Diary of a newbie [Archive] - Chronicle Forums

TrakHack

May. 30, 2001, 11:52 AM

At the suggestion of foxhunt4me (Joel), I am posting my experiences as someone new to foxhunting. It is my hope that people can follow this thread and learn one way to get started, give me some good advice, and have a laugh or two. I'll add new posts as things happen, but here are the events to date:

I posted "Questions from a newbie" on this forum asking people how to get started in foxhunting. I received great advice from people encouraging me to find a hunt in my area and offer to volunteer for them. Joel, a member of North Hills Hunt (NHH) found my post (thanks to the person who let him know it was there!), told me a bit about the hunt, and invited me to volunteer at NHH's hunter/jumper show.

At the show I met many members of the hunt, including the MFHs and the Huntsman. A wonderful member of NHH took me under her wing and introduced me to just about everyone under the sun. Apparently I made a good impression, since I was "discussed" at a board meeting (or so I was told /infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif), and accepted into the hunt. Although I haven't yet received an engraved invitation, NHH was more than happy to take my check to become a basic member! At this membership level, I can attend all social functions and pay capping for hunting. If/when I find a horse, I plan to upgrade to a riding membership.

Speaking of horses, I'm on a mission to find a good mount as my first field hunter. Since I'm not used to shopping for field hunters, it's hard to know what is a fair price for a certain horse. Luckily, the NHH members have connections to people with horses, and I have many horse people whom I can ask for opinions on the price of certain horses. I've found a promising prospect, and as I type I am waiting for a call back on this horse. I don't want to jinx anything, but please keep your fingers for some luck to come my way. This will also be the first time I've owned my own horse, so it's really a dream come true for me. Hopefully my next post will be about going to see the horse!

I've ordered and read "Riding to Hounds in America" by Wadsworth, and I've been diligently practicing tying my stock tie. Maybe I should have bought the pre-tied kind... I have tan breeches and boots, and I ordered a tweed from England (very favorable price!). If I get past cubbing, I have narrowed my choice for a hunt coat to two models. I'll also put in a good word for wearing ASTM/SEI certified helmets, and am adding a velvet helmet to my riding wardrobe, since my schooling helmet is not exactly elegant or traditional in appearance.

I am a little nervous about actually hunting, afraid that I won't be confident enough to keep up with the pace. I'm planning to go with the hilltop group at least the first two times out, and I'd like to take some jumping lessons this summer (just to refresh my memory!). I'm also a bit worried that I'll commit a faux pas with respect to the etiquette of the hunt field, but I'm hoping a few more readings of "Riding to Hounds in America" will prevent this from happening. Oh, and I've also wondered how suitable my Prix des Nations is for hunting. I might try a gel seat cover on it and see how it goes before looking for somthing comfier. I'm trying to do all of this on a budget, and a new saddle is not exactly part of that budget at the moment.

I think that's all for now, and I'll keep you updated as things happen. I hope I'll be posting soon about the horse!

Jill
NHH

TrakHack

May. 30, 2001, 11:52 AM

SLW

May. 30, 2001, 12:52 PM

It sounds like you are well on your way to a successful hunting season with your enthusiasm and desire to try to do things right! Don't be too afraid of making a mistake on the hunt field as most folks are very forgiving and have been the "newbie" at least once in their life! /infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif A sincere "I'm sorry" does wonders! /infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

Ask around the hunt to see if anyone is "downsizing" or "upgrading" their horses. Often a horse which is no longer suitable for the role of a Staff horse- hunting weekly at the pace Staff hunts- or the role of a passionate member who hunts weekly plus, would be perfect for someone just starting out. For example, in our 4-H Club a number of kids "gaming/racing" horses came up for sale at the end of winter and they were immediately snatched up by other club members just starting out in the gaming classes. There is such a value to a horse who is sane and experienced in the area one wants to have success/fun in!

Don't rule out eBay for hunting attire. I have picked up fabulous things- plain, flat, heavy duty bridles, vest, coats etc. over there. It is a good place, especially if you don't mind used equipment. I rarely see "new" things priced better than what I can find at my local or catalog tack supply sources.

Good luck!
SLW

TrakHack

May. 31, 2001, 02:04 PM

Ok, I've spent the last 24 hours with horse on the brain... Thinking about this promising prospect, hoping to hear from the owner, wondering why the horse is inexpensive. I finally did hear from the owner, and it turns out that the horse has bad feet. As in hoof walls that need to be reinforced by chemicals not found in nature. As in EXPENSIVE shoeing, and a very good potential of having a lame horse.

So, I decided to call a woman I know that owns some horses at a local barn. I met her a few months ago while horse-sitting for a friend, and she said that I should come out and ride her horse Louis sometime. When my friend returned, I asked her about this horse (she did some training with him, and gives lessons to the owner and her daughter), and my friend said that the woman's draft mare would be a better horse for me. Well, the draft mare has just had a foal, and clearly won't be able to be put into work for several months.

Now, I could be wrong here, but I think my friend steered me away from Louis because he is a nice horse, and she was hoping to get a commission in his eventual sale. Anyway, since I've now decided that I'm in the market for a horse, I called the owner to see if I might be able to buy him. Luckily, she remembered me from the barn, and said she would be happy to sell him to me, but that she thought he would be out of my price range, which he is. BUT, she did say that she would be happy to lease him to me (she's not advertising him for sale), and that I could "lease with an option to buy". Needless to say, I'm excited!

The horse in question is a 9 year old sane and sound Appendix QH who has been evented. He's not fond of dressage or jumping in an arena, so his owner would really like to see him being ridden outside (there is a very large park adjoining the stables with trails). I asked if she thought he would be suitable for foxhunting, and she said yes. Not that color matters, but he is a beautiful grey, AND he has good feet (he's currently barefoot). I asked what the lease fees would be, and there will be nothing beyond board, feed, and hoof trimming/shoeing, which I would be paying for with my own horse anyway. I'm also expecting vet bills to be worked in some how, but the owner has family in town for the weekend, so I am going to call her next week to work out all of the details.

I am so excited! Not only will I have a horse for all intents and purposes, I will be able to get back into riding shape well before hunting season. I guess the lesson of today is the old adage "It can't hurt to ask". I'm hoping this will end up being a long-term arrangement, and that if things are going well I'll be able to buy Louis eventually.

I'll be seeing the friend whom I suspect wanted a sales commission on the horse this weekend, and I'll have to be careful about how I tell her about the lease. I'd like to take jumping lessons from her, so maybe that will help things a little bit.

I hope this post isn't too hard to understand. Bottom line is it looks like I'll have a mount as of next week! My only dilemma is that he has a longish, dark-grey mane that looks very nice right now, and being the braider that I am, I think I will feel the need to pull it to "proper" length.

Thanks for everyone who is following. Oh, and here's a question: What type of shoes should a field hunter wear? I'm in eastern Nebraska, to give you an idea of geographic location.

Jill
NHH

xeroxchick

Jun. 1, 2001, 05:41 AM

Hello and it's great to see new people enjoy foxhunting. I have a couple of suggestions:
1. Join the MFHA as a subscriber. They have a website and fight to preserve foxhunting.
2. Remember that it's all about the hounds; learn as much as you can about the different breeds and their characteristics, about what breeds are prefered for the territory you hunt, and what your Master is breeding.
Many people who first start hunting are so busy riding they forget to pay attention to the drama unfolding around them - the action and performance of the hounds. Oh, and just a tip: don't talk much, introduce yourself, though, and don't yell "ware hole" every few secconds!
have fun,
xeroxchick

vineyridge

Jun. 1, 2001, 06:41 AM

We have four or five people who hunt in them, including a couple of whippers-in.

fernie fox

Jun. 1, 2001, 07:17 AM

Hi xeroxchick,welcome to COTHBB,it is so nice to get some action on this board,thank you for contributing,the more the merrier.Who do you hunt with,maybe you could get them to post on my "How to Start Hunting", thread so Georgia can have a representative there. /infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

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".

Whistlejacket

Jun. 1, 2001, 10:00 AM

Jill -

Apologies in advance for the stream of consciousness/random thoughts format that will follow. As I type this message, I am darting between duties while trying to inhale something that could very loosely be described as lunch. (It's way too intense a shade of orange for something that is neither a fruit nor vegetable...hum...) So here goes...

