mounted stewarding at p2p

[L&M]

I may have to step in as a mounted steward for our hunts p2p. Could anyone who has done this job before advise me on what I will be required to do - I have a vague idea and the steward co-ordinator is sending some info through, but would like to get a heads up.....
Thanks

 

[amage]

I've done it a good few times. The first and most important thing is remember that you are there first and foremost for safety. Over here we usually have two mounted stewards and one takes each half of the course. We give the jockeys a lead to the start. There may be a funny horse or something that needs alot of nannying to the start so you'll stick with them. I know all the jockeys very well so usually ask whoever is first out how quick the want to go up to the start. If there is any latecomers to the start accompany them for a look at the first fence as they will sometimes be arsey of other horses are already circling. A big part of the job is clearing the course from spectators so while I nanny to the start the other steward will canter a full circuit of the track making sure there is nobody out on the course that shouldn't be! Then throughout the race stay out of the way, try and be near a corner and that way if there are any loose horses they will come to you out of the way of the race. Then when the race is over if there is a longish track back to parade ring you will usually accompany horses back in. In one of our local points there is a long run back to parade ring on a track that runs by carpark so its hugely important that the stewards stop jockeys cantering back in too quick in case somebody mistakenly ducked out in front of horses. If there are any loose horses try and stay with them or holding them till someone comes to get them. It is a really fun job and one of my favourite parts of it is between races when all the kids come up to say high to the horses. When kids go to the points especially kids that are not horsey they often don't understand that they can't say hi to the racers so its nice for them to see the hunters. You need a fit horse. It's a long day but great fun

 

[L&M]

That's very helpful, many thanks.

 

[amage]

No prob. If i think of anything else I'll pm you! Oh and one very fun thing that may get you a mild slap on the wrists is if you are riding a good jumper then be prepared and follow them over the last fence in the last race lol

 

[Addicted to Hunting]

Yep as Amage said basically, I stewarded for the first time last year and really enjoyed it, am doin it again this year. As well as a fit horse I suggest they are fairly quiet as they will get a bit wound up with the atmosphere, and also you will get alot of people around you as Amage said so you need something that is safe, some pep don't think it that exciting but I enjoyed it, gives you a behind the scenes look, and you really see how big the fences are and how quick they go, and also feel fairly important

you may well have to catch a loose horse, rember to stay out off the riders way, and wait till the race has finished if the horse keeps running with the others! A hunting whip is fairly useful to help lead looped round the reins off the other horse, also useful if they ride and lead! All should be explained tho, have FUN!!

 

[Doormouse]

I have also done this a few times and I would echo that you need a quiet horse. I did it once on my old hunter who is fantastic hunting and to parade hounds etc so it never occured to me that the point-2-point would be a problem! Big mistake. It turns out that he was Desert Orchid in a previous life and by the time they came round for the second circuit I virtually joined in (luckily he was too slow to cause any problems) but after that I had to put him back in the lorry very red faced (me not him).
If you are not sure how your horse will react maybe ask if you can borrow a hunt horse who has done it before which is what I did from then on!
And jumping the last is fantastic, the last time I did it we joined in at the end of the hunt race, jumped the last 3 and had a race to the line!

 

[tractor]

I've also done it a lot, and it is great fun - also a great honour to be asked!

Echo what those above have said, but also remember two other points....

You may see/be present when a horse receives treatment after a fall - be prepared for this, it's never nice to see especially if owner/rider/public are present. If this happens, try to move the public away, keep those involved calm and make sure help is on it's way for horse and rider.

If you catch a loose horse, once you return it to it's owner remember they might not be too happy - I've had a few mouthfuls off people when I've just saved them a three mile walk to find their horse, hard to take but smile and be polite - most of the time they find you later and apologise profusely!

You are the eyes and ears of those running the event, so make sure you are in contact/are contactable - we have radios, but I guess some meetings still use mobiles.

Oh....and make sure your horsey is super clean and shiny!

Have fun

 

[amage]

All the advice here is very good. If you are first on the scene where a horse has fallen and is not getting up straight away if it is safe to do so pull open the girths. Often they can have a heavy fall, get winded and just need a few mins to recover. I have often hopped off mine and pulled open the girths then when someone comes to retrieve the horse i'll carry back the saddle to weigh room on my mare's neck. Saves time for horses owners and jockeys. If an injured horses blood is up the hunt horse can be a helpful companion to get them slowly back to the lorry park and keep them settled on the way there. Obviously you would hope not to be faced with injured horses but it does help to be prepared! Earplugs are also very useful as no matter how quiet a horse the sound of 20sets of hooves can be a bit unnerving!

 

[L&M]

Thanks all - I am really proud to be asked and want to make sure I do the best job possible. I am planning on taking my cob who is well hunted, used to leading hunt horses, and as an ex county show cob should hopefully not find the occasion too overwhelming!!?

 

[JenHunt]

basically you turn up turned out as if for hunting, and escort horses to post, then hang around to catch loose ones! We find only maiden races cause problems. Have escorted the ocassional horse & rider home when they've retired on the back of the course.