Hunts in Capital Region of NY?

[horsegal301]

Hi everyone,

After starting to ride aside, I really want to experience a hunter pace (excuse me if that’s not the correct thing to call it, I’m a complete newbie), but I’m wondering if any of you know of ones in the Capital Region around Albany?

I went to school in Cazenovia and know that they have the Limestone Creek Hunt, so if anyone’s a member, let me know! That’s the only Hunt I know of, and that’s still 2 hours from me.

Also, this might be a question for SSR because I know you’re on here - I only have a navy habit and it has a black velvet collar - would this be completely wrong and inappropriate? I think collars signify some part of colors, but not sure if black is under that coverage. Would I just have to find a black habit? If that’s the case, I better start saving up or learn how to sew!

Thank you all, and looking forward to seeing your responses

[wateryglen]

jmho!

Sorry, black velvet collars are the colors of the Loudoun Hunt and Loudoun Hunt West hunts here in Northern Virginia. And maybe some other hunts too.
Just have it removed by a tailor. Much cheaper.
OR…ask the host hunt if it’s ok to wear it anyway. Might not be an issue just for a hunter pace imho!

[Wheel_Whip]

Old Chatham Hunt is about 15 to 20 min southeast of Albany. Do you want to hunt or hunter pace?

[horsegal301]

[QUOTE=Wheel Whip;6155675]
Old Chatham Hunt is about 15 to 20 min southeast of Albany. Do you want to hunt or hunter pace?[/QUOTE]

Forgive me because I’m completely new to this and only just started looking around - what is the difference?

I knew there was something out towards the Chatham area, but couldn’t find it, so thank you! I know that non members can join on a hunt/hunter pace (since I don’t know the difference!) by paying a capping fee? I’m not sure if this is correct at all, but I’d love to be able to experience it. As far as joining the hunt, it’s a little out of my price range to apply for membership, so I think that possibly trying one or two might be best.

Any insight that you can give me is really appreciated, since I don’t know a darn thing embarrassed now

[Little_Valkyrie]

No need for embarrassment! Hunter paces are a a trail ride of sorts with a competitive slant that can be run a multitude of ways, but usually involve an optimum time and a set track. Anyone can participate and they are usually fund raisers for hunt clubs.

Hunting itself is when we take the hounds out in pursuit of something. Old Chatham allows guests and the capping fee varies by the time of the season, but be sure to call or email the hunt secretary before hand so we know you’re coming out! Its a great bunch of people following a fantastic pack of hounds, so you should certainly give it a try.

[horsegal301]

[QUOTE=Little Valkyrie;6157365]
No need for embarrassment! Hunter paces are a a trail ride of sorts with a competitive slant that can be run a multitude of ways, but usually involve an optimum time and a set track. Anyone can participate and they are usually fund raisers for hunt clubs.

Hunting itself is when we take the hounds out in pursuit of something. Old Chatham allows guests and the capping fee varies by the time of the season, but be sure to call or email the hunt secretary before hand so we know you’re coming out! Its a great bunch of people following a fantastic pack of hounds, so you should certainly give it a try.[/QUOTE]

Little Valk,

Do you belong to the Chatham Hunt? Because if you do, I’d love to find out more! I’d actually love to do both, but would definitely prefer to be a guest on a hunt instead! It’s definitely been something I always wanted to try, and now that I’ve started riding aside, that urge to want to try is growing absurdly large! :lol:

[ss3777]

Hey Horsegal,

You are in luck!!! OCH has a great “ramp up” for newbies. You can check us out on our trail rides (April through Oct). This is an informal opportunity to practice riding XC in a group. Step 2 would be “hound exercising” which allows you to confirm that your horse is fine with the “stars” of our show (generally open May -July). Step 3 would be our informal season (August-Sept), this allows you to pull it altogether and throw in the excitement of the thrill of the chase, complete with the horn music. PM me for more details. We are a very friendly group that is extremely fortunate to have a huntsman that his been with her hounds for 25 years!!! Our club is dependent on fundraisers and subscription fees to support our excellent hounds and paid staff so of course there is a reasonable fee attached to these activities! I hope to see you out there!!

[EmmyTheHemi]

Old Chatham

Yesssssss, Horsegal. Yesssss, come, my lovely, come to Chatham. Come join us… :yes:

Sidesaddle kit does have someplace to hang a flask, ummm, I mean sandwich case, I hope?