Congratulations on being invited to join NHH! They sound like such a great group.

The Louis-the-horse possibility sounds very promising and exciting. But if for whatever reason that doesn't work out, it sounds like you are making lots of contacts to track down other horse options. Good...always nice to have a "Plan B".

As far as the horse shoes for foxhunting, here are a couple things to consider.
1) Stay away from aluminum - they are not durable enough to withstand the rigors of foxhunting.

2) Traction - During the part of the season where the ground is frozen (and for how long is that in IA/NE? /infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif) , many foxhunters I know use either studs or borium on the shoes for traction. Often time "rimmed shoes" are used as the base shoe, because of the supposed traction that they provide.

3) Pads - Part of the territory where my horse and I hunt is very rocky...plus he has very flat soles. As such, it is imperative to keep pads on his front feet during hunting season. Obviously, this will vary with the specifics of the territory and the conformation of the horse's foot, but it is worth keeping this in mind. (A stone bruise can "bench" you and your horse for the season. Argh.)

Tack items to consider:

1) Breastplate - The need for this will vary with the horse and topography, etc. But again, something to keep in mind.

2) Gel saddle pad - As with any horse-related gear, some people love them, some people hate them, and some people don't have and opinion one way or the other. My horse and I are in the "love" gel pad category. After 3+ hours hunting, having a gel pad makes a big difference for both of us.

Clothing, gifts, living vicariously, etc. - It is well worth the while to be put on the mailing list to receive the catalog from Horse Country in Warrenton, VA (800-882-HUNT). This is a terrific store that specializes in foxhunting apparel, tack, appointments, gifts, etc. They have a great selection and wonderful items. It's so nice to go into a store that is brimming with foxhunting stuff!

If at some point you decide to invest in a top quality (yes, with a price to match...sigh) frock coat or hunting jacket, you might want to check out the selection carried by Horse Country. Their coats come in a variety of weights of fabric, are absolutely "correct" in all the details and styling, and are durable - that all-important quality that foxhunters hold in such high esteem whether it be in attire, tack, horses, or themselves! /infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

Well, that's all for now.

Thanks for letting us know how it's going.

And belated Happy Birthday wishes. I believe that you mentioned on another thread about your recent birthday. Sounds like you received a great present...foxhunting!

Foxhunt4me

Jun. 1, 2001, 10:39 AM

Hey Sister and all - some comments.

1) Stay away from aluminum - they are not durable enough to withstand the rigors of foxhunting.

Agreed and Titanium is too expensive!

2) Traction - During the part of the season where the ground is frozen (and for how long is that in IA/NE? ).

I use rim shoes - they are called "event" on the box I find these have nice overall traction. Farrier does not charge extra either ( $ 60 for 4 new )

Winter - From about December 1 on until Spring thaw - late Feb Early March. Borium - don't leave home without it when the ground freezes. If the conditions are mild in the winter some folks do go out without it especially in our less hilly fixtures. I know of nobody in the hunt that uses studs - too much hassle. Borium ( most farriers here use DRILLTEC actually ) welded on runs almost 2 times the cost of a regular shoe.

I pull the shoes this time of year and do not hunt my TB/ Cleveland Bay cross as I dont think he needs the joint stress due to old injuries.

3) Pads -

Our terrain is generally not rocky other than gravel roads. Most horses do not need pads. Brush on Venice Turpentine on the ( soles only ) hoof after each trimming for a few days and your horses soles will get a lot harder. My horse is 'ouchy ' on roads if I do not do this. Straight Betadine also will do this but more slowly.

Tack items to consider:

) Breastplate -

I use one - great going up steep embankments, terraces etc to keep the saddle from sliding and to have a handhold.

2) Gel saddle pad -

My wife can not hunt without it ( back surgery a while back ) I use a Crosby Sofride saddle and can ride for hours without saddle sores. I use a closed cell foam 'thinline ' pad.

Clothing, gifts, living vicariously, etc.

There are 2 local tack shops that carry 'english' tack and apparrel. You will be able to find almost anything you need there or get it ordered but it will not be as cheap as a catalog. Regg+ Wallys in Elkhorn NE also carries logo merchandise with our hunt logo's where the profit goes to the hunt.

Sometimes used gear is available ( Coats mainly )
from members that gave up hunting or grew out of it.

Our MFH's make great allowances for new members and guests in the attire and tack area. You do need a hardhat, we have people occasionally riding in western tack etc. Key issues for attire are:

Safe, Comfortable, Clean , Plain ( no bright colors , flashy parts etc.

If you have tan breeches, boots and a show coat of some kind you will fit in just fine.

FYI, Riders not in correct attire are expected to ride at the rear of the group ( in fron of the Secretary of course ) . But that is where you will be anyway for a while!

Sue and I will be glad to see some new folks back there now that we can move up - I was awarded my Colors and Sue was awarded her Buttons at the annual meeting in April. Now I just have to figure out how to come up with $1000 for new Scarlet jacket, White breeches, Brown Topped boots, etc.

Women have it easy they sew the colors on the collar and add patent leather tops to the boot - we can drive over to Dehners and get that done easily.

Joel

Thanx

TrakHack

Jun. 1, 2001, 01:16 PM

Thanks for the replies everyone! I do have a couple of questions:

What exactly IS borium? Is it the same as "bohrium", which is the same as "unnilseptium", atomic number 107 on the periodic table of elements /infopop/emoticons/icon_confused.gif Is it the oxychloride that bohrium decays to? Before putting this on a horse, I'd like to have an idea of what it is. I've heard lots of things about borium, but I don't actually know what it is. I also read about using nails with borium on the end as a substitute for borium on the shoe. Does anybody have experience with this?

Do you use gel pads for the horse, rider, or both? Does the rider feel a difference when a gel pad is used on the horse? I've never used one before, so I have no clue as to their impact. Do you have any other "creature comfort" recommendations?

Whistlejacket, I took full advantage of my recent birthday and received lots of horsey stuff from my mom. My dad, when told I was getting started in hunting, wisely sent a check. I'm very particular about tack, so that I like to buy on my own. I buy almost exclusively through catalogs or overseas online, which can be nice with respect to price, but sometimes things need to be returned. I will call Horse Country to get on their mailing list, and have found The Old Habit's website. I don't know how cold the weather will be for hunting, so I'm not sure if the heavy-duty melton is in order, or if a lighter wool will do (any suggestions Joel?).

Yes, this birthday has been about the best ever for me! /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif Starting into the world of foxhunting, getting to know a wonderful group of horse people, finding a great horse to lease... I'll let everyone know when the lease is official, but until then I can't breathe a sigh of relief and contentment. Louis is a nice horse, nicer than anything I was looking at before I thought to call his owner. I don't seem to be the luckiest person in the world (last year on my birthday I got a speeding ticket /infopop/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif), but this may be a rare instance where everything harmoniously comes together and works. At least I hope it will be!

Thanks again to everyone! I'll keep you posted!
Jill
NHH

Foxhunt4me

Jun. 2, 2001, 06:48 AM

Borium - a common term for all amalgams applied to the bottom of horeshoes. In my understanding Borium was a brand name. Our farrier uses what is tha brand name Drill - Tec. Drill Tec consists of a brass carrier metal with crystals of tungsten carbide ( HARD! ) in it. This is fired on to the shoe. The WC is sharp and is the gripping power for traction, the brass is soft so as it wears , new crystals are exposed to keep cutting surfaces.
I remember that the original boruum was a slightly different composition but the same concept.

Other alternatives are: Studs ( if you have the time ). EZBoots that have studs now - you buy a set of 4 and slip them on before a hunt and then take them off. The mentioned Borium nails - I know of a few folks using these - not all farriers will put them on or carry them.

Just remember if you have kicking issues in your barn / pasture, the borium nails and borium will make any injuries ( especially kicks to bony areas ) much more severe. If your horse overreaches, the borium on the front of the rear shoes can do some damage to the front feet etc.

