New to Cubbing, advice please

[Tin Hat]

Evening everyone!
A little advice needed please. I have been invited out for a mornings cubbing by a friend from the yard and i am very excited to go, but a little aprehensive. The friend is a very well respected member of the hunt so i dont want to embarrasses her or look like a wally on my first outing, so have a couple of questions

I have read the beginners guide to hunting, but:
I am guesssing i have to ring the hunt secretary to ensure it is ok for me to attend and how close to the day do i have to do this?
how do i find how much i have to pay?
Is cubbing a slower pace to hunting or is it dependant on the hunt? (I am taking a horse that has never been hunting [so will hang near the back] but is very adaptable so expecting an excitable horse but i can deal with this, i think)

Any other advice would be greatful, chocolate cupcakes and hot chocolate for all

 

[Shantara]

I went for the first time the other day! So I'm not an expert, but I can give you a beginners-eye-view, as it were

Was not horses first time, but it was mine. I was told horse was a nightmare and he has thoroughly embarrassed himself in the past (kicked hunt masters horse!!). The hunt meet at my yard, so I YO sorts it all for me, I literally just get horse ready and go!
Everyone was really friendly, I got chatting to a lady who was probably in her 50's and it was her first time too! There are more details of my experience here http://www.horseandhound.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=570111

As far as going near the front - I was all over the shop! I was 2nd at one point and very near the back at another! No one seemed to mind, lots of others were doing it.
I'm sure your friend will keep you in check A friend of mine was taking a young friend and she talked her through every step of the day

re: pace - There was about an hour of waiting around, but after that, it was all trot/fast canter/gallop!

Good luck I hope you have as much fun as I did!!

 

[combat_claire]

Evening everyone!
A little advice needed please. I have been invited out for a mornings cubbing by a friend from the yard and i am very excited to go, but a little aprehensive. The friend is a very well respected member of the hunt so i dont want to embarrasses her or look like a wally on my first outing, so have a couple of questions

I have read the beginners guide to hunting, but:
I am guesssing i have to ring the hunt secretary to ensure it is ok for me to attend and how close to the day do i have to do this?
how do i find how much i have to pay?
Is cubbing a slower pace to hunting or is it dependant on the hunt? (I am taking a horse that has never been hunting [so will hang near the back] but is very adaptable so expecting an excitable horse but i can deal with this, i think)

Any other advice would be greatful, chocolate cupcakes and hot chocolate for all

I normally phone the secretary a week or so in advance before I go visiting; he or she will then be able to tell you how much the cap for the day will be and offer some other tips. It is unlikely that they will say no you can't come, but it is good manners to do so and they will then keep you informed if the meet has to be changed or cancelled.

Best of luck, I claim my hot chocolate now - I want cream and marshmallows on mine!!!

 

[Harry44]

Yes you need to ring the secretary, a couple of days before is fine, they will let you know what the cap is and where to park. Cubbing is usually a slower pace, a lot of standing around, although now your getting near the opening meet the pace may be upped a bit. Hope you have a good day

 

[laurapru]

If you have never been before perhaps ask to follow your friend so you can get an idea of what is going on.
Call the secretary before you go and confirm cap price and any additional details.
I was so very nervous my first time, but after the first gallop I enjoyed every minute of it! I had a stupid grin on my face for days after!
Enjoy!

 

[Tin Hat]

Thanks for the advice everyone
One last question - Would it be worth putting a green ribbon in my horses tail or do people take little notice of this out on the hunt field?
I rang the secretary this afternoon and said it was fine for me to attend, so watch this space for a newbie hunting report.........unless the silly horse gets a little exuberant and puts me in hospital

 

[Double_choc_lab]

My daughter has put a green ribbon on our mare's tail as its the first season for both of them. It's certainly been noticed and respected although mare has been very well behaved.