Girlracer
Well-Known Member
Thought I'd do a little report on my day out with the Cottesmore on Tuesday.
I've not ever really hunted on a regular basis, the most I've done is about 7 meets in a season with the North Cotswold a while ago, then have been out with the OBH 3 or 4 times when I was living in Abingdon. But I absolutely love it, and would love one day to be a regular.
My horse I have had since he was 5, having only ever raced before I got him, he's now rising 8 and spent most of 2012 off with kissing spines. I took him cubbing with the OBH in 2011 where he was very well behaved, but I was unsure whether this was a fluke!
Anyway, I bit the bullet and off I went to Uppingham for the Cottesmore NYD meet. I arrived a little early and was first one at the meet, he then proceeded to stand with one leg cocked being fussed by numerous foot followers and trying to eat the sausage rolls. As everyone started to arrive, not much changed he still stood patiently.
He woke up when we set off but just trotted as everyone else did, and just behaved impeccably all day. He had the odd bunny hop when we had a canter, but was totally controllable and well mannered at all times. Stood when ever we stood, went when we went and stopped when I wanted him to. He totally exceeded my expectations and I really think he is such a precious little horse.
As for the Cottesmore themselves, well what a friendly bunch! Everyone was very welcoming, chatty and generally friendly. I'm quite quiet myself, but plenty of people made an effort to introduce themselves and have a chat.
The weather was beautiful and the countryside picturesque, I can't wait to do it all again.
I've not ever really hunted on a regular basis, the most I've done is about 7 meets in a season with the North Cotswold a while ago, then have been out with the OBH 3 or 4 times when I was living in Abingdon. But I absolutely love it, and would love one day to be a regular.
My horse I have had since he was 5, having only ever raced before I got him, he's now rising 8 and spent most of 2012 off with kissing spines. I took him cubbing with the OBH in 2011 where he was very well behaved, but I was unsure whether this was a fluke!
Anyway, I bit the bullet and off I went to Uppingham for the Cottesmore NYD meet. I arrived a little early and was first one at the meet, he then proceeded to stand with one leg cocked being fussed by numerous foot followers and trying to eat the sausage rolls. As everyone started to arrive, not much changed he still stood patiently.
He woke up when we set off but just trotted as everyone else did, and just behaved impeccably all day. He had the odd bunny hop when we had a canter, but was totally controllable and well mannered at all times. Stood when ever we stood, went when we went and stopped when I wanted him to. He totally exceeded my expectations and I really think he is such a precious little horse.
As for the Cottesmore themselves, well what a friendly bunch! Everyone was very welcoming, chatty and generally friendly. I'm quite quiet myself, but plenty of people made an effort to introduce themselves and have a chat.
The weather was beautiful and the countryside picturesque, I can't wait to do it all again.
