My First hunt..Friend doesn't think I can handle it... [Archive]

Foxygrl516

Sep. 26, 2003, 01:55 PM

GRRR!!! What do you guys think? Obviously it will be hard for you to give a really good opinion since you don't know me or my horse, but I'll fill you in as much as possible. First of all, I am 18 years old, and I've been riding horses my whole life. I showed English Saddleseat on American Saddlebreds (we all know how high strung they are) all through my school days, and now I'm in college. There are no saddlebreds here, so I bought an App mare who has turned out to be a fabulous eventer. She is also a WONDERFUL trail horse. She has her moments, like she's afraid of water, but she'll launch over it. When I got here to Auburn, I met my good friend who has been hunting and eventing her whole life. She's a sweet girl, but she acts like I am not capable of doing anything. I know I'm new to eventing, and I've never hunted, but I've been showing psychotic high-strung saddlers for 13 years!!! I can handle a hot horse!

So anyway, I got invited to the hunt that my friend is a member of. My horse has also never hunted, but we've done hunter paces. She wants me to take one ofout Belgian Carriage horses (who is dead calm and has hilltopped before) but I really want to take Foxy. My friend keeps saying that I don't know how Foxy is going to act, so I don't need to my first time, but even if she did act up, which i wouldn't expect, I could certainly handle it, it wouldn't be the first time I was on a wired horse.

So basically, do you guys think that it would be the ultimate sin to take my horse on our first hunt??? She's going to go eventually, and she'll either like it or not, but why not find out now before opening hunt where there is no pressure or capping fees. That's my thought. I'm just really more mad at my friend I guess for underestimating me so much. Oh well. What do you think???

~Keeping the Faith~
Stephanie and Foxy

Foxygrl516

Sep. 26, 2003, 01:55 PM

Foxygrl516

Sep. 26, 2003, 01:59 PM

Oh, and just to clarify, I went back and read my post, and I don't want anyone to take this the wrong way. I am in no way downplaying the sport of hunting. I am aware of the fast paces and the terrain, and I am also not in any way comparing hunting or even eventing for that matter to Saddleseat, because, trust me, I know they are completely different. I just used that as a way to let you guys see what kind of horses I'm used to riding. My horse and I go out on hacks where we jump water and logs like once a week, and we're juping 3'6" at home. I just didn't want to offend anyone by sounding like "I can handle hunting...it's nothing". because I know that's not true. It is very demanding, and I am aware of these things. Hope that helps

~Keeping the Faith~
Stephanie and Foxy

CactusLil

Sep. 26, 2003, 03:14 PM

Given the option of taking a "tried and true" hunter I'd go that route. I wouldn't take it as an affront to your riding skills it's just something that you haven't experienced before. There are a lot of things to be aware of while hunting and not having to wonder what the horse is going to do is just one less thing. You can always take Foxy after you've had the experience yourself. After all if you were trying to teach your friend how to rack you wouldn't use her event horse would you?

race_run_jump

Sep. 26, 2003, 03:52 PM

While CactusLil has a really good point, with which I basically agree, if you're truly going to feel more comfortable on your own mare - go for it - just be prepared to stay in the back and let her get used to it - ie don't go ripping up right behind the master - just hang back and take it all in. Hope you have a blast - let us know!!

fernie fox

Sep. 26, 2003, 04:27 PM

You do not seem to apreciate what a wonderful offer your friend is making.

Many people would have given their "eye teeth",to have had a sane experienced horse their first time out.There is so much going on,to watch and learn,so many things could go wrong on a green hunter and rider that have never been out.

But if you really want to take your own,go ahead,but realize it is your friend who is your guide and any thing you do will reflect on her.She knows this hunt and it's rules and regs.

Your horse does sound like a potentially nice hunter,If you go that route I suggest a stronger bit than you usually ride in,better safe than sorry.

fernie fox
"I have lived my life-it is nearly done-.I have played the game all round;But I freely admit that the best of my fun I owe it to Horse and Hound".

armandh

Sep. 26, 2003, 06:18 PM

there is a first time for everything. my first hunt, my horse's first hunt and being in the first field. like a dummy mine were all the same day. we survived and it was fun, but those jumps look BIG the first time.
there is a lot to be said for both being mounted on a horse you know and one that knows the job to be done. what ever the energy level of your horse you can expect it to be greater in a group, and at a run a lot greater.
the choice is yours but if time permits and you can get some hours in on the experienced field hunter, it would be my choice, unless you have a lot of confidence in your horse.
you DO NOT want the problem of a fractious horse on your first hunt the potential for injury to yourself, your horse, or others is also to be considered.

it was my second hunt when my horse bolted right out from under me, passed everyone as I sat in the dust, and was lost for two days.

