"Growing" your hunt...

[JSwan]

No need to get so defensive, WildBlue. I was not referring to juniors, or your post, at all. Not one word of it.

I took umbrage at the posts that “informed” the public that we take taxpayer money and are closed. Tell that to the clubs that are busting their butts hosting trail rides, clinics, hunter paces, kennel visits, point to points, hosting junior days, and doing community oriented work. No one can post on this forum without some nonhunter jumping in eventually to tell us we’re doing it all wrong or we’re abusing our horses or wildlife. It is incredibly unfair to the legions of people who work hard to provide good sport and a well run club.

Everyone has a soft spot for juniors and of course any decent person would go out of their way for a kid to start hunting. Doesn’t matter if it’s a Pony Club kid or not. Kids are the future of the sport and we all should do our best to encourage them. Teach them right, though.

For the OP - on the way home from hunting today I thought about a “grow the hunt” idea for you. A club here hosted a “Night at the Races” party and it was really really fun. It was a party/fundraiser where you show old horse races and people make pretend bets, then their pretend winnings are used to buy raffle tickets and there were some really good prizes. It’s kind of a fun thing to do when the winter sets in and it’s gloomy. Since it’s not really hunting specific it could be a nice community event kind of thing - maybe in concert with another group that has some crossover with your club. Anyway - just a thought.

[Feliz]

Some totally random ideas off the top of my head:

1. A buddy program for potential new members. Assign an existing member to each person who wants to come along - someone they can phone and ask all the silly questions, and who will look out for them the day of the hunt. I’ve been lucky enough to have hunt members take me under their wings - when I first joined and also when I got a greenie. It makes such a difference having someone who will give you leads, wait while your horse has a brain fart etc. Also just the fact that you will know one person to hang out with before/after the hunt helps a lot!

2. Reach out to clubs that have a young adult membership, not just pony clubs.

3. What seems to get a lot of people giving it a go is pre-season events like ‘Hunt Introductory Day’. A few of the hunts holds these - starts with a talk, then people have a chance to jump their horses over some warm up SJ, teeny tiny hunt fences, medium fences and then the real thing. Followed by a mock hunt. The dress code is very relaxed, there may not be any hounds (just for simplicity and one less thing to worry about, good if you’re worried about all the other things you have to concentrate on!). Much less full on than a real hunt, but still a good taster. I haven’t actually been to one but I’ve heard good reports.

Fundraising: lots of hunts here do a 2-3 day trek as a fundraiser.

Can’t think of anything else right now.

[TimelyImpulse]

[QUOTE=Romahorse;6842069]
Any creative ideas for attracting new members? We are esp. interested in Pony Clubbers & young riders, as most of our current members are quite old, & who will hunt when we’re gone!?! Also interested in creative fundraising , as our kennels are equally decrepit as some of our members…[/QUOTE]

Hunt sponsored trail rides seem to be a good draw. Several hunts sponsor different groups-- walk only, w/t, and then w/t/c and jump, with opportunities to school the jumps. They usually last about 1.5-2 hrs. General charge per ride is $20-$30 each, with a nice tailgate lunch after.

One hunt sponsors a 3 session training program, where you are introduced to the concepts of hunting, have your tack checked for safety, and you and your horse are safely introduced to group riding. Emphasis on safety. There are also two groups-- newbie riders and/or green horses and then the more experienced. Jumping group and non-jumping group. It is a commitment, but it’s a big draw. Sessions are $45 each, but if you do all three, and you and your horse “pass”, then you get invited to go out with the hounds once with no cap at a special meet. The newbies get partnered with a hunt member.

Poker rides or scavenger hunts over hunt territory are fun and get the younger crowd excited. Usually charge $25/rider, with tailgate.

Check out http://www.bullrunhuntclub.com/ they have several events coming up that sound like a lot of fun.

LexinVA---- still reading? PM me if you’d like and we can arrange to get you out once before the season ends and before I move to GA. Timely is an awesome field hunter. Just keep your heels down and look UP when jumping-- and grab mane!!! LOL!

