irishdraught-lover
New User
Hey there -i am going hunting for the 1st time in january me and my horses 1st time what do i need to where - and how can i prepare my horse for this thanks
Hunting Help
- Thread starter irishdraught-lover
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xspiralx
Guest
I am far from an expert, I am sure there are plenty of others who can be more help.
In terms of turnout, I'd wear a hacking jacket if you've got one, or a dark coloured showing one if you don't, and just plain, smart tack for your horse.
Get your horse as fit as possible, particularly with hacking at all paces over all your local terrain. Its good if your horse is happy in company and doesn't mind other horses galloping off in front or up behind, and is okay with hounds milling around his legs. Put a red ribbon on his tail if he kicks, or a green one if you're not sure how he'll be. Personally, if your horse can be strong, I would put in a bit that you'd use for xc/sj to give you a bit more leverage, as they can get very excited and hard to stop.
I would suggest going with an experienced friend, or at least telling the secretary that its your first time - hopefully somebody will be able to look after you on the day then.
Main thing is to have fun!
In terms of turnout, I'd wear a hacking jacket if you've got one, or a dark coloured showing one if you don't, and just plain, smart tack for your horse.
Get your horse as fit as possible, particularly with hacking at all paces over all your local terrain. Its good if your horse is happy in company and doesn't mind other horses galloping off in front or up behind, and is okay with hounds milling around his legs. Put a red ribbon on his tail if he kicks, or a green one if you're not sure how he'll be. Personally, if your horse can be strong, I would put in a bit that you'd use for xc/sj to give you a bit more leverage, as they can get very excited and hard to stop.
I would suggest going with an experienced friend, or at least telling the secretary that its your first time - hopefully somebody will be able to look after you on the day then.
Main thing is to have fun!
BMA
Well-Known Member
Good luck!
Clean horse
Clean tack
plaited up and tidy tail
black jacket and white stock or hacking jacket with coloured stock - if you wear black you will blend in more
sweets in your pocket
ribbons as above...if horse doesn't kick would recommend using a green one to show you and him are novices - tape works best as doesn't slip
discreet nunmah - either dark or natural coloured (saddle cloths look messy esp once your horse has sweated up)
good pair of gloves
and a hip flask!
and as i got told when i first went many many moons ago - stay at the back and keep your mouth shut...ha ha i was a kid at the time but staying near the back is a good idea as you can see how people react i.e you can see how a fence jumps / see where the non jumpers are heading / see what people do when the hounds come past
sure you'll love it!
Clean horse
Clean tack
plaited up and tidy tail
black jacket and white stock or hacking jacket with coloured stock - if you wear black you will blend in more
sweets in your pocket
ribbons as above...if horse doesn't kick would recommend using a green one to show you and him are novices - tape works best as doesn't slip
discreet nunmah - either dark or natural coloured (saddle cloths look messy esp once your horse has sweated up)
good pair of gloves
and a hip flask!
and as i got told when i first went many many moons ago - stay at the back and keep your mouth shut...ha ha i was a kid at the time but staying near the back is a good idea as you can see how people react i.e you can see how a fence jumps / see where the non jumpers are heading / see what people do when the hounds come past
sure you'll love it!
Happy Hunter
Well-Known Member
enjoy it!
i was going to say similar to others really.
Call the secretary - Knowing your coming would be very useful to them - and they might find you someone to follow - which would be a great way to learn a whole heap! - and they can tell you what the cap is for the day.
make sure you have your mobile on you! - And try and pick a spot of country you know well - or at least have a vague idea of where the roads go, as if you get lost you can always find home!
i was going to say similar to others really.
Call the secretary - Knowing your coming would be very useful to them - and they might find you someone to follow - which would be a great way to learn a whole heap! - and they can tell you what the cap is for the day.
make sure you have your mobile on you! - And try and pick a spot of country you know well - or at least have a vague idea of where the roads go, as if you get lost you can always find home!
irishdraught-lover
New User
I am scared to fricking death at minute lol my horse is not the best at cantering galloping in company once i have him under control he fine - i mean he doesnt gallop off just throws himself about a bit till he knows then i can keeep him collected - just the jumps are going to freak me a bit!! x
lauraandjack
Well-Known Member
In addition I would definitely recommend a breastplate and martingale. Handy to hang on to even if the horse doesn't need it. Also helps to keep the reins out of trouble if the worst happens and you come off!