What is hunting really like?

[FinellaGlen]

I would love someone to tell me what hunting is really like. I saw the local beagle pack out today and it made me wonder what hunting (mounted) is actually like. From what I have seen there seems to be a lot of standing around, is that the norm?

 

[Tinkerbee]

*nods* not all galloping about laughing evilly and killing things

 

[Brontie]

Guys, am i correct in saying, when you join the hunt, if theres a kill on that day, they dribble the blood over you or somthing? Might be an old wifes tail but can anyne confim this?

 

[Tinkerbee]

not since the ban

and yes, blooding used to be done, to kiddies and first timers, if they wanted it

had it done myself lol

not sure how common it is these days

 

[monica987]

Not since the ban. But when you go off with the whipper ins then yes, it is all trotting, galloping, jumping, killing things (or following a trail now!)
And there isnt always lots af standing around, however if the hounds are in a hedge or wood then you do have to wait!

 

[RunToEarth]

Give your local hunt a try- honestly, its a really good thrill, I've been doing it since I was 5 and I'm not some evil scumbag, honest

 

[FinellaGlen]

Rosie, you have always seemed perfectly nice to me so no worries on that front.

I will never be able to go hunting unless I overcome my fear of jumping I'm afraid. I haven't jumped more than a tiny cross pole in years so I don't think the hunt would exactly welcome me with open arms - lol.

 

[Tinkerbee]

some hunts have non jumping days or you can opt out of jumps

you could enquire with the sec.

 

[brighteyes]

FANTASTIC.

 

[Tinkerbee]

Got it in one lol

 

[chestnut cob]

There will always be non jumpers. Call you secretary, explain it's your first time and ask if there is anyone taking the non jumping route, and could you be introduced to them so you can follow. I don't always jump unless it's something I'm happy with, just find a way round it.

 

[LizzieJ]

Depending on where you are in the country, some hunts don't jump at all but otherwise there are normally plenty of people who don't jump.

 

[FinellaGlen]

I hadn't realised that jumping wasn't essential. I thought that it was the main reason for going hunting and that I should just get the idea of my head unless I learnt to enjoy jumping. I still feel nervous of even contacting the hunt sec. in case I get laughed at. I am going to see some friends who all "live to hunt" next week so I will try and find out more from them. Thanks everyone for your help.

 

[chestnut cob]

They're really nice, I promise! They just want more people out hunting.

My old YO was married to one of the Joint Masters of our Hunt at home. She used to bring the meet card to the yard, sit down with me and go through the meets that would suit me and my horse, and tell me which ones were big jumping meets (there is some quite big jumping country there and a few days which require a real jumping machine of a horse, which I don't have!). There were always at least 3 or 4 non jumping days and then a few were it would be just post and rail with ditches, and so on.

 

[RachelB]

It took me ages to figure out jumping wasn't essential. I asked around last season, planning to take my mare this season if I got my courage up for the jumping. Then I had the horse and the will to go. Now my darned horse is broken and I still really want to go! I went on foot to the boxing day meet last year, it was fab as everyone was talking to everyone else and it was great to watch the horses trot off after the hounds and huntsmen. If riding is better than meeting on foot then I'm well up for it when I get my new horse! Why oh why did I not go last season??!

 

[harrihjc]

I was wondering this today, I've always wanted to hunt, it looks like such fun, but never had a horse suitable...until possibly now! I'mn not sure what I imagine it to be like really, but I worry so much about stupid accident prone pony getting injured! How high can the jumps be out hunting?!