DD and I would love to try hunting after meeting some extraordinary COTH peeps this summer who are enthusiasts. I would just be a hilltopper (back of the pack, lol) but DD would probably be more adventurous. How does one go about hunting with no horses - or where does one start looking to potentially find field hunters? I know she would love it and I bet I would too, but I am painfully shy most of the time and struggle to ask the right questions. Please educate me!
If a Hunt near you allows folks to follow by car or on foot, do so. Also, contact your local UNited States Pony Club. Www.ponyclub.org. Some Pony Clubs are affiliated with a Hunt, others are not. Pony Club is an excellent organization for education with both mounted and uncounted activities.
I have a friend in Culpeper, Va who keeps a stable of “livery” hunt horses that he rents by the day to non-horse owners or visitors. He has an assortment of horses for every level riders. You might consider that to get the “taste” of hunting on a good, experienced mount. Warning…it won’t be cheap to go that route!!!
Hunter’s Rest (find her on the fall CotH hunt thread) has super hunt horses for hire, and leads the third field for Old Dominion. She would be a great place to start. I’ll be visiting her and riding with the third field the weekend of 9/22.
Or bring DD there for the Coth hunt this weekend and car follow, if you’re commuting distance.
I will check with her, thank you! I don’t think we will be able to make this weekend unfortunately, but I would like to check with her about other times maybe. Great place to start!
Just my 2 sense!!
Most hunts in Va. have someone who car follows you could hitch a ride with. Depending on where you live; you could locate the nearest hunt and call and ask if there’s someone you could ride with. It’s THE BEST way to see what you’ll need to do to get ready to try it. Go watch first. Coupla times. With someone good.
I live in Warrenton and you could join me sometime. It’s not just about the riding; it’s a very physical hunting sport. Watch & learn!
