I have to admit, I’m glad I’m not the only one this happens to! It’s hard, and I haven’t found a way to avoid it other than moving away. I have seen several episodes of older long-term members’ ‘bad behavior’ being ignored while newer or younger members get jumped on for much less significant infractions.
My personal favorite - another rider made eye contact with me, then backed her horse’s rear end into my horse’s shoulder to the point that I was forced off the trail and down an embankment!! She then came up to me afterward and asked how “my poor little horse” handled the hunt. ??? Thank god my poor little horse is polite under saddle and didn’t object to having a strange horse leaning against her chest!
I will say that often our hunt masters are not aware of what is going on behind them, as their job is to pay attention to the hounds (particularly if you are in 1st or 2nd flight). If it is an annoyance (like talking), I’d just try to avoid that rider in future. If it is a safety issue, bring it up to hunt master later if you are not comfortable addressing it directly. I understand being hesitant to confront an older, long-term member!
2 Likes