[This message was edited by armandh on Sep. 26, 2003 at 10:31 PM.]

Foxhunt4me

Sep. 26, 2003, 06:38 PM

Well, I think you are much more ready that I was! I did not ride until I was 39 years old, then I had 6 lessons and rode about 20 times total and for opening hunt they put me out on a hot 17+ H TB cross that had not hunted much and had been off a year, with a damn snaffle bit mind you - in a little 17 inch seat close contact saddle that was best suited for a girl. No breastplate to hang on to even.

I would not even do that today! Not even for money!

I stayed on and loved it.......

My advice? If your horse is sane outdoors on trail rides and cross country runs with other horses and is in good shape endurance wise - go for it - its only cubbing season and thats the time to take a chance. If you can figure out how to get your horse not scared of water let me know I am trying to work that out myself. Use a strong bit - better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it.

I have known quite a few Appys out in the hunt field and they were all good.

sneaky

Sep. 27, 2003, 06:34 AM

I just started hunting last year and bought an event horse to hunt after about six hunts. People thought I was nuts, but I did take her out a few times hunting before I bought her and she is a star in the field...gallops and jumps like a champ and sleeps at the checks. I did, however, use an experienced horse for my first hunts. But I was also a very green rider and you are clearly a very experienced rider. Judging from our "mock hunt" I do think that the horse can make or break the experience no matter how good a rider you are. I saw a bunch of great young riders bucked off and run away with because their horse's were just too fired up about galloping in a large group and some of them didn't have enough brakes. If this kind of thing had happened during a real hunt people would have been upset - people with calm experienced horses seem to be offended by people without.

That said, if you decide to take Foxy I'd use a stronger bit (and use it on a hack first so your horse doesn't think you've just gotten mean the day of the hunt) and just be very aware so that if your horse acts up and it starts rubbing off on other horses around you go to the back of the field. It's not a reflection of you as a rider at all but a courtesy to other riders and their mounts. It also give you more room to address your horse's behavior.

If it were me I'd probably take the experienced hunt horse once and then take your mare the next time. I love to hunt different horses, and when my horse was injured in January I hunted a bunch of different ones to finish out the season. But I completely understand wanting to experience hunting with your own horse - I am so happy my mare is back in action for this season. It does sound as if you can have the best of both worlds - a hunt on an experienced horse and one on your own...in whatever order you want.

Be safe, have fun and report back!

2ndyrgal

Sep. 27, 2003, 09:19 AM

Take the made horse your friend is suggesting. You really don't have anything to prove riding-wise, and it shows good sense on your part. (Something that foxhunters appreciate). That way you can look around, watch hounds, other people, chat, make new friends and not have to worry about your horse. Sounds like Foxy will make a nice field hunter, but since as a guest and a younger person, you will most probably ride towards the rear of the field with your hostess, you don't want to have to hang on YOUR horse's mouth all day long, it really isn't any fun. I spent a year horseless riding every green thing that came along and I still jump at any chance to ride a great made hunt horse. If you view the hunt field as a chance to show what a skilled rider you are, you might be surprised to know that unless you are up front, and make a glaring error of some kind, no one will likely notice. In fact, that is actually something I strive for. If nobody noticed then I'm good. I want them to say "what a pleasant girl" not, "Oh my goodness, whyever did she think she should hunt THAT horse?" And believe me, truth be told, all of us have heard the second phase far more often. Take a seasoned horse if one is offered, be gracious and quiet. Thank the appropriate people at the end of the hunt, and take care of your borrowed mount like he's the treasured horse he is. Relax, enjoy, and just soak up the day. You'll be hooked.

Goofy TB Mare

Sep. 27, 2003, 04:33 PM

I say, go ahead and try to take your horse!! If she's an eventer and she's been to hunter paces, she should be fine. She's used to being out in the open.

