What to wear - Cubbing

[Shantara]

I was advised that I'm safe to go cubbing. By that, I mean in theory, I shouldn't see anything die. (An anti I guess, as I said in my other thread - I don't like it, but don't actively do anything to stop it)

What should I wear and what should I do with horse, if anything?

 

[RobinHood]

You should wear tweed with a dark coloured stock, beige jodhs and clean boots. Your hair should be tidy and don't forget your gloves. A sandwich and some chocolate in your pocket us recommended.

Horse should be clean but not plaited. Use whatever tack you would use for a fast hack or cross country preferably with a dark numnah. Boots are a contentious subject so that's up to you.

 

[muffinino]

I probably wouldn't tell anyone I was anti, tbh

You:

Tweed jacket (ratcather if you have one)
Coloured shirt & tie before Cheltenham, coloured stock after, although it doesn't really matter; if in doubt, you're safe with a shirt & tie
Buff, cream or ivory jods/breeches, not white or pink
Black or brown longboots or short boots & gaiters
Navy/black velvet hat or silk (although I wear a dark green silk on mine that matches my tweed)
Brown leather or cream string gloves (brown cheapy ones are fine if it's not cold)
Carry a whip, even if you usually don't. The best ones are the type with a hooked top for shutting gates etc.
Hairnet if your hair is long

Your horse:

Clean, tidy
Dark or light plain numnah
No need to plait
A martingale or at least a hunting breastplate, just in case
It would be prudent to use whichever bit/noseband you normally use that's strongest, at least to begin with. Better to have good brakes and a light touch than to be hauling at your horse
Pop a green ribbon around the top of the tail to let people know you're new to it

I always keep some baling twine and a hoofpick in my pocket for emergencies, along with a flapjack or two (those individually wrapped ones are ideal for energy and stopping hunger), some polos and, of course, a full hip flask during the season! Even if you don't pack a tipple, you can put some squash in one.

The idea is to look smart and workmanlike. As long as you avoid bright colours and you & your horse are clean and tidy, I'm sure nobody will mind.

Most important of all, enjoy!

 

[Shantara]

Thanks guys
Not planning on telling anyone when I'm there I'm not one for making a scene.
YO knows and everyone who I ride with, but the hunt needn't know! I don't plan on going on any proper ones, I just want to experience it once

I think I have all of those things, so I won't need to go shopping for just one outing

 

[Sparkles]

Why not go drag hunting if you're anti?

 

[Shantara]

Why not go drag hunting if you're anti?

I don't think there are any that come past we only go to this one as it stops by the yard on the way past. I would love to drag hunt though, it seems like great fun! Perhaps when the pony will load/travel, I'll go to some

 

[Quantock-cob]

Nah, if you really are opposed to hunting how can you bring yourself to go cubbing? Just because they are not likely to kill anything doesn't make it any better in my mind. You are still supporting the hunt.

I don't want to start the ant-hunt argument, but I do believe you should stand up for your beliefs.

Why do you feel you need to experience it once?

I am constantly being put under pressure to go out with our local hunt, by friends on my yard, and it may be fun, but I think a good fun ride will be just as good. I don't even go to the local shows put on by the hunt - not that I think I would be welcome as I'm not shy in letting my friends know my views.

 

[Crazy_cat_lady]

I agree with Liz66 re fun rides being good fun, I only do my local one and there are jumps and everything. Would like to do others as he won't box.

I'd like to take him hunting but wouldn't want to Chase live fox so would go out with my local bloodhound pack as they follow a scent laid by a bloke rather than live animal.

 

[Crazy_cat_lady]

*should have put would like to do other fun rides but can't as he won't box

 

[Shantara]

LIZ66 - I asked in a different thread what it was all about and it doesn't seem too bad.
I'm still not 100% on whether I can actually bring myself to or not, but so long as nothing dies, I'm more willing to give it a go.

They've been asking for years and I've always said no...I would never ever join in a 'real' hunt though.

ETA: I'm going to try for fun rides next year especially Canter for a Cure! I think there's one in Dunstable too, which might be a possibility.

 

[AprilBlossom]

Nah, as someone who is opposed to hunting generally, I think it would be unwise (and hypocritical) of you to go cubbing - or 'autumn hunting' as its also known.

Or, go along with a completely open mind and keep your gob shut about cutey wutey fluffy animals lol

 

[Quantock-cob]

I'm sorry, Nah, I've always agreed with and liked your posts, but I do think you are being a bit hypocritical here.

You either agree with the hunt or you don't, regardless of whether a fox will be killed this time. The cubbing process is, I believe, about training the young hounds how to hunt and kill. So by supporting cubbing, you are helping to train the hounds to learn how to unearth and kill foxes

But I'm sure there will be plenty on here ready to shout me down and applaud you for going hunting (although you are prefering to call it cubbing).

ETA - and you will have to put up with the attitudes of people like AB, who think that anyone who is anti hunting is all soft and silly about all animals!

 

[Shantara]

Ok, I won't go then.

 

[Spot_the_Risk]

I would have thought that it's just as likely to kill when autumn hunting, as it is after the opening meet?

 

[Buds_mum]

Nah if are anti hunt then you may not be very comfortable on a hunting field.

 

[muffinino]

I haven't seen your other post so have no idea what you've previously said but...

I was partly jesting when I said don't tell anyone you're anti as I didn't for a momernt think you would go and do so. Having been at a meet when there was someone who was anti out hunting, I know it did nothing but irritate people. If you do go, don't tell people you're anti whilst out hunting. If you decide it's not for you and you are still anti afterwards, fine, but it would be the height of rudeness to go and tell people that you are. Not that I think you would, but what I'm trying to say is go and make up your own mind, it won't make you a hypocrite, just give you an insight in to hunting.

Maybe go along, take it in for yourself, and make your own decision about it.

More's to the point, hunts currently follow trails, not live quarry.

 

[Shantara]

Ooh yea, I would feel ever so rude. Some people I know would, and would make a big fuss! Not my style, I would rather just not go.

 

[muffinino]

I think it would be a good opportunity for you to see what it's all about and get an insight in to hunting, so I would go if I were you. It will also help your confidence and that of your horse and your riding skills

 

[3Beasties]

I would have thought that it's just as likely to kill when autumn hunting, as it is after the opening meet?

No, they Cub (Autumn hunt) up until the opening meet. The opening meet and anything after that is Hunting.