Want to go hunting for the first time?

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Lucycharlton_01

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I want to go hunting for the first time. I like in the countryside and my hunt sometimes hunts around my village.
I was planing on taking my sisters pony 13hh (Im 16 but only small) as I ride her alot anyway. My horse has just came out of racing and it wouldnt be a good idea to take her.
Was wondering what normally happens as I dont know anyone in the hunt and my sisters pony isnt the fittest. I wont be wanting to jump any jumps as she is only 5 and hasnt really done xc. Will there be other people not jumping?
Will we ever walk?
I know you need to wear a tweed jacket what about the horse does she need to be plaited?
Please could you just give me a bit more info anything would be helpfull. If she didn't like it or got tierd I would just turn around and go back. but just thought it would be a good experience for her and me.
 
I would find out who the hunt secretary is and give them a call. They normally know what each meet is going to involve- ie a bit of road work, access to jumps. You can then work out whether it suits you.

The fitter she is the better but lots aren't 'that fit' and are fine. And like you say you can always leave when you or she has had enough. There are breaks to regroup and have a small breather.

I always plait- some don't but I'd say most do- treat it as a day out- get dressed up smart and have fun.:)
 
You can find your local hunt on here: http://www.mfha.org.uk/

As above, phone the hunt secretary. They will be able to give you advice.

You don't have to jump and can leave at any time. It won't be full on galloping for hours and hours. Some days hunting can be very slow with lots of waiting around. It is a shame you didn't decide to go earlier during autumn hunting which is a good introduction for young/novice horses/people, most hunts will be holding their opening meets very soon.
 
It depends what 'isn't the fittest' means! She does needs to be a reasonable level of fitness as otherwise she will start making mistakes on the rougher ground. It's be less of a problem earlier in the season but 'full' hunting starts shortly and it is longer and a bit faster.

My little cob managed the newcomers meet last week perfectly. It was 2.5 hrs and fairly fast, with a lot of gentle cantering but plenty of 'breather' time. \

You do not need to jump but do check with the hunt a there are apparently some hunts where you can't avoid it. You should be able to turn home at any point but it can be disorientating as you criss cross the area and never seem to be in the direction you thought you were! Trying to find the way home might be interesting!

We set off at a gentle walk and walked for the first 15mins, splashing through streams and bogs (it's been SOOOOOOO wet recently!) ands up onto the moorland. Stood around for 5mins. We then gentle cantered round the end of lots of hay fields (edge had been left uncut then sheep put on) for an hour or so with walking inbetween fields as people opened/closed gates. Then a bit more splashing and mud, little road work (farm tracks) then lots more mud and splashing, couple more canters. It was far too wet to gallop.

It depends on where you go but your horse needs to be surefooted and sensible; bolting down an undulating sheep field with tussocks isn't fun or safe!

Call and ask the hunt about turnout: most are really nice! You need to be smart and presentable. they'll tell you tweed or black/navy. If you can, make sure it's machine washable!

And don't take expensive tack or boots! Use presentable secondhand stuff as you WILL get filthy and covered in mud. Scrubbing my tack beforehand was the biggest waste of time! :o
 
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