Third time lucky :)

[skewby]

See previous posts for my braking troubles...went out Autumn Hunting this morning, our third time, and after a swift hoik on the curb the second he thought about putting his head down and p|ssing off (which was straightaway!) he was a darling!! I had brakes!! It is SO much more fun with brakes!

Over the moon and now can't wait to get out in the main season!! Thanks to all on here who gave me advice and encouragement, I'm so glad I stuck with it

 

[Amy_08]

Thats what I want (stomps feet) brakes!!!

Were you in a double?

 

[skewby]

Lol Amy, I feel your pain! Yes, we were. We do most things in a snaffle, even XC! Fun rides and very fast hacks in company, a pelham with two reins. That didn't touch him out hunting. Had him in the double last week and passed the master 3 times. How many times have you been? Is it an excitement thing that will pass?

 

[Amy_08]

Yep we do everything in a snaffle, she's so laid back, except for hunting which completely blows her brains!

We went 3 times last season, the first time I loved it as she'd never been before so was just getting the hang of it, but by the third time she left me in tears! She was dangerous! She snatches the reins out of my hands, head down, leaps and then bolts. She'll then cut everyone up, take me down ditches, through branches/trees and has no regard whatsoever for me or anyone else. I've got a post a bit further down.

A few weeks back we went out on hound exercise and we passed the master If I can just get some control back! So Sunday we are probably going to try the Swales Pelham which I only discovered yesterday thanks to a HHoer. Sounds perfect as she hates any poll pressure, so we'll see. If this doesn't work, I don't think its meant to be!

 

[chestnut cob]

YAY!!!!!!!!!

Brilliant news :grin:

What did you take him in?

Who do you hunt with?

 

[skewby]

Thanks CC!!! I am chuffed to pieces...can't wait for the next lot of meets to be sent out so I can pick when I go REAL hunting! I was looking at hunt coats last night, lol!!

I am not even stiff today. Last week I couldn't stand up straight!

I took him in the double, but swapped my leather curb chain (which had stretched(!)) for a metal one, and also followed my instructor's advice which was to nip the pulling in the bud with a quick, sharp, upwards yank on the curb. It worked! He was also calmer anyway.

I go out with the Cotswold - fabulously friendly and helpful hunt who have tolerated my tankings with great humour and support, and allowed me to keep coming back!

Amy I read your post and that sounds scary! Though not that dissimilar to my experiences. I do hope she calms down on Sunday, I will be checking up for a report on here! Good luck

 

[Aniseed]

I was out yesterday as well, I thought I reckognised your horse! Wish I had said hi now but didn't want to look a numpty. I was the girl who pulled up next to you and got one of the hunt staff to manouver my trailer! I couldn't get over how hilly it was, my horse is VWH hunting fit but certainly not Cotswold. You looked like you were completely in control.

 

[skewby]

Oh thanks aniseed!! Yes, of course I remember you Did you have a good morning? I had to push off earlyish because I was getting my washing machine fixed! Gah!

The sec said to me we looked "very proficient" which was a HUGE compliment. You're lucky you didn't see us out last week, it was a spectacle!! Ha ha! Will you be out with the Cotswold again? It would be lovely to see you. I am also toying with the idea of trying a day with the VWH, but have been told they're very fast and all jump at the same time so it gets very hairy - is this true?! I just love the idea of hunting in the park

 

[Aniseed]

It was good but I did think it was a bit slow and it seemed liked we kept going backwards and forwards. Gorgeous countryside though. Was it a typical Cotswold morning? I was only out with the Cotswold because it was in hacking distance of my friends house so I kept her company. You should try the VWH the are faster but I don't think that is a bad thing and the country is much flatter so the horses don't get as tired. I have never seen everyone jumping at the same time, we normally queue in a fairly sensible manner! Let me know if you would like some company, I'm next out on the 14th.

 

[skewby]

Yesterday was much slower than when I went out last week, but that's the extent of my experience of autumn hunting with the Cotswold I'm afraid! I was also in a big group that lost the hunt for a while, ooops!!

I must say, I do love going to the VWH run fun rides and hunter trials, as they are always so well organised and very friendly. So do really fancy a day out with them! I shall PM you, thanks for the kind offer

 

[JenHunt]

I'm so happy he's settled down for you, he sounds so much like Ron it's funny!

Glad you're both enjoying it in style!

 

[skewby]

Thanks so much Jen, and for all your help if he's like Ron, then that's a good thing!! He's not naughty, he just gets opinionated (that's the only way I can describe it!) - he knows best, and faster is always best, and he can get really crafty with it too but I love him and his personality, and he really started to "get it" on Thursday.

Dying, absolutely dying, to go out again now!!!