Hunting Questions your advice needed!

[Baileysno1]

As I previously mentioned I have the laziest switched off 5 year old ever and have been toying with the idea of going hunting. Anyway I rang the really helpful and friendly secretary of our local hunt the south wold to see if there was a suitable meet for me to go along to. This Tuesday is looking good she says will be very quiet with minimal jumping and we'll only be out for a few hours. OK sheer panic has set in.

Your advice will be appreciated:

Is my horse actually fit enough? He works six days a week inc flatwork a little jumping (V small) 2 hour hacks without much fast work. Will we be cantering around for 3 hours?

Tack? I have a black everyday bridle which I use with my brown saddle it fits great and is padded will they send me away for mismatched tack? Also he is ALWAYS ridden in a loose ring snaffle never had anything else in his mouth am I mad to hunt him in this? Can I put boots on my horse?

Me?? She said tweed should I wear shirt and tie or stock? Are brown boots and smart gaitors acceptable?

Please help I will be mortified if I get it all wrong!!

 

[archoak]

Tack - yours is fine, boots are Ok and you might want to tape them on, put a green ribbon or tape around your horses tail to show he's a novice. Only you know your horse so will have to decide on a bit but even normally quiet horses tend to get a bit excited and on their toes in a large group, horses without brakes are a pain (I know I have one!).

Dress - also fine, if you are over 16 then you usually wear a stock.

Will you know the area you are hunting in? If yes you can always hack back to your lorry when you've had enough - lots of people do this. As you have explained about your horse and this day has been suggested I would think it will be fairly quiet and you can usually go round jumps you don't want to do. Some hunts even split into 2 groups - one slower often with kids.

You will have a great time, most hunts are usually friendly and welcome new people I'm going tomorrow on foot.

 

[Baileysno1]

Thanks for the reassurance I may experiment with bits over the weekend just incase!

 

[buckybee]

Don't worry!! You will be fine! You sound very well prepared.

Your tack etc. sounds fine, I'd stick to the bit you are used to, he sounds a sensible chap so he shouldn't be too bad, just be prepared to have achy arms the next day!

He will be easilly fit enough, if they have said it's a quite morning there will probably be a lot of standing around so he/you can have a rest, and not everyone stays out all morning so you can always go back with someone if you've had enough.

Oh, you can get away with a coloured stock or tie but i think stocks look better.

I promise you'll love it!

 

[Clodagh]

I hunt my 5 year old mare in her eggbutt snaffle. Best bit of advice I ever heard was always to try something new at home and not out hunting!
Have a great time.
Fine for horse to wear boots but they should be black!
Mismatched tack no problems!
I wear check shirt and tie.
Have a fantastic time, we expect a full report!!

 

[AlanE]

Have a great day; I have fond memories of the South Wold - not lots of jumping but great galloping country!

 

[sevenoceans]

all sounds great for first time, once you and your pony had enjoyed the day without doubt... you will want go again and will start pick things up ie looking at other riders and improve your/pony's appearance...

I hunt my Exracer in myler snaffle, with loads of Excitement pulling he's otherwise an absloute angel and loves it although only has been in ridden (walk and trot) work in the last 2 months after 3 month holiday in the field, he's fitter than i thought!!

He had black all round boots... no problem...

I wear Black airat chaps and boots and it was acceptable. Black jacket, white stock, cream breeches. its with the red coated hunts.

Another thing is find the sectary (usually the person that collect the money) tell the person that you are new etc, i am sure she/he'll put you with knowledgeable sensible person who should look after you throughout, hunting people is the friendlest people i know....

Good luck and have loads of fun.... Keep smiling with mouth closed!! don't want the spray mud in your mouth...