Recommendations for Newbie in Somerset

[Sunshine8]

I am just seeking advice for a newbie in Somerset - I am based between Weston and Burnham.
I drag hunted a number of years ago elsewhere but I now have a new horse and so wish to test the water before going on a full hunt as such. Which hunts do easy exercises/less formal meets at this time of year? I have been told Quantock staghounds possibly do, but I also can't find contact details

Thanks

 

[combat_claire]

The foxhound and harrier packs at the moment are autumn hunting and this will continue until end of October. These are the less formal meets where everyone wears tweed but are also at silly O'clock in the morning.

Oakash is probably the person to ask re: stag hound packs. He should drift in shortly. In the meantime here is a number for the Quantocks so might be worth giving them a buzz to ask:

http://www.horseandhound.co.uk/classifieds/trade-suppliers-from-quantock-staghounds%20$h8694.xhtml

 

[Double_choc_lab]

OP aren't you in Weston & Banwell Harrier country there?

 

[Sunshine8]

Thank you Combat_claire for the link and info

Double_choc_lab - I may well be in that area, but I am new to the area and so trying to find out what is around that is suitable for me and my new horse so any information is greatly received!

 

[Sunshine8]

ps I am looking to do a ride or so without much jumping as it is a new horse and so was told that I should consider the shorter early morning runs as an introduction so this is really what I am looking for at the moment.

 

[meesha]

I hunt with West Somerset Vale - they are all lovely £10 at the mo for autumn trailing - not much jumping but gorgeous countryside (woods, fields, cliffs) occasional jumping days with a few jumps but always people who dont jump and a nearby gate (no long route round very simple) I am not far from you so if you wanted to follow me down there in your trailer you would be more than welcome - I am going tomorrow and next Tuesday (2 other newbies coming Tue) pm me if you want more details of the hunt sec phone number !

 

[LizzieJ]

Staghounds generally hunt harder than the foxhounds and the terrain is rough. They only hunt the Quantocks once a week generally as the share with the D&S. I've not heard of them doing informal days although maybe they are thinking of autumn stag hunting as opposed to hind hunting. I mainly hunt with the west Somerset vale too, vale country is pretty easy on the horses and its easy to make hill hunting a lot easier too. We have a fair few who don't jump but we only jump tiny stuff these days anyway Normally! Our country is very small but there is a lot of variation. We hunt Tuesday and Saturday normally. It's very much a farmers hunt so not at all posh and you don't need a specific type of horse for the country.

http://www.westsomersetvalehunt.co.uk/