Hunting - what do you wish you had known?

[Skyedragon]

What are some things that you had wish you had known going out on your first hunt?

Hunting has always been something that I wanted to try and I think I am finally going to make it happen this fall. There is a hunt club not even 30 minutes from my house and they are pretty active.

I have read up on their rules, and have read a lot of the threads on here too. However, I am still feeling very apprehensive, and it is still months away! :lol:

My horse is a brilliant jumper, and is use to w/t/c out on trails with horses he doesn’t know. I think we also have an advantage in that where we board use to rescue dogs. The dogs that were not adoptable are still housed in kennals next to the barn. He is use to dogs howling and barking constantly.

What are some things to help prepare us for this adventure?

[Huntin_Pony]

The list is too long to type, but here are a few of the highlights -

Get in touch with the hunt NOW and see if there’s someone who will take you under their wing. A knowledgeable “buddy” is worth more than anything. (S)he can fill you in on all of the hunt-specific information such as pre-season schooling options, appropriate clothing at different times of year, which meets are “friendliest” for greenies, etc.

STRONGLY consider leasing a horse for your first hunt or two. If you and your horse are both completely inexperienced, you won’t be able to help your horse and he deserves your help.

When you do take your horse out, plan to go with the slowest non-jumping field the first several times. If he is totally chill after three times out, then consider moving up.

Barking dogs and friendly dogs “underfoot” at home are great, but horses can tell the difference between barking and the sound of hounds on a line (and so can a person). There’s something primal about the sound of hounds running a line and both you and your horse will likely feel the energy of the hunt differently than you have felt other exciting situations. Be prepared for anything - this is why it’s very helpful to have an experienced buddy alongside!

It’s addictive - but I think you already know that in some abstract way, don’t you?

Have fun.

[UlysMom]

Is this the paint with the lameness problems at the lope? Has he resolved those issues? Hoping he is much improved.

[FitToBeTied]

The hounds don’t stay together. You get stray ones that pop up out of nowhere including under your horse.

Adrenaline is real big in the hunt field and it will include your horse.

[jawa]

Huntin Pony has some great advice.

Going on a leased horse that is experienced with someone who knows your riding ability and willing to take you in when you’ve had enough are great ways to start.

Things you can practice before taking your horse.

1. Being able to get off the trail and into the woods (from any gait) with your horses head facing the trail.
2. Having your horse stand in this position quietly and if necessary allowing other horses to move along the trail while you stay off it.
3. Being able to walk, trot, canter or gallop and then stop and stand for several minutes with a loose rein.
4. Not throw a fit if passed by others. Ex. A staff member needing to get ahead of hounds.
5. You being ok with riding at someone else’s pace. Whether that is slower or faster than you and your horse normally ride. Some hunt days are slow due to scenting conditions and others are blazing fast.
6. Make sure that your horse is fit enough, but not over fit. And be ready to go in if you or your horse need to. It may be in the middle of a blazing run, but better to be able to hunt another day than not.

Check to see if your local hunt, or another hunt nearby as a fox hunting camp for newbies. This is a great way to introduce both new horses and riders to the sport.

[WildBlue]

I totally agree with the recommendation to find an experienced mentor ASAP and be sure to ride with that person enough to gauge how their version of ‘easy’ (or any other term) corresponds to YOUR idea of same. He or she can help you select days/fixtures and maybe even huntsmen that are more likely to give a better green horse hunt (or, at least, avoid the ones most likely to stress out a new horse).

Two things I did not expect from verbal descriptions: The length of some checks and how much and how quickly the pace can vary. Some huntsmen have longer and more frequent checks than others as a general rule and, during cubbing season, you can expect more checks and general disorganization as new pups are learning the ropes. I’ve literally had to go from canter to halt and sit, nose to tail on a tight trail, for 15-20 minutes, with lots of gunfire near at hand, repeatedly through the entire hunt. Even experienced horses were getting mad at the stop-and-go, and now I know to avoid that particular huntsman when I have a newer horse and to practice long checks on my own as part of training.