My first time hunting was on my show hunter!! She had never done anything even remotely close to hunting and that horse had a blast!!!

http://community.webshots.com/user/chunkymonkey868

**Forever South**
**Bama's Blues** not mine but he's my babyboy!
**Brinkum's Cross**

cjmicro

Sep. 28, 2003, 07:51 AM

It sounds to me like you and your horse will do fine. Especially if it's not something big like opening day. I took my horse, who is DEAD quiet, and has evented and been trail rode tons. The sight of 75 horses bopping down the road with hounds all around making lots of strange noises, just about did him in. That said, I handled it, and he ended up settling in and being his normal dead quiet self after about the first half. The first half definitely was NOT for the faint at heart, but we made it through.

So if it's going to be a quiet day hunting you will probably be ok. But they do act differently in a big group like that, esp. when you get to moving out. So be prepared and good luck!

Cheryl

"Sometimes you're the windshield, sometimes you're the bug..."

Reginapony

Sep. 29, 2003, 07:32 AM

My big concern, and probably your friend's is how your horse will be around the hounds and how fit your horse is.

Kicking a hound is a BIG no-no. Also, can your horse trot and gallop for over three to four hours? It takes quite a while to get your horse fit enough to hunt, without breaking her down.

*Endurance Rider Wannabee!* (But...just passing thru...for now!)

EarthTo?

Sep. 29, 2003, 07:37 AM

Here's how I would look at the situation. Wouldn't it be nice if SOMEBODY had enough experience to know exactly what they were doing in the hunt field? The total universe of possibilities for "somebody" are (1) you, and (2) the horse you're riding. You've never done this before. That leaves "the horse you're riding" as the only remaining possibility. So I'd go with the made field hunter.
http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_cool.gif

FairWeather

Sep. 29, 2003, 08:52 AM

I havent read all of the threads, but I think it is very rude to bring a horse who "needs to stay in back" if you are a guest.
First, you wont have a good time, second, bringing a horse who isnt well prepared is a BAD idea because not only are you putting yourself and your horse in danger of getting hurt, you stand the chance of ruining someones day who has to babysit you, and bring you back in.
Bring the tried and true hunter--its the polite thing to do.

__________________________
A little nonsense now and then, is relished by the wisest men...
FairWeather (http://www.fairweather-farm.com)
CANTER West Virginia (http://www.canterusa.org/westvirginia)

Finzean

Sep. 29, 2003, 10:08 AM

I haven't read all the posts either so I don't know if this was mentioned but here goes....

Lots of horses do well out in the open and are very handy and reasonably calm, etc. but you have to remember that hunting is at times galloping in large groups - will your horse fight to be in the front, kick at another horse if someone inadvertantly runs up her butt, take a shot at a hound, jig around nervously at the checks or flip out at the sound of the horn? All this being said, you should take the made field hunter and if you get addicted to hunting (is there an option? http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_wink.gif ) then next year before cubbing contact some of the hunt members, etc and see if you can start your mare doing some "mock hunts". Some hunts do a hunt school which is great for uninitiated horses and riders. It's a great way to get your horse used to the sound of the horn, hounds milling around - well, everywhere, and there always seems to be horses that are high strung and set other horses off - hunt school is a good opportunity to "put the screws" to your mare without the pressure of making it through 5 hours of real hunting.

This fox hunting business is a super fun thing to do but nothing sucks more than not being able to enjoy the day for having to "manage" your horse.

Have a blast and enjoy yourself!!! http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

BTW, if you showed them "shakey tails", you have my respect!!! http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

Fine I give up, do it your way: heels up, eyes down!!

SillyMillie

Sep. 29, 2003, 10:10 AM

The smartest and most polite thing to do would be to take the made horse.

No one ever know how any horse is going to react to a pack, and that is definatley NOT how you want to make your first impression. As reginapony says, kicking a hound, not knowing how to get a horse out of a hounds way are big big no nos.

Ride the made horse, keep you eyes open, listen an learn and then take your own mare when you have learned a little bit more about what to expect. Your horse will appreciate that. I promise.

Above all, have a blast!

Massive Impressive

Sep. 29, 2003, 11:54 AM

Ride your own horse, say it's not a personal emotion or something.