Look at the concrete floors in barns like Quail Run and you will be able to tell where horses with Borium were kept in the winter. The concrete is scored up ( remember to turn your horse in wide corners with borium on on conccrete - there is a lot of stress on the joints with borium when not on a forgiving surface. )

Gel pads etc. Remember in hunting - less is more - you should try to keep tack to a minimum if possible. A lot of 'traditionalists ' ride in saddles without any saddle pad and without fillis pads in the stirrups. Sue useses the gel pad on top of the seat for her comfort - not sure it helps the horse - there are those gel pads that help horses with back soreness.

To the purist, a horse properly turned out for the hunt field has no or minimal saddle pad, a breastplate, plain flat bridle with no flashy buckles etc. A snaffle bit on heavy reins, no bell or brushing boots. Well trimmed / roached / braided mane , perhaps a tail in a mud knot.
>> You will see few purists at NHH but look at the pictures of Matthew, our huntsman on the website - his horse was always properly turned out like this - most of us reserve this hassle for opening hunt! <<

Also - as far as saddle pads go in general - if you saddle fits you horse , you should not need much of a pad - you should not try to compensate for a poorly fitting saddle with pads if you can avoid it. But you knew that I bet!

Happy Birthday!! I think I can even remember when I was your age!

Joel

Thanx

xeroxchick

Jun. 3, 2001, 06:27 AM

Many people think that event horses will make immediate field hunters. I have seen a lot of problems with this. Be prepared to spend a lot of time on group dynamics, hound tolerance and walk walk walk.
Hello fernie fox, I've hunted with Midland for eleven years.

vineyridge

Jun. 3, 2001, 03:24 PM

and on your wife's. That is so great!

Now you too will be one of the "red-coated bastards." Just be sure your helmet for Mars has a secure connection to the new coat's oxygen tank.

BTW, how is your summer Martian pack of PMS hounds doing this season?

Foxhunt4me

Jun. 4, 2001, 12:15 PM

Well, maybe I can use the excuse for not having a Scarlet coat that I dont want to be a red coated bastard! Sounds better than I dont have the money left in my 'fun fund"

Oh by the way the wife and I just happened to stop in the tack shop Saturday and they just happened to have a new shipment of saddles come in and they just happened to have one in her size ( Collegiate Senior Event ) and in a wide tree that she needs for her horse and it fit and she needed new leathers and maybe a girth and .... there goes the $$$ fund. It is not a high $$ saddle but hopefully it will last a few seasons - she actually only hunts about 4 - 5 times a year max. She can use that for hacking and hunting.

I miss the old Red Planet - those pink sunrises - the 200mph breezes off the icecaps.... due to the high price of rocket fuel I have not been back home for a while.

Joel

Thanx

TrakHack

Jun. 4, 2001, 12:54 PM

I'm glad that I don't have to get a new saddle and that, if this lease works out, I won't have the purchase price of a horse. Joel, I think your wife will like her new saddle. We had one at the barn where I taught, and it was comfy for hacking.

Xeroxchick, thanks for the warning about eventers. This particular horse hasn't been competed for a few years, and has mainly been taken through the park that is adjacent to the stables. I'm planning on taking him out on rides with other horses/riders from the barn to see how he reacts in a group setting. So far, he seems very level-headed and not at all hyper, and I am hoping to be able to go to many cubbings to get him used to the hounds.

The story of this horse is that the owner bought him for her son as an "all around" horse, to do a bit of jumping, a bit of dressage, and to be a pleasure mount. The son was in a very bad automobile accident which left him severely disabled, and he cannot ride the horse any longer. So, the horse has sentimental value for the family, but he's not being used. I don't think the family would ever consider selling him to an unknown party off the street, but is glad to have someone to give him time and attention. I'm planning on long rides through the park at a walk to allow us to get used to each other and in shape from going up and down hills. At least he'll get in shape that way; I need more drastic measures.

On the shoeing issue I'll have to talk to the farrier, but I'm leaning more toward studs than borium. Do field hunters regularly have shoes on all four feet, or do any have shoes only on the front?

Well Joel, if I ever were to earn colors, I'm glad I could stay in black. I think the French blue and gold look quite smashing with black. And my fun fund is not yet healthy enough to accomodate Dehners, so I'll have to ride in my relatively cheap boots. My plan of marrying well to finance my equestrian hobbies has not panned out so far...

Well, waiting until I finalize this lease is like a minor form of torture. Patience, patience, patience...

Foxhunt4me

Jun. 4, 2001, 02:01 PM

Sounds nice - that would not happen to be Rafael's horse would it ? - it sounds like it , a real tragedy, I used to watch him at the Dressage shows - I lost touch when I left the Dressage circles for high - adrenaline sport , but we were all hoping that he would be back in the saddle someday. Now I am depressed just remembering the poor kid. Had a nice family - good horse people too.

I have seen some folks with horses with feet of stone that only hunt occasionally leave the rears unshod - ride off the gravel roads as much as possible. If you are hunting during ice season I would not recommend leaving your main source of power without shoes with traction. You could always go the EZ Boot route for the rears - talk to me about my secret way to keep them on.

FYI - the local tack hops sell 'studs ' that are just disks of a borium like material.

Thanx

TrakHack

Jun. 5, 2001, 06:15 AM

Yes Joel, the horse is Rafael's, and he and his mother are making a most generous offer to me. They are great people, with nice horses, and I really couldn't have hoped for a better situation.

In other news, I came across a deal on a saddle that I couldn't refuse. It's for a Crosby Sofride Event, so I think I'll be looking to sell the Prix des Nation. The PDN is nice, but I like comfort in life.

The studs of a borium-like material interest me... I'll have to talk to the farrier about them.

Until next time,
Jill
NHH

Foxhunt4me

Jun. 5, 2001, 10:56 AM

Sounds good.

Crosby sofride event - well I LOVE mine - I have ridden in it for 3 seasons now, feels great still. I think that you will like it !

Talk to Sam at Regg+Wally's

about those studs - she can get them for you if they are not in stock. Just have the farrier drill and tap the shoes after thanksgiving and put yer plugs in there. Make sure to get the fit with the plugs, lubricant and a spare tap for cleaning out the threads ( a squeeze bottle of water helps too) .
Regg and Wally's Tack&Saddlery 1040 N. 204 th ave ( Route 31 ) Elkhorn. 402-289-1175, -800-666-REGG.

Happy Trails.

Thanx

TrakHack

Jun. 5, 2001, 01:47 PM

The owner of Louis, the horse I will be leasing, called today. I am going to start with Louis the day after tomorrow, and as of June 20th, he's all mine! /infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif (The owner's daughter is riding him a bit until she goes to Spain).

What is so nice about this is that all parties concerned want what's best for the horse, and it's really nice to be working with someone who is not just trying to make a buck. The owner even asked how much I could afford to pay for him, and said she could come down on the price if things go well. In any case, with "leasing to own", I think I will have him paid off in two years, or I could probably pay the purchase price balance after one year of leasing.

Another great thing is that the owner thinks that Louis will really enjoy being a field hunter, which is great. A happy horse makes for a much happier rider...

Gee, I feel like things are going so well, that there's a bombshell of some sort around the corner. I'll take pictures of Louis soon, and maybe my good friend Joel can help me figure out how to put them into cyberspace so everyone can see him. /infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

Jill
NHH

ljo

Jun. 5, 2001, 02:16 PM

Get your lease/purchase agreement in writing.If he turns out to be a fabulous hunter she may get better offers for him than you are offering.Just cover yourself.

TrakHack

Jun. 6, 2001, 05:28 AM

For the advice on a written purchase/lease agreement. Would you also recommend having this horse vetted? A breeder friend of mine suggested this if, through leasing, I will eventually own the horse. At the barn where I used to teach, we did not have the lease horses vetted, but it was always strictly a lease agreement.

Does anyone know of a good boiler-plate lease agreement that I could tailor to my situation?

Thanks,
Jill

Foxhunt4me

Jun. 6, 2001, 08:51 AM

I sent you a direct e-mail with a sample lease contract.

I leased my horse for 6 months before I purchased him - I felt that at that point we knew each other pretty well and I would know about any serious defects.

When I did purchase him, I had a vetting performed with a complete set of leg x-rays. This proved to be a good move as I had some lameness problems later on and then th vet had a baseline set of x-rays to compare with, I also then knew that the horse was not sold to me with a problem.