The other surprise was the sudden stops for checks and footing. For example, second field being described as “mostly keeping up with the huntsman, but slowing for particularly dangerous footing” actually meant that frequently the field would be at a brisk trot or canter, slam to a halt as the field master picked his way through, and then whiplash like a slinky as he took off again on the other side and half the field tried to bolt through the bad section to catch up. Now I know to watch well ahead for someone slowing and to practice, practice, practice being left behind calmly, so we can pick our way through dangerous spots or set up properly for jumps without my horse’s attention being on the others instead of his or her feet.

When they say to carry a whip even if you don’t normally need one, they’re not joking. It’s amazing how many horses refuse to move when the call comes to “make way”. That’s one of the times you absolutely must motivate your horse to move its feet and get its butt away from the oncoming staff member. You will also be expected to use it–hard and immediately–if your horse kicks at or even threatens to kick a hound or other horse. Of all the places you can screw up on the hunt field and not be wanted back, this might be the most serious.

[TalkIsCheap]

I agree that you should probably go out on a staff horse the first time…OR start cubbing/roading with the hounds with your horse. Brilliant jump or not, it’s a different energy out in the hunt field than in the show ring or on the trail, or galloping cross country with a few barn mates.

Hounds, horns, whips, pistols & the shouts of the Master and the Staff are all new, exciting sounds. Add in a crisp fall morning and BAM! You could possibly be ping-ponging your normally sane trail/show horse off of trees and other hunt members.

[Ridingstar]

[QUOTE=WildBlue;7044276]

When they say to carry a whip even if you don’t normally need one, they’re not joking. It’s amazing how many horses refuse to move when the call comes to “make way”. That’s one of the times you absolutely must motivate your horse to move its feet and get its butt away from the oncoming staff member. You will also be expected to use it–hard and immediately–if your horse kicks at or even threatens to kick a hound or other horse. Of all the places you can screw up on the hunt field and not be wanted back, this might be the most serious.[/QUOTE]

Absolutely. In any hunt kicking is about the most serious misdemeanor and should invariably be followed with several good hard whacks with the whip.

[Skyedragon]

Leasing a seasoned hunt horse isn’t really an option. I can only have one horse at a time.

He is pretty good about stop and go, and slamming on the brakes when needed. We tend to do a lot of walk to canter back down to walk or complete stop out on the trails. I know they have at one beginner/new members hunt in the fall. I will see what else they might offer. I am hoping to get out and school their xc course at least once this year. Plus, seems like whenever I have been out there their hounds have been barking/howling.

On a side note, has anybody ever hunted with a gaited horse? Do hunts usually allow them, or more frown on them? A friend of mine wants to try it with me too, but all she has is gaited horses.

[nickers1]

A few things I learned…

you will be excited, but useless chatter in the field is frowned upon

don’t stand too close to the hound truck when the door opens :eek::lol:

make sure you have the right shoes on your horse for the conditions, ice or hard roads

Have fun and enjoy the excitement!

[Huntin_Pony]

Skyedragon:

You said, “Leasing a seasoned hunt horse isn’t really an option. I can only have one horse at a time.”

At many hunts, there are people who can provide horses to riders for ONE HUNT AT A TIME. These horses are often referred to as “Hirelings,” and are very good at their jobs. Of course, you need to get a good reference to a person who provides nice horses. This is one of the things that a friendly hunt member can tell you.

I promise that if there’s a good hunt-horse provider around, it will be worthwhile for you to spend the extra money at least the first time. See what you can find out from the hunt.

[WildBlue]

The gaited question is something to ask your local hunt. IME, many hunts don’t care if you’re on a spotted hippopotamus if it’s mannerly in the hunt field. Also, all the gaited horses I’ve ridden can canter and jump just like a ‘regular’ horse, so NBD.

[GreyDes]

I hilltopped my husband’s TWH when my Arab needed some time off. The hunt was fine with it, but I found it challenging to stay at an appropriate pace within the group. Canter and walk were fine, but when the hilltop field trotted, I was kept having to adjust my speed, because he wasn’t naturally going at the same rate as everyone else.

