Y'all may have another convert on your hands!

[crazybootlady]

Rather pointless thread, but I’m excited.

I’d posted a thread a while back about a silly coat question, and then I’ve just spent time reading the Hunting forum. I realized a coat is the least of my worries, the horse is foremost.

I’ve finally contacted both hunts that are anywhere near local to me, and am hoping to be able to be involved in the spring/summer activities, (trail rides/paces/etc) as a volunteer or on a borrowed horse to “get my foot in the door”, get to know people, and the way things are run. Hopefully, with being able to be around it more, I’ll learn what a ‘good’ hunt horse is, and is not, and be able to shape my youngster into one, if he is willing. If not, well, that’s a whole different story that I’ll deal with if it happens.

For now, I’m awaiting an answer, reading some very informative threads, and hoping that I love it as much as I think I will!

Hop everyone has had a wonderful new years!

[SLW]

Congrats on making those contacts to get the ball rolling. Fox hunting encourages me to enjoy winter more and see the gifts it brings…the forecast snow for today is not one of those gifts.

A horse that “gets it” and suits your personality is a must in order to be safe, helpful and have fun. Keep us posted on your progress!

[Hinderella]

Congratulations on taking the plunge. Hunting changed my entire perspective on riding and changed my goals for what I wanted to do with my horse (pony).

[RiderInTheRain]

Yes, keep us posted. I hunted a few times last season, joined this year and haven’t looked back since! I’ve been enjoying a really nice mix of riding another member’s “extra” hunt horses to help keep them fit and taking out my green youngsters (on carefully selected hunts/fixtures - don’t want things to be too exciting for them just yet).

There is nothing more fun than riding a hunt horse who knows and loves his or her job - I hope one is in your very near future this year!

[ottbee]

Would love to hear more from you as you go through this process. I’ve always wondered about/wanted to try hunting, but have no idea how to start and a keen sense that there’s a lot of etiquette to learn to make the experience fun and safe for all. Will be interested to hear about your experiences!

[cheval_convert]

[QUOTE=Hinderella;7346366]
Congratulations on taking the plunge. Hunting changed my entire perspective on riding and changed my goals for what I wanted to do with my horse (pony).[/QUOTE]

Riding in one hunt did the same for me. Everything that my trainer had me do made so much more sense. And now, when working with my horse, I am always thinking, will this help him become a hunt horse. My trainer actually thinks he is suited to hunting. Now, if I can just find a hunt, and get a truck and a trailer, I’ll be in business! And to quote Zuzu, “AO”.

[Martha_Drum]

This isn’t pointless at all! Great goals for the new year. I hope you are welcomed by the club you’ve contacted – to quote one of the “Bibles” of hunting, Riding to Hounds in America, “Any sportsman worthy of the name is glad to help a novice learn to love his sport.” Good luck!

[whicker]

Where are you located? Over the years, we have done introduction to hunting weekends, with coaching/made horses/field trips and of course, lots of fun and time to meet other coth newbies. We have made best friends, and asked them to spread the koolaid to other newbies at home. Ask Hinderella, for example…

It is grand fun for us to see the lights in the eyes and huge grin as our newbies gain confidence and joy. And, we ask them to come back to play some more:D

[crazybootlady]

Thanks guys for all the encouragement! The email that I contacted happened to be one of the joint MFH’s of the hunt. She replied with her phone number instructing me to call her immediately. I did, and was invited hunting yesterday, as she was car-whipping, and said I could ride along and come to dinner.

Unfortunately I already had plans with family that I couldn’t miss for the day, but I was SO impressed with how open and genuinely excited she was to help me out. I explained I don’t have a suitable horse (mine is only three this year), but she said bringing him out to hound walks and exercises would be a good training experience for him and that we could find a ‘made’ horse for me to cap on a few times next year.

I am excited, and really think this may be addicting for me!

Whicker- I’m in southwest ohio, so not prime country to find a hunt, but the one I’ve contacted is only about an hour away from where I keep my horse.

[Willesdon]

Ottbee, fear not! As you will have seen from crazybootlady’s experience (#9), most hunts are more concerned that you enjoy the sport than that you wear the right boots or have the correct bridle. Yes there is a lot of tradition but it is also a living sport and things do change. Take the plunge.

Except, of course, be warned: it is addictive.

[veebug22]

I think most hunts are eager for participation and to increase membership and keep the sport alive. A keen attitude and willingness to learn and get involved should serve you very well. If you can back it up with decent riding, you will be set I find that hunters are much more willing to offer a horse to a friend than show riders - understandably, the job has different requirements. Exactitude is much more valued in the show ring. Getting the job done matters more in the field.

Hinderella - I believe you and I have hunted together without knowing it! I was a regular poster on COTH until a few years ago. I board at Ayer Mtn in Franklin CT. I believe you rode 1st flight with Tanheath at Ayer Mtn this fall? I was on a small grey, joined 1st flight from hilltoppers about halfway through.