Disillusioned with the show scene...want to try hunting...

[eventer_mi]

Hi All,

This has probably been discussed ad nauseum on this, but I’m hoping that you guys can help me out. I’m an eventer, and I’m pretty disillusioned by the show scene here in North Carolina (Southern Pines). I’m not rich, can’t buy a fancy, trained horse, can’t afford more than one lesson a week. I’m getting pretty sick and tired of going to shows and spending hundreds of dollars, work my butt off to get a dressage score of 35ish, and still end up at the end of the pack at the end of the day. Lately, it seems like such a waste of time and money - all those hours of driving only to actually be on your horse for an hour of total riding time, not to mention the hotel costs, food, and all that waiting around for your ride times. I haven’t come across many people I like in the show scene, and haven’t made any good friends through it.

The problem is I’m extremely competitive. I know that about myself. I really try and just enjoy the learning experience, but I’m the person on last year’s cruise who had to be first in line on the sea kayak/bike ride excursion! I didn’t realize that I was doing this, but my husband pointed it out to me and he was right. It’s something in me that wants to be at the head of the pack.

I thought that if I tried something that didn’t involve competition, or ribbons, that I might enjoy it more. I LOVE cross country jumping. I love riding out with my horses in the fall, in crisp, cool weather. I love being with people who share my interests, but aren’t necessarily competing with me. Hunting sounds like it might encompass all of my loves without the huge money/competitive factor. Am I dreaming, or do you think it might be a good fit? I would love to learn more about hound work (reading too many of Rita Mae Brown’s works :D) and everything about the hunt, but mostly I enjoy other people’s company and good riding over fences.

I have two horses - a Paint who’s an absolute saint, but simply not competitive enough in dressage to place in the top three without my trainer on his back (I do a decent job and always go clean xc and stadium), and a young Trakehner gelding who’s green, but very willing and level-headed. I would probably have to sell one in the near future to be able to afford to do the things I want to do, though - which do I keep? I’d like to dabble in showing, probably unrecognized stuff, but not be as competitive with it as I’ve been in the past. Both horses will probably be fine in the hunt field, in company - the Paint probably more so, but the Trak is fancier and younger. If there was a way I could keep both, I’d keep the Paint for my husband to hill-top and the Trak for myself.

So, any thoughts? Am I delusional in wanting what I want? Life is too short and I’m not rich or talented enough to make a splash in the show scene, and I’m getting tired of being discouraged.

Like I mentioned, I’m located in Southern Pines (well, the horses are), I’m a military spouse who teaches 9th graders for a living, and the Moore County Hunt doesn’t have a website for me to visit (I’ve been on the MFH website and checked).

Any Moore County Hunt Club members out there? I’ve capped and gone cubbing ONCE with the Battle Creek Hunt Club in Michigan, but that was years ago and on a different horse.

THanks for any help you can give me! PMs are welcome, too.

[Hotspur]

Satisfaction

Eventer,MI, I think that you should give hunting a good try! By a good try I mean more than a couple of hunts to see if you and your horses are going to have fun and make friends.

I became involved in riding when I married an eventer 10 years ago. I got the bug to make riding a big part of my life, but stayed out of showing for a long time. I do some low level eventing now just to keep my horse and I in regular training. I have been hunting for 4 years now and have found a home there.

Give it a go, I believe that you will have a good chance to make the transition from frustration to fun. If you find yourself back in Michigan, please come hunt with us!

Hotspur
Metamora Hunt

[Lifting_Chickk]

Well, I’m not in your area, so I can’t help with the specifics of your local hunt, but I may have a bit of insight to share.

I, like you, am an eventer. I also ride and compete in straight dressage. I don’t have alot of money and was struggling to take lessons with a GP instructor in my effort to move up the levels with my current horse. The pressure was sapping every last bit of fun out of my riding…

I had always wanted to try foxhunting, but was a little intimidated by the protocol and the fact that I didn’t know anyone who hunted.

I met a few folks this summer who are members of my local hunt. They really encouraged me to try it, and am I ever glad they did!