[JSwan]

Oh- I found that “night at the races” company. I think it’s this one - http://www.nightattheraces.com/

It was a heck of a lot of fun and a great fundraiser. I could imagine a successful event really helping with the kennel fund. Plus - it’s a type of event that attracts people of all ages. Young folks would enjoy something like this more than a typical silent auction kind of thing.

[mp]

@TimelyImpulse;6851732

Hunt sponsored trail rides seem to be a good draw. Several hunts sponsor different groups-- walk only, w/t, and then w/t/c and jump, with opportunities to school the jumps. They usually last about 1.5-2 hrs. General charge per ride is $20-$30 each, with a nice tailgate lunch after.

The horsey country club I belong to and the local hunt have done reciprocal events. They come out and ride our 320 acres of trails (which include some cross-country type elements). Afterwards, we host a lunch and they do a presentation on hunting – attire, skills needed, etc. In return, club members are invited to hilltop (or ride as a guest if they’re game) on a specific date. The hunt has picked up several members. Don’t know if we have, but everyone seems to enjoy getting together.

LexinVA---- still reading? PM me if you’d like and we can arrange to get you out once before the season ends and before I move to GA. Timely is an awesome field hunter. Just keep your heels down and look UP when jumping-- and grab mane!!! LOL!

Go for it, Lex. I live too far away.

And … I’m a big chicken. And way too old to start getting brave at this point. But you’re a young’un. Do it.

[Hinderella]

So, from the point of view of someone who is not a hunt member, but perhaps a “wannabee”:

Host an introduction to hunting day. Tanheath Hunt, near me in CT does that every year. I attended before going on my first hunt, and I learned a great deal, from proper turnout (including why it’s proper), good manners for the horse, good manners for the rider, and field etiquette. While I was attending without a horse that day, those that brought their horses were given time to practice riding in a group, practice jumping field obstacles, alone and as part of a group, meet the hounds properly, and go on a short mock hunt. All this was followed by a "hunt breakfast’ and the opportunity to chat with hunt members.

Hunter paces or mock hunts in the off-season: I ride at a barn that does not offer many opportunities to ride out with a group, or even another horse. Since riding in a group is an essential skill for anyone considering hunting, giving riders the chance to see whether you and your horse have the “chops” for hunting would be very helpful. And by all means, charge a fee! I would gladly pay for the chance to try out my horse and learn, just as I would for a clinic.

Keep your web site up to date! Current information, pictures, and details about your hunt’s expectations (about turnout, skill level, capping fees, etc.) is vital. While nothing will ever replace an actual conversation with the hunt secretary or master, as a rank beginner I would appreciate knowing in advance if your hunt is one that rides hard and fast over difficult territory. I know my limits, and have no desire to show up for a hunt that is beyond those limits.

Host a hound day/work day that is open to the public. As JSwan has stated, it’s not just about the horses, it’s about hunting and hounds. While you don’t want random strangers showing up at the kennels unannounced, a planned visit opportunity could give you the chance to show “wannabees” about what makes this more than a fast trail ride

Just my two cents’ worth of ideas that might help me find out if I could hunt with you

[jawa]

Hunter paces, mock hunts, hunt sponsored trail rides, and introductory to hunting “classes” are great ways to grow your hunt.

Having “nannies” for new riders is great for newbies as long as the nannies epitomize what your hunt expects for manners, horsemanship, turnout, etc.

Encouraging your members to invite guests to hunt and to non hunting events. For a time it may mean being more flexible with the number of hunts you can cap per season and applying those caps to the hunt dues. Or it may mean that you reduce your cap fee for certain days to encourage people to give it a try.

Having flexible membership dues. Out of town membership, junior -only, young adult, family, single, senior, non voting, as many ways to include different people and different budgets the better for growth.

Having 3 flights to cater to those who can’t run and jump, but are still eager to be out and about enjoying horses, hounds, and other like minded folks.