Given the price of the horse it was worth spending this money. When we purchased my wifes horse, as he was younger and MUCH cheaper - we had just the routine vetting performed - no x-rays.

Hunt health issues:

The only thing I forgot at that time was the Coggins tests. Actually, I just had one pulled for the first time on my horse ( have had him for almost 6 years now ) a week ago - make sure you do this before hunt season starts as you will be trailering across state lines to hunt in our primary hunt country and all states require this paperwork to be carried with the horse.

I also always have our horses set up with shots and worming like they were in a boarding stable due to the increased contact with other horses at hunt meets. Even though I have only two in a closed herd environment at home.

Get the new strangles vaccine ( nasal ) too.

Make sure you worm at least every two months.

I personally do not let mine drink from any of the water tanks that we may come acros hunting , a lot of people think it is OK the let their horse drink from the odd cattle tank but I feel that there is too much chance of infection when you have cattle and hounds and 30 different horses all sticking their runny noses in the same tank of water.

I always pack my own water when trailering to our hunt countries that have no water available for the horses ( Cook, Sometimes Yutan ) so I can water them when we get done.

Joel

Thanx

TrakHack

Jun. 7, 2001, 06:31 AM

I went to the barn last night to ride Louis, and we had a great time!

The first important thing that I learned is that Louis (which is pronounced "Louie", as opposed to "Lewis"; I wouldn't want anyone to be confused /infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif) is serious about his food, and would prefer not to be interrupted until he has consumed his entire meal. This includes every last strand of his hay, and any hay from the neighboring horse's stall that he can reach.

Louis was well-behaved for grooming and tacking up, although I had bit of scrubbing to do to get him clean. He hadn't been ridden in a week, and I thought that he might be a little bit hot, but he wasn't at all. We poked around the indoor arena at a walk and trot, with four other horses in the arena, and then I took him outside. Louis did NOT want to walk through the mud that led to the sand arena, but on the third try we went successfully forward (and he was rewarded with lots of "good boy" praise). We walked and trotted around the outdoor arena, and I took him over a ground pole. He took a good look at it the first time over, but otherwise had no problems. I cantered him over it a few times, and the last time over he took what I'm guessing was not a very big jump and did little bucks on the other side. He was definitely enjoying himself, and so was I! Then I took him into a field of tall grass and some VERY scary bales of hay. Louis spooked at one of the bales, but his spooking consisted of a quick movement of his head toward the frightening hay and then standing absolutely still. This I can handle /infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif.

Louis definitely is a horse that likes to be in the company of other horses and follow a confident "lead" horse. He is a people-friendly horse, and likes to hang his head out over the stall door to see what's going on in the aisle and in the paddocks outside. Louis is also relatively fit, and did not break a sweat at all, although it was very humid and I can't say that I left the barn dry and clean.

So far, there are only two things about Louis I don't care for. The first is that he's a cribber. He wears a cribbing strap, but in the few moments from when his bridle came off to when I could get the cribbing strap on, he reached for the nearest piece of wood. I looked at his teeth, and they did not show excessive wear from cribbing, and the top and bottom teeth are about the same length. He never tried cribbing while being ridden. The second thing is that he could have bigger feet. His quarter horse lineage must have included those tiny teacup feet. Louis's feet aren't that small, but in a perfect world, they would be bigger.

Louis is a nice size for me, and my leg fits well against his side (I'm short, and he's not very round). His height is just right for me to swing my leg over using the mounting block, and I can reach up and scratch his poll without a problem. When the ground dries out a bit, I plan to take him into the park daily for what is about an hour long ride (at the walk), up and down hills, to build muscle.

Next week I'll be signing the lease agreement with Louis's owner (she wanted to make SURE that I liked him), and then we'll be good to go. Jumping lessons are definitely in order for me, but I want to give us both some time together before we get into that.

For those of you who are still reading, thanks for staying with me on my long-winded posts. I'll try to keep to questions and shorter things in the future.

Jill

[This message was edited by Sister on Jun. 07, 2001 at 10:40 AM.]

Whistlejacket

Jun. 7, 2001, 01:56 PM

Sister -

Congratulations on Louis! It sounds like a nice situation for all the involved parties. The timing is good as well, because you guys will have all summer to prepare for foxhunting.

You mentioned that you and Louis will be taking some jumping lessons. Sounds like a good idea as from what I can tell neither of you has been "airborne" for awhile.

One thing that you may want to keep in mind, however, is the dictum that "the easiest thing in foxhunting is the actual jumping; it's the dumb, little stuff that is hard". While I am sure there are exceptions, I have to say that this has been my experience.

As such, here are a few examples of "dumb, little stuff", that you may (or may not /infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif) want to consider as you plan your and Louis' summer activities:

1) Whoa! - The most important word that your horse needs to know in foxhunting. Sometimes something comes up so suddenly (e.g. involuntary dismount right in front of you) that you and your horse need to stop on a dime, i.e. no slower gait steps meandering into a halt. Sounds easy, but takes practice, both for you and your horse. Even better if you can train him to do it mainly off your voice.

2) Teaching a horse to stand around. There can be a lot of standing around in foxhunting. Like anything else, often times a horse actually needs to be taught this concept. (And in my experience, this really is a concept thing.) So as you and Louis go on your trail rides, you can periodically practice standing around...relaxed. It may take a little while, but they eventually catch on. (I usually wait for them to take a sigh. /infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif)

3) Mounting from the ground, rock, tree stump, fence board, or whatever is handy. Like anything, this needs to be practiced...by both of you...ahead of time.

4) Opening and closing gates. As a newbie, you and Louis will probably not be expected to be the "gate team". However, as you may start out riding in the back, it is huntfield courtesy for a few of the back riders to stay with the gate person as the gate is being shut. As such, it is useful for a horse to be taught the concept that a gate is something that is to be addressed correctly. i.e. "If we open the gate, we also close the gate." (Sort of like teaching a little kid, that after we eat, we put our dirty dishes in the sink.) Again, in my experience this is a concept thing...but none-the-less, very useful in the huntfield.

5) If you have fixtures in wooded territory, practice how you and Louis would maneuver if the field reverses. Typically this means getting off the trail and heading into the woods (low-hanging tree branches, vines, underbrush and all). Sometimes these quarters are so cramped, that you have to back your horse into this brush. Like anything else, this takes practice.

The above are just a very few of the training ideas that it takes to make a really good field hunter. As you go along, you and Louis will come up with others.

My approach with all of this is to encourage the horse to feel very proud of himself for doing any of these jobs well. There is so much that we ask a horse to do that is counter to his instincts, e.g. stand and wait his turn while the field reverses and gallops off. I try to replace this instinctual response with a sense of pride about, in essence, going against his instinct. It's amazing how they really catch on to and feel good about this. And I always know that I am going in the right direction if the horse is just puffed up with pride.

It's funny how many compliments my fieldhunter receives. While of course I am biased /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif , I know that what made the horse one that people like, it's not his jumping ability, but was the many hours of all the "dumb, little stuff" that he and I have done together. (Plus, at this point, he is so puffed up with pride at doing his job well that instead of standing, often times he poses! /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif ) Definately a bit of a ham!

Sounds like you and Louis are off to a good start! Have fun!

[This message was edited by Whistlejacket on Jun. 07, 2001 at 06:04 PM.]

TrakHack

Jun. 7, 2001, 02:26 PM

I will be sure to practice these things on our rides. This is exactly the kind of information that I need, so if anyone one else can add to Whistlejacket's great advice, I'd be happy to hear it!

Here's a general question: what kind of bit do you hunt in? Louis is currently in a plain, eggbutt snaffle with a trendy flash noseband for dressage, but I'm thinking about trying a jointed Pelham on him (obviously without the flash...). Any thoughts on that? The other bit that he has been ridden in is a slow-twist snaffle. My thinking with the Pelham is that for the most part, I can use it as a snaffle, but when I need more, I have the leverage of the curb available. I used to ride a jumper in a Pelham, so I'm not unfamiliar to using one.

