Working in hunting

[srt544]

Hi this thread might be slightly off point compared to your usual topics but I thought it best to come directly to the hunting mad!
I am halfway through my first season working at a hunting yard and loving it. It's a private yard with just 3 hunters which are usually out at least twice a week, if not three times and often needing second horses. Next season I would love to go to a proper hunting yard but would like some advice on what to expect, where to find such jobs and any qualifications that will help me on my way.....and perhaps anywhere to avoid.

 

[Welly]

Sounds like you are in a proper hunting yard, but if you want to move make sure it's to a yard that pays and treats you well and friendly! Maybe try contacting some kennels.

 

[Shay]

I'm not sure what a "proper hunting yard" might be if it isn't more than one horse and out several times a week. Sounds more "proper" than us! Might you mean a hireling yard or actually working for your local hunt? Either way Welly is right about speaking to your local hunt - there might be more than one depending on your area.

Qualifications wise... The BHS series is a good starting point. The Pony Club Progressives are very well thought of once above the B Test level - but that might not be an option for you depending on age / location / inclination. You could contact the British Grooms Association and see if they have other recommendations but I would have thought good relevant qualifications can only help in your career as a groom.

Welly is right too - a friendly place who treat you fairly. A must!

 

[srt544]

Oh! Perhaps I don't think of it as 'proper' because the manager has her happy hackers and some odd ideas on how hunters should be worked :/ but I would love to be more in the thick of it with the staff horses, if you see what I mean. I'll try contacting some hunts in my summer holiday.
Thanks for your thoughts

 

[Addicted to Hunting]

Contact you local hunt, they may well want help anyway, even just at weekends. Also look at Horse and Hound, they all do require a high level off turnout.

 

[gunnergundog]

In the meantime make sure that the horses that you are responsible for are immaculately turned out, that their fitness is unquestionable and that your employers sing your praises in the hunting field.....whether it be your flexibility on hours after the day they boxed down to Exmoor for and weren't back until gone midnight or whatever!

 

[Ditchjumper2]

Most hunting yards prefer experience to qualifications. If you are able to clip, pull and plait to a high standard, to ride very fit horses and stay on, understand the importance of walk, walk and more walk, can drive a 7.5 T lorry, are reliable and hardworking, don't mind how long the days are, have that 6th sense when a horse is not right and have the experience not to call the vet at every touch and turn then you will be just fine!