An apology in advance.....and a quick coat question

[crazybootlady]

Okay, sorry guys for what I’m sure will be the first of many threads and inputs here in the Hunting Forum. As a want to be converted Show person, I have been up all night doing some reading on foxhunting and think that it combines everything I love about riding, (outdoors, long rides, jumping,horsemanship, social, and fun!)

I own an RJ classics coat. It is the sterling collection IIRC, and it’s black with a faint purple windowpane.

This is the best picture I have of it at the moment (although it looks a little blue here, it is actually black)

It’s double vented and three button. If paired with a white shirt and stock, would it be unacceptable? I won’t even be going out hunting until next year at the earliest, (my horse is only two at the moment but may take him out hilltopping for a short ride or two late next year). But if I need to buy a new coat to be correct, then I want to know so I can start saving up!

Thanks so much!

[TalkIsCheap]

If your horse is only 2, I’m not getting the math here.

I’d be more concerned about being out in the field with a correctly behaved horse than my jacket.

[Willesdon]

Take the time now to meet your local hunt, follow them, help in as many ways as possible on foot/in vehicle/mountain bike, learn what is happening. By the time your horse is grown up you will know everyone, have an understanding of what, why and how and will have no need to worry about the coat. Beside that, why waste the fun of hunting waiting for the horse to be old enough?

[Equibrit]

Depending on where you live, you may be cold in that ! Your horse will also need a whole lot more training than you are planning, before venturing out in company.

[AnotherRound]

I would think some physical maturity, as well, wouldn’t her horse need? I wouldn’t want to jump a two or three year old like that, but I don’t always know everything, so…

[gumtree]

A solid dark color would look more appropriate like a dark blue blazer. You may kind of stick out wearing a coat that has any sort of pattern to it. You can always check with the hunt. When I went back to hunting as an adult I preferred to blend into the back ground as much as possible until I got my sea legs back under me.

[gumtree]

[QUOTE=TalkIsCheap;7206067]
If your horse is only 2, I’m not getting the math here.

I’d be more concerned about being out in the field with a correctly behaved horse than my jacket.[/QUOTE]

Your screen name is apropos. Your comment severed no purpose other then coming off as a bit of a snob. Which is what a lot of people seem to think is what hunting is made up of.
So what if the OP’s horse is only 2. When I started skiing as a youngster I didn’t have a ski jacket, didn’t even have a pair of skis I rented. I starved while saving my lunch money to get the ski jacket of my dreams that I saw in the Ski shop window everyday walking home from school. I must have tried that jacket on a thousand times before I had the money to buy it. I would wear it in my bedroom jumping off my bed trying to imitate the form like the hot shot skiers I aspired to be while getting big air flying down a giant slalom or mogul course. Not to many years latter I was one of those hot shots in the starting gate. That was almost 50 years ago and I still remember the feeling of putting on that coat, my coat for the first time.

[gumtree]

[QUOTE=Willesdon;7206080]
Take the time now to meet your local hunt, follow them, help in as many ways as possible on foot/in vehicle/mountain bike, learn what is happening. By the time your horse is grown up you will know everyone, have an understanding of what, why and how and will have no need to worry about the coat. Beside that, why waste the fun of hunting waiting for the horse to be old enough?[/QUOTE]

According to your limited profile far more then Cheap Talk gives you don’t like to jump.
The hunts we go out with jumping is a major part of the day. You wouldn’t get far from the trailer if you can’t or don’t like to. Your comments, though valid IMO are a given, and have nothing to do with what the OP was asking. The OP stated she has been reading all about the subject and I am sure talking to those who do hunt. So why the lecture instead of just answering the question? This playground is, should be for everyone to enjoy without fear of being ridiculed for asking questions of any kind or posing a different point of view.
For all any of you know the OP may have access to a horse to go out on from time to time until hers is up to speed.

[Equibrit]

Who appointed Gumtree as post master ?

[crazybootlady]

Thanks guys. I was planning on getting in contact with the local hunt and seeing how I could get involved early. I just happened to be reading at the wee hours of the morning and figured I’d pop on over here for a quick question. As I said, I’m not planning on taking my now two year old out until the end of his three year old year once or twice, with the hilltopping group (which I have been advised, with the hunt near me, is more like a trail ride, with way’s around all jumps), and If I feel he’s had enough, to excuse ourselves. I don’t want to do anything to hurt my what will hopefully be ‘life’ horse, but I do want to get him out and experiencing life. I am excited about this new adventure and hope to enjoy it for years to come, even if I’m a little clueless as of yet.

[gypsymare]

Patterns are not appropriate on formal days but you could wear that during the weekdays with a colored stock or during cubbing (the month or two before opening meet).

Not all hunts like navy, either. Your best bet is a plain black Melton.

That being said… Most would prefer you come out dressed to the best of your ability than to not come at all. You may find through word of mouth something for sale or for loan until you get your outfit together. My Melton was $50 through a fellow hunter who had purchased it for her husband.

Always best to check with the hunt secretary.

[Hinderella]

Since you’re planning ahead you have plenty of time to watch eBay But seriously, I bought a wonderful Melton from eBay for under $100.
Willesdon’s advice is spot on. Your local hunt will be able to advise you on just what you will need to participate with them. Since your horse is not ready yet, you may make friends and find someone who will allow you to ride/hire a horse and experience hunting first hand.
Some hunts are known for being very fast and riding over very difficult territory, others are not. You will need to investigate the hunt/hunts near you to find out what their territory and manner of riding is like.
Many hunts also offer an intro to hunting clinic early in the season. You will have missed those clinics for this year, but you can plan ahead for next year.
For some of us, a simply curiosity becomes an addiction.
I started with Pleasant Meadow Farms’ “Dressage Horse gone wild” here:
http://www.chronofhorse.com/forum/showthread.php?214578-So-excited-I-had-to-post-Dressage-horse-gone-wild!

[TalkIsCheap]

Let me edit my response and my apologies to the OP if I came across as flippant, as that was not my intent. You got some great advice here, and please come back for more. I’ve crossed over to fox hunting from show hunters 6 years ago, and it’s been a blast. The hunt crowd are very social, encouraging and just plain fun. You will find joint meets a blast. I hunt with a farmer’s pack and a recognized hunt. Both are wonderful.

My intent was on safety. A safe horse and safe tack are important. A bombproof show hunter that ribbons well over fences and in the hack could become completely unglued out in a 300 acre field with hounds tongueing and a breeze up his butt. Your horse being so young is an unknown, so that was my concern.

Hinderella offered good advice about experiencing your first few times out on a made horse. Go for it. It will help you figure out what’s going on without worrying if something will explode underneath you. I would do the same for my daughter.

As far as attire - your show jacket could quite possibly get destroyed, or not warm enough or you’ll get wet, so a good Melton will be your best bet in the long run. Hunt clothes are made to take a beating. Contact the hunt secretary about what is acceptable for the time you plan to cap.

[jetjocky]

Lots of good advice here. Since your horse is young, this is the perfect time to start yourself out on a seasoned hunt horse. The best horses, you just put a nickel in their ear and go foxhunting, that’s what you want to learn on. I had a horse like that the first time I went out, but didn’t have sense enough to appreciate it at the time. I kept trying to tell the poor critter where to put his feet and generally annoying him. He was a saint, tho. It finally dawned on me that the horse knew way more than I did. I stopped bugging him and started enjoying the experience and I was hooked!