-------------------
Never take the advice of a horseman personal.
----

[This message was edited by Massive Impressive on Sep. 29, 2003 at 04:03 PM.]

Massive Impressive

Sep. 29, 2003, 12:08 PM

I just read what I did now, I first wrote an entire thing then another piece then i deleted it now i have this I think it looks ununderstandable, bc more sense would make it now (without the pieces of text) that you said it was a person al thing between you and your horse;

I dunno are you a talkative person or are you more like jump and ride, then this would be a good advice i think, otherwise i'd have the write the long story again for the above conclusion which would then sense.

-------------------
Never take the advice of a horseman personal.
----

Massive Impressive

Sep. 29, 2003, 12:12 PM

Neway I hope you got it now and that i didn't disturb the board order.

sry, thank you for your time and patience.

-------------------
Never take the advice of a horseman personal.
----

NorthStar95

Sep. 29, 2003, 04:45 PM

You can handle it. I took my 6 year old on her first hunt and also mine 2 1/2 years ago, I was only 14 and had been eventing for 3 years - we were both horrible and jumped everything cockeyed (which is not so different from the way the other hunt members do it..) but we had a blast and it wouldn't have been such an adventure had I ridden a made field hunter.

Good luck to you and your horse, and don't let anyone tell you that you can't do it!

Andrea S Garrett

Oct. 1, 2003, 06:29 PM

Hey, I say go for it on your own horse. If the horse can't handle it go in. You sound like a good rider, your horse is always going to have to go on her first hunt. It might be better if you'd hunted a few years first but one ride on a draft isn't going to help that much. Do use a stronger bit! Galloping in a group is usually exciting you can always go back to a milder bit next time (or really I'd wait a couple of times just in case). Have fun!!! and tell us what happens! Andrea

Badger

Oct. 2, 2003, 05:39 AM

What a gracious offer of your friend to lend you an experienced horse for your first hunt. By all means, DO take her up on it. The proven horse can let you see and experience what hunting is all about and then you will be in a better position to show your own horse the sport another day. There is a LOT to hunting, to dealing with the traffic and terrain and protocol, that will be made easier for you to learn since you have the opportunity to ride a proven fieldhunter. And with that exerience under your belt, you will be able to give your own horse a better introduction to the field on another day. Plus, your good instincts will show and make a great first impression on your hosts.

LisaB

Oct. 2, 2003, 06:33 AM

Ummm, I would have to say, follow your friend's advice. Not because you think you and your horse could handle but because of courtesy and protocol. I'm brand spanking new to the hunt world. My horse wants to be a foxhunter so I'm heading out that way in order to sell him. I'm an experienced eventer. I actually evented a Saddlebred in high school! The protocol is rather intimidating and to combine that with a horse that's new to all of it would make for a stressful day. Not only that, your friend thinks you are a good enough rider to go out but she has her reputation in the field to think about too. Think about her feelings in this case.
And it's not a question of whether you, as a rider, can handle your horse if she goes nuts. It's a question of if your horse is going to go nuts at all. That's a no-no, big time. Take it slow! You're young, enjoy a nice fall day in the country with really cute dogs and mostly straight men.

Foxhunt4me

Oct. 2, 2003, 07:38 AM

"You're young, enjoy a nice fall day in the country with really cute dogs and mostly straight men. "

LisaB, lesson #1 for today:

They are HOUNDS not DOGS .... :-)

Yes, MOSTLY straight, mostly married - but not all will tell you which they are.....

( We do appreciate more young ladies in the field )

LisaB

Oct. 2, 2003, 09:38 AM

Ya see? Protocol. HOUNDS! Gesh! I have a dog. The hubby works with his K-9 and I got out with the hounds. I'll get there. Thanks for the correction.
Is like eventing where if you are straight (mostly), it really doesn't matter if you're married? http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_razz.gif
Kidding
But I do stand by that they are incredibly cute, even peeing on my trailer.

Foxhunt4me

Oct. 2, 2003, 10:02 AM

You have to think of it as partly adults playing a ' role playing ' game. With special attire, etiquette, etc as part of the game.

Much of the etiquette and safety rules serve a good purpose then and now.

The attire is part of the game.

As are new folks - how are the old hens and busybodys going to have anything new to talk about unless there are some new members?

