Hey folks, I am new here and was hoping yall could answer some questions for me. I saw a post earlier asking about this but there were some things I had no clue what they were talking about. I was just invited to my first hunting pace. Honestly I do not even know if I am using this term correctly. Could somebody give me details as to what exactly happens at a hunting pace? Is there hunting or is it just a simulated run? As a visitor, what do I do? Do I just stand and watch? Also. what do I need to wear as a visitor? Coat and tie? Can I wear a hat? Also, there is an after party, what should I wear to that? I am really looking forward to this. Thanks for answers!
Hunter pace.
Glorified trail ride. It’s a nice day out with your horse on a marked trail. The competition part isn’t really important, just an excuse to get out and enjoy a ride. They set a time for you to complete the course and the closest to the optimum time wins (something - doesn’t really matter).
There are several different divisions (with different optimal times) based on theoretical hunting conditions. Jumps optional.
Are you participating or just watching? I think it would depend on where the pace is set, but most of the hunter paces in the area where I live are not really spectator friendly due to the territory. In other words, due to woods, hilly terrain a spectator really doesn’t get to see much.Most of them have a variety of divisions such as over fences fast time, fast time no fences, optimum time over fences etc… I rode in my first one this spring and like was posted above really just a trail ride wearing nice riding clothes. The lunch afterwards was casual and everyone had a chance to talk.
some can be a bit more of a challenge
rains the night B4 left our creeks a bit high
I went and looked at the most down stream crossing on the HP course.
horse OK, but I would not try it on a short pony or in a truck.
everyone finished OK.
one quipped it was a HP on steroids.
yes all the jumps were optional.
Is OP for real!???
Is this for real? I smell troll…otherwise I suggest you just do a search on hunter paces on this thread and read for yourself. Like the cross country phase of eventing imho. But in pairs! And longer…and without the fancy gear…and without the drama…way more fun!
What to wear?!!! :rolleyes: Hat?!!!
As a visitor? Wear whatever you would wear to any horse event or a horseshow. Country casual for the the after party. Baseball hat! And why aren’t you asking whomever invited you?!!! 
Ponger,
Are you sure you were invited to view a hunter pace, and not the fall races for a hunt? If it’s a hunter pace, wear something neat and clean, no real dress code as a spectator. The riders will be going over a hunt like course, usually not a lot to see for a spectator, except at the beginning and end.
If it’s the hunt races, then for fall, break out the tweeds/cords/wool and look nice. Spring races are for really dressing up. The races are on a big open course, with brush/timber/big ass I’m afraid to watch jumps. Very spectator friendly, usually with great tailgates and fun for all.
Google Virginia Gold Cup or Maryland Hunt Cup to get an idea of the big time races. I think Bull Run has a good website too, and explains their races.
Wateryglen, do you have to go shouting troll? Sometimes, people who have no experience in the hunting world really do not know the specifics of all the different events hunts have. Be nice!
Sorry Italyun!
OOoooohhhh Kkaaaaaayyyyyy…I’m soorrrrrrryyyy…:sadsmile:
So unlike me don’t ya think?! Not being nice I mean…
Oh gawd - why don’t you just stop babbling ?
uh oh…
Equibrit!!! Why bless your heart!!!
:p:p:p:p:p:p:p:p:p:p:p:p:p:p:p:p:rolleyes:
