[QUOTE=CarrieK;8163542]
:: slows the Saddlebredmotruck down, waves a fluffy boa out the window ::
You hoo, hooooopoe, dahhhling! Do hop in the truck bed there and come along! I’m off to pick up the rest of the cartopping princesses. We’ve a coolor of mimosas and extra tiaras and boas![/QUOTE]
and whirly twirly skirts, there must be twirly skirts, even if they are Melton or Loden
[QUOTE=Hannahsmom;8163710]
What a great idea! You are doing a real service to those considering dipping their toe in.[/QUOTE]
:: blushes and hands Hannahsmom a mimosa ::
Dahhhling, it’s nothing, truly–wait wait wait, you weren’t speaking to me, were you?
:: reaches to take mimosa back, then reconsiders ::
[QUOTE=hoopoe;8164460]
and whirly twirly skirts, there must be twirly skirts, even if they are Melton or Loden[/QUOTE]
Oh, indeed, indeed!
I just watched The Rant and Attire. I’ve been laughing so hard that DH kept shooting me looks and then I had to try to explain the genius of “taking a break” with Tanqueray.
AFH, if you find yourself ever wanting to hunt with Long Run Hounds in Kentucky, I can assure you that we could make that feather boa work, and we’d likely greet you with “Good morning, what’s in your flask?”
[QUOTE=BigMick;8164646]
AFH, if you find yourself ever wanting to hunt with Long Run Hounds in Kentucky, I can assure you that we could make that feather boa work, and we’d likely greet you with “Good morning, what’s in your flask?”[/QUOTE]
Mercy me, what a gracious invitation, BigMick! #BeCarefulWhatYouWishFor :winkgrin: In my flask? Just a little “Kentucky bug spray,” of course!
Oh, hey, I have a question for a future AFH thing, possibly. (It may have been covered and I just missed it, though.) I recall in one of the videos it being said that if the field master tells you to do something, you do it - is it appropriate and acceptable, when asked, to respond with “I don’t know how” or “I don’t feel I can do that safely” rather than proceeding to try and do it anyway and possibly mucking things up? Or would that be considered talking back or something and therefore horribly rude?
(Obviously one should not use that as an excuse to not do anything asked, but from my non-hunting-experienced perspective, I feel like it would be better to say something or ask for help than to do something like tackle an unfamiliar gate and end up not fastening it properly and thus letting all the landowner’s livestock escape, or what have you? Or if you’re asked to do something while mounted and your horse is being troublesome, perhaps it’s better to speak up so the task can be passed to someone on a horse who is being steadier, so you have less risk of the hunt having to deal with calling in the EMTs because your horse who is being an idiot today spooked at OMG A LEAF ON A TREE! and you came off and got stepped on?) (I suppose one hopes that a good member of staff would notice your horse is being extra stupid, but in general - if you feel like it would not be safe or wise for you to do a thing you were asked to do, is it appropriate to say so rather than pretend otherwise?)
I have found that the Masters have “Go To People” for gates, etc. I have never been out when a FM asked a new to the sport person to do something.
There are members of the field who have hunted for EONS, and don’t volunteer or get asked to do anything.
I agree with AFH, to a certain extent, that you should do what the FM tells you…but if you know that you are likely to get hurt or create a rukus in the process of doing so…you should politely decline. For example…in one area where we hunt we have dairy cows. In certain fields, there aren’t any coops (drats), so you have to go in and out through gates. Those cows are CURIOUS! Sometimes we have to form a line of people on horseback with whips so keep the cows back until the rest of the field can move through. If you horse takes deep offense to the bovine variety of mammal, I would think it would be smart to decline being part of the group that will hold the cows back.
That’s a great question, kdow, and your instincts are correct. If asked to do something you feel you and/or your horse can’t do, best to immediately and succinctly state, “I am sorry, but I am not confident I could {Indiana Jones-style whiplash that small herd of horny bachelor mini stallions away from the field as we wait to gather the pack before crossing a road} {or whatever}.” This comes back to “Ride Your Own Horse,” which sometimes means declining to do what other people want.
Much of the Anonymous Foxhunter’s point about obeying the field master is meant to be sure that, should any of my advice/warnings/interpretive dances conflict with those of the club you’re out hunting with, you understand that their customs always prevail. Because customs, etiquette, and traditions do vary a bit from club to club.
