Novice riders & hunting

[norolim]

A little nervous to post this but here goes!

The start of the hunting season has me daydreaming about the day I'll get to go to a meet (mounted). It's something that I've always wanted to have a go at but as a novice rider of about 18 months who is still learning all the time, is it reasonable of me to think that I might be able to go hunting next season? I appreciate that's probably an impossible question to answer having read it back but...

If I'm not completely deluded, I was hoping you lovely people might be able to give me some tips on what I should focus on riding skills/experience wise over the next year that would stand me in good stead to have a successful few days out hunting next season. I have a good idea of some of the things that I will need to have down pretty confidently before attempting it i.e. fast work in groups, riding over varied terrain, having good control, some xc jumping experience and solid technique if choosing to go with the jumping field etc. but grateful for any other things you would recommend doing in preparation.

I don't own my own horse so would be doing this via hirelings.

Thanks in advance

 

[spacefaer]

You sound to have pretty much all the bases covered and I don't see any reason why you shouldn't aim for some hunting next season. I know plenty of people who've been hunting for years who look as though they've never sat on a horse before ?

Which pack will you be going out with? Some are more" goey" than others.
It'd be a good idea to have a chat to the Secretary about appropriate meets which you could then go to on foot this season.
A lot of packs have a non jumping field master nowadays so you can still follow without the added stress of jumping random fences!

 

[norolim]

Thank you @spacefaer! I'm definitely planning to follow some days on foot this season.

I haven't decided on which pack I'd like to go with but there's a few local-ish ones that do newcomers days in the autumn and optional jumping days in the main season so I'd be inclined to go with one of those to start with ?

 

[Barton Bounty]

Thank you @spacefaer! I'm definitely planning to follow some days on foot this season.

I haven't decided on which pack I'd like to go with but there's a few local-ish ones that do newcomers days in the autumn and optional jumping days in the main season so I'd be inclined to go with one of those to start with ?

If I were you I would start at the newcomer to build your confidence , then you can go from there ? best of luck sounds exciting ?

 

[Jess1994PM]

I think if your confident and want to do it go for it! I was super nervous for my first few ridden hunts and ive ridden for 10 years but loved it!! Most people are super chatty - and a lot of people go on their own.
if your confident in jumping go nearer the front and place yourself behind someone who is a seasonal hunter - although hirelings should know their job well to jump.
Sit back! Just try not to jump in a jumping position as if they stumble on the other side your more likely to hit the deck, just sit back give them their head and and pop over!
Ditches are super weird and can do a cat leap over them so be prepared for that one if you havent jumped a ditch.
Watch out for red flags in tails - kickers!
Just try not to cut anyone up if your not jumping etc just stay at the back or the side - dont feel pressured to jump! the first time i went i jumped nice looking wooden jumps/small hedges
Make sure you find out about any quirks or jumping habits your hireling has before you go, its different riding and jumping out hunting on a horse you know nothing about. Please just make sure it is from a reputable person.
Never overtake the lead huntsman
Find out the dress code, some are more casual, most are smart turn out so shirt, tweed, tie, white/beige jods with horse plaited and neutral saddle pad.

Hope any of this helps! I absolutely love the thrill of it and i'm sure you will too.

 

[sportsmansB]

If you have the funds, a cross country riding holiday in Ireland would hone your skills appropriately before next winter. Talk to Zara at Zaras Planet they specialise in this sort of thing

 

[Red-1]

I would say, don't over think it!

At a riding school, the ethos tends to be all about not yet being ready for X, Y or Z. As long as you can ride up and downhill at speed, can kick on and pull up, keep the horse steered in the correct direction, then you are good to go. I'm talking about a hireling situation here, where the horse knows the job.

The hireling yard I have used for friends allows you to have an escorted ride out on the horse you will be hunting. You will go cantering about, pop a fence etc. Yes, they do have more spirited animals, but they also have some that are furry friends who enjoy the social aspect of hunting without feeling the need to tank everywhere.

I would approach a hireling yard now! Have a few rides, ask their advice (with caution for your own safety). On a seasoned, quiet and mannerly horse, it is like a standard ride out, with a bit of excitement thrown in. At the yard I have used, you can ask for an escort.

So, my plan of action would be to contact a yard who does hirelings (maybe get recommendations from tack shops/ social media) have a ride out with them. Yes, pick an optional or non jumping meet for the first time, yes ask for an escort, tea, ask for the quiet horse who is happy to dally at the back. Yes also use your own judgement as to their assessment of you and their honesty as to the quietness of the horse. Also, the quiet-stay-at-the-back horse is unlikely to manage a full day (they are generally, although not always, almost pensioners!).

Yes, the quiet hunter and escort would be expensive for half a day, but nothing better for your first time out. The escort (if they are worth their salt) will guide you and keep you (relatively) safe.

Post photos!

 

[spacefaer]

Never overtake the lead huntsman - I think you mean the Field Master - there is only one huntsman and you shouldn't be anywhere near him!

Find out the dress code, some are more casual, most are smart turn out so shirt, tweed, tie, white/beige jods with horse plaited and neutral saddle pad.
Which packs are you thinking of that are "more casual" I'm intrigued.
Ratcatcher (tweed) is fine for your first few times, and perfectly correct. If you find yourself wanting to go more often, then it's worth investing in a proper black or navy hunt coat. Tweed hacking jackets are not particularly warm or waterproof in the winter months!
Also gloves are essential to protect your hands and for warmth.

let us know how you get on!

 

[Orangehorse]

Fairly close to me there is a riding school that does an introduction to hunting, in fact I was looking at it the other day, 2 hours for £60.00 which I though quite reasonable. Galloping over varied terrain and jumping small obstacles in a group in a simulated hunting day.

You would obviously have to be safe to gallop and jump and feel in control and able to stick on and ride the horse effectively, so they would probably want to take you out first in a quieter situation to make sure you are OK to ride their horses.

There is also a very well established hunt hirling stables, who sometimes will have 10 horses out on a hunting day!
I don't know what the costs are, but I was speaking to someone whose old horse has had to be retired and she was thinking of using a hirling for the amount of hunting she is able to do, rather than go and find another hunter.

So if that is available around here I daresay there are plenty of places you could go when you feel ready.

 

[norolim]

Just caught up with replies, thank you so much everyone. Some of your comments are things I'd never thought of so sincere thanks for giving me something to think about.

Plan is to: continue regular hacking in different conditions/terrains and keep building experience, find a good hireling yard and take some regular rides out with them, do some xc jumping lessons, look for a riding school that does hunting intros/practice rides

Then if all is going well, see if I can get out and have a go next season at the quieter meets to start and tag along with an experienced rider/escort

Ultimately I want to be as competent as possible before giving it a go but realise I need to hire out an experienced and well mannered horse to show me the ropes ?