Actually- amidst the decades old arcane rules on attire- formal attire is fine and perfectly proper for cubhunting. Been there, done that myself. And, conversely, ratcatcher is allowable for formal hunting days- based on the premise that landowners are welcome with whatever attire they choose- it’s just that if one is dressed in ratcatcher on a formal day, one meekly stays at the back of the field.
I found this web sight to be really interesting:
http://chulahomahunt.com/12.html
I grew up riding Western, then graduated to saddleseat and now learning sidesaddle. I admit that I know very little about Hunt…but am facinated by it all! I LOVE the tradition of it. JMHO - but in a time where people now wear jeans to weddings and shorts to church…I think it is cool that there is a more formal attire to this sport. It retains an elegance that few others do.
[QUOTE=equusvilla;4272466]
I found this web sight to be really interesting:
http://chulahomahunt.com/12.html
I grew up riding Western, then graduated to saddleseat and now learning sidesaddle. I admit that I know very little about Hunt…but am facinated by it all! I LOVE the tradition of it. JMHO - but in a time where people now wear jeans to weddings and shorts to church…I think it is cool that there is a more formal attire to this sport. It retains an elegance that few others do.[/QUOTE]
You sound like my history. I rode hunt seat at first…than went to western…than switched to saddle seat. My Appendix doesn’t do saddle seat or western. SO I am back to hunter again. When I hit my goal weight I will start riding side saddle with him. I LOVE dressing up formally and think that it is a blast. My mom is going to make me side saddle clothing so I don’t have to buy it. She is also going to do a period costume for me so I can do those classes at shows.
Yeah…I am slightly spoiled by haviing a mom that sews. 
Wahoo Wah!
Beverley,
I thnk you are going to find that the hills are going to be MUCH easier than you remember because you have trainined dressage. You can sit you horse down on her rump and keep the balance instead of tipping on the forehand. You will find you don’t get so tired because she is light in hand. You can always throw in a leg yield or shoulder -in if she gets a bit quick. And placing her at checks will come easily, too. Wait until you see what happens to your extensions and collections. POWER!
You might need a tailor to adjust your coat to fit over the eventing vest. Ask your Master for advice. It is frequently done in Virginia. You could create a canary front cover for it.
Let me know when you come down for Virginia Hunt Week or just hunting here. It is So Much Fun!
I can already feel the difference!
I’m hoping I’ll get over the irrational fear of the dreaded downhill canter quickly. She’s already floating across the ground, carrying herself better than ever before. I can feel the power and sit already!
Exciting stuff… So, about cubbing. How long does the group usually go out for and at what pace? I will certainly ask these questions on Wednesday morning, but it always makes me feel better going in armed with info.
Update - Survived day two of cubbing!
So, we’ve successfully roaded without issues, went cubbing both Wednesday and this past Sunday… Aside from my calves screaming when I woke up this morning - I couldn’t be happier about our outings. The sunrise and mist driving through the Amwell Valley at 6:00am is breathtaking and really makes getting up at the crack of dawn well worth it!
I do have a question. My mare seems to be as excited as I am about our outings, and although she’s always REALLY forward and happy it’s getting more difficult to get her to stand for checks. She doesn’t do anything bad, she just wants to keep her feet moving. As the majority of the horses are quietly standing around waiting to move off, we seem to be given a wide berth as she’s in constant motion.
Any suggestions/thoughts what to do to keep her calm? As she’s a very intelligent willing mare I’m hoping that she’ll figure out the checks are chill out time… and that she won’t get progressively hot.
I’m hooked and want to try to make it to each and every outing! Hopefully by this Wednesday’s cubbing I’ll have a good idea as to whether we’re cut out for it.
I’m so very excited!
Did I mention I galloped for the first time in 20+ years! No control, but let her go and enjoyed it immensely! Of course she’d be happy to run over anyone in her path, so there’s the Secretariat gene to deal with… We’ll see how staying behind in second flight goes!
