Hunting with hounds, how to get into it as a beginner?

[Countrysidelass]

I really would love to experience a hunt, Yes I know im a bit late in season but im thinking for next year. Im not confident enough with my girl (shes 20yrs old) to hunt her as she and I are both so accident prone that I don't think its worth the risk but I'd love to go and hunt with the hounds.

I am a complete newbie to this and dont know how to get started or what would be expected etc.

Can anyone advise me on what to do and how to get involved & what id experience? I'm on the suffolk/norfolk border.

thanks.

 

[combat_claire]

You aren't at all late in the season, most packs won't be starting autumn hunting until the start of September.

If you aren't keen to take your 20 year old (and there are plenty of veterans who hunt) then you really have two options - to borrow or hire a horse or to go along as foot/car follower.

As a first step I would recommend identifying your local pack and then giving the secretary a buzz. They will be able to advise on who might offer local hirelings, any special offers for newcomers and advise on how to join as a hunt supporter.

Next step would probably be to attend some social events, hound exercise or autumn hunting on foot to get to know the country and the people. We are generally a friendly bunch and most packs have experienced followers who are willing to act as 'babysitters' for newcomers.

Once you feel confident to come out mounted then do, it isn't as scary as it looks. There are generally ways around if you don't want to jump.

I've included some links to your local packs in Norfolk & Suffolk plus a link to the Fitzwilliam page as we aren't too far away and are having 2 days of hound exercise aimed at newcomers to the hunting field.

http://mfha.org.uk/pack_directory/directory/norfolk/
http://mfha.org.uk/pack_directory/directory/suffolk/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/2224054967/

 

[Countrysidelass]

Hi Combat_claire.

Thank's for that info I think i'd like to come along to meet The Fitzwilliam hunt sounds like the perfect way to get into it.

Can I ask what is expected for newcomers to wear, I think I'd prefer to stay as a follower to be honest. Purely because My Girl has no brakes when it comes to jumping and I am not the most confident having only jumped once in my lifetime (And it was not deliberate!)

I have friends who have hunted previously with hounds & this sounds most like what I would like to get involved with. Are theyre specific days for hounds or do Hounds and horses all go together all the time?

Sorry if some of this is typical blonde questions but I've no idea

thanks.

 

[combat_claire]

If you can lay hands on a tweed jacket, a shirt and a tie, some pale breeches, a riding hat (jockey skull or velvet cap in black or navy) and a pair of long boots then you will be fine and dandy. As tweed is never incorrect at any stage of the season there is no point buying a black hunt coat until you know you like the activity and a tweed will keep you warmer than a black show jacket.

If you are coming on foot then anything goes - I tend to wear jeans, wellies, shirt/jersey and a musto type jacket or barbour depending on the weather. General country clothing with a waterproof is a general rule.

Hounds and horses will go together at almost all times apart from during the summer when the hounds get exercised by the hunt staff who ride on bicycles.

Everyone has to start somewhere so ask away and we look forward to welcoming you.

 

[Countrysidelass]

Thanks so much Combat_claire.

Is the info about the newbie nights all on facebook? I cant get onto facebook during work hours so I'll have to look lateron. Does the fitzwilliam have a website at all?

 

[combat_claire]

Aye, click the events tab for news on hound exercise and socials. We also have a regular page with the secretary's details.

www.fitzwilliamhunt.com