Daatje and I have hunted three times now, and we are both addicted. We still school dressage, but I could care less if we ever set foot in the show ring again! Hunting is where it’s at. The fellowship, commraderie, good riding…the hounds…I love every tiny bit of the hunt.

My horse is young, at 7, but she too is very sensible out doors and with the hounds, so even though she sports the green ribbon in her tail, we were invited to ride at the back of first field on the last hunt we rode.

So, I would encourage you to try it. It may just satisfy your need to gallop and jump xcountry without the pressure and discouragement that comes with competition!

[Nlevie]

Hi - I too am not in your area, but hunting is very universal. I have showed and evented in the past, and much prefered eventing - partially because of the Xcountry, but mainly because the people seemed nicer. But hunting is a whole nuther world - there is still some snobery and competitiveness, but for the most part, we all support each other and want to have fun and the MORE the merrier ! So hopefully, you can call someone from your local hunt and they will encourage you and set you up with someone who can show you the ropes. In our hunt, like many others, we struggle to find new members who can ride and we can get addicted to our favorite pastime ! Good luck and keep us informed of your progress. Hopefully someone will chime in from your area . . .

[LexInVA]

I say go for it. Once I’m done with school, I’m going to be looking into it myself.

[linquest]

Don’t forget all the hunt-related competitions! Hunter paces (cross-country jumping, teams of cool people and competition–everything you asked for), paper chases, field hunter trials and show classes like hunt teams over fences–except for the show classes, these things are usually MUCH cheaper than rated competitions. Judged trail rides might be another thing to satisfy your competitive urges while being inexpensive and low-key. You’re lucky to live in an area like Aiken which probably has all that stuff

[eventer_mi]

Thanks for the responses, everyone! I really want to try and cap a few hunts in my area, but I don’t know anybody. Can anyone give me the “scoop” on the Moore County Hunt? What the people are like, what the riding is like, etc?

Btw, is it even possible to be “competitive” in a hunt? You aren’t exactly competing for anything, are you? I went on a hunter pace when I moved down here, on a borrowed horse, and had a blast, although I was sore and stiff by the time we finished - I’m not used to being on the back of a horse for that long!

Thanks again!

[LookinSouth]

@eventer_mi;3553599

Btw, is it even possible to be “competitive” in a hunt? You aren’t exactly competing for anything, are you? I went on a hunter pace when I moved down here, on a borrowed horse, and had a blast, although I was sore and stiff by the time we finished - I’m not used to being on the back of a horse for that long!

Thanks again!

I don’t think foxhunting in itself is a competitive sport but there are usually hunter trials held annually by most hunts which ARE competitive and better than eventing…it’s only XC!!!:winkgrin:

I can completely relate to your frustrations with showing! I love the sport of eventing as well but I have difficulty as a working young adult ammy dealing with the costs. It’s hard to keep up with regular lessons AND competing so this year I mostly have just been taking lessons and doing clinics. I do a few unrec. horse trials here and there but can’t afford to show recognized which is frustrating to me. Its alot for someone on a budget to juggle…riding is supposed to be fun…not stressful. I’ve learned to consider my riding to be more about the journey than the destination. I can live without the pursuit of ribbons all the time because I am really enjoying my riding and I’m fairly competitive as well.

[HappyHoppingHaffy]

Hi! Not in your area either, but like you I consider myself to be an eventer. I evented as a kid and teenager, but took some time off after college until I could afford to ride again. Eventing has changed. It’s not about a horse and rider working together moving up the levels anymore. It’s more about people buying fancier and fancier horses to win ribbons with and not about the hard work and dedication that you used to see a lot more of. I’m not saying everyone is doing this, but I see a certain level of snobbery and elitism like I hadn’t seen before. Maybe I’m just older and more synical now!

I was in a similar situation as you regarding not knowing anyone that hunted and I actually asked in a thread on CoTH if anyone would be willing to adopt me and bring me out! Some one was willing to! That person ended up connecting me to a trainer who hunts (and events) and I was able to go out hunting as his guest. It is as wonderful and addictive as everyone says hunting is.