A small word of caution - this horse was a solid trail horse who had been around dogs a lot, so I thought he’d be fine with the hounds. Not quite - the hounds came off the truck, and he did a little rear/spin.

I think everyone else who’s posted to this thread has made the same point - your horse won’t be the same at the first hunt as they are at home. The good news is that most horses will eventually settle in, but it may take a while

The three other things I wish I’d known:

1. To bit up for the first hunt! (And maybe every hunt…). I assumed because my guy went XC in a snaffle, he’d be fine. I had no brakes the first time I went with second field!
2. How wound up horses can get even in the hilltop group.
3. Not to expect to jump the first time I rode with second field. That’s our pick and choose field, and you stay at the back if you’re gapping (going around the fences). We were in a fixture where we’d hunter paced, and we had jumped most of the fences previously, so I thought we’d be fine in the middle of the group. My guy was pretty wound up, and I learned how little steering I had when the horse in front of us ducked out, and my guy followed him around the fence. Since you can’t school on a hunt, I ended up moving to back of the group, and gapping for the rest of the day.

[mvp]

[QUOTE=GreyDes;7045727]

1. To bit up for the first hunt! (And maybe every hunt…). I assumed because my guy went XC in a snaffle, he’d be fine. I had no brakes the first time I went with second field![/QUOTE]

And how to choose that bit. If you ride in a D-ring or full cheek, a loose-ring version of the same mouth-piece and some tactful riding with that less stable bit might be the key to a pleasant day.

Also, know that you need to have enough fitness.

[WildBlue]

I find that not being able to school in the hunt field is the toughest part. It’s very difficult to create the same conditions outside of hunting, but you can’t school while hunting. Fortunately, most horses figure things out with enough repetition. The trick is not being “that guy” in the meantime.

Also, don’t expect the learning curve to be linear. Some horses get more difficult after a couple hunts when they think they have it all figured out and don’t need to listen to you anymore.

[jawa]

It is worth it to hire a horse for 1-2 hunts.

If possible become involved with the hunt NOW. Many hunts have organized trail rides or would allow you to walk out hounds, or to work on trail clearing or helping to panel the hunt country. These are things that will give you contact with the core of the hunt. After meeting, getting to know and forming relationships with these folks you may find someone is willing to lend you a horse for a hunt or two and to be your “nanny” for the first part (or all of) a season.

Having your horse hear “dogs” barking behind an enclosure is NOT the same as hounds baying/howling, “speaking” on a line. Especially when they are in full cry and you are galloping along. It will get your adrenaline going, and your horses as well.

If the only way you are able to try hunting is on your own horse, I would highly recommend going out with a current hunt member and their horse several times prior to hunting. I have found that if the new horse has a horse they know and trust your horse will at least have one comfort zone in the hunt field.

Everyone here wants you to have the best first experience you can. We’d hate to lose you before you had a chance to see how great it is. Also its very easy to give your horse a bad first experience and make it so that even if you do love hunting, you can’t take your horse because he cant get over the hump.

Hunting is amazing even on a slow day. Whether its the amazing display of colors in the maple leaves that are “littering” the trail, or the large flock of trumpeter swans flying overhead that we could hear calling long before we could see them, or the amazing vistas that you would never have seen otherwise, and the amazing people that make up a hunt.

And of course hunting is amazing on a good day! Watching hounds do what they were breed to do, and to see how hounds work and to see how the quarry trys (and almost always) foils the hounds is wonderful.

We want you to drink the “Kool-Aid” and be hooked. The more the merrier.

Wishing you “Happy Hunting” in your near future.

