First Hunt

[alterisfine]

Hello

I am going on my first hunt in December. I was wondering if I could get some feedback on what exactly to expect. I have been in contact with the hunt secretary, so I know all the attire I need to have, but I was hoping to get some advice or suggestions to survive the 1st hunt:)

I think my horse will be really good. He’s a pretty chill Connemara gelding that has done lots of hunter paces and eventing. He’s ridden by all different levels of riders, so I am not too worried. The only thing I am a little worried about is him being around the hounds. I think he’ll be fine, as he’s great around my personal dogs (who aren’t always respectful of a horses space). Any suggestions on how to help him with the first hunt?

I haven’t decided yet between Hilltoppers or 2nd flight, but I am leaning towards 2nd flight, opinions?

Thank you!!!

[Huntin_Pony]

Congratulations on your first hunt, alterisfine!

I have a super chill, kick-to-go Connemara gelding and he is a rocket ship (in a good way) in the hunt field. So consider bitting up a little, assuming you have ridden out in the bit before you go hunting.

Find a buddy - a person that you know with an experienced horse that you know - to accompany you in whichever field you choose. Personally, assuming that you are willing to move on with your horse, I would go second field. My experience with (especially mature) Connemaras says that boredom is your enemy.

As for hounds, try to position him so that he can see them coming. At a check in the woods, this might mean turning slightly sideways on the trail or maybe just tipping his nose one way or the other.

Have fun!

[The_Anonymous_Foxhun]

Greetings future foxhunting addict,

Watch my videos

And – don’t assume your horse will be OK with a pack of hounds. Do mind to keep his hind feet away from them – kicking a hound gets you a free “Slink Back To The Trailers In Shame” card.

Yours Anonymously,

#AFH

[Foxglove]

What fun! My advice would be to do as Huntin’ Pony said and try to face the hounds --and find a buddy to ride with --two other thoughts I’d have are to remember not to talk while hunting —this is a big no-no on our hunt and one that first time hunters (and many time hunters --me included) need to remember. It’s easy to become swept up in the moment. We had one new rider who shouted (really shouted) “Good Boy!” to her horse every time he took a fence. Other things you should avoid are telling elderly members how amazed you are that they can still ride (yes, it happens --one young thing asked us long-time hunters if we rode dinosaurs on our first hunt when she found out how long we’d been hunting).

Find the Master (hopefully before the hunt) and let him know how happy you are to be there --or after –

And then the usual social stuff --compliment people’s horses and riding at the brunch --be terribly impressed with the club, the hounds, the warmth of the membership. Save the catty comments for when you are a member --then sit by me!

And you do know to ride behind colors, right? Unless the field master invites you to ride with him, of course. Those of us that are members work very hard to BE members --maintaining the grounds, working with hounds, volunteering at club shows --we really have earned our colors and the privilege of riding up. I have been cut off by guests at fences – accident or maybe once is forgivable, but if it is a reoccurring issue, ride with second flight or hilltop.

Have a lovely hunt and do write all about it!

Foxglove

[GrayMare]

Hunting can be different than riding across manicured hunter pace and cross country courses. So while I’m guessing your horse will be great based on your description, be prepared, perhaps with the stronger bit or whatever you think will give you a little bit of “insurance.” Ride at the back, with a friend on a solid horse, and watch and listen more than talk. Be ridiculously careful about the hounds. Mostly likely your horse will be perfect, but show your caution by keeping your horse’s heels away from them. Most fox hunting faux pas are quickly forgiven and forgotten–hey, who doesn’t get carried away in the moment sometimes–but kicking a hound falls into a different category altogether.

Re: 2nd vs. 3rd field, it doesn’t take a look into anyone’s crystal ball to surmise that you are at risk of becoming addicted. Your first hunt is likely the first of many. If you are back in third field, you may see what is going on better and you may also stand a better chance of having a hunt member fill you in on what is happening. It might also give your horse a chance to think about what is happening as well.

[alterisfine]

Thank you everyone for the suggestions! I think we will do Hilltoppers and just take it easy. I am going to put a slightly stronger bit on my boy for insurance and I will remember to keep his heels away from the hounds.

Thanks for the advice on not talking, I figured there wouldn’t be a tremendous amount of talking, but didn’t know there wouldn’t be any, so good heads up:)

I will let everyone know how it goes!!

[Feliz]

Yay! I’m sure you’ll have a great time.

You’re definitely better off being very quiet and paying attention to what’s happening – the hounds, the horses immediately around you, your group etc. Keep your eyes up and your ears open.

Be ready for your horse to grow two hands and decide he’s the next Secretariat. Or that he will not tolerate horses right behind him, even though he’s fine playing bumper cars at home. I usually stick a green or red ribbon in, just in case. Ditto all the hound advice. If he does do anything naughty like threatening to kick swiftly reprimand him – then relax. Keep him out of the way as much as possible.

And be aware that all hunts are different – so don’t be afraid to ask questions if you’re not sure what to do – etiquette, specific riding things etc.

For example in NZ there are no ‘fields’ as such and it’s a bit of controlled chaos. In my hunt there is no preference given for members with colours when the hounds are running, generally people are pretty polite at fences. There also tends to be a lot of talking . . . I’m very talkative but I do get annoyed when people are talking so much they’re not paying attention to what’s going on ie the hounds have doubled back so the Huntsman will be coming, someone’s holding a gate so we should move along to get through it smartly etc.

Anyway have fun & report back.

[jawa]

If your horse isn’t used to having hounds dart in and out of the woods and along the trail, listening for the activity and then tipping your horses eye toward the direction of the hound while keeping your leg on your horses side to control the hip away from the hound, all the while telling your horse in a relaxed voice “hound”, helps to keep them from kicking out at hounds.

It is very helpful if you have someone in front and behind you to give a quiet warning when hounds are approaching so that you are able to help your horse be confident.

Happy Hunting!

[BeastieSlave]

jawa has a good point. It’s easy enough to keep your horse facing hounds at checks, but it’s the ones that come running from behind or bounding out of the woods that can take a horse by surprise. Hopefully, you’ll have seasoned hunters around you who will give warning and allow you to prepare your horse (if needed).

If you have a question, don’t be afraid to ask! Most members will be happy to help. Have fun - my horse and I are still pretty new to hunting and we’re loving it