A friend called me up a few weeks ago and asked if I wanted to go on a hunt. I kind of laughed, but then stopped as she was apparently being serious. News to me - I had no idea there were real hunts around here!
So I asked her what was involved. She said as a “guest” you can go second flight (or whatever its called, sorry, my hunt terminology is still quite random!). She said mostly walking/trotting, some cantering and jumps are optional.
OK, so I look at my trusty saint of a Thoroughbred who is a show hunter drop out, and figured, why not - lets go on a hunt!
So dressed to the nines in my black jacket, ratcatcher, stock tie etc. I hop on my fuzzy beast and start walking into the crowd (small crowd of about 20 horses). They instantly tried to get me and my friends drunk with countless glasses of Port. Kindly declining was not an option… so with feeling all tipsy and warm in the belly, the group of us headed down the road at a nice walk. We turn into the field…
THEN A FLAT OUT GALLOP… dear god, fuzzy thoroughbred has maybe done three laps at the canter of the indoor arena since summer. Ok, so coming to a forest enterance, figured we wold be slowing to a walk…no…we…still…gallop…
Finally, at the top of the mountain (ok, hill, but it felt like a freaking mountain) we hear HARK!!! I figured that one out. Silence… well, except for the panting coming from my horse. Then the howling of the dogs, and off we went again. Thankfully just trotting down the 90 degree hill.
So winding through the forests and fields, crossing rivers (who knew little TB liked to swim), and jumping over muddy spots (didnt like to swim in mud though), for about 2 hours…constantly galloping, and fearing for my life 
The “live hunt” which I was really sad about at the beginning, after 2 hours had swayed my opinion. “Just bloody kill the F***er”!!!
Alas, the huntmaster called the dogs in…with no kill. Apparently in the past 5 years their track record has been 2 snunks.
On the way back, a nice steady canter, jumping over gorgeous natural fences. Such a beautiful experience!
Somehow got the exhausted TB into the trailer, and went to the house for a post hunt gathering, which consisted of the BEST FOOD ever!!!
Little TB was a star, he knew the rules from the beginning (I whispered in his ear to stay close, but not to pass the dude in the red jacket). For his first hunt, he acted like he has been doing it for years.
So…as a “show ring hunter” rider, I give you all credit! Its not all about who has the prettiest mover, or the fanciest tack or the most expensive horse, You can certainly out drink the show hunter riders, out party them and know how to have FUN!!!
A fellow boarder of mine Hunts. I have heard so many interesting stories. I think the discipline is fascinating and would love to give it a try. But alas, I’m too chicken riding out in the open. But she has been kind enough to be my trail buddy at the farm property since her horse is literally bombproof. 