In my lessons from years past, I actually learned to open and close gates (as in the kind with swinging doors), while mounted. From what Joel has told me, gate duty in our hunt usually falls to the man with the short horse /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif. I will definitely have to spend lots of time getting Louis used to standing next to strange objects for purposes of mounting up. My friend at the barn stands on the hood of her ancient Saab...

Until next time,
Jill

Foxhunt4me

Jun. 8, 2001, 08:13 AM

Good question. Pat answer:
Your bit is a key piece of safety equipment. You need to be able to stop you horse safely under any and all conditions in the hunt field. You need to be able to control the horses speed during the hunt and before jumps etc. Of course with a well trained horse speed control is a result of many rider aids, but in the adrenaline of the moment the bit is the last set of brakes you will use.

Joel's axiom:
I would rather have it and not need it than need it and not have it.

You will get a better idea of what you need during cubbing and hunt camp.

I would start out with the Pelham with 2 reins of course, as that is proper, - a converter is tacky as is one set of reins on a pelham. I use a jointed pelham or an elevator with 2 reins. If you find that the pelham is overkill then move down to the slow twist - I used a slow twist ONCE on my horse and somehow survived :-) . I also used a snaffle ONCE and survived - not again on the hunt field. If you can hunt Louie in a snaffle I envy you and you will impress many people with that horse! There a few people that do hunt with snaffles on experienced hunt horses.

I would not worry about getting gates , reason #1 - the Field Master generally asks a man or does it himself. Many of the gates are physically challenging even for a buff guy like me :-) . You are always free to volunteer and will make great points by doing this !

Choose the real gates and not the "texas" gates if you ever feel you are up to this for the first time. Also choose a time when the field is NOT on a run or you may find yourself like one member 2 seasons ago that was left holding the gate while the field and his horse all went after the hounds!
I caught up to his horse about a mile away and returned it to him ! This will help you move up in rank quickly. I even volunteer on Mikaelka - if there is not a man available in first flight - hey, chivalry is not dead in the hunt field , I will always offer the ladies first hit off of my flask even ( if you dare ) .

Take full advantage of being both female and new - people will be nice to you for a while :-) - then we will start picking on you like one of the group when everybody knows you! Try to fall off often and pass up the field master once in a while ( a six pack penalty exists for each infraction of passing up the field master ) every will enjoy the beer and laughs at your expense. :-)

----

Thanx

Foxhunt4me

Jun. 8, 2001, 08:27 AM

Oh yes , here are some other key things to do to impress folks:

Carry a hunt whip , crack it if a hound gets near to you and scream " bad dog! " - this will endear you to the huntsman and staff.

If you have a question from the back of the group - call up to the field master - Hey ! what are the dogs doing that for?

Make sure you introduce yourself to everyone else 2 or 3 times. Ask them if their horse is for sale.

If you are offered a drink - make sure you take it - it is rude to turn down a drink, also, you should make sure you take a good hit . If you dont like it, the proper courtesy is to spit it on the person's horse that offered it to you and shout " geez thats rough !!! "

While getting tacked up , walk from trailer to trailer and ask to borrow equipment, pads, tack. People like being helpful.

Put a white ribbon in your horses tail, if anyone asks you what that means tell them it is because your horse has EIA and failed his Coggins test.

If someones horse refuses a jump - laugh loudly and state tell them that the killer truck comes to Karens place on Fridays.

When you meet a male riders wife for the first time, ask the man, " do you want me to tell her what you asked me to do out there in the woods? "

If your horse poops at the site, scoop it up and put in on the masters car seat, these folks love practical jokes.

----

Well thats enough for your first hunt - opening hunt would be a good day for this stuff.

Honest
----

Thanx

xeroxchick

Jun. 9, 2001, 08:06 AM

Oh yes, all of these things will help establish you as a member. May I add to this list?

* Be sure to keep your horse as close as possible to the horse in front of you,with your horse's nose on his or her back.

* Pass people as much as possible and fight your way to the front, declairing that your horse really prefers it.

* Talk a lot, especially when the huntsman is trying to listen to hounds.

* When there is a reverse field, use this as an opportunity to cut in front of another rider and push ahead.

*Hold branches that are blocking the path for other riders behind you.

ponyjocke

Jun. 10, 2001, 10:07 AM

I have been hunting for a while now and here are some tips:
1) gel pad for behind after a few hours you WILL need it
2) dont worry about keeping up with hilltop it's not that hard after a few weeks youll be wistfully watching the Field
3) i use borium nails on my horses shoes
4) the best hunter ive had is one with a good quiet attitude, doesnt kick,willing and not to tall so you can get off if need be
Have a ton of fun-jen

Whistlejacket

Jun. 11, 2001, 02:44 PM

Sister -

I must preface the following suggestions with the acknowledgement that they are based on some major assumptions regarding Louis' baseline activities and the resources and facilities that are available to you. My apologies in advance if these comments are "off-point" or so basic as to be boring or intellectually insulting. So here goes...

From what I can tell, it sounds as though it may have been awhile since Louis has been off "the old plantation", as it were. While it is a great resource to have the park adjacent to the Louis' farm available for riding, as you know, it is qualitatively different for a horse to actually leave home and trailer to and have to function in some place new...activities that of course, are part of foxhunting (unless you are within hacking distance of every meet!)

As such, you have probably already made arrangements to:

(a) practice trailer loading and unloading (best done when you have unlimited time and are not actually planning to go anywhere.)

(b) actually trailering [In my experience it takes a few trailer rides for a horse to gain or re-gain his "trailer legs". Even if you and Louis just go for a "Sunday afternoon drive in the country", this can be a worthwhile exercise. Added bonus, this also allows you and Louis to practice (a).]

(c) Going someplace new: [Not only do you and Louis get to practice (a) and (b), but you also are introducing Louis to the concept of new places and functioning in them. It sounds like the hound walks will be a great opportunity for this. Even taking Louis over to a friend's farm for a "walk-about" can be a valuable mental training exercise in this regard.]

Okay, so now you and Louis are pro's at (a), (b), and (c)...what's next?

Well, how about the (d) the "commotion factor"? When distilled down to its essence, foxhunting contains a good percentage of commotion. This, of course, is admixed the underlying basic principles, organization, and instincts that direct the hunt. But the commotion factor in foxhunting is real...and also is a lot of fun! (Yee-haa!)

So in advance of the start of cubbing, how do you introduce your horse to commotion? I haven't found an exact substitute for the commotion unique to foxhunting. But what I have found to be a useful "commotion training exercise" is for the fieldhunter prospect and I to spectate and walk around horse shows. This is because horse shows are a reliable and consistent source of commotion (Some shows more than others ! /infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif).

As such, during the summer in advance of introducing a horse to foxhunting, it can be useful for the you and the horse to go on a regular basis as spectators to any variety or size of horse show. [Also allows you to practice (a), (b) and (c).]

Neither the size nor discipline of the show are of particular importance for the goal of this training exercise. After all, you and your horse are going as spectators and to walk around the show grounds getting valuable mileage in dealing with and functioning amid commotion. Useful exercises including exploring the show grounds, riding in the schooling area if appropriate with the tense horses and riders around you, as well as practicing some of the stuff I mentioned on my first installment of "dumb, little stuff". (i.e. practice standing around, relaxed, amid the commotion; practice mounting and dismounting amid the commotion, etc.)

For this purpose, my preference are the small "backyard" shows. Not only are they often easier logistically, but often times the showgrounds have adjacent fields that you and your horse can explore, as well as some interesting "neighbors" that are useful for this purpose (i.e. fields with cattle, sheep, or around these parts an occasional emu, potbellied pig, or yak!). But any show, size or type, will do.

This setting also provides you with a valuable opportunity to understand how your horse responses to commotion. And when he does, it provides you with the opportunity to figure out ways you can "reach him" when his "brain locks", as can happen when a horse is dealing with something new or even something familar, but in the setting of commotion. A lot of times in this horse show commotion backdrop, I figure out subtle but effective ways that I can "reach the horse" that I put to use when we get out to the hunt field later on. Plus, it teaches the horse that if he remains even somewhat open to me, I can help him "conquer" something that is intially anxiety-provoking to him.

