Is it a good idea?

[coen]

I have never been hunting before and nor has my horse who is 5.
A lady at my yard has invited me to go along with her and apparently you do not have to go over any jumps if you do not wish to. So it could be like a grand hack.

However its not really the jumps that worry be, it's everything else horses, dogs ect.
My boy is still green and hasn't even been out to a show yet so would this totally blow his brain and make him even worse in the future.
Or am I just being a wimp?

 

[Clodagh]

Personally I would go to other less exciting gatherings first. Even go to a local showjupming show and use the warmup, even if you don't compete. If you do blow their brains it can take a long time for them to get them back! I'd do sponsored rides and so on in the summer then go autumn hunting where everyone is stranding around.

 

[RunToEarth]

I agree with Clodagh, hunting is probably the one thing that will light a horse up above all other sports, it may be wise to get him used to being out at shows etc before you put him in a hunting field- it is amazing how much their personality can change when they are around horses and hounds.

 

[chestnut cob]

I don't think it's a good idea. Hunting isn't like anything else you can do with your horse and definitely isn't like "a grand hack". Bear in mind that if you're hacking and you go for a gallop, you can pull up when you like. Out hunting, once they're going, there won't be anything you can do about it!

I would suggest that you wait until next season starts and go autumn hunting / cubbing. It's much quieter and will ease you into it gently.

 

[coen]

Thanks very much for the advice I will do just that.
Having never been hunting myself I wasn't sure what to expect but clearly it would do more harm than good.
I will give it a go next year.

 

[dressedkez]

Sorry but I do not agree with Chestnut Cob at all! Go for it - you can always go home, if it goes pear shaped. But hunting is SO good, for teaching a horse manners. making life fun. How could a days hunting be more harm than good? Rubbish. Every good horse (and in this I count racehorses, eventers, show horses et al) have gone hunting. These days horses rarely have the opportunity to have fun, being subjected to hours of sand schools......
I took my pointer hunting today - I had to take him home early, because he was being an idiot - but it has livened up his week from endless raodwork, and given him a bit of zest.....sorry, being boring now - but hunting is so good for horses, go for it!

 

[SueEllen]

I suppose it depends how confident you are. If your horse does get hot he may end up kicking out, can you deal with it and keep safely out of the way?
Its totally up to yourself but I suppose if your confident and not nervous in dealing with whatever happens then go, if your a little unsure then there is no rush, enjoy the summer and shows etc then maybe try cubbing in the Autum. Have fun either way .

 

[HCkernow]

I completely agree with dressedkez! Stick a green ribbon on his tail and hold tight. hunting makes a horse. It teaches them manners to stand around when needed, makes them sure footed and gives them the ability to think for themselves which is essential in eventing. I took mine out as a newly broken 4 yo, he's now 11 and we've hardly missed a day! just take it easy to start with, stay at the back where your likely to have more space away from the hounds etc and enjoy it. Dont expect him to be perfect first time, it will take several attempts but the benefits are worth it. Just do a couple of hours first and most of all ENJOY IT!! Good luck.