I don't want to go hunting - my friend does?

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cobface

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I promised my friend i would go hunting this coming season, i have a TB who is 5 and can be very excitable at times, so TBH i would rather give the hunting a miss as i would hate anything to happen (i know there are risks just hacking out but hunting with lots of horses at speed is something i would rather avoid!!) i know lots of people take there TBs hunting but TBH i would rather stick to smaller hacks, dressage and SJ. I am a bit of a wimp too and can just imagine hunting to blow her brains - broncing/bucking rearing etc............
So how do i go about telling my friend that i dont want to do it? We have been having jumping lessons most weeks and XC schooling (TB is ace XC but does get wound up and rears!!) which i can handle when there are a few of us.
I have a young cob which i plan to bring on and hunt in the future.
I feel like i will be letting my friend down :( she has a big middle weight who is as calm and placid as they come.
Any ideas??
 
Your friend might be disappointed that you are not going, but Im willing to bet she would feel much much worse if you went along, your horse went nuts and you had a terrible accident - especially if she found out you only went to prevent her feelings from being hurt.

Just take her aside and say you are really sorry but you are just not confident enough to take your horse hunting and would rather not go as you are worried it will be too much for her - if she is truly your friend, she will understand :)
 
Why not suggest that you go along to the meet to support her and follow on foot and car, but explain that you don't feel up to accompanying her mounted on this steed. There is absolutely no point you trying to follow mounted, and ending up losing your confidence.

If your friend contacts the hunt secretary they can usually suggest an experienced mentor for the day or maybe even someone that could loan you a steady hireling.
 
You've got a good reason for not wanting to go, imo. Explain to your friend that you've thought about it some more and don't think it's the best idea, she should understand. Even if you say you'll go along on foot to support, that way she'll know that you do want to spend the day with her, but just don't feel comfortable doing it on your horse.
 
If she's a true friend she will understand your reasoning entirely. Agree with the others about going along to support her on foot, take photos, keep her hip flask topped up etc!
 
you try clubbing first to see how your horse acts, i had one horse that i wouldnt dream of hunting, untill we met the hunting while out hacking. My mate was a whipper in said it was ok to join in for the last 45mins. Horse behaved wonderfully no issues at all, this one would rear, p'off every where, kick out the works, but it really found a job in the hunting field.

Clubbing tends to be a smaller group, slower pace and more laid back, A good way to start a young horse without all the galloping
 
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