While this regular "horse show spectating" activity falls well under the header of "dumb, little stuff", it can be a very useful exercise in advance of foxhunting. Specifically, it can help to set things up so that your horse's first hunt is not a "locked-brain-no-real-learning" experience for him (and for the rider, an experience in shear in survival!), but actually a mental training exercise which is both positive and constructive for the horse.

Like I have said before, from what I have seen, it is this sort "stupid, boring stuff" that so helps to introduce a horse to foxhunting - safely and sanely so they have the opportunity to really learn to do the job .

Have fun, and please keep your reports coming! It's great to hear your progress!

[This message was edited by Whistlejacket on Jun. 11, 2001 at 06:57 PM.]

TrakHack

Jun. 14, 2001, 08:42 AM

But as I was reading through these posts and thinking of all the things I need/should/want to be doing, I was thinking "When am I going to have time to do all of this?" Like a lot of riders, I have a full-time job, so my horse time is limited to evenings and weekends. I've found that I can get in a good grooming and ride after work, and get home by 9pm or so, but that's about it. I don't want to get discouraged, but I guess I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed knowing all of the things a good horseman should do and wondering how I'm going to get it all done.

I don't want to whine about a situation that so many people are in, but I just don't want to get discouraged. I was out of town for the weekend and the first part of this week, and felt guilty for leaving Louis all alone. I'll go to see him tonight, but then will be off to braid for a dressage show. I don't feel like I have that much going on in my life, but at the same time I don't feel like I have that much time.

So, does anyone have advice for a working girl? Is there anything you do to help keep things in perspective? I've been thinking about a building block approach of starting with one task, mastering that, then adding another, mastering that while continuing to work on the first, adding another, and so on. I guess I'm afraid that with my limited time, I won't be able to properly prepare my horse or myself.

Thanks for any advice or words or encouragement you can give,
Jill

xeroxchick

Jun. 16, 2001, 09:38 AM

You have brought up an important point, because if you haven't put in the time to get your horse fit (I guess to me that means doing intervals and working up to 1/2 hour trots with a 5 min. recovery time and doing some gallops before hunt season) then the possibility of injury is greatly increased. Fitness is extreamly important, for instance, you never know when you will have one of those six and a half hour hunts with lots and lots of running - you want your horse to be using his muscle and circulatory system efficiently and not running on tendon and bone, and tripping or hitting coops. I find that after my horse is fit and hunting, I can put in 3 rides durring the week and one hunt every two weeks. The days of hunting one horse every weekend taught me that it breaks them down. Be sure to leave yourself a couple of days to be a human and run errands, etc!

TrakHack

Jun. 18, 2001, 08:02 AM

Building up to half hour trots with five minute recoveries gives me a definite, manageable goal to work toward. Louis has been out of steady work for a while, so I've just been doing walking on a long rein, with a little bit of trot here and there. I have a conditioning plan that we use to use in northern Minnesota, after the horses hadn't been ridden at all for 5 months or so, and I think I'll alter that a bit for Louis. And, once we're ready for gallops, we can go out with Louis' best horse-friend Tom, who is in super shape (but was in the same place Louis is a four months ago) and enjoys almost daily gallops.

Here's some hunting questions for people:

Is it acceptable not to clip your horse around his muzzle and eyes for hunts? I'm a big fan of keeping those guard hairs on the horse.

Do you feed your horse(s) a different diet during hunt season? More grain, a grain with a higher protein content, special supplements?

Do you find that hunting and casual hacking keeps your horse sane, or does your horse get bored or overloaded with this? Do you give lots of time off or do different things with your horse to keep him happy?

Thanks everyone. Louis is getting a bath tonight on this very hot day, but tomorrow it's back to riding for both of us.

Jill

SLW

Jun. 18, 2001, 11:39 AM

As to face whiskers on a horse it should not matter. I prefer to keep my crew tidy, year round so those long hairs don't ever get beyond two weeks of growth before they are snipped off. I should have been a hairdresser! /infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

Diet- depends on the horses metabolism(sp) and work load. Hunting once every other week on a fit horse will not require a significant change in diet. Hunting weekly, or twice weekly, would normally require, IMHO, more concentrates than the first work load. My horses recieve "FastTrack" prior to a show or hunt even though both events are local and require no over night stay. I use electrolytes in the summer for shows/competitve trail rides and early in the hunt season if the temps are still hot.

Variety is good! In the summer we do local shows, just for fun. I do most of my riding out on trails and around farmers fields. Maybe once weekly I'll work in my small ring on detail work during the "show season".

Louis sounds like he will do just fine with you!

SLW

xeroxchick

Jun. 18, 2001, 02:14 PM

Hi;
I am also a fan of leaving eye whiskers, but I always clip muzzle and tidy the ears; just my thing. Body clipping is important in cold weather, at least here in Georgia. I always clip before opening hunt. Last year I just did a blanket clip on my new hunter, but was prepared to take it all off baby if he showed signs of fatigue. Clipping is something misunderstood by some and not just for looks; it keeps your horse from getting too cold hacking back in 20 degree weather dripping wet with sweat. Keep in mind also that hunting is traditional and that it honors your hunt to be well turned out.
Feeding...each horse is different. I tend to want them just ever so slightly, well, not fat, but not lean and not *quite* as fit as they will be, because by February they will be scary lean. My mare eats 12 lbs. durring hunt season and six in the summer (16.2 hh TBX) whereas my Ap goes from six lbs. to eight lbs. My husband's 17.1 TB Perch cross stays quite well on just six lbs.! Just 10 % protein. Hope this helps.
Hey, about gallops, I find many horses get really nervous and light on their feet on a hunt when waiting to take a coup and especially if they have to wait for hounds to cross before catching up to the field. You might want to go to a cross country lesson and just stand while the other horses jump and school. I've found this to be a helpful excersize.

TrakHack

Jun. 19, 2001, 06:51 AM

It helps a lot for me to know what other people do with respect to these little things.

Xeroxchick brought up the point that clipping is not only functional, but shows respect for your hunt. What I'm wondering about are the things that might be beneficial for your horse, but don't follow regular hunt tradition (for example, leaving muzzle hairs). I have the highest respect and regard for the traditions of the hunt, but at the same time, I want to keep my horse's best interests in mind. I suppose the best thing to do is talk with members of my hunt (we're in eastern Nebraska) and see what works for them and is acceptable in our hunt.

The idea of taking Louis to a cross country schooling and just have him stand is a great one! Plus, it will also give me a chance to trailer him to and from a strange place (although he'll be with his buddy).

I will watch Louis' diet as he is conditioned, and adjust accordingly. He's not as thrifty as that Percheron cross, but he is a relatively easy keeper. Although he needs muscling, he is in good weight right now (no ribs can be seen!).

Louis got his bath last night and was an absolute gem. I hand-grazed him until he was almost dry (impending thunderstorms interrupted this bliss), and we were able to spend time just getting to know each other a little better. If it's still raining tonight, we'll lunge at the walk and trot. And maybe work on walking through water, which he does NOT like!

Thanks again to everyone. Hunt camp is coming up in August, so I'll be spending the next six weeks condtitioning for that!

Jill

Foxhunt4me

Jun. 19, 2001, 10:33 AM

Hiya!

Here's my input:

Muzzle clipping: I trim, but leave these at least an inch long - I also do not like to cut these all off. For opening hunt I would may trim closer, but honestly in our hunt, there are a lot more things to pay attention to than the length of muzzle hair you have ! Neat and well groomed will work. As long as he does not look like a Walrus you will be OK.

Feed- we increase the feed a bit - I supplement with soaked beet pulp once or twice a day if they appear to be losing weight, and of course extra hay as needed. When my TB / CB cross needs it I supplement with a high fat supplement like Rice Bran or that Buckeye feeds 28% fat supplement.
You will have to play it by ear, but I personally would suggest that you first increase hay, then add more fat to the feed ( that also helps prevent tying up ) , then beet pulp. Use a 14% protein feed especially if you are not feeding alfalfa during the high work season - we feed Purina Strategy all year around as it has 6% fat and 14% protein.