[Beverley]

Speaking to the point about turnout expectations: I haven’t ever seen a hunt (even on the VA ‘snooty’ list) that didn’t cut slack on turnout requirements for someone trying out the sport. I’m aware of one VA hunt where ‘regulars’ do hunt in western saddles, and it does not at all affect the pack’s hunting abilities which is quite rightly their focus.

Nationally, I’ll have to say Arapahoe holds their own with any hunt as regards good turnout and good horsemanship. If you look at their bylaws, you will see that their ‘only’ attire requirements for newcomers wanting to cap and try things out are an approved helmet, and safe footwear e.g. boots with appropriate heels.

I know of a number of ‘cowboys’ who started hunting in their western attire at several different western hunts- guys who declared they would never, ever be caught dead or alive in those silly tight britches- and once hooked on the sport, came to the realization that the traditions and attire are part of the fun. Within a couple of years they are invariably at the top of the ‘correct turnout’ list.

As for the expense- if you break out ‘all’ the expenses associated with foxhunting, right down to the per mile towing costs including insurance, depreciation and etc, and compare that in terms of bang per buck per hour in the saddle, I think you will find that it is far more economical than just about any other horse activity I can think of (horse shows, eventing, etc). When you think of what you pay for eventing, for example, for the equivalent of about 30 minutes of ‘ride time’ per event- well it’s pretty steep!

On the other hand- the horse sport of your choice is all about having fun- so there are some of us who would go hungry to have a day with a good pack of hounds!

[WildBlue]

[QUOTE=JSwan;6850576]
No need to get so defensive, WildBlue. I was not referring to juniors, or your post, at all. Not one word of it. [/QUOTE]

In that case, mea culpa. Sorry! ETA: FWIW, I totally agree with your “taking umbrage” at the taxpayer money/closed comments. And I really don’t mean to get my hackles up, but some in the hunt community are, erm, a bit ignorant about other disciplines and maybe a bit too hung up on ‘looks’ to the detriment of what really matters–the hounds, the horses, the fixtures, and all the wonderful people who make the sport possible.

Katarine, it may shock you, but it’s generally accepted that jumping up to 3’ in a western saddle is NBD. Western horses don’t cross logs and ditches by teleporting. And, please, it’s as silly to assume all western riders are in neon and spangles as it is to assume all english riders enjoy those gaudy spandex riding tights. Trashy enjoys no discipline boundary.

For the rest, hunting remains one of the few riding disciplines where you really have to do it in order to see what it’s about. Most other disciplines, you can take lessons and observe competitions before having to be properly turned out. So why not acknowledge the obstacle to getting prospective members out for that first ride or two, and find a work-around (hopefully at a dedicated, informal hunt) that encourages juniors and their parents to make that financial commitment? I bought everything as cheaply/secondhand as I could, but still dropped nearly a grand on getting my horse and self turned out for hunting.

/hijack

[JSwan]

No worries, WildBlue. Everyone has had some great ideas on how to get folks interested in the sport. With kids and young adults, we have to work even harder. There are lots of things competing for their time and attention.

I’m planning a get together on my farm; it’s a ground school for Pony Club. They’ll be learning about conservation/land use. The kids don’t know it yet but they’ll have a surprise visit from a footpack. The Bassets are coming! The Master is happy to show off her hounds - and part of our conservation ground school will be about the contribution the hunting community makes to the preservation of open space. The hounds will steal the show of course. What I am hoping is to give the kids a positive view of conservation and of hunting, and their parents too.

You never know where it might lead. My niece started hunting with the footpack when she was three years old. She has her own junior membership now, she has her hunting license, and she loves hunting. I only wish she lived closer - she’d be a huntin’ fool with her own pony.

For the OP - good luck.