Please keep those questions coming! Though perhaps it is better to ask via the facebook page or email through the website rather than clogging up CoTH? #IFearTheMods #TheModSquad
Hoping to put up a clip about tips for going up and down hill sometime this week, if my coal-powered internet provider can store up enough bandwidth.
Anonymously yours,
#AFH
As a result of reading COTH for a while, I had a feeling I knew what the answer would be (and I can always ask here if I’m not sure about something!) but part of suggesting it was also because the videos are meant to be an introduction and help people with not freaking out, so I thought “I bet if I’ve wondering about this, someone else might also, and not everyone knows about COTH and the helpful people there!” 
Thus the suggestion it could maybe be a question for some future video. (My overall impression of hunting as an activity is that as long as you are generally respectful and seem to want to participate to actually PARTICIPATE rather than just to, I dunno, point and laugh at all the people in weird funny clothes, or have an excuse to trample over some landowner’s fields because you don’t like them and want to ‘accidentally’ traumatize their cows, then the people in the hunt club you’re riding with are likely to be quite helpful and understanding, even about things that might be not quite ‘correct’ - like if you have to wear field boots instead of dress boots due to an injury or whatever. Just ask someone and secure permission beforehand rather than just showing up wearing something you know is inappropriate, because asking beforehand shows more respect to the group and the traditions.)
(Why would you have to wear field boots? I dunno, field boots allow more adjustability in the ankle for a brace or wrap? You just injured yourself recently and you’re okay to ride, but your field boots fit and your dress boots don’t? I don’t think any reasonable hunt club would expect you to go out and buy an entirely new pair of dress boots to wear for a period of a couple weeks while your injury heals, that just seems silly.)
The anonymous foxhunter also mysteriously gets every gate in second flight while helping newbie horses or riders out. She is awesome in person as well
[QUOTE=Pinkypony;8169474]
The anonymous foxhunter also mysteriously gets every gate in second flight while helping newbie horses or riders out. She is awesome in person as well[/QUOTE]
If I ever get the opportunity to hunt (I have to learn to jump first, it’ll be a while, unless I just go with the hill toppers I guess?) I want to go with the anonymous foxhunter. She sounds fun and non-stressful, and I would definitely be stressed about making sure I got all the etiquette right. (Also reminds me ever so slightly of one of my aunts, which is a bit weird. )
[QUOTE=kdow;8169502]
If I ever get the opportunity to hunt (I have to learn to jump first, it’ll be a while, unless I just go with the hill toppers I guess?) I want to go with the anonymous foxhunter. )[/QUOTE]
Me, too, except I would probably laugh too hard and be asked to leave.
In even more important news, she has a new video up!!! With a BESPOKE! mask 
The Anonymous Fox Hunter liked a FB post of mine about a certain long-eared gem of mine, and now I’m feeling quite special.
Which leads me to a rather pointed question: is it even worth inquiring with my local, well-established clubs if they will accept a (dog friendly, non-kicking!) mule within their midsts? Or for my forays into foxhunting should I instead stick with the dignified, Roman-nosed grey who looks smashing in flat tack but is slightly less enthusiastic about jumping?
This is a topic a little too specific for a dedicated video (although one about selecting mounts would be great!), but I am asking anyway and welcome answers from the group.
GFAG do let us know the answer if you ask…
Instead of, “Ride your own damn horse!” we can say, “Ride your own damn mule!” :lol:
[QUOTE=chaserider;8173105]
Me, too, except I would probably laugh too hard and be asked to leave.
In even more important news, she has a new video up!!! With a BESPOKE! mask
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WPlRzpKrowM[/QUOTE]
Bwahaha, I love it, “no need to worry that George Morris will get you”.
[QUOTE=GoForAGallop;8185163]
Which leads me to a rather pointed question: is it even worth inquiring with my local, well-established clubs if they will accept a (dog friendly, non-kicking!) mule within their midsts? Or for my forays into foxhunting should I instead stick with the dignified, Roman-nosed grey who looks smashing in flat tack but is slightly less enthusiastic about jumping?[/QUOTE]
Hello GoForAGallop,
Thank you for the kind words.
Once upon a time, the Anonymous Foxhunter was bringing out a pair of adorable tiny tots on their first live hunt meet with a very established and pretty traditional club here in the heart of the Old Dominion. The tinier tot piped up, “Is that man riding a MULE?” and #AFH – facing the other direction and assuming the equine referred to was actually a horse with “generous” ears – sought swiftly and decisively to SHUSH the child, lest she seem rude. However, when I followed her gaze, indeed, the whipper-in was mounted on a mule. He looked splendid with his rider’s scarlet/red/pink coat against his flank.