[gumtree]

IMO the most important skill one needs when out hunting be it the first time or not is being a competent rider. You don’t have to be the best rider, you don’t have to be the prettiest rider, you don’t have to have the best jumper nor the best mannered horse. But you must be competent in handling your horse when it acts up or you get in tight or any number of challenging situations. Knowing when to call it a day. Using good judgment goes along way for a newbie. Keep your wits about you and don’t get easily frazzled. As the saying goes, never let em see you sweat even if you need a change of underwear after a long eventful run. Don’t worry too much if you horse doesn’t stand quietly at checks. A lot don’t even the best of them. It’s more about how you handle the situation. Just move away to your own spot but not to far from the field you never know how they are working the fox until you get a lot of experience and you don’t want to cross a possible line or turn the fox.
As others have said hooking up with a mentor makes it much more comfortable for a newbie.
As to your horse. As others have said just because a horse is cool with a few dogs around them at the farm or out in a field or on a trail ride it is an entirely different situation with 20-50 other horses, and a large pack of hounds coming straight at your horse and then suddenly fanning out around your horse like a flock of birds in the sky. We start our horses with hound walking in late June and if they are good with that then cubbing. All of them are given an appropriate dose of Ace for the horse. Its good for the horse and good for the rider. Anyone that tells you any differently doesn’t know what they are talking about. I don’t care who they are. Of course you don’t want to make them legless. You should know the appropriate dose for your horse. Anyone that owns a horse should. Depending on the horse many a top experienced hunter carries a dose with them in case of need. Just lean over and hit them in the shoulder. I don’t give a rats behind what the purest say. Ace is one of the best training aids that is completely misunderstood by most. I am not ashamed to say it. If your hunt does not offer introduction by means of hound walking and cubbing you would be crazy not to give an appropriate dose before heading out. It keeps them level headed and by the time it wares off there is a good chance they will be in a reasonable “grove” and you and the horse may have a very pleasant day.
We hunt with one of the oldest hunts in the country over very stout country. When we go to Maryland and Virginia the same. Yes there is some pomp and ceremony, there are some snobs, though I have found most snobs are “all hat, no cattle”. But for the most part none lean to much on the BS. But we are very respectful of tradition. We know everyone one has to start from the beginning both horse and rider. We also know that most out in the field don’t have pocket full’s of money to buy the best horse the best tack, clothing etc. But if you are competent on a green horse, know you place in the pecking order you will be cut a lot of slack and welcomed back. If not you better be a large land owner. Like most new things it can be a bit nerve racking at first but given time it will become second nature and most enjoyable. Even when your horse is in being a jerk. Even the best have off days.
As always to each their own. This is based on my experience in my neck of the woods. Believe what you want throw out what you don’t.

[Martha_Drum]

[QUOTE=jawa;7046179]
Hunting is amazing even on a slow day. Whether its the amazing display of colors in the maple leaves that are “littering” the trail, or the large flock of trumpeter swans flying overhead that we could hear calling long before we could see them, or the amazing vistas that you would never have seen otherwise, and the amazing people that make up a hunt.

And of course hunting is amazing on a good day! Watching hounds do what they were breed to do, and to see how hounds work and to see how the quarry trys (and almost always) foils the hounds is wonderful.[/QUOTE]

So well said.

[Martha_Drum]

All of them are given an appropriate dose of Ace for the horse. Its good for the horse and good for the rider. Anyone that tells you any differently doesn’t know what they are talking about.

OP, per this indvidual, I don’t know what I’m talking about – but I have started several horses and ponies in their hunting careers without Acepromazine :winkgrin: But as she said, “to each their own” [sic]: I’ll respectfully accept her choice to use it, appropriately and when necessary, for her horses. You know your horse best.

That said, do consider leasing an experienced horse, just for that day, for your first time out. Most of all, it will help you feel the next time (perhaps on your own horse), that you will be able to help him figure it out, rather than being a first-timer too.

Welcome! Have fun!

[Hinderella]

I wish I knew how completely it would change my life, and the way I approach anything at all that I do with my horses. I’m still a rank beginner in the hunt field, and have only ridden made hunt horses (thank you, Hunter’s Rest). But now, every single time I work with my pony, I’m thinking about how the skill we’re practicing would apply to hunting.
If I had known what an amazing experience hunting would be, I would have done it sooner!