Newby advice - broken back, horse fitness etc

[ArcticFox]

Hi all


a bit of background on the horse: I have a 5yo (will be 6 in May next year) who is always in the wars, he has had colic, a broken tooth, a septic joint, cellulitis, bad wounds that required surgery, all within the 2 years i've owned him (very frustrating!). He is an absolute dude, and was easy to back, but due to his injuries he has had loads of time off. He is currently in work, heading to his second ever show (1st one was 6 months ago) to do a walk/trot dressage test. He is very laid back so i have no doubt he will be grand with my friend that is riding him. Following this he will be heading to outings with me on board which will include dressage shows, and some lessons mixed in with hacking out to get him fitter.

A bit of background on me: I event my other horse who has a meltdown when in public so won't be hunting, I've ridden all my life but 4 months ago had a car accident that left me with a fractured back, split liver, bruised kidney, and gut stasis. I'm now recovering and have been back on board (wearing a point two always!) the youngster as the experienced horse is an idiot so is holidaying until next spring.

now my questions:
I'd like to go hunting towards the end of November with the youngster, what should I wear? any hints and tips to keep me safe? I can't afford to fall off can I go for a half day? should I take someone with me or is going it alone ok? do I take cash to pay the hunt or do I pay in advance? How will I know if my horse is fit enough for a half day hunting? or can i come home earlier? is a mid week day better? what about cubbing or is that season over? it would be with a Scottish hunt I go out with.

thanks in advance, sorry to ask I just want to make absolutely sure before I plan the day!

 

[A1fie]

Hi -Can't believe you are going hunting so soon. Nothing like taking it gently to start with eh?! Generally, if you are going hunting after the Opening Meet, you wear navy/black coat. Tweed before, but you can wear tweed after and it will not be incorrect nor will you look out of place.

Hunting with a drag pack or bloodhounds will be faster than trail hunting with fox hounds. Meets during the week will probably be quieter than on a Saturday. You can stay out for as long as you want. Some people just stay for 2 hours, some are out till the very end. Bring cash to the Meet and look for the secretary to give it to. Cubbing is still going on down here, not sure about Scotland at all. It is slower but by the end of Oct or beginning of Nov there will be little difference between hunting proper, only perhaps shorter.

Difficult to say about fitness - you are unlikely to be galloping for hours. If your horse would be fit enough to do a sponsored ride at a reasonable pace, with some jumps, he will probably be fit enough for a couple of hours of hunting.

Some people were a point 2 or body protector over their coat. It is becoming more common and no-one will frown upon it.

Have a great time and don't fall off

 

[L&M]

What should you wear? - Ideally a blue/black navy jacket (regulars will be wearing hunt coats in these colours)/white/cream stock/light coloured jods/long boots/hat/whip/gloves

Should you take someone with you? - Not a bad idea especially if they are used to hunting and on a quiet horse that will help yours settled. You will need to contact the Hunt sec to seek permission to come out anyhow, so could ask if they have anyone willing to look after you otherwise.

Finances - yes you would pay on the day. Again ask the hunt sec who can advise, and make sure you pay straight off at the beginning, rather than the sec chasing you.

Fitness - for a half day your horse should be fine if it is hacked out regularily and can gallop up a hill without collapsing!

Half day - lots of people do a half day with out pack, and usually by about 2pm there is someone wanting to head back to the meet. You can go even earlier but depends on if you know where you are, and can find your own way back! Either way always say thank you and 'goodnight' to the Field Master so they know you have left.

Which day? - generally mid week is quieter, with less people.

Cubbing? - most packs are still autumn hunting (previously known as cubbing), but Opening meets will be imminent - ours is Sat Oct 25th.

Hope that helps!!

 

[spacefaer]

If you are hunting in Scotland, it is the norm to wear ratcatcher, rather than black/navy hunt coats

Be aware, that Scottish packs are gun packs (where foxes are flushed to guns, rather than trail hunting) so make sure your horse is used to sudden bangs (gunfire) or that you are alert enough to keep him well away at the appropriate point

Have fun and report back!