When to Hunt??

[HorseyGhirl97]

I would really love to go hunting with my girl who will be five this year but I'm not sure at what age or level in her training would be safe. She can jump one meter and our goal for the Summer is to jump one meter ten. She happily hacks alone and in company and has never done anything bad ever, although she does through in a few wee bucks when she gets excited. She is not at all strong and has never ran away with me even if all the other horses bomb off and she always stays at the pace I want her too. She loves jumping so jumps pretty much anything and has started jumping small cross country fences although won't see a real course until Summer . She's ridden in a snaffle and in general a really safe and lovely horse to ride but I have heard of horses having accidents and that they get very strong and uncontrollable and I would not like to put her in a stronger bit. Any reply or suggestions would be much appreciated thanks

 

[pinklilly]

The hunting season is now finished, well it is here. Best with an inexperienced horse to start with autumn hunting which is quieter, we start end of august / beginning of september.

 

[TeamChaser]

Some hunts will allow young, inexperienced horses to go on hound exercise before the season starts which can help get them used to the sights and sounds. Worth asking

How is she on fun rides? May give you an idea of how she may react so worth trying a few over the summer if you've not already.


Mine is a bit strong to hunt but, to be honest, I think most get a bit like that. Exciting for them to be out with lots of others galloping and jumping! I've not had to use any stronger kit on him as whilst he's strong, he's also pretty sensible and still responsive. If she's generally a sensible type, no reason she shouldn't respond to you out hunting

Have fun when you do get out!

 

[HorseyGhirl97]

Some hunts will allow young, inexperienced horses to go on hound exercise before the season starts which can help get them used to the sights and sounds. Worth asking

How is she on fun rides? May give you an idea of how she may react so worth trying a few over the summer if you've not already.


Mine is a bit strong to hunt but, to be honest, I think most get a bit like that. Exciting for them to be out with lots of others galloping and jumping! I've not had to use any stronger kit on him as whilst he's strong, he's also pretty sensible and still responsive. If she's generally a sensible type, no reason she shouldn't respond to you out hunting

Have fun when you do get out!

Thank You Everyone. I think I will give it a go at the end of this year then depending on how well she copes with the Marches in Summer

 

[laurapru]

Hiya,
I have almost finished my first season hunting and I started with a few autumn meets. I also did a few fun rides last summer. He was ridden in a fench link hanging cheek no problem on fun rides but totally ripped my arms out hunting. We moved onto a mullen mouth pelham and eventually settled on a 3 ring gag with flash. It may take you a few tries to get her to settle. Try not to be adverse to changing her bit as you want to feel comfortable as it is no fun having arms like a orangatan when you get home! You will have a great time, and I have a better horse for it! xx