Path to hunting?

[Tickles]

OH has announced that he would like to hunt. Which is better (by which I mean cheaper!) than when he wanted to do polo…

Now, he is a beginner rider and has been trying various activities, mainly on a safe (although very forward and not well-schooled) horse. He likes jumping (tiny ones atm!), loved the dashing around chasing something aspect of polo and is more social/keen on riding in groups than me so I think it would suit him. He hates being smart for dressage/SJ but does like tweed so we should be OK with rat-catcher there.

Obviously he is a way off but I want to make sure we’re doing useful preparation for him (he got into riding through me) and maybe treat him to something relevant… So, what?

More flat work & SJ lessons (definitely)
Baby XC lessons?
Some kind of fun ride (non-jumping option & not too fast) in the summer?
Do people follow (drag, because I’m a fluffy bunny hugger) hunts on foot?
Handy-pony style classes so he gets used to gates etc?
Air vest? (Nearly everyone I know who hunts has one… are they better than those exo-cages?)

No idea where to start!

Virtual hip-flasks sips on offer for advice!

[Posting in here, not hunting, as we aren't close to actual hunting yet!]

 

[Tinsel Trouble]

I would do Hunter Trials, lots of riding across country and then go autumn hunting in september. Autumn Hunting is the best way to get used to it IMO! It's much slower and takes less time but it lets you see what's happening in the field!

 

[1Lucie]

oohhhh i'm interested to see the advice given as i have suddenly taken an interest in hunting!

 

[spookypony]

Maybe take him to an Endurance ride (pleasure ride) or two in the summer? Would last anywhere from about 1.5h to bout 3h depending on the distance, no jumping, mostly at a good strong trot with bits of walk/canter, across ungroomed terrain...sound any use?

 

[TGM]

More flat work & SJ lessons (definitely)
Baby XC lessons?
Some kind of fun ride (non-jumping option & not too fast) in the summer?
Do people follow (drag, because I’m a fluffy bunny hugger) hunts on foot?
Handy-pony style classes so he gets used to gates etc?
[Posting in here, not hunting, as we aren't close to actual hunting yet!]

Definitely get him doing some cross country lessons - preferably in a group situation. Lots of group hacks and sponsored rides and pairs hunter trials. Most hunts have quite a few foot followers and it is a good way to learn exactly what is going to happen - ring the secretary of your local hunt to check it is OK and any dos and don'ts. And when he is ready for his first time it is best if he is on something that has hunted quite a bit beforehand!

 

[Bernster]

I would also post in hunting forum as lots of advice for virgins and newbies and am sure posters will be delighted to have some potential new recruits! I'm not thruster but I've been out the last few seasons and am a complete convert.

All your suggestions are good ones OP. Plus baby hunter trials as also suggested. You basically want to do as much xc jump practice as you can, so that rider and horse are familiar with the types of jumps you could find out hunting. And sp rides and group gallops out so he can get the feel is made dashes across country

Ring your local hunt secretary and ask what the country is like. When you feel ready to take the plunge, try autumn hunting first - cheaper and less frantic generally. A lot of times you don't have to jump so ask in advance for a non-jump meet or if they will have a non-jumping group.

And post your piccies of the first meet, that would be lovely to see!

Oh, and most people recommend a stronger bit for the nag and I do wear an air jacket.

 

[Goldenstar]

the most important thing with OH's that hunt is finding them the right horse.
IMO it needs to know the hunting job that's number one it needs to have the right engine size for the rider ( ie not too big ) not too strong in the hand but not too senestive either so it can forgive mistakes don't get a too tall horse to start with just big enough seems to work best .
It needs to used to hunting with the field not a whips horse or anything like that.
Then just get him out to all the fun rides etc you can and start autumn hunting as soon as you can next season.
My OH loves his hunting learnt to ride as a adult but it's all about finding him the right horses.

 

[Lizzie66]

Hacking out lots in groups and on own, try and find some where you can pop logs etc.

Go on funrides, start in the Spring either on own or with one other at the end of the day where you can set the pace without others flying past, progress by Autumn to going in bigger groups and/or earlier in the day where they can both get used to horses with them and going past them.

XC lessons, hubby ideally needs to be comfortably jumping 2'9 - 3', anything bigger you will find more people finding a way round. He can "not jump" but some areas the way round is not easy and you can get detached from the field.

Make sure he takes horse Autumn Hunting (if drags do such a thing), as it gets horse used to hounds etc at a slower pace than full hunting.

If he can't Autumn Hunt then depending on whether you think hunting might blow the horses mind, then ask around and see whether you can get someone more used to hunting to take the horse out for a day first.

Go on the Hunting Forum and read tips about etiquette / first time hunting etc. Generally hunting folk are pleasant and welcoming, but is easier if you have a basic knowledge as you can breach etiquette without even knowing it !

Most of all be enthuiastic and enjoy it - taking a hip flask is always a good idea.