
Listen to any instructions from the field master, if possible go out in the autumn or to a pony club meet and have fun!

 

[Ladybird L]

Thank you I can probably find something! If not we definitely have some dark coats.
That’s great!
Lilly is an old hand at this sort of stuff! So I’m not too worried about her acting up. But there will probably be someone ‘babysitting’ me anyway!
Ok. That’s good.
Yes, I thought so! We are continuing to do more but it’s pretty slow. So I will definitely watch for her!
Thank you for replying! I will definitely have fun!

 

[Ditchjumper2]

Look out for any hounds rides too. These are like a glorified hack with hounds and would be a perfect place to start. Definitely have someone with you for support. I would suggest that if you normally use a stronger bit for cross country x/c that you use that. Enjoy yourself.

 

[The Xmas Furry]

Dragging, trail or blood hounds?
You'll find drag hunt might well be the most brisk of them all.

 

[Billyandme]

Never underestimate how much a pony or horse will get revved up beyond recognition . As it sounds ad if he is an older chap you may find he almist becomes extremely fizzy. Try and have a chat with the Hunt Secretary who should be able to answer your questions. Have fun

 

[SEL]

Hound rides out and about at the moment so I'd ask the secretary now - bit more sedate whilst everyone is still getting fit.

 

[Orangehorse]

There might be some "Introduction to Hunting Days" being arranged. Please do contact the hunt Secretary, it is polite to do this.

You will also find out how much it is going to cost!

If you can, start with Autumn hunting as it won't be a long day, you do not want to tire your pony, they need time to get fitter. If they pull and jog at the end of the day that often means they are tired! As above, there should be some mounted Hound Exercise sessions starting up.

There are usually ways round for non jumpers, but it is more fun if you can jump.

Have fun.

 

[Merry neddy man]

Nice to see sensible helpful replies.

 

[Ladybird L]

Thank you everyone! I will definitely take your advice. Ill post when we again when we go!