I haven’t done a hunter trial personally yet, but they seem to be very competitive. As someone suggested, that might be a good outlet for your competitiveness.

Good luck! Didn’t Bruce Davidson say a good day of eventing was like a bad day of hunting…or something like that!

[pdq]

There are a lot of disallusioned former eventers who got tired of the $200+ 20 minute rides on their horses and are now having the time of their lives in the field following the hounds, and enjoying the wonderful social scene afterwards that foxhunting offers.

Personally, however, I think the field is only the first step for you — as you seem to have the right personality for whipping-in! :yes:

To be a good whip you need to be bold, competitive-minded, focused on the job, knowledgeable, and love being on a horse for hours and hours and hours in all kinds of weather from best to absolute worst.

To be a great whip, you need a horse of the same mind-set.

There is no other sport like it in the world, and it is a rush beyond anything you could ever imagine.

[SidesaddleRider]

My best friend lives in Southern Pines and hunts with Moore County. I know they were roading hounds, I’m not sure if they have started cubbing yet. I do know that they are very friendly and welcoming. Call up the master or secretary and ask for more information.

The secretary is Virginia Thomasson, 910-692-1104, and the MFHs are Richard Webb, 508-748-1592; David Dillard, 910-692-1104; and Cameron Slade.

This is the description of their territory: “~5,000 acres of rolling longleaf pine forest w/sandy soil, some pasture. Fences are rails, coops, and logs. Additional 30k acres hunted in Marlborough Co, SC over fertile cotton fields. ~20k acres of state gamelands hunted in Hoffman, NC w/pine forests and sandy soil. Country requires a clever horse.”

[armandh]

you will have lots of fun

and possibly a less than happy trainer
as the lessons dry up in direct proportion to the fun.
you will find the cost of hunting favorable to showing.

the big stumbling block for most is one’s own truck and trailer.

I started at age 45 and at 62 still find every day out hunting a thrill

[IFG]

[QUOTE=HappyHoppingHaffy;3553675]
Hi! Not in your area either, but like you I consider myself to be an eventer. I evented as a kid and teenager, but took some time off after college until I could afford to ride again. Eventing has changed. It’s not about a horse and rider working together moving up the levels anymore. It’s more about people buying fancier and fancier horses to win ribbons with and not about the hard work and dedication that you used to see a lot more of. I’m not saying everyone is doing this, but I see a certain level of snobbery and elitism like I hadn’t seen before. Maybe I’m just older and more synical now!

I was in a similar situation as you regarding not knowing anyone that hunted and I actually asked in a thread on CoTH if anyone would be willing to adopt me and bring me out! Some one was willing to! That person ended up connecting me to a trainer who hunts (and events) and I was able to go out hunting as his guest. It is as wonderful and addictive as everyone says hunting is.

I haven’t done a hunter trial personally yet, but they seem to be very competitive. As someone suggested, that might be a good outlet for your competitiveness.

Good luck! Didn’t Bruce Davidson say a good day of eventing was like a bad day of hunting…or something like that![/QUOTE]

Same situation. The local live hunt has been VERY welcoming. I took my OTTB to an intro to foxhunting clinic, and despite my concerns, he was wonderful. We are getting ready to do our first hunt.

I have been eventing since 1985, but the sport is not what is used to be. I am sick of paying pots of money to be e’d for one fall or three stops. It’s my impression so far, that in foxhunting, they don’t send you home if you have a problem.

HHH, which hunt are you going out with, and with whom are you riding?

[eventer_mi]

armandh - got the trailer and the truck. The costs, if they’re similar to showing, are okay with me, since you seem to have a lot more fun doing it!

Sidesaddlerider - thanks for the info. I’ll be sure to give them a call and chat and see if this would be a good fit or not.

pdq - whipping-in sounds like fun! All I know about it is what I’ve read from Rita Mae Brown, but it sounds like my Paint would be a terrific whip - he’s smart, and tough, and has a wonderful work ethic. Plus, that “cow” blood should come in handy when it comes to chasing down errant hounds!

