Well, I had typed a very detailed account of my first experience hunting, and it went to cyber space. In short form, it had rained several days this past week, rained all night and was raining when we went. My horse(TB mare) was great, not excited at all, had multiple incidents of staff galloping by and a few straggling hounds one of which ran into my horse’s hind leg. No faux pas’s, all she did was flinch. She was very controllable, moved out when asked, stopped when asked(with a hackamore), and stood quietly at the checks. We were out a little over two hours.Had the hounds decide to check out the trailer while my mare was tied there getting untacked. No biggy for her. Not sure I am hooked yet, but ask me again in two weeks( when we plan on going out with another club). Perhaps if I don’t end up smelling like a wet and soggy dog afterwards I’ll be hooked.
Hmm…did you enjoy any of it?? 
Getting soaked sucks but the number of beautiful days erases those from one’s mind. Our opener was scattered showers but heck, I braided anyway as I love to be out. Got soaked but temperature was mild so at least wasn’t wet & freezing. My horse was superb for her second time out with me this season and that was what mattered to me. I hope you have a great time in 2 weeks and get hooked. Don’t let bad weather deter you! Your horse behaved–that is a huge plus!! That alone should make you do a happy dance!
Your horse sounds like a saint if Opening Hunt was her very first hunt and she did so well. See, Opening Hunt and Closing Hunt are like the Easter and Christmas Eve services at church- in both instances the setting is often packed with folks who only attend those two times.
I bet the your next hunt will have a little smaller field and you’ll be able to enjoy it even more. Hope the rains stay away too! Still, I’ll hunt when it rainy and warm because when it’s rainy and cold I am a little hard pressed to strike out.
Sorry that you got wet your first time out, especially that it was on the day of the opening meet. Our opening meet went well (also in VA) and fortunately the rains held off (mostly) till the social time following. Your horse sounds quite sensible, so hopefully your nest time out will be less ‘soggy’.
Rick in VA
Yes, I did enjoy it. My horse was awesome for never having hunted before. I was a little nervous just because of the footing and not really knowing the people I was riding with. I must not have done too badly as one of the matriarchs of the club(close to 80 and very outspoken) asked me to ride with her. The leader of our flight is a local vet and afterwards he complimented my horse. After about 30 min of being in the rain you kind of don’t notice it anymore. Between my wool coat and the Performax material ratcatcher I had purchased, I really didn’t get soaked to the skin on top. My legs were a bit wet, but it wasn’t that cold on Saturday. Yes, I’m sure there were lots of people that were out for the first time this season(by the way some of the horse’s were acting hehe).There were 3 flights and I would guess at least 50 riders. I rode in 3rd flight and we had about 15 riders. I had a friend from riding club at the stirrup cup and she took some pictures of me and the friend I went with. She is supposed to email them to me.
