Young horse first hunt, advice

[Ani]

I am thinking of taking my 4 yr old gelding to the local meet this Saturday. i have only owned him for 6 weeks, though suspect he may have hunted in Ireland (as they usually do), he is not very fit, usually sensible but can get excited when others are around and has a good buck. I have hunted in the past but not for a couple of seasons. my question would be, should i just take him to the meet only, first time or follow for an hour or play it by ear on the day. i wouldn't bother at all but the meet is at my yard so it's the ideal opportunity to see how he behaves.

 

[JenHunt]

I would contact the sec of the hunt, as you don't want to get charged full day rate for turning up to the meet!!!

I think turning up to the meet and planning on not doing more than an hour is a good idea. Turning up tot he meet will let you see how he's likely to react, but he's almost certainly (from what you say) not fit enough to do more than an hour with the hounds!

word of warning.... hunting from 'home' is sure to cause green socks, trampled toes, squashed riders and sweaty horses... and that's just getting to the meet!

 

[Ani]

Thanks, i called the secretary today and left a message, just waiting for her to return my call, or will try again tomorrow. yeh i know meeting at our yard is likely to be exciting was thinking of getting on early, going for our usual hack then returning to the meet?

 

[JenHunt]

that's a really good idea, take some of the freshness off before you see the hounds.

hope you have fun!