Sounds as if you are both having a blast 
I wouldn’t worry too much about her not standing - many horses take a while to learn to chill at checks - I had a TB mare that took a full season, and even now my “seasoned” 9 yr old who is a fantastic hunter won’t always stand still(!). Our master also had one who NEVER learnt to stand - but was good in every other way, so fair play to him!
People are probably just giving you space - most of us have been there with fidget-bum horses and are very sympathetic Over the next few times out she may well settle, especially if she can watch hounds and the huntsman - always makes mine concentrate!
Great to hear you are having such fun - we started hunting again a couple of weeks ago, and its like all the horses birthdays have come at once
Nic
Great that you and your horse are so enthusiastic about hunting! Welcome.
I give horses who fidget at checks a wide berth. I am not sympathetic to their owner’s plight as it is a training issue for them that translates into a safety issue for everyone else. If the rider can not control the basic issue of the horse’s location, I can not see the logic in thinking it is safe to be near them.
I suspect that your horse halts and stands quite politely at X. Because he was trained to do so.
If you want to improve his checking skills, practice checking at home. Horses need to practice getting their endorphins under control after moving about. Start with a walk, then stop and ask the horse to stand for 3 minutes. When there is fidgeting, apply a light correction with the reins and give an immediate release. You want the horse to stand on a slack rein. Praise with petting and soft tones when the horse stands. When the horse can stand still after walking, move on to standing still for 3 minutes after trotting. When he gets that, do it after cantering, then after galloping and then just on the other side of a jump. If a horse has been logically educated to stand when alone, standing in a group of horses that is doing the same thing is easy.
That could be your horse’s standing still problem !
Did I forget to mention - it’s official! I am officially a new member of the Amwell Valley Hounds! I’ve missed one day each of roading and cubbing… I gave up a 10 year anniversary trip to make this dream of mine a reality… I can’t imagine being away, and missing out on more than one day. Thank goodness, my husband has been so very understanding.
My mare and I have both chilled out - in a big way, and are really enjoying ourselves. I feel so blessed to have found such a wonderful group to join, and spectacular hunt country to enjoy and appreciate. It takes my breath away each and every morning the sun and I get up together.
Corny I know, but I’m a happier person for having stumbled into foxhunting. Thanks to everyone who has given me wonderful suggestions and encouragement. I’m equally glad to have this forum as well!
Pleasantmeadow- I am so happy to hear about your successful escape from the ring. I am making my way into hunting after having spent years in a ring and I’m a bit of a weenie, so undertaking this on my own is a bit of an event for me. I only wish I was closer to Amwell Valley so I could beg you to be my friend! Congratulations and keep up the posts!
[QUOTE=skyy;4378659]
Pleasantmeadow- I am so happy to hear about your successful escape from the ring. I am making my way into hunting after having spent years in a ring and I’m a bit of a weenie, so undertaking this on my own is a bit of an event for me. I only wish I was closer to Amwell Valley so I could beg you to be my friend! Congratulations and keep up the posts![/QUOTE]
Thanks Skyy! Where do you ride? I really stepped in it with this Hunt group - so wonderfully supportive. A few of my boarders have joined my on my foray’s and they were just waiting for me to make the commitment. So, it appears that I’ve got a great support group in house too!
Now, if I could just get my husband back on a horse - the picture will be complete:D
I work at a show barn near Lansdale, PA and I am planning on going out with Kimberton Hunt in the next 2 weeks. I am quite excited but very nervous all at the same time. I came to riding as an adult so trying new things requires me to give me myself a good kick in the pants. I figure that if I keep asking questions here and telling people of my intention, I will be too ashamed to chicken out!
Update - Dressage Horse Goes to Hunt Night!
He, he. So as I’ve been having the time of my life - week after week, why not add one more fun thing to do… The ladies in my hunt asked me if I was interested in doing a class at Hunt Night at Harrisburg… I’m not sure if they were joking or not - but obviously, I like a challenge.
So here we go. I posted on this thread looking for advice on turn-out for the flat class… thank you ladies for your input. So, if anyone else has any other words of wisdom for a newbie doing this - bring it on - I’d really appreciate it.
