Introducing a youngster to hunting

[Jnhuk]

I am not at this stage yet but wondering if people on here had good advice about ensuring a youngster has a good introduction to hunting for next autumn (2015) especially when your nearest hunt is not local?

Where I grew up with the hunt being next village so I would ask if I could join them on hound exercise before going out cubbing then autumn hunting. I would also hack out to local meets before hand. However, where I live now, this is not really possible as often the hunt meets can be 60-90 mins drive away.

My older horse who is very calm horse and was fine going out and about/hunt rides etc.... but when first few times out he was an absolute nightmare being so so strong that I am now wary of going through that again!

 

[MileAMinute]

Our local Bloodhounds do a beginner/newcomer meet where the pace is a bit steadier and it's not as long. It might be worth enquiring as to whether any meets near you do a similar thing.

I would try and get out to a few fun rides next year to get him out with other horses and get a feel for brakes before then building it up by going to hound exercise etc.

 

[PorkChop]

My best advice is to get out cub hunting as many times as possible, if you feel he might be a bit sharp park a couple of miles away and hack to the area they will be in - though I realise with dark/early mornings this is not always possible.

Is there any way that you could organise an older and sensible escort for the beginning of the season? It would make all the difference if he has someone that he can be with if you need to keep away from others.

 

[gunnergundog]

Spend the summer doing pleasure rides with your youngster so that he gets used to crowds of mounted people going in various directions! Use the opportunity to teach him (ideally with a seasoned companion alongside) that sometimes we stand and watch, sometimes we follow at walk, sometimes we join in and sometimes we go in a totally different direction! Then get him out cubbing as early as possible, making sure that he isn't too fit to start with........it will be a lot quieter than any drag hunt, newcomers day or not - trust me!