Seriously - I’d love to find something my husband and I can do together. The Paint is really his horse, and I think that hilltopping for him and first flight for me would be ideal.

Thanks for all the positive responses, guys! I’m really looking forward to this! I’d love to hound walk as well, if my job allows - sounds like a great way of staying in shape!

[HappyHoppingHaffy]

[QUOTE=IFG;3554192]
Same situation. The local live hunt has been VERY welcoming. I took my OTTB to an intro to foxhunting clinic, and despite my concerns, he was wonderful. We are getting ready to do our first hunt.

I have been eventing since 1985, but the sport is not what is used to be. I am sick of paying pots of money to be e’d for one fall or three stops. It’s my impression so far, that in foxhunting, they don’t send you home if you have a problem.

HHH, which hunt are you going out with, and with whom are you riding?[/QUOTE]

Hi IFG:
I’ve been going out with Old North Bridge, and they are very lovely people. This Saturday I’m going out with Norfolk for the first time! They’re hunting down in Westport, MA and I hear that is really beautiful territory. We’ve been really getting fit for this one. I hear it’ll be faster, longer and the jumps will be higher than what we’ve seen on a hunt before. I can’t wait!!
I still plan on eventing, but it will be more about giving us something to do when we’re not hunting.
I ride with Rich Wood. He’s helped me and my boy a ton. :yes:

[Ashby]

Everything the prior posters has said is correct, but one thing should be borne in mind: hunting is not really about the horses and the jumping. The horses are merely your vehicle. You are supposed to be there to HUNT–that is, to watch the hound work, to understand the way wildlife behaves, to come to know the hounds. An appreciation of this will come in time.

[armandh]

mostly

[QUOTE=IFG;3554192]
Same situation.
I have been eventing since 1985, but the sport is not what is used to be. I am sick of paying pots of money to be e’d for one fall or three stops. It’s my impression so far, that in foxhunting, they don’t send you home if you have a problem.[/QUOTE]

the exception is if you and your horse are either out of control or your horse is kicking

hunting is a group activity and if you are a danger to the hounds, other horses or riders its the field master’s option to send you in. rare but some horses just wont do.

and expect the experienced riders to be fair
when I got too close and my horse got a hoof print I attached no blame to the offending horse or rider.
my horse learned not all would tolerate such closeness.

as with any part of equestrian sport, falls happen.
I can remember only one season without a fall, and once landing on my feet.

I cannot speak for other clubs but for ours an adult’s yearly dues and hunt subscription are $1750.
family subscription only $90 more. not much vs. several H/J shows
expect some sweat equity. trail clearing is a great way to learn the territory

the more you go the cheaper each hunt. YMMV

[Im_Natives_Last]

Moore County Hounds are having a Hunter Pace November 9, I think. That is a good place to meet members and get a feel for things. I used to hunt before I had kids, and we may get back into it this year. One bit of advice, I’d take the paint the first few times. Sometimes the fancy horses are not the best hunters! I have OTTB’s, but usually hunt QH’s.

[HappyHoppingHaffy]

[QUOTE=Ashby;3554907]
Everything the prior posters has said is correct, but one thing should be borne in mind: hunting is not really about the horses and the jumping. The horses are merely your vehicle. You are supposed to be there to HUNT–that is, to watch the hound work, to understand the way wildlife behaves, to come to know the hounds. An appreciation of this will come in time.[/QUOTE]

You’re right, Ashby, I did leave this out. There is something very entrancing about watching the hounds work. I’m sure in time my appreciation will deepen and grow, too. Right now I am still drunk with how much fun my horse and I have together hunting; I’m probably still in the “lust” stage.

[LookinSouth]

@IFG;3554192

I took my OTTB to an intro to foxhunting clinic, and despite my concerns, he was wonderful. We are getting ready to do our first hunt.

Hi IFG, I think I PM’d you about a intro clinic awhile back. Did you end up going to the Tanheath clinic? I wanted to do it again this year but I had to deal with some unexpected vet bills:no: