Hunting

[lei85]

Hi so last season I managed to take my ex racer hunting (a first for both of us) so the first time we where both nervous and he was extremely excited when we set off but did settle after a good blast and took it all in, second time out was opening meet he stood lovely until the horn went then just went crazy kicking out while I made him wait then just set off in canter, he wasn’t particularly strong just wouldn’t trot like everyone else, it was full on so he tired and settled but hated standing around and would kick out, third time out started off fantastic stood perfectly set off perfectly was quite bouncy but all in all he was good apart from the standing around again and unfortunately there have been places I couldn’t walk him round quite right spots and he will kick and there was point we had to keep going back past a wooded area he seemed to really dislike and started spinning and trying to go the opposite way from everyone else??! My question is will he settle? As I do worry he will kick someone he’s never ever kicked before only since taking him out which is a shame as I think he would prefer to but a bit more up front, I have great breaks and he does listen 90% of the time I think he just gets excited and wants to be on the go, unfortunately I can’t afford to go as much as I’d like so I’d like other people’s opinions really.
Sorry for the long post

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[AmyMay]

Get him out Autumn hunting. It’s boring and there’s lots of standing around which will help him get used to actually standing around quietly. The field is usually very small too which is an added bonus. Unfortunately you introduced him in probably the worst way.

Take him out every week autumn hunting which should help settle him for hunting proper. However some never settle to it, so it’s trial and error.

 

[Tiddlypom]

A kicker should never be taken hunting.

 

[AmyMay]

A kicker should never be taken hunting.

Interestingly a long muddy tail can sometimes be the cause, so cut it short just below the hocks, but if a genuine kicker, then I agree - the hunting field is not the place for him.

 

[dogatemysalad]

I'm currently suffering the effects of horse kicking out and crippling my ankle and leaving me unable to walk. Please do not knowingly take a horse that kicks anywhere where it may injure a person, horse or hound.

 

[lei85]

I am going to try and take him out as much as I can this time round, he never kicked before so this was a shock to me we wear a red ribbon and stay to the back, he’s only done it a few times and not intentionally to kick at anyone ( I know that isn’t the point) it seems to be possibly frustration? Or maybe something irritating him? I do have boots on as he can brush quite bad and cut himself so possibly try without them.

 

[lei85]

Interestingly a long muddy tail can sometimes be the cause, so cut it short just below the hocks, but if a genuine kicker, then I agree - the hunting field is not the place for him.

He never kicks at home or shows never done it before it has only happened when a few times when hunting, I really hope it doesn’t continue as I’ve really enjoyed going, also he doesn’t care or kick if another horse is up his bum so I don’t think it’s a personal space thing either

 

[AmyMay]

It’s more likely frustration. Which is why autumn hunting will be a good, calmer introduction for him.

But you do need to be very, very careful. If he continues to kick out then you’ll not be able to hunt him.

 

[AmyMay]

Just read that you put boots on him. Take them off. Mud trapped in the boot can cause all sorts of problems.

 

[lei85]

Just read that you put boots on him. Take them off. Mud trapped in the boot can cause all sorts of problems.

I will do and hopefully it will stop when/if he settles, it’s quite frustrating because we can ride out in big groups ect my friends horse has even bitten his bottom and not a hoof was lifted! It was suggested to try going out with bloodhounds and the spaces are big enough to walk around when stopping so I might give that a go

 

[AmyMay]

Hunting is a different kettle of fish to riding out with friends. Don’t underestimate the adrenaline rush horses can experience from it. And how it can affect them in different ways.

As I said above, you need to reintroduce quietly, with less excitement- and Autumn Hunting will help achieve this.

 

[lei85]

Hunting is a different kettle of fish to riding out with hounds. Don’t underestimate the adrenaline rush horses can experience from it. And how it can affect them in different ways.

As I said above, you need to reintroduce quietly, with less excitement- and Autumn Hunting will help achieve this.

Thank you, I am hoping to do as many autumn hunting meets as possible the hunt have been lovely and really encouraging so fingers crossed he will get better

 

[AdorableAlice]

Many hunts do hound exercise mornings, it is a good way to raise funds. They will cover 5 miles plus at a steady trot. A few mornings doing that might help settle him.

 

[lei85]

Many hunts do hound exercise mornings, it is a good way to raise funds. They will cover 5 miles plus at a steady trot. A few mornings doing that might help settle him.

Thank you that sounds a good idea

 

[AdorableAlice]

Thank you that sounds a good idea

And as if by magic, hounds came past this morning at 6am and I found my 26 year old retiree doing handstands in his paddock ! That cheered the old boy up no end and made me late for work because I could not catch the silly old fool to put his fly gear on.