Introducing a youngster to cubbing/hunting - what age did you?

[cob&onion]

I have a 3yr cob whom i have lightly backed this spring, at the moment shes doing gentle walks down the lanes for about 5 mins and is long reining about once a fort night.
Am really hoping she will make a good hunter in the future.
At what age did you introduce your youngster to hunting/cubbing?
Thanks

 

[tractor]

I took mine at just 4, mainly as they were meeting at the yard so it seemed a good place to give him his first day. I took him cubbing about 5 or 6 times, hunted him quietly for a few half days before Christmas then didn't take him until the spring. The season after, when he was 5, he hunted once a week.

11 season later he hunts every week, jumps anything you point at and is generally a dude. He never grew out of broncing out of the meet though, it's his party trick.

Where are you based? Try to make a "friend" before you go out - makes getting round/over/through things much easier if you have a nice person to follow, preferably that knows the country too. Also if horsey learns to follow the one in front they get so much confidence from that, you don't have to worry as much as you know they'll follow, they don't get any "scared" vibes from you so they always go....bob's your uncle, you've got a brave hunter!

Have fun!

 

[loverly]

The first time my horse hunted was with me as a 4 year old - but only 3 times. I think it is good for youngsters to experience various situations, sights etc... but hunting is a lot to ask and your horse must be well prepared as the ground can go from hard to very soft boggy ground within a stride. If you are thinking of hunting him next season go with someone with a very sensible hunting horse that you can stay with and if needs be, move away from the hunt. Good luck

 

[pipsqueek]

I took both my home-breds out for the first time when they were 4, but they had spent the summer going to local riding club shows & training evenings, also did a few hunter trials in the autumn. I only did 6 days though & didn't stay out all day. One of them is still doing it now at 20! I have a youngster now and am doing the same with her & hopefully we will be out hunting this autumn. She has a bit of a bronc in her & not being as young as I was am hoping just to stay on!!! Good luck with yours

 

[L&M]

I imagine it depends on the temparament and maturity (physically and mentally) of the horse.

I have a friend who bought her 3 yr old cob out last season, just a few times at carefully selected meets, and kept her out for no longer than a couple of hours. She coped very well and was even jumping by the end of the season, but would have thought 4yrs plus would be the norm.

 

[ILuvCowparsely]

personally i wouldn't do anything til they at least 5 their knee joints dont knit till 6 ive known 4 years olds go-out jumping by the time they 7 their bones knackered and the hocks *****ed.

I was told the id joints knit later than some and was told do nothing hard till at least 5 i followed their advice now at the age of 23 Diamond still doing sponsored rides and her joints are fine.

 

[yeeharider]

usually 4 year olds you dont have to jump either cubbing or hunting if they are breeds that you think are slow maturing

 

[Stormy123456]

Took mine out twice as a 4 year old. Literally walked to the meet (with older horse to babysit) stood for a bit, followed them at the back for 15 mins and wandered home. Good as gold.

Took her three times as a rising 6 year old this Spring. Found it very exciting, and spent the majority of the time on her hind legs. :O She wasn't a fan of waiting or queuing!