Electrolytes - early in the hunt season - yes - if he is sweating a lot. You can sweat a ton on warmer cubbing days. I use the cherry flavored powder - start them on hot days in the summer to get used to the taste. If you are feeding a commercial grain they are probably getting enough salt for moderate work. I leave a salt lick in the loafing shed year round. Another solution a vet had told me to use is " Lite Salt " - this has Sodium, Calcium, Potasium, salts in it and you can get it at the super market ( and use it yourself too ! )

Keeping sane: Hmmm, my horse has never been sane in the hunt field.

But really - I have hunted a lot of horses - generally speaking the hardest time I had was with horses that were boarded at commercial stables and were kept inside all of the time with minimal turnout - get them out in the field - yee - ha! One I rode for a time was used as a school horse for dressage during the week - I would take him out on Sunday and it would be ' exciting' for a while - of course then the trainer would gripe at me that week after someone rode him in a lesson and he was ' all hot from that darn hunting'
During the season, we hack at home ( or condition ) and hunt. Lessons would be a good mental break.

Personally , I prefer a horse that is kept outside during the hunt season. Keep some of your hacking to trotting and walking, or just a day of a good long walk ( challenging when the days are short in the winter ) - that way he will not think you have to gallop EVERY time you ride.

You may have to get Louie used to coops and our new vertical jumps though. Cubbing is a good time for this - the field master will often grant permission for riders to school over some of the jumps when the action is slow or we are carrying the hounds to a new covert.

Joel

Thanx

TrakHack

Jun. 20, 2001, 07:04 AM

Hi Everyone,

So, I'm getting into a daily routine of working with Louis. At first I had thought of long, easy rides at the walk for conditioning, but now I'm thinking of a plan where I trail ride days 1,3,5 mostly at the walk, lunge days 2,4,6 with lots of trot, and day 7 he's off from work (maybe work on ground manners). The reason why I'm thinking of this is that I lunged Louis last night for a half hour, switching directions every five minutes, mostly trotting with a little bit of walk between trots. At the end of the half hour, Louis was getting tired and wanting to quit. I'm thinking that lunging will work to build up his cardio, while the rides will help for his strength and mind. What does everybody think? Any suggestions?

In other news, Louis lived up to his gray color by sleeping on "pillows" of manure after his bath. Sigh... At least he was clean for a day!

Thanks,
Jill

SLW

Jun. 20, 2001, 04:19 PM

Louis will get fit with all that longing, but will you?? Can you do ring work instead of 3 days of longing?

SLW

TrakHack

Jun. 21, 2001, 06:21 AM

I won't get fit standing in an arena. What kind of ring work would you recommend for both Louis' and my fitness? Louis found his way to me partly because he didn't enjoy lots of hours going around in the indoor. There is a big, sand outdoor where he is, but when it rains we're stuck inside.

One of my thoughts with lunging was to give Louis a chance to increase his cardio capacity without a rider on his back (I was imagining jogging for a half hour, and thinking that it'd be a lot easier for me without a hiking pack on my back...).

Louis was not at all tired after our long, hour and 45 minute ride over the weekend (it wasn't supposed to be that long, but we had water issues...), all done at the walk. In fact, he was downright energetic and walking very actively on the way home. Perhaps I'm being too cautious? I just want to be careful with him at first, since he's been out of regular work for a while.

Thanks everyone,
Jill

TrakHack

Jun. 25, 2001, 12:55 PM

Hi Everyone,

I was able to get a decent picture of Louis grazing and a very fuzzy shot of him trotting the other day, and I've posted them below for you to see.

Things are going well with us. We're working on halting immediately in response to the "whoa" command, as well as working canters and longer trots into our rides. It's very hot here in Nebraska, and the biting insects are relentless. I'm looking forward to the fall!

Here's a question for all the experienced hunters out there: what length do you like your stirrups to be for hunting? Do you keep them short for extended galloping and jumping? I have mine so that the bottom of the stirrup hits my ankle bone. I'm thinking that this will be too long, but I'm not sure how much full-on galloping to expect (I think I'll hilltop for the first few hunts). Any recommendations would be most appreciated.

Thanks,
Jill

TrakHack

Jun. 25, 2001, 12:57 PM

I couldn't figure out how to get both attachments on one message...

Foxhunt4me

Jun. 28, 2001, 05:55 AM

I normally use the rule of thumb of hanging my legs long and feeling where the irons hit the ankle bone - below the bone for flat work / hacking - above the bone for jumping .

I usually hunt first flight with the irons hitting my ankle bone right on. I feel most confident with them here and it is easier on my knees then when they are shorter. I drop my irons a lot when I can to get the blood back in the legs - when walking along the roads etc. This helps the knees and ankles a lot!

It will take you a bit to figure this out, always try to have them adjusted correctly when the hounds go out as you never know when you may hit a line and I have been stuck with them too long!

Thanx

TrakHack

Jun. 29, 2001, 06:59 AM

Hello everyone,

Foxhunt4me took me out hound walking the other night, and I had a great time meeting the pack and talking to the huntsman, his wife, and the MFH. There is a litter of seven week old hounds that are extremely cute and outgoing, and it was neat to see how they already respond to the huntsman. The hounds moved at a quick pace despite the heat and humidity, so although my horse got a night off, I got quite a workout. The hounds were mindful of the huntsman, and upon their return to the kennels they drank water, many put their feet in water, and one even sat down in the water tub and claimed it for her own! I hope one day I'll be able to adopt a retired hound or two, and serve them as well as they have served the hunt.

In other news, Louis was turned out with his best friend Tom last night, and they rip-roared around the pasture, giving me a good chance to evaluate Louis' gaits. He was actually quite fast, and handy enough to get away from his bigger, fitter, faster friend. I always enjoy watching horses be horses!

Oh, here's a question, regarding feed (again): The grain the horses are fed at Louis' barn is a custom mix that the owner has made and feeds to her racehorses. I asked to see what was in it (it didn't look like any feed I had ever seen), and the guaranteed minimum/maximum sheet said that it had 33% protein! Has anyone ever heard of feed with a protein content so high? Over 50% of the feed is wheat grain (if I interpretted the sheet correctly), about 30% is corn, and then there is some flaxseed and a couple smaller components that comprise the remainder. The horses all seem to do well on it, and I wasn't concerned about his feed until I saw the protein content, but now I'm wondering...

Until next time,
Jill

Foxhunt4me

Jun. 29, 2001, 09:12 AM

33% !! I never heard of anyone feeding that - thats like feeding them meat!

My personal feelings:

14% - High work
12% - Medium work
10 -11% - Maintenance

Between that feed and if they eat alfalfa that will be quite a load on their kidneys.

Also, corn , while being a good horse feed, can create a bit of intestinal gas in many horses - especially at a 30% level.

If you have any say in Louie's feed ( which you may not as you are leasing him ) - I would switch him to something like Strategy - 14% Protein and 6% ( high ) fat while you are in training and during the season. More fat will benefit your hunt horse much more that gobs of protein and help prevent tying up.

If he is in good flesh during the 'off' season, I would switch him to a 11% mostly whole oats feed for grain if he needs grain.

I give the horses a shot of probiotic supplement at least once a week to help ensure they are able to digest as much of their hay as possible. I think this also helps them with stress - to have the correct intestinal flora levels.

/infopop/emoticons/icon_cool.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_cool.gif

Thanx

TrakHack

Jun. 29, 2001, 12:26 PM

I called the feed co-op directly to ask about the grain, and it's a very normal 11.10% protein. Phew! I'm kind of ticked that I was given incorrect information at the barn, but hey, as long as the horse is ok, I'm happy.

Thanks,
Jill

TrakHack

Jul. 3, 2001, 01:17 PM

I haven't been doing a lot with Louis because it's been so dang hot and humid here lately! The weather is definitely foiling my training plan /infopop/emoticons/icon_mad.gif!

I may have to ask my boss if I can adjust my hours so I can ride in the morning...

An interesting tidbit, for those of you who don't know, eastern Nebraska is HOT and HUMID from about June - September. Like Florida hot and humid. Downright sultry, really.

Have a great Independence Day!

