nervous novices

[spookypony]

Another newbie here! My instructor recently said he'd try to take some of us to a hunt this winter, and I'm very excited (and nervous). I'm sure he'll tell us everything we need to know, but I thought I'd ask a few general questions here, too.

I'm a fairly confident jumper over novice-height, "normal"-looking fences, but I'm freaked out by the thought of suddenly encountering a Giant Megahedge that's bigger than anything I've ever jumped before, at a flat-out gallop. Now, I gather that there's always a choice not to jump. My question is, how feasible is convincing the horse that we're going around as opposed to pelting after everyone else?

We don't know what horses we would be taking yet. I have a horse that's really nice to hack out; he stays sensible in groups and has good brakes. However, he's still quite green about jumping, and I'm not sure what he'd make of all the racket. I really don't think I'd be taking him, but how DO people go about preparing an inexperienced horse for his first outing?

Thirdly, if the horse has an unpulled mane, is a French plait or a lattice kosher?

 

[Starbucks]

Hi there!

It's really not as wild as people think, you would have plenty of time to pull out of jumps and I'm sure you're instructor will have it all sorted for you, so don't worry about that! When you see pics of people flying over big hedges, that's normally only about 10% of the field that do that!

You'll probably find your horse is a lot more confidend out hunting!! Just kick on and hope for the best!

I guess a running plait would look smart, if he's a native then you'll get away with free flowing! Just make sure you look smart and clean.

 

[spookypony]

Thanks, that's very reassuring! I wonder what he'll say on the matter of horses. There are some very experienced hunters at the school, but I might actually be happier on my sensible greenhorn...I'm probably getting way ahead of things, though.

Is height an issue when hunting? The hunters all seem to be huge, but there's a pony around that I know has also hunted.

 

[Baggybreeches]

I would sooner be on a green horse that I knew, than an 'alleged' experienced hunter, often they just take the mickey, whereas your horse will be usually awestruck by the whole scenario!
There is not so much hurtling round at super speeds any more, and with the ground being so wet everywhere there will be a lot of checks. The jumping lines are (in our hunt) announced so that anyone not jumping can take an alternative route and they are always escorted by a hunt member, so need to worry there.
Remember that you can go and see if you like it on foot first!

 

[Starbucks]

Is height an issue when hunting? The hunters all seem to be huge, but there's a pony around that I know has also hunted.

Nope, I used to hunt an 11.2 20 odd year old and we managed as well as anyone else! Depending on the country you do tend get a general stamp of horse that will suit that kind of country best, but that doesn't meen that the totally opposite to that type wouldn't be absolutely fine.

 

[CrazyMare]

I hunt a 13.1h!! There is generally an option for non jumpers, which is either a tiny jump or no jump but sometimes a gate to do. Just keep an eye out for those not jumping, or politely ask someone who looks like they know whats going on whoyou should stick with to avoid jumping.

 

[spookypony]

I talked to my instructor, and he seems to think the pony in question is sane enough to come! At this point, we'll be avoiding most of the jumps, methinks, mainly because I've jumped him a grand total of twice, over tiny X's. I'm very excited!

What can I do to start preparing him for his outing? He's a bit spooky.

 

[star]

my pony is a spooky idiot - he didn't look at anything out hunting. too busy pulling my arms out chasing the rest of them!

 

[spookypony]

We had a lesson the other day in prep---the task was cantering/galloping away from the group and then walking back. He got a bit bouncy when someone else shot off, but not nearly as much as the others, and he was fine walking back, too, when it was his turn. Hopefully that's a good sign!

When he encounters unfamiliar obstacles, he tends to freeze in place and stare at them for a long moment; then he usually proceeds very thoughtfully. I wonder how that will translate at a fast canter? It'll be interesting to find out...

He's also the only horse I know who will stop and look both ways when he comes to a road, even if the rider thoughtlessly meanders on.

 

[junglediva]

listen.. dont get this idea of BIG jumps and massive hedges out hunting because one their not compulsory so u can go round every single one and still have a good time and two most of the time u never see a jump worth jumping so dont worry!!

 

[spookypony]

That sounds fab. We jumped our first log in the forest today (only done little Xs in the school with him so far)! He didn't hesitate at all. I'm very pleased!