We got a hotel room so we can stay for the evening and hopefully not miss a thing. It sounds like Hunt Night is a lot of fun - and I love the opportunity to try something new. I’ve got my new frock coat - still mastering the stock tie (I’ve cheated a bit with a prefab through cubbing), dusted off the dress boats, and otherwise, we should be turned out appropriately. Input, input.
I love how much dressage has helped me in the field, and also how much going out hunting has helped my dressage! She’s braver, more confident, and an even better mover than before.
FUN, FUN, FUN:winkgrin:
Wahoo Wah!
You are doing sooo well! What a compliment to be invited to ride! It is so addictive, isn’t it?
She’s officially - perfect!!!
Yes, it’s just my opinion, but I think my mare is perfect. OK, maybe “we” as a team have arrived.
She knows her job, enjoys the work, and is a pleasure to be out with… she now stands PERFECTLY at checks, doesn’t leave slobber kisses all over every arse in front of her, is calm and careful around the hounds, can navigate any type terrain without incident…
I suppose first flight is all we have left to tackle! :lol: If my good 'ole repeatedly cracked tailbone can withstand it, I think we’re going to have to start tackling some of those very, very inviting logs and coops!
Did I mention how much fun I had at Hunt Night at Penn National? Didn’t place (31 in the class!!!) but had a wonderful time none the less. It was great to see my fellow hunt members out there giving it their all over fences! Perhaps next year:)
http://www.acphotovideo.com/09PN-09/c2005-w/pages/c2005_007_PN09.htm
What an awesome Opening Day!!!
Can’t believe after all the rain/flooding we had on Saturday night that Sunday would turn out so well! As it was my first Opening Day/Blessing of the hounds I had no idea what to expect. What a wonderful experience.
Good scent, good weather, and great commrades! The field was twice as large as any day out cubbing, and everything went fabulously. Everyone stayed in one piece, covered in mud, but, intact.
The afternoon tea was also quite a treat. This is most definitely something I’ll never give up!
LOVE every minute of it. Pics to follow!
You have one heck of a mare there under your saddle. Any horse that can handle the lights and buildings of an urban show arena then turn around and handle the countryside is awesome. Congrats and do share the photos!
Skyy - come join me one of these days!!!
[QUOTE=skyy;4380930]
I work at a show barn near Lansdale, PA and I am planning on going out with Kimberton Hunt in the next 2 weeks. I am quite excited but very nervous all at the same time. I came to riding as an adult so trying new things requires me to give me myself a good kick in the pants. I figure that if I keep asking questions here and telling people of my intention, I will be too ashamed to chicken out![/QUOTE]
Have you made it out Hunting yet??? Would love an update
I LOOOOVE MY MARE
[QUOTE=SLW;4461973]
You have one heck of a mare there under your saddle. Any horse that can handle the lights and buildings of an urban show arena then turn around and handle the countryside is awesome. Congrats and do share the photos! :)[/QUOTE]
SLW - thank you for the kind words!
She (I mean we) were terrified… Thanks to hunting we trust each other completely! Aside from the head tossing (why did I show her in a pelham - we usually show in a loose ring french link) I think she was a star! Of course, with her there’s never slow going on a loose rein… the girl likes to boogy… she is a SUPER efficient mover… Even walking home relaxed on a loose rein she’ll still overtake the entire field at the walk (same applies to trot and canter if she were allowed). She now understands her job, stands like a statue at checks, and is all business otherwise!
I wish I could clone her!!! Oh yeah, I’ve got her stunning yearling offspring just waiting in the wings… wish they could mature faster. Despite having a sire with strong genes, my mare basically cloned herself! He’s quiet, quiet, quiet with the same way of going - can’t wait to get him out! Probably going to take him off the sales list as he continues to impress me with his temperament and movement 
http://www.pleasantmeadowfarm.com/openingday09.cfm
Please read email excerpt from joint master regarding upcoming opening day.
So here’s a question - How old is your foxhunter?
