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Hunter Paces... (and links for ones to go to!!!) - *UPDATE*

Hunting
#1

I don’t think I’ve never posted over here…I feel lost :uhoh::winkgrin: My trainer tried to get me to go to a Hunter Pace last year however it ended up not working out. The same pace has come up again and since my horse is even better than last year she thinks I should go…end of story.

Ultimately it’s up to me of course but before I decide I figured I’d ask for an overview of what to expect. We are permitted to walk the whole way which is what I’ll do if I go - I’ve never done one and my horse has never been on a big “trail ride” :wink: before.

I know I’ll dress like I’m riding at a hunter show but beyond that what really happens out there? I think I want to go–especially since I can walk the whole thing–so please fill me in; I don’t want to make a fool out of myself!! :smiley:

Thanks!!

#2

Well, it may be different in your part of the country- where ever that may be… but the paces I have done are way more laid back than dressing like a hunter show. Actually have never seen anyone dressed up- safety vests and schooling clothing are the average wear…I just did one last week-end put on by a pony club, the day before a couple pony clubbers would ride the course, time themselves- and whoever made about the same time would be declared the “winners”. Of course you never know if the walked trotted or cantered so never know what the time might be. Winning isn’t why people go- its the chance to ride a trail/course with jumps that you can take or not- or jump one over and over to school, and just enjoy horse time. Totally fun, and stress free- I say go and have a great horse day!

#3

On our hunter paces, they are about 10 miles, fences are optional and you may walk, trot or canter as you please. Dress is casual (we wear polo shirts). They are a lot of fun and low stress.

#4

I’ve never had to wear hunter type clothing before either. I usually wear conservative attire (not bright XC colors :)).

The past couple hunter paces I’ve gone on were only about 4-5 miles and lots of inviting jumps (mostly optional) and walk/trot/canter.

As mentioned, it’s not so much about winning as just having a good time!! Have a blast - tail gate some - It’s a fun time.

#5

Hmmm. If I can wear a polo instead of my coat and shirt that’d be great! Pix I’ve seen from this pace have everyone in coats though. Maybe they only show pictures of the dressed ones to make it look nicer??!! :winkgrin: I’d prefer my jeans and half chaps but I will wear whatever everyone else wears so I blend in!

I’m not out to win anything - maybe I can think about that next year if I make it through this one!

Everyone says it’s fun and the food at the end is yummy so I guess I’ll just go and see what happens! :smiley:

Thanks guys!

#6

To give you an idea of what a hunter pace is like in our area, here’s some photos taken by the event photographer of a hunter pace I did with my OTTB mare a couple of weeks ago. As you can see the clothing choices are varied. I rode in jeans, half chaps and a comfy, but nice, shirt. At least with the hunter paces here there are various divisions you can choose from. One group is required to jump all the jumps and travel at a faster pace. The next division (hilltoppers) travels at the jumping pace, but you can pick and choose what jumps you do or do not go over. Then there are the trail riders, who have a more leisurely pace. Many in that divison mainly walk and trot. I find it a lovely way to spend an afternoon with my horse and friends. FYI, at least with our hunter paces, you are required to have at least a group of two for safety reasons. We usually try to pair up within the barn, but it’s usually easier if you find a buddy beforehand then try to find someone at the pace.

Photos

PS: In case you are interested, the second and third photos on page 8 of that link are my mare and I. There are other photos throughout of us as well.

#7

Oooo!!! They’re so fun! I went on my first one this summer, and it was a blast. I posted a thread and got some good replies. http://chronicleforums.com/Forum/showthread.php?t=161157

I hope you go because they are loads of fun!! :slight_smile:

#8

Thanks for your thread link Tuckertoo! I’m kinda getting excited now. A nervous excited but excited none the less!:smiley:

I will be soooo much happier if I can ride like you smid2! I live for my jeans and spending a couple hours in the saddle only seems fun if I’m in them (goes back to my first job as trail guide at a public riding facility I think :wink: ). Regardless, I’m comfortable riding in whatever so I’ll wear what the lady I’ll be going with is wearing (fingers crossed it’s at least a polo with breeches if not jeans and half chaps :cool: :winkgrin:)

I now have a much better idea of what to expect. I hope to be able to report back next month after having a fabulous time! Not 100% sure I’m going yet–have to make sure there is still room for me in the trailer first–but beyond that I hope to go and find my pony really enjoys at least walking around out there!! Thanks for all your input!!:slight_smile:

#9

Would this be a good place to suggest that people could come out to the CANTER New England Benefit Hunter Pace at King Oak Farm, Mass. this Sunday?

