Will we be welcome?

[Gypley]

Ok... mulled wine and nibbles of choice before I start !

I have recently move my 18y/o 14.2 hairy cob to Dartford to come live with me after two years off being cared for by family. Im trying to throw myself into the horsey community as ive missed it immensly!
I would LOVE LOVE LOVE to take her drag hunting but I have a few concerns that id like some help clearing up... so here goes....
1. She hasnt got a whopping great big jump....is there generally a 'scenic route' around the monster ones?
2. Shes very hairy ...as in full feather and mane and would look daft hogged due to her massive noggin. I also wouldnt want to hog her if after having a go decide it isnt for us. However i am more than happy to make her look presentable by popping in a running plait or similar.
3. I dont know anyone who hunts! Am i best to befriend someone before hand to show me the ropes? I dont want to be an irritating tag along and ruin someones day!
4. Dispite the snooty strerotype... please tell me the hunting crowd is actually very accomodating and welcoming of hunting virgins!


Thanks in advance guys!!

 

[CrazyMare]

Drag hunting IME is pretty friendly, with lots of packs having optional jumping days with a second field master for the non jumping field.

A running plait, with a clean well presented horse is fine - you will want to plait a long mane out of the way somehow though. It will drive you nuts after a few hours!!

 

[Sparkles]

Of course you'll be welcome!

The hunt I go with are absolutely lovely, and even though we do get referred to as the 'Hairy ones' at the back [ponies...not us!] But, they jump everything and end up giving leads on more than a few occasions....so hairies can't be that awful


The majority of the time, all jumps are optional. Pick and choose what you like! There will be some meets where there may be some which have non-optional jumps, but, you're normally pre-warned about those meets. Normally on the meet card on the website etc.


Give them a ring and have a chat, from my experiences, they've always been incredibly friendly and accommodating for anyone wanting a go! Far more laid back and 'fun'....I'm converted

Now it's past opening meet, then best bet is to plait up, so I'd bang her tail up and running braid her mane and forelock, to keep her cooler and it out of the way....nothing worse than sweaty mane getting mixed in the reins and swished in your face!


My orange Welsh in the middle [And friends Hairy pony to the right....and my 'Hairy' TB to the left...]

http://sphotos-b.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/222521_10151298708206753_2097619292_n.jpg

And the one and only proper 'Hairy' out hunting on his last weekend with us :'(.

 

[meesha]

I would consider clipping - took my chap out when overdue a reclip and he sweated like a pig and was shattered after a couple of hours - reclipped and stayed out all day at the next meet. Def do some kind of plait if you can.

Phone the hunt sec and introduce yourself/ask for directions - dont worry about going on your own I didnt know anyone last season - I found I ended up next to different person each time we stopped anyway so you dont feel like you are tagging along.

 

[laurapru]

Although I think you can feel a little awkward when you first arrive you will soon find someone to talk to and most hunts recognise a new face and will stop to chat to introduce themselves. All I can say is just go for it, I did this season and I am so pleased that I did - It is amazing! Have fun