Thinking of hunting but havent done it before- advice

[Amber1012]

I'm thinking of beginning to hunt - I haven't done it before nor do I know much about it so I will be reading up more but I was wondering if anyone can give me any tips/things to consider ect....
Thanks in advance.

 

[PorkChop]

If you have a sensible horse it is the best, and very addictive!

Get out as much as possible Autumn Hunting, which starts anytime now depending on where you are in the country. It is much quieter, with a fair bit of standing about which is useful for a) getting your horse used to it b) watching hounds work and c) being able to chat to other followers (quietly!).

If you can go with someone who is a member, all the better.

Phone up the secretary of your local hunt and they will be able to answer all your questions, from where to park, to the type of country they would be expecting to cross.

Good Luck.

 

[MiJodsR2BlinkinTite]

If you have a sensible horse it is the best, and very addictive!

Get out as much as possible Autumn Hunting, which starts anytime now depending on where you are in the country. It is much quieter, with a fair bit of standing about which is useful for a) getting your horse used to it b) watching hounds work and c) being able to chat to other followers (quietly!).

If you can go with someone who is a member, all the better.

Phone up the secretary of your local hunt and they will be able to answer all your questions, from where to park, to the type of country they would be expecting to cross.

Good Luck.

This basically. Autumn hunting is not only great fun and you'll get to know people quickly, but it will also get your horse used to hunting. A lot of hunts operate a "buddy" system which means that you can go out with someone experienced for the first few times until you're confident to "go your own line".

"LJR" is right, hunting IS addictive.......... very!!!

Oh and THE thing that you must NEVER ever do is to let your horse go ahead of hounds; an immediate hanging offence!

 

[meesha]

If u say which hunt u r interested in or your location someone on here may offer for you to tag along with them, I have done this for a couple of people. Main thing is not to over think it, just get on and do it, you will love it !

 

[Amber1012]

If u say which hunt u r interested in or your location someone on here may offer for you to tag along with them, I have done this for a couple of people. Main thing is not to over think it, just get on and do it, you will love it !

I'm in County Durham. It looks really fun!

 

[JenHunt]

which end of county durham?

the south durham are quite a friendly bunch, and seem to have some good days, and if you're right at the south then the Hurworth wouldn't be too far for you...

alternatively the MFHA website will find you a hunt close to you!

also, trawl through this forum for tips, idea, and help, and if you can't find the answer then just ask us!

most of all, go out, try it and fall in love with it like the rest of us!

 

[Amber1012]

which end of county durham?

the south durham are quite a friendly bunch, and seem to have some good days, and if you're right at the south then the Hurworth wouldn't be too far for you...

alternatively the MFHA website will find you a hunt close to you!

also, trawl through this forum for tips, idea, and help, and if you can't find the answer then just ask us!

most of all, go out, try it and fall in love with it like the rest of us!

I'm literally just outside the city centre. I've heard from others that hunting has the friendliest of horsey people so it sounds as though there is plenty of people who would be happy to help. Another question actually - my friend is a novice (she has basic walk, trot & canter, hasn't done any jumping yet but is beginning jumping lessons this week) is hunting no good for novice riders? Or does it not matter? She's keen to hunt also.

 

[Orangehorse]

Taking a novice rider - well no probably not a good idea. I think to have fun and not be terrified a rider, and horse for that matter, should be doing hunter trials at least - jumping a reasonable height at speed and able to stick on reasonably well and be in control at all paces.

If you fall off you are a) going to inconvience other people who will have to pick you up off the ground and then go and catch your horse, b) which is in the meantime galloping about and maybe injure itself/another horse/get away and cause damage to people and property and c) you might have a long muddy walk to catch up with it again, in the meantime hounds have disappeared.

Now, I KNOW that everyone falls off sometimes (I hardly ever fell off, but it was always at the feet of the SAME person when I did, who must have thought I was useless) but you should have your horse and yourself reasonably prepared and fit enough to have fun.

Our hunt has hound exercise and walk and trot mornings at the moment which are ideal for new people to join in with. Go now, introduce yourself and get known, ask questions and be interested to learn about what is happening. Have fun.

 

[Amber1012]

Taking a novice rider - well no probably not a good idea. I think to have fun and not be terrified a rider, and horse for that matter, should be doing hunter trials at least - jumping a reasonable height at speed and able to stick on reasonably well and be in control at all paces.

If you fall off you are a) going to inconvience other people who will have to pick you up off the ground and then go and catch your horse, b) which is in the meantime galloping about and maybe injure itself/another horse/get away and cause damage to people and property and c) you might have a long muddy walk to catch up with it again, in the meantime hounds have disappeared.

Now, I KNOW that everyone falls off sometimes (I hardly ever fell off, but it was always at the feet of the SAME person when I did, who must have thought I was useless) but you should have your horse and yourself reasonably prepared and fit enough to have fun.

Our hunt has hound exercise and walk and trot mornings at the moment which are ideal for new people to join in with. Go now, introduce yourself and get known, ask questions and be interested to learn about what is happening. Have fun.

Ah yes that sounds great. I'll do that. Thanks