If you are beautiful - get them going by being overly friendly to the married men and ask for a lot of help from them......that will ensure that more wives will come out to ride on the bad weather days.

ToolTime

Oct. 2, 2003, 01:05 PM

It sounds like you could handle your horses excited behavior, but I still recommend using your friend's horse for the first time.

There is so much to learn about etiquette your first few times hunting that it's better to take it in from a calm ride. That way you will be assured of having a good time and getting an invitation to come back.

After all, you would hate to be excused if your horse acted up at the wrong time.

http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

jsc

Oct. 6, 2003, 12:29 PM

As a former Secretary with a recognized hunt, I can tell you with certainty that the huntsman of the hunt with which you will be guesting during cubbing season, will very much appreciate the fact that you chose to leave your in-experienced horse at home for your first time out with hounds.

Cubbing is the time that the new entry ( foxhound puppies) are introduced into the pack. The cardinal sin in hunting is having your horse kick a hound. For this reason, some hunts don't even allow guests during cubbing. You have all season to try hunting your green horse ( green to hunting). For your first time, PLEASE take the offer of riding the made horse - it will make your day more enjoyable, and so , the other members of the field riding with you.

No matter how much you think you may know your horse, you have no way of predicting how he will react to the stimuli of the hunt field.
Experience it yourself first, and then you will be better able to make a decision about when to bring out your own horse.

When you are introduced to the MFH of the hunt, they will be very happy to learn that you chose to experience your first time out on a horse they already know.

Leave your ego at home - no one cares or notices how you ride, UNLESS your horse is ill-mannered or uncontrollable. Then, everyone notices! The draft horse may not be the mount of your dreams, but I have a feeling you will appreciate him a whole lot more by the end of the days' hunt!

"Give me the fox that holds his point though fools and fate combine,
Give me the hound that follows him with nose upon the line..." W.H. Ogilvie

Foxygrl516

Oct. 7, 2003, 05:21 PM

Hey guys~
I apologize for having deserted the topic I started. My computer died on me and I've been away for a few days.

I appreciate every comment and piece of advice you guys have given me. Looking through all of the posts, and after events of the weekend, I realized that taking Foxy was not what made me upset. It is just this "friend" always cutting me down and underestimating me. We went xc schooling this weekend for the first time, and Foxy did banks, ditches, water, and we schooled all the novice, most of the training, and even 3 prelim fences! I was soooo proud of her! I've decided now to take her to a 3-phase at Pine Top in November. (our first 3-phase). And even after the great day sunday, this "friend" told me that I didn't need to show Foxy and that she couldn't handle how "technical" Pine Top's course is. The thing is, she is more experienced in eventing (and hunting for that matter) but plenty of people with more experience than her have suggested starting Foxy at Pine Top. This "friend" just doesn't want to see me do well? She seems to not be able to stand the fact that the $1000 App pony I bought less than a year ago is jumping as high and more graceful than the expensive Thoroughbred she's been eventing for 4 years.

I think that is what was really irking me. I would love to hunt, and my only reason for not wanting to take the giant oaf of a Belgian is that I can't sit on him for 15 minutes without my hips screaming at me because he's so wide, much less gallop him around for 3 hours. I actually think I'm just gonna hold off of the hunting thing. I need to put my energy into getting Foxy ready to show anyway. I still really want to hunt, and someday I am going to buy a horse just for that purpose, but maybe right now just isn't a good time.....It makes me really sad, cause I was really excited about going, but maybe I just need to wait......

~Keeping the Faith~
Stephanie and Foxy

Foxygrl516

Oct. 7, 2003, 05:27 PM

Oh, and I forgot to mention, I am very sorry if in my initial post I sounded like a snobby little girl who thinks she can ride anything. There is nothing vein or over-confident about me...especially with "friends" like I have cutting me down at the knees everytime I do something well. I would never in any way try to disrespect or down-play the seriousness and athleticism as well as the etiquette required in hunting. i think it is a great sport that hopefully some day I will be able to enjoy. i just thought I would throw that out there. I really don't want to offend anybody! I hope that clears anything up that might have been floating around. If anyone still thinks ill of me, please say something so that I may be able to clear it up, because I honestly didn't mean to start any kind of bad feelings by posting this. You have all been wonderfully helpful and I thank you for that.