If you google image search for “foxhunting mules,” you will find quite a few lovely photos.
However, as with many things foxhunting related, each club has its own persnicketytations. And what they say they permit, and what is actually done, may be different, and you don’t want to be the dreaded Awkward Odd Man Out. I have been out on the only pinto in the field, and felt self-conscious, despite the horse being perfectly well behaved and no one really “saying anything.” Contact the hunt, and maybe not in your first conversation, but once you are in touch with the newbie coordinator, or the Mother Hen, or the welcoming person, ask about your nice mule.
Speaking for herself, the Anonymous Foxhunter would much rather ride with a well-turned out, properly behaved mule, than with a misbehaving conformation champion horse. #ButThatsJustMe
Anonymously yours,
#AFH
AFH, I’m enjoying the recent episodes (love "Don’t look at the pig!) and wonder if you might care to comment on my ‘issue’.
My horse and I are new to hunting - we had a few outings last year.
I spoke in advance with the master, secretary, and friends/barn buddies who are members. I have a good horse that I can with a fair degree of competence. We went on hound walks and hacked out with groups. We have appropriate attire. I thought we were prepared; my friends thought we were prepared.
We were not prepared.
Our hunt has 3 flights and as newbies, we started in third flight. Everything went very well (if a bit slowly) until our first check. It was a long one and the following checks were too. My poor horse became more and more irritated as the morning went on and we spent way more time standing than we did moving. I immediately took him to the rear where we ended up doing a lot of circling at checks. He literally worked himself into a lather at the checks. He was a different and happy horse when we were moving. Everyone was very gracious and really didn’t seem bothered, but I did not enjoy the hunt and my wonderful horse didn’t either. I was assured that it was an especially slow day and things would be better next time…
Things weren’t better next time.
Next time out, we moved up to second flight since my guy was super in all other respects and we thought he’d be happier with a bit more ‘go’. Unfortunately, we seemed to choose the slowest days to hunt! Second flight was only slightly better than third and so, our first year as members of the hunt was not much fun. We didn’t go out as often as we might have because we didn’t enjoy ourselves.
Who knew there could be so much standing around? I didn’t realize this important lesson had been overlooked in my horse’s training! He had always stood just fine in the lineup waiting for a ribbon 
Since the close of the season, I have consulted seasoned hunters who have assured me my mount will make a fine hunt horse with time. I came to COTH and got some valuable pointers. We’ve been putting in a lot of practice and my guy has made huge strides in not making strides. He can stand on a long rein for quite some time now now - with friends or alone, in the open or in the woods.
I now know that “Learn to be still” is good advice to future fox hunters…
While I am not AFH
I will say that I have heard… and have seen this to be sort of true… that horses new to hunting are often pretty good the first two times out and by the third time they tend be a bit more spicy. YMMV
Another old saying is that it takes three seasons to make a good foxhunter.
Thankfully, I have been blessed with the fortune of having ridden some very nice hunters. One of whom, appropriately named Moses, who would nap at the checks. He would also pause occasionally for a bite of sustenance and would happily accompany those silly acting new horses whilst they would leap and bounce and spin. He would cast a weary eye and sigh and they would tread lightly on his heels. He was a couch and a saint. My advice is to find the one in your flight and glue yourself to them. I have met many a lovely person from the back of that couch If someone who is on one asks if you would like to ride with them, say YES PLEASE and thank them profusely.
Thanks mellsmom, but my boy is rock solid when we’re moving. He’s easy to rate, comes right down to a walk from gallop, goes in front or behind, will walk along on the buckle, has no problem with the hounds, and isn’t silly. He just didn’t want to stand. He’d fidget and toss his head incessantly. I tried him next to seasoned horses who are also his quiet pasture buddies & by himself. I would have happily let him graze but he had no interest.
I’ve heard the three season estimate as well, and I’m okay with that as long as we make progress and don’t bother the other members. He’s a great horse in all other respects. I have no doubt he’ll come around but I’ll take all the help I can get to shorten the time required and help us have more fun
We’ve been practicing standing around on our hacks and have worked up to half an hour - which is about as long as I can take… I don’t expect him to be fixed the next time we follow the hounds, but hopefully he’ll be better!
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