New to hunting.... but Hoping to go with the Cottesmore

[junior_7178]

Hi all....Im always lurking but never realy post much.Im just after a bit of advice realy and hopefully a few encouraging words.
Im realy starting to get a buzz inside me to try hunting.I only took up riding NINE months ago so i still class myself as a complete novice,although ive learnt quickly and correctly and i'm a very confident person and fairly confident in my riding ability.Since i started riding the one thing ive had as my first goal is to get to a standard where i can start hunting.A few people at my yard in Linconshire hunt regulaly and im always chatting with them about thier days hunting.

A couple of months ago i upgraded from my first horse (18.2hh Shire Mare) to a 16.2hh Grey Irish Draught Gelding,with a view to being able to get out and do a bit more than my cumbersome Shire could manage.

I now feel im ready to take my first steps into hunting but would like a bit of advice on anything you guys think i should know.
Ive started attending the meets on foot (well doing my best to follow in my car),but not knowing anyone and being on my own makes it a challenge.i find it great fun,and the feeling i get when i see the field in full flight following the master and hounds across the county is like nothing ive ever experienced before,and the sight and sound of 50+ horses ttrotting past you on a coutry lane just seems to make all the pressure and stress of a hard week at work a fading memory.

I intend to continue for now just foot following as im finding it invaluble in terms of learning the ettiqute (sp?) and turn out standars expected etc etc.But sooner or later i need to take the plunge and go mounted.

So how do i know when im ready or not? Although a novice rider,im confident.I can walk trot and canter fine,although full out gallop in open space would be something new (i'd probably just hold on tight and see what happens).Im starting to jump small jumps and although its not pretty i always seem to pull it off,again hedges and ditches would be a totaly new experience and im not sure if im quite ready for that yet which is something that worries me.
My main worries are that i would turn up,look a complete twit,become a burden on every one else,my horse does something i cant control,get shouted at and go home royaly embaressed and never want to show my face again.But everyone starts somewhere dont they..........???

My horse went out last saturday with his previous owner and and i spend all week bathing him,cleaning tack over and over again,cleaning brass on saddle and generaly making him look amazing as i believe in very high turn out standards no matter what.UNFOTUNATLY he spanked his superficial flexor tendon and is well out of the action for a good while so i now wont be rushing into anything and will more than likely be toward the end of the season before i could hunt him.

It has been suggested to me to enquire about a hireling for the day,but im not sure being on a strange horse on my first ever days hunting would be a good idea,although hirelings tend to be the 'been there and done it' type dont they? so maybe it would in fact be a better option than taking my own boy who i know gets VERY exitable.

So what should my next steps be? Where can i purchase the correct attire? Should i just stop being a worrier and take a deep breath and go for it??

ANY advice would be welcome,even if its saying maybe im not ready for it yet.

And does anyone hunt with the cottesmore on here?

 

[Gucci_b]

I would suggest to make some friends with the hunt in your area, and pair up with some one!! and put on the hunting forum a post "looking for a hunt buddy" only you will no if you and your horse are ready to take the plung to go hunting... keep us all informed...

 

[Eagle_day]

Hi Junior
I guess you're the wrong side of the county from me, but PM me and I'll see what I can do.

 

[Starbucks]

Hi!

You have totally got the right attitude about starting hunting! I think you will be a fab member for the Cottesmore!

From what you've said I don't think you are ready yet - just from your riding experience. Most horses are 10x more lively out hunting than anything else, and if your not used to galloping then I'd wait until you have more experience.

If you horse is out of action anyway, I'd leave it for this season and get some more experience over the summer. Go on some fun/hunt rides and do some galloping around and stuff. Then start with some autumn hunting in September which is normally a bit quieter.

I'm thinking you are a bloke?? Sorry if I've got the wrong end of the stick!! As much as I hate to admit it guys are very good at picking up riding if they start later in life and have so much confidence! I think you'll be fab! :grin:

Good luck and let us know how you get on!

 

[LizzieJ]

I'd be inclined to leave it for this season - keep going out on foot, offering to help at any events always goes down well and is a great way to get to know people. I would try and get a bit more experience over the summer - maybe do some hunter trials and fun rides so you get more used to your horse jumping in open spaces and going at a faster pace with other horses around. Ask the secretary to let you know when Autumn hunting starts and get out early in the season when the fields are small and the hunting a bit slower generally. Your normal tack will be fine and a hacking jacket with shirt and tie with pale breeches/jods and black boots is all you need - you can often get this second hand.

You are going about it the right way and I do hope you carry on enjoying your hunting. Most people will be delighted to have a new follower to explain things to so don't be afraid to ask.

 

[Chumsmum]

I think everyone has given great advice already.

I was very much in your position - not sure if my riding skills were up to it but I was lucky that I had friends who hunted who assured me I was fine and looked out for me. First time choose a quiet mid-week meet and perhaps follow the non-jumping field master (if they have one) so you don't have to worry about that side of things.

Perhaps leave it for this season until horsey is 100% and then get out and about as much as you can next summer - funrides etc are a good way to see how your horse reacts and also have a few good blowouts on him just to check your brakes etc. However, it is hard to know how they will react until you actually go - my very quiet pony gets so excited I'm going to try a calmer next week.

Carry on following on foot - I'm sure once the regulars get to know you it will be easier. Opening/shutting gates and stopping traffic etc is a good way to get your face known and also attending/helping out at social events so by the time you actually go mounted you will know everyone I really enjoy going on foot - I hardly saw the hounds when mounted I was so busy concentrating on my riding.

I too worried about being a nuisance but everyone was so nice and I'm sure most people are worrying about their own thing to worry too much about you. Just apologise if you do or think you have done anything wrong - most people are very forgiving.

A lot of the hunting gear is expensive but good quality and lasts forever so I would look for second hand stuff on ebay and in local tack shops for jackets/boots etc - you might get some bargains next summer.

Not sure about the hireling - I think I would be even more nervous on anything but my own as I know him best but these horses are professionals and would look after you.

I also found that the three drinks I downed in quick succession as pony wouldn't stand still helped tremendously :grin:

Good luck whatever you decide to do.

 

[Christmas Crumpet]

Hi,

I'm an ex Cottesmore person having left in May this year but hunted with them for 4 seasons. Judging by what you've said and what I know of the Cottesmore you most definately wouldn't be ready to go out with them on a Tuesday which is hedges and big country and you need a good jumping horse. However, the Lincolnshire side which is a Thursday is hardly any jumping and quite tame. There are the odd dykes to jump but not many. So if you were going to go I would suggest a Lincolnshire day. Saturdays can either be very tame or quite wild so wait a while for one of them.

The Cottesmore are incredibly nice people - the secretary is a lady called Clare Bell who is a gem and very friendly and helpful. If you look on www.cottesmore-hunt.co.uk you will find her number. Give her a ring and see what she says. There are hunter hirelings from either Lindsay Matthews or Russell (can't remember his surname but he is near Bourne) but I would go for Russell - Linsday's horses are real Tuesday horses and perhaps a bit much for you.

Best of luck - have a fab time as and when you go. I would love another day with the Cottesmore!!