~Keeping the Faith~
Stephanie and Foxy

Andrea S Garrett

Oct. 7, 2003, 05:56 PM

Hey, I didn't think you sounded obnoxious at all. I do think you need to get a trainer just to help you decide what you're ready for. I agree your "friend" does't sound like she's an unbiased judge. You sound like you do a lot of schooling on your own; I do too but I find that even one lesson a month from someone you trust can be a great help. It may take a while to find some one you like to work with and who seems to "fit" you and your horse. I usually get the trainer to give me "homework" so that I can be working on the things he/she thinks I should be. Good luck eventing. I bet we see you in the hunt field eventually. Andrea

stp

Oct. 8, 2003, 03:20 AM

I do think you missed the point of reverence here.... Should you ever think of going again consider these: We are riding in the back yards of people who have graciously taken the extreme libility to let us to so. One never ever, ever knows what a horse is going to do on a hunt the first time out, no matter how well you think you know him. He is a herding animal and he will have to be controlled from his wildest instincts. Even if you do the proper thing and go to the very back of the hilltopper group the first time, you may have to make an ass out of yourself to control him. Multitudes of people have worked hard to train hounds, build kennels, clear trails, pay for liability issues etc. It is unfair to even consider taking a green (to hunting) horse out without realizing you may spoil it for hundreds of people and create a dreadful imposition that could hinder the existance of the hunt. All said and done, this is more than a trail ride or x county event! much more.

Foxygrl516

Oct. 8, 2003, 07:08 AM

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Andrea S Garrett:
Hey, I didn't think you sounded obnoxious at all. I do think you need to get a trainer just to help you decide what you're ready for. I agree your "friend" does't sound like she's an unbiased judge. You sound like you do a lot of schooling on your own; I do too but I find that even one lesson a month from someone you trust can be a great help. It may take a while to find some one you like to work with and who seems to "fit" you and your horse. I usually get the trainer to give me "homework" so that I can be working on the things he/she thinks I should be. Good luck eventing. I bet we see you in the hunt field eventually. Andrea<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

I do have one dressage lesson and one jumping lesson a month. We trailor over to Georgia to a couple of great trainers over there that I really enjoy riding with. I agree with what you are saying though, that one lesson helps me keep track of my progress over the month.

STP- I didn't miss anything. I know that a lot of work and effort goes into preparing and keeping up a hunt. I also know that horses are unpredictable and can be silly. Actually, that kind of stuff is just common sense, so I'm pretty sure I didn't miss the point. That's why I came back to post that not taking my horse was not what upset me because I can understand not taking a green horse to my first hunt. It was just my "friend" and the way it was approached. That's what bothered me.

~Keeping the Faith~
Stephanie and Foxy

Reginapony

Oct. 11, 2003, 07:27 AM

Hi Foxygrl,

This "friend" doesn't sound like a friend. I am having that problem with a couple of fellow boarders at my barn right now, and I am tired of them putting everyone down with thier criticism. Unfortunitly, I am in the middle because I try to be friendly with everyone. I am not perfect, and I do get angry once in a while, but I am learning to forgive and forget, and I only want to deal with these people when they are not in a critical, nasty mood.

Be cordial to this girl, but move on and find other friends.

*Endurance Rider Wannabee!* (But...just passing thru...for now!)

sneaky

Oct. 13, 2003, 07:40 AM

Your "friend" sounds like a major downer. Try to tune her out if you can. In my limited experience as an adult amateur I am saddened by how judgmental people in the horse world can be. I just laugh it off because I know I'm ignorant about a lot of things and have a lot to learn. Sometimes it's a consolation that I've got an law degree from a top notch school (I can remind myself that I really *am* smart, just not at a lot of things!), but it still sucks to deal with all the negative energy that seems to swirl around the horse industry. It is supposed to be fun, isn't it? It is strange that the love of a sport, and of the beautiful and incredible creatures we share it with, can create such negativity and even animosity where I had expected to find fellowship. Fortunately there are some out there who are able to provide constructive advice and criticism without being just plain bitchy.

Have fun at your event and good luck. If I were you I'd suck it up, do some stretching and take a big fat Belgian hunting...and save your horse for competition. But of course I'm already addicted to hunting. I don't know how the country is where you are but in our country many people won't hunt a show horse due to the heightened risk on injury.

