schooling a young horse so they're ready to hunt ?

[Molly'sMama]

Hi
I have a 13.3 cob on long term loan and hunting is one of the things I'm interested in doing with her. I know at the moment she's nowhere near ready ( speedy , excitable on hacks, naughty ) but what schooling/exercises do you hunting peeps do so that a horse & rider feel capable to go out? I realise it will/would be a long time in the future ..
Thanks for replies
xxx

 

[JanetGeorge]

Basic schooling is the starting point. The brakes and steering MUST work at home - because out hunting their 'efficiency' will decrease by up to 100%! Important to get her used to hacking in company - if you don't have access to a number of hacking companions, then look for local fun rides. She must stand to be mounted - and it's MORE than handy if you can open a gate without dismounting.

And then plan on getting up very early and taking her Autumn hunting as often as possible.

 

[Paddydou]

To add to Janets comments try to get your mare used to all sorts of "traffic", this means horses, humans, dogs as well as cars, lorrys, quad bikes etc.

She will have to have the manners of a saint for you to really be able to enjoy the day so getting her used to being out with plenty of other horses and allowing them to go on by with out making a fuss at various speeds is also helpful. Try to build up her confidence and work on your flat work, lengthening and shortening strides as well as lateral and athletic movements that will help with the gates! Really get her listening to you as much as possible and do as much of your schooling while out and about as possible so she gets used to hacks being more than just a race round the countryside.

Good luck and enjoy!

 

[Happy Hunter]

Practice standing about on hacks - try a long trot on a hack, then 10min stand (Time it on your watch, its aggggessss!) - Then a canter (Warming up properly of course) - then stand again in a new patch. - Its half the battle.
Practice XC a bit - if your a jumper - Ditches, small hedges/brush and water.
Gates and gate practice is a good hint!