Details here: http://www.canterusa.org/newengland/hunterpace.htm

Looks like fun and benefitting a great cause.

#10

Hunter paces are one of the highlights of my riding! Jackie @ Stone Gate explains a hunter pace well:

http://www.stonegatefarm.org/hunterpaces/index.htm

We have riders riding in endurance and Western saddles as well as the traditional hunt saddle. Helmets and hard soled boots are the only clothing requirements. We have three divisions: jumping, hill toppers (jumps optional but pace is brisk), and trail riders (more leisurely pace) with 2-3 riders in a group and groups leaving the starting location about every three minutes.

Don’t miss out! It’s a blast! :slight_smile:

#11

Our paces are always in neat casual attire. You may “plan” to walk the whole way, but once you settle in and relax you may end up doing a bit of trot and canter as your horse relaxes. There is no winning strategy, but the pace is supposed to be similar to an actual fox hunting pace including checks, walking, trotting and hand galloping. You’ll be hooked…then hunting comes next!!! Enjoy!!

#12

What is the best way to find out about upcoming Hunter Paces?

#13

I would find a Chronicle Hunt Roster issue and search for hunts within your travel radius, then call the hunt secretaries of each hunt and ask if they have HP’s scheduled.

#14

pace in MA

Yes, that would be a good pace but it’s a very short ride. I think the spring ride was time at about 45 minutes (makes sense with a 4-5 mile course). I know many go for the social aspect and to raise money for CANTER .

I like that most of the fall paces have a bit more mileage than that. Most seem to be 7-9 miles this time of year in the ma/ri/ct area.

Hunt sponsored paces are almost done as they move into fall and hunting season. However, here’s what’s on the sites now…

onbh : 10/5 (Ray should be posting any minute now :slight_smile:
Guilford Hounds: 10/11 (I think that’ s right-double check dates as not all info was utd)
Nashoba : 10/19 (fun pace, very nice country- a big variety of jumps for all levels)
Myopia: usually the first weekend in Nov (I’ve died and gone to heaven hunt country :slight_smile:

#15

2tbs…what hunter pace is it?

and when? I had a friend who did the Sewickley Hunter pace last year…she had a blast! I have been wanting to go to one for a while now…but have not found the opportunity…since I am in your next of the woods (sort of) I am interested in which one you are doing…you can pm me if you prefer :slight_smile:

#16

Don’t forget the Pomfret Hunter pace on 10/11. I am hoping to make it up to Myopia for their pace, it’s a haul from down here in CT but I keep hearing it is soooooo worth it!

I did the King Oak pace in the spring. It IS very short but they allow you to do two runs if you so please. We still had a blast and used the pace as a XC schooling opportunity and were out for 2 hours:D

#17

You know…I have no idea :eek::lol: I think it’s Sewickley and I think it’s on the 5th. I almost went last year but things didn’t work out. It was about this time last year so I’m willing to bet it’s the same one. I honestly didn’t ask though! It was more “there’s a spot on the trailer; I think you should go” and I sorta went “um, ok?” :winkgrin:

I should know tomorrow if I’m going or not. I will get all the details and PM you once I talk to my trailer driver :winkgrin:

#18

ONBH pace 10/5 Carlisle MA (metrowest)

[QUOTE=promlightshine;3540237]
…
Hunt sponsored paces are almost done as they move into fall and hunting season. However, here’s what’s on the sites now…

onbh : 10/5 (Ray should be posting any minute now :slight_smile:
Guilford Hounds: 10/11 (I think that’ s right-double check dates as not all info was utd)
Nashoba : 10/19 (fun pace, very nice country- a big variety of jumps for all levels)
Myopia: usually the first weekend in Nov (I’ve died and gone to heaven hunt country :)[/QUOTE]

Prom, I am slipping!
www.onbh.org/onbhhunterpaces.htm
The ONBH 2008 Fall Hunter Pace will be on Sunday, October 5 at Great Brook Farm State Park, Carlisle, Massachusetts.

Teams of 2 to 3 riders will ride the park trails and compete in three divisions - Fences, Flats, and Leisure. Trails are well-marked, and the emphasis is on fun.

For more information, call Meta Greenberg at (617) 332-9265 or email her at meta@comcast.net.

proceeds benefit our hounds.

#19

I updated my title so anyone looking for Hunter Paces might stop by and take a look at the ones you guys have listed :smiley:

#20

Great idea, 2 tbs! Here’s a link to dates for Eastern Ohio/Western PA hunter paces:

http://www.minitrialseries.org/index_hp.htm

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