I want to start hunting!!!!

[geo123]

I would like to start hunting with my 8yr old gelding, me and my horse have never hunted before and i would love to know where the best places are to start off? I live in lancashire also could anyone tell me a little bit more about the sport? e.g. what to expect?

 

[JenHunt]

the best thing is to find your local pack on the MFHA website, and get in touch with their secretary. They should be able to tell you in more detail about what to expect with their pack.

the best way to introduce your horse is to ask if you can start taking him on hound exercise when the hunt staff start taking theirs out. This way your horse associates the hounds with slow roadwork to start with, rather than exciting galloping and jumping in company! then move on to autumn hunting (early mornings sadly, but beautiful!) and hunt exercise rides. By the time the opening meet comes round you, and your horse should be fit enough and well versed in the etiquette and what goes on! Ready to enjoy a brilliant season!

 

[Sherston]

It is always easier if you know someone who can make introductions for you, but if not I would recommend making contact with your local hunt secretary as Jen suggests (and also check to see how stiff the country is) to select the appropriate hunt to join.

I would then find out what summer activities are happening and get to attend them to start getting to know people (but try and find the mounted followers). This will endear yourself to the hunt and be a good ice breaker when you start going out with the intention of finding a buddy who can help you at first!

It may sound like hard work..... but will be worth it i'm sure!

Good luck

 

[JenHunt]

there's also all the sticky threads above!

oh, and make sure you come back and tell us how you get on!

 

[Horse-Rider]

Just expect your horse to be a bit "hot" to start with, everything will be new to him and especially you. As mensioned autumn hunting is less "forward" / a bit slower. Also you need to expect waiting around for a good 20mins atleast every so often as trails are made and for the hounds to pick the scent. This would be benificial to have a horse that stands (unlike mine, no matter how tired she is) Expect to have an amazing day / meet new people , and the next day pain of aching muscles whilst you heave the barrows the next morning . But it is most definately worth it and such an amazing experience for horse and rider . DO IT DO IT DO IT DO IT !!!! and post a few pics when youve started oct/nov time

 

[laurapru]

I am in exactly the same position geo123. I went to watch the boxing day meet and i have been determined to give it a go since then!
I know the season doesn't start for a little while, so do I call the secretary now or closer to the time?
I went to my local hunts p2p and signed up to the hunt supporters club and chatted to a few ladies there who were really friendly and said get in touch with secretary as they will be able to advise which days are best for new comers.
I also worry about my horse, he is ridden in a hanging cheek french link snaffle, will i need to put something stronger in? Are these the things that the secretary would be able to advise?
I must sound so neurotic - lol! but i am so worried about getting it wrong and making a complete fool of myself! ha ha!

 

[Orangehorse]

Last season our hunt started in August with 6.00 a.m. walk and trot only mornings, which I thought was a very good idea and progressed from that.

Your horse MUST be fit enough for full hunting. I used to reckon to do hunter trials and one day events reguarly through the autumn to have mine fit enough to start hunting, so you are looking at this sort of level. If they are not doing sufficient fast work you risk injuries and worse.

It would be a good idea to go to some hunt organised things on foot and introduce yourself (horse show, kennels open days, etc.) and say that you would like to start hunting.

 

[Littlelegs]

Ditto above advice. Also hunt secretary should be able to point you in right direction of suitable first days. Previously when mine was still up to it I went to anything in hacking distance on a day off. But next season will be looking for quieter meets for daughters first proper off lr hunt, & want a day that isn't too fast.

 

[Kittykat100]

Yes definitely get in touch with the local secretary! And always remember never go in front of the field master!