I joined Bellwood Hunt on New Years Day and we haven’t hunted since. Just my luck.
They aren’t even bothering with a fixture card for Feb due to the weather.
They are doing hound walking tomorrow and all members are welcome.
I have never gone hound walking. Any thoughts or recommendations on things I should know?
Consider what field you ride in, unlike hunting our hound walks are not divided into separate fields and we do little to no walking either. Almost all our hound walks are either brisk trotting or canter work. If you and your horse go second or first field you should be fine. If you are a third field rider you might want to go with a buddy who will hang back with you if things get too hairy for you or your horse. Your hunt may be different, but that’s how our hound walks go…
This is hound walking without the horses. Nobody can get their trailers out due to the ice.
Dress warmly, but be able to help with a wandering hound (so you may have to move quickly). We walk our hounds out to give them a bit of a stretch and change of scenery from the kennels. They should not run on anything and walk out in a pack. It’s good fun to see them play in the snow. Sounds like ice is your enemy. Be careful! Let us know how it went.
Due to family obligations I got there late enough that I missed going out walking with the main pack. I did get to go out for about 45 minutes with the 3 puppies.
The house dog, Middleton, who is a big yellow lab goes out with the puppies. He helps keep them in line. It was a nice walk through the farm. Only a few members came. This is a pretty small hunt.
We had fun. I have muddy puppy prints all over my vest. These puppies are the K litter- so there is Kibbles, Knockout and Ker-plop.
Sounds like fun! Glad you had a nice time.
Go, go, goooo!!
Walking out foxhounds is always fun but exhausting for us old chicks! I always have trouble keeping up! :winkgrin: But it’s terrific for the mid winter doldrums. Hounds are always so happy to be free from prison and hop around like bunnies! Invigorates you! Fabulous excercise. Gets you your Vitamin D for the day! :winkgrin: It’s all good! We should all go more often!
Carry a whip to use as an arm extension but only if your hunt staff allows you to. Ask first. I like a hiking stick to use for myself and to use to block a hound sometimes. Wear good waterproof, warm shoes like hiking boots. Wear stuff that can get dirty and washes well. Smile a lot and enjoy getting out!!
Slip n’ Slide
Walking hounds is great fun and each winter I promise myself that I will get out with them more often.
We are closed down due to ice and a foot of snow on the ground, so I feel your pain. Our hound walks are usually at a good pace in hilly country, so being too warm is usually the only weather related problem.
It does get slippery out there. You might want to consider getting a pair of Yak Traks to add to your foot wear. They are available from Cabelas and Dicks Sporting Goods.
Have fun!