[Wheel_Whip]

OK, Horsegal, now you have awakened the rest of the pack(Little Val, Emmy and SS) and you have to come out with us! Besides, I want to see DD (Lil Val)turn green with envy when you ride aside.

[Hinderella]

This new adventure MUST be documented with pictures, please! Is this the CotH hunt for the great (not-so) white North?

[horsegal301]

[QUOTE=EmmyTheHemi;6158460]
Yesssssss, Horsegal. Yesssss, come, my lovely, come to Chatham. Come join us… :yes:

Sidesaddle kit does have someplace to hang a flask, ummm, I mean sandwich case, I hope?[/QUOTE]

Haha - I will certainly try! Looks like we’re still in the wrong part of the year, but hopefully I can get my lazy horse into shape by then. I would take my pony since she’s more athletic and can actually jump, but I’m not sure how well she’d do even though we do show regularly in the summer… Not that I’m dreaming of charging in with the first flight, but maybe the intro trail rides will be something we can try out to make sure she’ll be okay with everything and if not I’ll take the other! This makes me super excited to be around people who won’t stare and question I’m some courageous amputee trying to jump around with the regular astride riders :lol:

It does have a spot for the case - Here’s a pic I found for reference: http://www.draftymanor.com/newsidesaddle/saddle01.jpg

I don’t have one now, the hard part is trying to find one that isn’t outrageously expensive with the tin case and glass for certain drinks in it. When I have to choose between that and student loan payments, unfortunately the latter wins. But we’re definitely working on that!

Will there be sign up forms and fees for the trail rides or is that something I’d have to apply for membership for?

[ss3777]

[QUOTE=horsegal301;6159025]

Will there be sign up forms and fees for the trail rides or is that something I’d have to apply for membership for?[/QUOTE]

Just keep an eye on our website and it will be updated in March with the trail ride dates. We try to do one a month, on Sundays from April -Oct, weather dependent. Very simple registration…send me an e-mail with a group request (walk trot or w-t-c) and what item you are bringing for the picnic after the ride. Members are free and non-members are charged a very low rate, usually around 20.00 for adults, $5.00 for juniors. I hope you can join us!!!

Cheers!

[Wheel_Whip]

Honest, Horsegal, we are a very user-friendly bunch. Old Chatham is what a hunt should be. Great hounds, amazing huntsman, beautiful country, good company, tasty food and drink! Horses and riders of every shape. Any problems? PM any one of us.

[Wheel_Whip]

Oh, by the way, Hinderella, we do have members from CT!

[Hinderella]

I still have my training wheels on, and I still have my doubts about whether my pony will ever really be the right mount for me in the hunt field. But when I’m ready, I would certainly take a trip to Old Chatham!

[Linny]

OCH usually puts up posters at the local tack shops (Bewley’s in Guilderland, Rider’s Crossing in Vischer Ferry) about upcoming events. Look for them if you shop either location.
Though I am not a member, I know a few of the OCH gang and they are very nice and welcoming. Their trail ride series is reputed to be a blast.

[EmmyTheHemi]

Cheshire Horse in Saratoga, too, if your tack shopping takes you north.

Or, as WW said, PM any of the OCHC CoTH pack any time with questions. We don’t bite. Much…

[SomedaySoon]

Hi, I don’t mean to hijack this thread, but I’m in the OCH area as well, and would love to try hunting. I’m a “re-rider” and have been taking lessons again for almost a year. I’m starting to feel comfortable enough to think about hunting and would love to do the trail series to get more experience and to get to know the OCH people. I’m also interested in doing hound walks (on foot) to learn that aspect, if that is an option.

The problem–I don’t own a horse (yet). There is one horse where I ride that could be appropriate, but I’d have to pay my trainer to rent him and trailer him (I’m 30-40 minuted from Old Chatham), and I’d have to pay her for her time as well, so the cost to use him would be prohibitive. So far no one else at the barn is interested in going. Is there anyone in OCH that has a hunt horse that needs free exercise? :winkgrin: Or that can be borrowed/rented, maybe eventually leased? Is this something that is done? Thanks!

[EmmyTheHemi]

Hijack accepted

30-40 minutes from OC in which direction, Someday? There may be folks you can hitch a ride with.

[ss3777]

new resource

Hi all,

Great new resource for all of us in the NY/New England area:

http://www.findahunterpace.com/