[HighFlyinBey1]

[QUOTE=TimelyImpulse;6851732]
One hunt sponsors a 3 session training program, where you are introduced to the concepts of hunting, have your tack checked for safety, and you and your horse are safely introduced to group riding. Emphasis on safety. There are also two groups-- newbie riders and/or green horses and then the more experienced. Jumping group and non-jumping group. It is a commitment, but it’s a big draw. Sessions are $45 each, but if you do all three, and you and your horse “pass”, then you get invited to go out with the hounds once with no cap at a special meet. The newbies get partnered with a hunt member.[/QUOTE]
I did this with TimelyImpulse and JSwan. My gelding and I had a blast! I was unable to do the first session (was out of state), so I couldn’t ride with the hounds. That turned out to be a blessing as I badly sprained my ankle just days before the ride. I couldn’t walk, much less ride :dead:

Everyone I met on those rides were kind, generous and helpful. Had I been able to actually hunt, they would have made sure I was appropriately turned out and understood the rules.

My biggest fear other than jumping things beyond my skill level? Inadvertently doing something that would embarrass my friends and/or anger the Master/staff.

While for various and sundry reasons, hunting isn’t something I’ll be able to do, I got my mojo back on those rides and Bailey figured out that he CAN jump :yes:

I wish I’d be able to do those rides again this coming summer, but I no longer have my own truck/trailer and my new barn is too far away. Those two days will remain among my happiest memories.

ETA:

Beverly wrote: I haven’t ever seen a hunt (even on the VA ‘snooty’ list) that didn’t cut slack on turnout requirements for someone trying out the sport.

I did the trail/training rides in my dressage saddle. Jumped, too I know I mortified JSwan by wearing jeans the first time, but I managed to stuff myself into breeches and half-chaps for the second ride.

[JSwan]

I was worried you were going to get rubs on the inside of your legs! :lol: I can’t claim to be snooty about turn out - some of my “attire” comes from Wal-Mart.

[HighFlyinBey1]

LOL! Yeah, that’s not where I got the rubs :uhoh:

At least your Walmart turnout is far more appropriate than a dressage saddle & jeans!

[MichMort]

Many of us members are very willing to “mentor” a potential hunter along, and there is a long-standing tradition of LENDING an item of apparel, plus simply welcoming anyone who makes an effort to respect the landowners and sport by capping in wearing anything close! A navy blazer? No problem! Half-chaps? Glad you are here! Dressage tack? Whatever keeps your horse comfortable and you safe! Square saddle pad? Well, if you end up joining, then when you replace that, you may want to consider going with a fitted one!

[Beverley]

[QUOTE=JSwan;6853102]
I was worried you were going to get rubs on the inside of your legs![/QUOTE]

I’ve lost track of how many times I’ve hunted in jeans, often 4+ hours. And a few times when everyone else was formally attired (and quite envious of a heavy parka on a cold day:)). Either wrapping with horse bandages or using the little slip on elastic ‘sleeves’ jocks often use for exercising race horses solves the problem.

[gumtree]

I am with Jswan and others of like mind.
Just don’t see what’s the big deal about having to keep with tradition. If a person just wants to ride around the countryside get a group of friends together and have it. The required “kit”, other then the horse, can be had for a few hundred dollars if one makes an effort. For kids and young adults and adults for that matter they will learn “life skills”.
Personally given the fact that the rules and regs the given norms of everyday life seem to change on a regular bases there is something comforting knowing that what I put on for a days hunting will be pretty much the same 5-10-20 years from now. As will hopefully the country side, the days chatter and the stories told at the end of the season. Because everything else will be very different.
Guys may b***h and moan about having to put on the “kit” the same as most do about having to wear a dinner jacket/tux. But I can tell you once donned most if not all secretly “dig” it. I love my cowboy boots but I really like the way I feel in my hunt boots. Kind of sets of the day.

A second for Hound walking. Being from the mid-Atlantic region all the hunts I am familiar with do this every summer. Just thought that was a given for most. A great way to introduce a horse and rider. Our hunt offers a subscription, not very expensive, for the summer and it is extremely popular. There is no dress code thought the vast majority turn out in boots and britches, paddock boots, half chaps. Horses are of course well turned but there is no code police. It makes the hunt quite a lot of money. Can’t tell you what it would translate into new membership because it is closed with a waiting list. Landowners of over 50 acres are given an “automatic”. There are hunter trials and a Point to Point, steeplechase race every year with net proceeds to the hunt.

[JSwan]

[QUOTE=Beverley;6853374]
. Either wrapping with horse bandages or using the little slip on elastic ‘sleeves’ jocks often use for exercising race horses solves the problem.[/QUOTE]

I ride in jeans in the summer and will use half chaps or the sleeves. They do solve the problem. But Bey didn’t have anything like that and I was just worried about her comfort. It was a hot day and we were all pretty grimy by the end of the ride.

Speaking of attracting new members - I’m pretty sure the COTH weekends have resulted in a few new foxhunters. And a small fundraiser for the clubs involved, as well as a good way to raise awareness of the sport. HR is hosting another one in a few weeks and I think it will be well attended.

[katarine]

[QUOTE=WildBlue;6852780]
In that case, mea culpa. Sorry! ETA: FWIW, I totally agree with your “taking umbrage” at the taxpayer money/closed comments. And I really don’t mean to get my hackles up, but some in the hunt community are, erm, a bit ignorant about other disciplines and maybe a bit too hung up on ‘looks’ to the detriment of what really matters–the hounds, the horses, the fixtures, and all the wonderful people who make the sport possible.

Katarine, it may shock you, but it’s generally accepted that jumping up to 3’ in a western saddle is NBD. Western horses don’t cross logs and ditches by teleporting. And, please, it’s as silly to assume all western riders are in neon and spangles as it is to assume all english riders enjoy those gaudy spandex riding tights. Trashy enjoys no discipline boundary.

For the rest, hunting remains one of the few riding disciplines where you really have to do it in order to see what it’s about. Most other disciplines, you can take lessons and observe competitions before having to be properly turned out. So why not acknowledge the obstacle to getting prospective members out for that first ride or two, and find a work-around (hopefully at a dedicated, informal hunt) that encourages juniors and their parents to make that financial commitment? I bought everything as cheaply/secondhand as I could, but still dropped nearly a grand on getting my horse and self turned out for hunting.

/hijack[/QUOTE]

Not shocked. I grew up in QH and Apps, doing WP, halter, barrels a little. Lots of little rinky dink shows and worked in a few ‘big barns’, too. I know how varied it is. And I know that even at a Saturday night open show, a collared shirt, scarf, and hat are required in WP. You can’t ride ‘english’ in a barrel class, or WP. You have to abide by the basics. And no, no in their right mind wants to jump three feet in a cutting saddle or a barrel saddle. I understand the mechanics of both disciplines and that equipment; a horn in the gut or a cantle cracking you in the butt over big fences is no way to live.

I went from western and clueless to dressagey and acceptably attired for about 1k. And KNEW going in that there’s a price of admission. In horses, that’s chump change and you know it. No one said anything in horses was possible in a Wal Mart budget. Again, turnout for a Saturday night western horse show, to be competitive? 1K. bottom end, and I think you know that.

[Tamara_in_TN]

the two hunts that have invited me were totally inviting and another friend Guillherme who posts here (who was busy today welcoming a new granddaughter out of state) have also had a great time with the local hunt

do “high hunting” days require some kinda expensive clothes ? sure they also have less formal days and walking behind and leading kids on ponies and sometimes carts…BUT they do (rightly so) require(hope) for a modicum of horse ability to go afield at speed…

that said I have heard the at the same woman comes each opening meet on her “fancy schmany” and after the photo op he manages to toss her off before the meet starts…

best
Tamara

[WildBlue]

Ah, COTH…

I was just surprised that my suggestion to relax turnout standards for a few, very specific recruitment-oriented events in order to cast a wider net seems to have caused some people to assume I’m advocating turning hundreds of years of tradition on its head.

My home hunt is much more concerned with turnout than it sounds like many of yours (a dressage saddle?! bite your tongue!), which can make taking the step from hunter paces to riding in a hunt less welcoming than it perhaps needs to be. Hunter paces are brilliant for drawing in a huge cross section of the riding public, but I think we are struggling a bit with using them for recruiting. <shrugs> So I thought I’d toss that out there in case anyone else is in a similar situation.