Foxygrl516

Oct. 14, 2003, 05:45 AM

Well, you guys would be suprised, but because of certain circumstances, I went hunting Sunday! There was a pony club hunt and one of the organizers asked my "friend" to bring "that girl" she had been talking about that was wanting to come. She said that another adult on a calm horse would help out a ton. So I took Jr. (the Belgian) and we babysat bonyclubbers all afternoon. It was a lot of fun, even though my hips will probably be sore for weeks.

I actually considered going today because opening hunt in Saturday, and I'm not going to be going after that, so I was going to take this "friend's" hunt horse and ride with the field and she was going to take her baby (4 y.o). But things happen, and I just couldn't skip class today, but oh well. I had a really good time Sunday. I won't however be hunting my horse. I've decided that I'm way too paranoid about her legs and her health to ask her to hunt on top of eventing, so I'm gonna give her a break on that one. I dont' want to wear her out too young. http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

You are all right about this friend though. On the way to the hunt she started telling me that I shouldn't be taking Foxy to a 3-phase at the end of November because "She's not ready to do Beginner Novice and you couldn't get her around the coarse without hurting yourself or your horse." I couldn't believe she would actually say that!!! Fox is jumping 3'6" at home like a pro! BN maxes at 2'6"! I swear it's because she's jealous that my "crazy App mare" can jump as high and more gracefully than her "super-talented" Thoroughbredish mut that she's been eventing for 6 years.

Sorry, I just had to get that off my chest. Thanks again for all of the advice and understanding. You guys really have a great sport! I'll still go out occasionally, and hopefully some day I will buy a horse just for hunting that I won't have to worry about over exercising. http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

~Keeping the Faith~
Stephanie and Foxy

RHdobes

Oct. 14, 2003, 08:26 AM

Foxygrl516, let us know how you do at the BN event in November. I had a Morgan mare (all of 15.1) and did "low" stuff and had a blast doing it.

LisaB

Oct. 14, 2003, 09:16 AM

Sounds like you are torturing yourself by hanging out with this person. Drop her and move on. And when you do well at that BN event, let us know over on the eventing board. And yes, most people do save thier event horses from hunting because it can be tough out there. I have 2 tough birds and only one is going out hunting because that's what he wants to do for a living.

armandh

Oct. 14, 2003, 10:17 AM

sounds like the unwanted advise re eventing may be indicative of the quality of the advise re hunting. if that is the case follow the advise of someone you are ready to trust.

Equibrit

Oct. 14, 2003, 12:06 PM

LISTEN TO YOUR FRIEND!

Take your horse when you get the chance to go cubbing. This will allow her to get used to all the excitement in a less formal setting and you can see what she would do.

Otherwise you could find yourself with a demented spastic and broken bones.

(heed the warning - I have been there!)

jetjocky

Oct. 14, 2003, 12:18 PM

You need a horse who knows what s/he's doing your first several times out, for all of the sensible reasons outlined. Also, seeing hounds for the first time can really unnerve some horses, even the quietest horses. You'd do much better to introduce your own horse to hunting after you've had some experience and know what to expect yourself.

Foxygrl516

Oct. 15, 2003, 06:37 AM

Oh, guys, I'm so excited! A REAL friend called me last night and wants me to go to Aiken SC with him next weekend for their opening cubbing hunt. He's gonna have a horse there for me and everything! I'm so excited! I am going to actually get to enjoy the hunting experience with people who don't treat me like I'm a moron. http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_wink.gif I'm so excited! I just thought I would share that with ya. It should be a great time!

~Keeping the Faith~
Stephanie and Foxy

rileyt

Oct. 15, 2003, 12:17 PM

I agree with FairWeather... Its really not an issue of whether or not you can "handle" a fractious horse. Its an issue of etiquette.
As a guest, you reflect, somewhat, on your host. If your horse acts up (and he might, because fox hunting is new, and the hounds get a lot of horses whipped up), you pose a danger (or at least an inconvenience) to those around you. Take the experienced horse once. That way you have first-hand knowledge of what you're dealing with. Then, if you want to try your own horse, you'll be better prepared.

Half of Riding is 30% mental ... no wonder there are so many bad riders http://chronicleforums.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif