Hunter Trials and Hunter Paces/horse that hates other horses running up her butt

[EquestrianRunner]

Does anyone besides me love hunter paces more than actually hunting because you can pick your own pace? I love hunting but I hate having to gallop through marshy land and I’m worried my horse is going to pull a suspensory (and since shes not actually mine, I’m just borrowing her that would be really bad!). I am new to hunting (only gone on a handfull of hunts) and loved them but am always worried about the footing–so my solution is to do hunter paces and hunter trials.

Am I just paranoid or is my concern about injury legit? What do you do?

What do I do about my mare who HATES when other horses run up her butt? Do I just do a red ribbon or is she just not going to be a foxhunter?

this is my first time posting so I hope it works!!! Thanks and happy new year

[redcashlin]

I would guess you are “just not that into it” yet…
I remember feeling concern over what I was putting my horse through but then he survived, I survived and the hot house flower withered away and I realized it wasn’t so bad after all. Not to say I don’t take the safety factor into consideration at all times but I think your tolerance escalates with experience. If you take care and prep your horse, not overface him and follow those gut feelings you’ll be okay. On the other note, if you have a mare and she is wary about horses running up on her, take your time and have a trusted buddy guard her rear until she is comfortable.

[pleasantmeadowfarm]

I wholeheartedly concur with Redcashlin!

Well said. I’ve gone through the same array of questions/fears just this season. Give it time, have patience, and trust in the hunt members guidance - you will prevail. Before participating in the hunt clinic this summer, my mare would spook walking from stall to paddock. For three years we never left the ring, except to compete in dressage… I was wreck, my horse was equally nervous, and we both made it through and now stand quietly at checks and I have full confidence in both our abilities to handle trappy terrain, in balance. Once you relax your horse should too. Take your time, deep breathing through the experience and appreciate your surroundings!

[jawa]

If you have a friend who already has a trustworthy hunt mount that is willing to ride behind you that would be the way I would go. Running up someone’s but is bad form in the hunt field. On another note, if you are worried about someone running up your butt, your horse will doubly worry. If it is a problem at the next hunt with a particular horse, place yourself somewhere else, or if you have to hunt in front of them, give far warning at the beginning of the meet that my horse is new to the sport and “I’m not sure how she/he’ll behave with close quarters.” You could also ask if the person behind wants to pass, or just go to the back of the field.

Practicing at home on trails with friends is great during the season and off season. Holding back, catching up, leap frogging, and u-turns practice can help you know what to expect from your mount and what works to counter act or to teach your mount that this is what happens in the world…get over it.

[EquestrianRunner]

thank you all so much!!! i will deffinatly put all of your suggestions to use next time i ride!