Interested in hunting in West Oxfordshire...

[Hump991]

I have only recently discovered that it is possible to hunt without jumping with some hunts. I know there are several localish hunts but no more than that. Is there a hunt local to West Oxfordshire that would be suitable? We are just starting to learn to jump, but havent progressed to fixed fences yet and I dont think he is ready for that at this stage, this (and not having had a suitable horse before) is why I have always ruled out hunting previously.

I dont have transport either at the moment, and no one on my yard hunts so I cant tag along with anyone from there. I imagine this might be an issue? Unless the meet is hacking distance from my yard.

I have never been hunting before, and am very interested in looking into the possibility of giving it a try. I have a 17hh, 7 year old ex flat racer TB, he has also never hunted before but I *think* he might enjoy the experience. Ideally i would like to take him along to try with someone that wouldnt mind looking out for us a little and pointing us in the right direction.

If anyone has any advice to offer then that would be fantastic,

 

[Countryman]

Whereabouts in West Oxfordshire are you? Depending on that, meets of the VWH, the Old Berks and the Heythrop may be within hacking distance of your stables. If you PM me your location I can tell you which hunt is likely to have meets close to you.

 

[Hump991]

Thank you
Hopefully I have sent you a message.

 

[Happy Hunter]

As long as you have brakes you are more than welcome to join me on an Old Berks day - Mind you I dont go all that often *(pesky work!) - but happy to share the saddle flask

 

[Hump991]

Thank you Happy Hunter, that is very kind and possibly I would take you up on the offer. The whole idea is a little bit daunting with regards to getting all the etiquette correct and whether we are up to the task. Generally (famous last words) he is a very good boy, will go in front or behind for fast work and will pull up when I ask...... But saying that I have never put him in an environment anything like this before so I couldnt guarantee it. He does sometimes have a bit of a buck or a bronk out of excitement usually the first time you let him go but its not nasty (just big)

With the info that Countryman kindly gave me it does sound like we would be better suited to the OBH for the time being, especially as it sounds like they do have meets near to my yard on occasion. I wouldnt want to wear the poor boy out before we got there.