Readyfield Blood Hound - Hound Exercise

[SamuelWhiskers]

Hi guys,

I'm looking to start socialising my youngster, he's 5 and not been out and about as yet, just to lessons, hacking etc, but only with one other horse. I wondered if anyone had every been on this? Not sure whether to try this (at a very sociable time about 12.30 on a sunday) or take him cubbing (sorry Autumn Hunting!) at 7am...he'll be half asleep!

I would be interest to know what you guys would recommend for the best introduction? I would obviously just like it to be calm and fun for him, so we both enjoy it and give us confidence to go again....

Thank you in advance

 

[KatB]

The hound exercise is great, and personally I prefer it to cubbing as there is not so much standing around and my horse is a fidget!!! The REadyfield are a really friendly bunch, and will help you out if needed!! Out of interest who would you hunt with? The SN?

 

[Heidi1]

Hi,

I hunt with the Readyfield and am out this Sunday on Hound Exercise, taking two friends who have not hunted before along with horses that haven't and then myself and another friend who has to act as nanny.

As for taking a youngster out with them I would say yes, you know your own limits and it is fun and it will give you alot of experience and even a confidence boost. I find that with cubbing you are spending alot of time standing around and the youngsters I have taken have got upset with this, atleast with the bloodhounds you are on the move most of the time, with a little break half way, which is when I sometimes call it a day and take a steady hack back to the boxes....... The Readyfield always has two masters, one for jumpers and one for non-jumpers, and you will not be alone going with the non jumping if you do.......

I will be around to nanny if you feel you need it.

 

[SamuelWhiskers]

Hi Kat B, thanks for that, it would be Grove and Rufford, nearer to me for the 7am starts and my Farrier is the master!

I haven't hunted for about 10 years, so its going to be a little strange!

Are you South Notts?

 

[KatB]

Ah ok!! Used to hunt with the SN alot, but not since have "precious" horse!! He doesnt like the going then stopping, so is just a pain out proper hunting, but loves BHing. Have hunted with the Bloodhounds for about 7years on and off now, fab pack, brilliant fun, but is a bit quicker than cubbing. BUT hound exercise is just like a glorified hack, and the horses seem to love it. Where is it on sunday?

 

[SamuelWhiskers]

Wow, thanks Heidi, thats a very kind offer, what sort of speed do they go at? My horse is currently fit, I ride him about 5 times a week, so i don't have a big worry there, but would just prefer a gentle trot to start with to see how he goes!

Also, thinking about a bits, currently he's in a myler ported snaffle, but never been in a situation to test the old brakes yet!

 

[Heidi1]

You are welcome, as KatB has said it is like a glorified hack, but perhaps a little faster, they tend to go off at a canter, but you can control it, we are looking to stay at the rear to start off with and I can promise you I will look after everybody in our party, so no leaving people behind and galloping madly across fields......

Mmmmmmmmmm this is always the problem, if it was me I would probably leave him in the bit he likes and then if he proves to be strong change for the next time, is he strong out hacking.

 

[SamuelWhiskers]

Sounds good to me, probably just what my youngster needs! Sunday its at Oaks Farm, Willey Lane, Moorgreen. I do like the sociable start times! Really good to have some re-assurance thanks!

Does the hound exercise get faster further into September do you know? Or does it stay pretty much the same?

 

[SSM]

I WAS going to have come on Sunday, however I am being very precious about my girl and won't do anything like this while the ground is so hard

The Readyfield are wonderful if you are nervous about jumping - they look after you, and inspire you to go ahead and jump!

 

[SamuelWhiskers]

That is very kind Heidi!

He is not strong out hacking at the moment, in fact a bit of the opposite! But if something spooks him or he is having an "asbo" moment, then he is more than capable of bolting off!

 

[Heidi1]

You are welcome.

I would be tempted to leave him as he is for this first time.........but you may want to consider a martingale if he doesn't wear one already......

 

[SamuelWhiskers]

All sounds good, I was thinking about a martingale, for a neckstrap if nothing else!

Thanks for all your advice and offers, much appreciated, i shall definately be in touch, if i don't make it this weekend .......

 

[Heidi1]

Yes that was what I was thinking, I have a martingale and breastplate, just something to grab if needed....

No problem, PM if you decide to go and I will meet up with you...... Will be out alot with the Readyfield this year so I am sure we will meet....

 

[RunToEarth]

Oh I'm coming with you guys some point soon, I'll let you know when I get a date, anyone know which dates in open season they do Osburton?

 

[Heidi1]

Not yet, but as soon as I know I will let you know..........

 

[Mickeymoo]

Osberton is always New Years Day. Starts 12.30.

 

[RunToEarth]

Thankyou