Saturday hunting - are we ready for it?

[skewby]

Have discussed this with aniseed . See previous posts, we have just made our hunting debut and are having loads of fun after a few initial braking issues. Working full time, I have been careful to pick weekday meets thus far, for our introduction and to find our feet. However now we've both got in the swing I am just dying to go again, and obviously annual leave is not a bottomless pit!

I have been told by many that Saturday hunting (at least in my area - Glos/Cotswolds) can be a bit of a nightmare. Fields of over 100 horses, city people flogging hirelings and children flying everywhere. What are your experiences? Are we ready for that yet and will we be able to stay out of trouble? Or should I stick to weekdays for a while yet?

All opinions and experiences appreciated thank you!

 

[Irishcobs]

Our Saturday meets are Vale Country so tend to be faster and bigger. The field can be 70-80+ horses.
IMO you need a horse that can cope with lots of other horses and people barging into you and using you to stop.
I have done one Saturday and I went on point to avoid the crowds.

 

[combat_claire]

Might be worth having a chat with the secretary as they will be able to advise on which are the busy and popular meets. I did get a bit of foot following in with the VWH and while fields were larger on weekends it wasn't a free for all scrum that your post fears. I would say it would be possible to stay in the middle of the field away from trouble.

Good luck and let us know how it goes.

 

[skewby]

Great advice, thanks guys. I will talk it over with the Secretary. I suppose, I won't know until I try, will I?

 

[chestnut cob]

Have your pack started hunting proper yet? Or have you just been cubbing up until now? If you haven't been hunting proper yet then I'd have another day or two of weekday meets to get into the swing of it.

If it helps...I've only taken my boy cubbing so far (inc this season and last). Although we've both been hunting proper, we haven't done it together and I don't know what we'll be like! So, agreed with the Sec on saturday to go out as a visitor in a couple of weeks on a week day first, on a quiet day, to ease us into it. If all goes well, we'll then start going on saturdays. However, it's much quieter up here than the big meets you guys have - I remember talking to the VAGSB once about going out with them and the Sec told me their saturday meets regularly had over 100 horses! I couldn't cope with that personally and TBH, I'll be avoiding busy days like Boxing Day and NYD up here. Can't be doing with loads of people out of control (and I don't mean the kids, the kids are usually best behaved!!) and horse will hate being out with so many.

 

[camilla4]

Skewby, if you do decide to go Saturday hunting, it may be worth trying to avoid the opening meet, which will be this Saturday 31st for most hunts!

 

[skewby]

Thanks all! Well after a massive shock today on checking my leave sheet...I have 2 days until the end of the year.

So Saturdays, it will have to be. Or nothing! And nothing is not an option.

Wish me luck!!!

 

[skewby]

I have done one Saturday and I went on point to avoid the crowds.

Sorry IC, but what does "on point" mean?? (Total hunting newbie, apols!! )

 

[skewby]

Have your pack started hunting proper yet? Or have you just been cubbing up until now? If you haven't been hunting proper yet then I'd have another day or two of weekday meets to get into the swing of it.

CC we went hunting "proper" last year, our first time out for both of us. Had intended to go cubbing but burst a ligament in my knee in early Sept (teambuild thing at work, being too competitive - regretted for FOREVER afterwards!!). Net result being, once I was up and running again (or sort of) hunting was cancelled due to the freezing cold conditions. Once they started again, a huge project at work meant no time off

Having said that, I do think (and have been advised by two extremely knowledgeable people!) that proper hunting is actually better for my lad. He's so darned fit, that cubbing is too slow for him - instead of calming down as the morning goes on, he just gets his wind right back and plays up!

Don't like the idea of all and sundry using him as a brake though but, from all the replies, I suppose all I can do is try it, and see. Can always come home if no good.

Will also email sec of regular hunt (she's FAB) to ask advice.

Thank you all!!