Hunting help!

[flump]

Having never hunted before apart from when I was a child and can hardly remember that! I just wanted to ask a few questions as I dont want to mess up!!
Right i will be hunting a big grey who would wear brown bridle and brown saddle with a well fitted brown nummnah. Is it ok to have any boots on?

I would wear my black,jacket,black and white stock,black velvet hat cover,beige jods and long boots- I only have a choice between black or navy as cant afford another new jacket- is this ok?

I dont really no anyone who hunts, so could I go alone? The horse i would take is pretty bombproof although he has never hunted.

Is their anything else I should desperately know or consider before I go?
Do people normally take a phone or something with them in case of emergencys and if so how do you carry it? (i dont think id look so great hunting with a rucksack?!)

Thanks in advance

 

[Aniseed]

Lots of questions! This place is the best for getting advice on hunting etiquette.

Horse's tack and numnah sound great, you want to stick to neutral shades like brown and black rather than pink numnahs and sparkly brow bands!

It will be fine for him to wear boots but most people don't bother because they can rub and become quite uncomfortable if they get wet and muddy. I don't use anything but I have a hardy little Welsh Cob.

A black jacket is fine and even better if it matches your hat. If wearing black or navy you should have a plain white stock. Most people wear thick wool hunting coats in black or navy as they keep you lovely and warm but they are expensive so its probably worth making sure you enjoy it before investing.

Even though the horse is bomb proof it may find hunting quite exciting. It would probably be worth taking a friend to the meet on foot for the first time just to give you moral support. You should always phone the hunt secretary before going out to make sure you are welcome and find out how much it is going to cost. It would be a good idea to explain your situation and see if there is anyone you could buddy up with. Going on your own isn't a problem and you generally find you meet more people.

I always take my mobile switched to silent in my jacket or jodhpurs pocket, along with a hip flask and sweets (this will never fail to gain you friends!).

Appart from that just enjoy yourself, as long as you are smart and polite you will have no problems. Cubbing starts again in September and it is a good way to ease yourself in before the opening meet at the beginning of November as it is generally much quieter. I would recommend having a look back over the posts in the hunting forum as there are some really good tips.

 

[flump]

Thankyou! Im very excited to get out and about! I will read back through all the posts to get some more pointers!
Thankyou Again!

 

[L&M]

I started hunting 4 seasons ago and had no idea what I was doing or how my horse would behave - I am now and addict and have even bought a 2nd horse so can go twice a week! Don't worry about going on your own - I did and soon met a good crowd of people and was always well looked after.
The above reply has answered everything, but the only thing I could add is that if you are unsure how your horse will take to it/ re-act to hounds etc, is to start of with some Autumn hunting, which will be at a slower pace. For that you need to wear a hacking jacket, shirt and tie, and don't need to worry about plaiting etc - just be prepared for some early starts!
Enjoy!

 

[JenHunt]

The above reply has answered everything, but the only thing I could add is that if you are unsure how your horse will take to it/ re-act to hounds etc, is to start of with some Autumn hunting, which will be at a slower pace. For that you need to wear a hacking jacket, shirt and tie, and don't need to worry about plaiting etc - just be prepared for some early starts!
Enjoy!

and the only thing I would add to that is to make sure you have a neck strap of some sort just in case!! Breastplate or martingale is fine, but you never know when it'll come in handy on even the most experienced of hunters!