I want to try out hunting with my OTTB eventer at my local hunt club. I was wondering where would be a good place to start, should I start out take lessons for a while, then what type of hunt would be good to start at?
A local eventing barn holds a mock fox hunt every year, so I think I will give that a shot.
Many hunts offer trail rides in the summer, this is an excellent opportunity to get your horse out moving with a large group sans hounds.
And even greater opportunity is to attend a fox hunting clinic–which area are you in? We may be able to suggest a hunt who offers this (even if it’s not your local club).
Another suggestion is to ride a made hunt horse FIRST, before taking your newbie out! This is a great way to learn yourself about the sport without worrying too much about your own horse’s manners! Though not many places specifically offer hirelings for such purpose, generally a call to your hunt secretary can open a few opportunities for something like this (depending on your riding ability of course).
Thanks, those are all great ideas! I’m in Michigan, my local hunt club is Waterloo hunt club. I have never heard of any hunt clinics, but maybe I’ll look into that. I’m not sure if I’ll have time or if my hunt club even offers trail rides, but that would be good for my pony. And I really like the idea of riding an experienced hunt horse, that could introduce me to it so I can lead my pony better.
Thanks!
There is also a hunt club a couple hours away where I event at called metamora hunt club.
I just went on my first trail ride with the Waterloo Hunt Club last Sunday! The people I met were really nice, and they accommodated my scaredy-cat riding. Neither I nor my horse have ever hunted before, and my boy was sooo good! I was told that they have 3 or 4 different fields that go, according to how fast you want to go or how much you want to jump. PM me and I will forward you the email of my contact person. We can buddy up as newbies!
