tallywhacker
Well-Known Member
Am looking to take my 7 year old out this season to hopefully get him a bit more forward. Any recommendations? Am based in Chipping Sodbury. Nothing to wild for our 1st attempt.
Thanks
Thanks
Where to take a 1st timer south glos
- Thread starter tallywhacker
- Start date
spacefaer
Well-Known Member
You're in Beaufort country - lucky you! If you drop down the escarpment, then you are in Berkeley country, and if you go the other side of the M4, then you're on the edge of the Avon Vale.
If you start the beginning of the season with autumn hunting, in August, then none of the packs will be wild - lots of walking, trotting and standing around. Remember that the meets are 6am-ish at the beginning, so I would pick ones that aren't too far away!
As the season progresses, the start times get later, and as the horses and hounds get fitter, then the mornings are longer and faster, and depending on the pack, there may be jumping.
Beaufort will have big fields and are more expensive - less so since you live in the country. Berkeley are less expensive, and I suspect the Avon Vale will be cheaper again - but a bit of a trek.
I'm sure you will get more local advice than mine (your patch is on the edge of my local knowledge) but have fun, whoever you pick and remember to report back!
If you start the beginning of the season with autumn hunting, in August, then none of the packs will be wild - lots of walking, trotting and standing around. Remember that the meets are 6am-ish at the beginning, so I would pick ones that aren't too far away!
As the season progresses, the start times get later, and as the horses and hounds get fitter, then the mornings are longer and faster, and depending on the pack, there may be jumping.
Beaufort will have big fields and are more expensive - less so since you live in the country. Berkeley are less expensive, and I suspect the Avon Vale will be cheaper again - but a bit of a trek.
I'm sure you will get more local advice than mine (your patch is on the edge of my local knowledge) but have fun, whoever you pick and remember to report back!
Izzywizz
Well-Known Member
Berkeley are a friendly smaller pack 20/30 people out autumn hunting. 70/80 people saturday main season.
Beaufort are expensive, and will have 250 people out on a saturday!
Beaufort are expensive, and will have 250 people out on a saturday!
tallywhacker
Well-Known Member
Thanks guys. How do I find details of meets?
Starzaan
Well-Known Member
You'll have to phone the secretary for details of meets.
Personally I wouldn't take a first timer out with either pack. The Beaufort fields are enormous, and after running my own yard in Beaufort country I'm afraid I'm not their biggest fan. Lovely people whenever I hunted with them, but dealing with them as a livery yard owner was a NIGHTMARE.
The Berkeley are lovely but their country is not for the faint hearted. Quite trappy in places and lots of big questions.
For a first timer I would be inclined to go out with the Cotswold or VWH. Country that isn't too testing, especially if you meet in Charlton Abbotts, Notrgove or Coln Rogers. Lovely people and a much calmer morning for a newbie.
All that being said, any pack will be more chilled and a lot quieter out cubbing, so get yourself to an Autumn meet and have fun!
Personally I wouldn't take a first timer out with either pack. The Beaufort fields are enormous, and after running my own yard in Beaufort country I'm afraid I'm not their biggest fan. Lovely people whenever I hunted with them, but dealing with them as a livery yard owner was a NIGHTMARE.
The Berkeley are lovely but their country is not for the faint hearted. Quite trappy in places and lots of big questions.
For a first timer I would be inclined to go out with the Cotswold or VWH. Country that isn't too testing, especially if you meet in Charlton Abbotts, Notrgove or Coln Rogers. Lovely people and a much calmer morning for a newbie.
All that being said, any pack will be more chilled and a lot quieter out cubbing, so get yourself to an Autumn meet and have fun!
Izzywizz
Well-Known Member
Wednesdays with the Berkeley are mostly very nice and quite different country to Saturday country. Tallywacker - If you do decide to go with the Berkeley, do PM me and I can recommend a quiet nice meet