TrakHack

Jul. 13, 2001, 08:53 AM

Hello Everyone,

Well, the weather finally broke here in Nebraska and I went out to ride last night. I had SUCH a good ride, starting with a thorough grooming where Louis was just about purring with happiness. We went out on our usual trip through the park, where it just so happened an outdoor performance of "Cinderella" was taking place. Louis handled the traffic like a pro. We practiced stopping and standing a couple of times, as well as lengthening and collecting at the trot. When we got to our turn around point, we did some "tree bending", and Louis was incredibly light and responsive, turning tightly off my leg. We did a bit of lateral work on the way back, just keeping things mixed up and fun.

I decided to show Louis a big slide that is set up at the top of a hill. He snorted a bit at it, but walked around and halted near it when I asked him. We were heading down the road toward home, and I decided to show him another oddity, these Roman-style marble pillars that are by a pond. Louis walked over a small bridge without a problem, but did stop once he was in full view of the water. We went forward and walked around the pillars, and I was so satisfied with him and the entire ride that I gave him a pat and a "Good, good boy" and gave him a little more rein for the last bit home.

Well, there was a little hill about 20 yards long and 20 feet high to go up before getting to the road to get home. I gave Louis his head and let him go up, and once he got to the top he started bucking. At first I thought "Hmm, this is a strange gait", but after the first couple bucks I figured it out. I dropped my heels down, leaned back, and tried pulling his head up. I stayed on for about 6 bucks before bailing, and as I landed hard on my hip and elbow, my wonderful boy took off for the barn. /infopop/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif

It took me a minute to get up, and I could tell my legs were fine, but I wasn't sure about my hip/pelvis. Luckily I was only a little over a quarter mile from the barn, and a rider came out to make sure I was okay (Louis made VERY good time getting back there!). Another person met me at the park gate, and yet another had caught my horse. I am so glad people at my barn look out for each other! I took Louis into the arena, painfully remounted, and we went around a couple of times. The fellow who caught Louis offered to go back out to the park with me, but I was too hurt and the horse too hot to contemplate that.

So, I cooled Louis out, put him away for the night deprived of carrots, and made my way home. I saw the doctor this morning, and she thinks it's just muscle damage, possibly a hematoma by my hip, and if things still hurt in a week, they'll do x-rays.

I'm keeping my sense of humour about this, and in hindsight, I'm thinking of all the things I should have done differently. I should not have increased Louis' grain a couple weeks ago when a heatwave was coming and I wasn't going to be riding. He's also getting a flake of alfalfa in addition to his other feed, so I should have kept that in mind. I should not have let him get only minimal exercise through turnout and a few lunging sessions over the past couple weeks of really hot weather. I should not have pushed my luck going out to the marble pillars. He was doing SO well during the ride that it would have been better just to go home and end on a good note. I should not have trusted him to go up the hill and not take off at the top, knowing that he has been strong at the canter coming home in the past. I should have had a shorter rein so he couldn't dip his head so much to buck.

Anyway, I'm looking forward to the next time I ride. Hopefully I'll be able to in the next couple of days, although walking is rather painful at the moment. Thankfully, my confidence in myself and my horse is not shaken. I still love him, I just trust him a little less. And, if he's not a good fieldhunter, I've got a great barrel racing prospect!

Until next time,
Jill /infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

SLW

Jul. 13, 2001, 09:07 PM

Hope you heal quickly and find that Louis's behavior last night was a fluke! Good idea to modify the hay/grain ratio and increase the turnout.

I'm a big fan of "overbitting" a horse that way, I have control/brakes, IF I need it. I hunt my fellow in a tacky Argentine Snaffle which is a basically a jointed mouth pelham. At home on most rides I ride him in an egg butt gag snaffle.

Again, hope you heal quickly!
SLW

TrakHack

Jul. 16, 2001, 07:56 AM

A weekend of rest has allowed me to heal to the point of almost walking normally. The elbow still looks awful.

Anyway, it looks like the heat and humidity are coming back, and will likely stay for a while. I need advice and suggestions of what I can do with the horse during times of disgustingly hot weather that will be productive. Louis has still got his hay belly, although he does have a bit more muscle on his topline. I'm fine with w/t/c work, but I doubt I'd hold up for galloping and jumping. At the rate we're going, we might be in decent condition by November. Sigh.

On the topic of bitting, Louis used to go in a slow-twist snaffle, so I'm going to put one on him for the next few rides and see how it goes. I have been riding in a jointed-mouth Pelham, but about the only time I used the curb rein was when we got close to home.

Has anyone had experience with a barn sour horse? What did you do to deal with the problem? In the big scheme of things, Louis isn't THAT bad, but I'd like to prevent his eagerness to get home from getting any worse.

Thanks everyone,
Jill

littlecreek

Jul. 16, 2001, 11:48 AM

Our hunt is more forgiving of tack and equipment that isn't traditional. We have a smallish membership and so whatever it takes to get some people out and to try the sport is generally okay with us. You need to check out with some of the experienced friends as to what is accepted- I use Professionals choice boots and bell boots with my guy as well as ankle boots, rubber reins and an elevator bit to get his big melon up when we get rolling along.Akso if its really hot if you haven't already, clip him right out. It really helps Elephant Boy and he is bothered by the heat alot. /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

TrakHack

Jul. 24, 2001, 08:36 AM

Well, my time out of the saddle has given me a chance to critically evaluate both Louis' and my preparedness (is that a word???) for hunting. I have come to the conclusion that neither one of us is ready conditioning wise, and I really want more time riding him before putting him in a hunting situation.

I know it is still only July, but cubbing starts in a month, and I would rather just take Louis to hunt camp so we both get a taste of things to come, and then work from there. Perhaps I'm a bit of a wimp here, but I really want hunting to be a good experience for both of us from the first time out.

There is a good side to all of this of course: I can do all the fun things with the hunt, and volunteer to go in the whoopee wagon, and braid for people who need it done for formal hunts. So I'll still be involved, just not on horseback yet.

I'll be sure to keep you posted with any observations or questions during hunt season. I'm also hoping that not riding will give me a chance to learn by watching, at least to a small extent.

Until next time,
Jill /infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

Foxhunt4me

Jul. 24, 2001, 09:30 AM

Now Sister!
Dont quit on us yet until you have been out there! An unfortunate spill sometimes takes a mental toll - try not to dwell on the unknown and plan for the fun. Once you get a little of the easier saddle time and are given a chance to work in gradually you will be OK.

There are plenty of folks in the gate group that you will be in with to ease into the sport, remember you only have to do as much as you are comfortable with. If you wish to hilltop for a while - that is good fun too. I plan on doing this a bit this season as well - we can have a good time on 4 wheels as well.

I have not ridden much in the past few weeks due to this heat and am not sure I or my horse are in shape either. Walking a lot, back to a planned exercise schedule in the home gym, etc.

Get with me offline if you want us to come out and ride with you a little - I think you need what is called a confidence builder ride. That is one advantage of boarding where other hunt members are if you can ever swing that some day.

Joel

/infopop/emoticons/icon_redface.gif

Thanx

Whistlejacket

Jul. 24, 2001, 01:05 PM

Sister/Jill -

Sorry about your recent "launch". Hopefully you are well on the mend.

A couple of things that might be worth your consideration:

1. Evaluating the program:

Whenever my horse and I don't achieve the desired result, I always review "the program" that I used to prepare the horse for that particular activity. I then try to figure out how to adjust/tweek the program so we have a better result next time.

In your description of the events that led to your recent experience as a human cannonball (one of my most well-honed acts!) it is interesting to note that you describe immediately prior to Louis starting to buck, that you gave Louis his head. Up to that point it sounds as though the ride you were giving Louis, though relaxed, was very much a program under YOUR direction (lateral moments, etc.) However on your way home, your slight relaxation of being the one directing the program allowed Louis to quickly insert a program under his direction - i.e. bucking.

As such, a way to adjust your ride in the future to prevent this is to continue YOUR program ride all the way to the barn door. With time, you can see if Louis is up to the responsibility of being allowed to insert a little more of his own program.

As an aside, I am certainly a proponent of having enough bit. My suggestion given above could be considered an additional approach, that helps to achieve its result by organizing a horse mentally.

2. Singing the praises of hilltopping:

For whatever reason, sometimes hilltopping is considered boring or somehow remedial. There is NO, and I repeat NO, shame in riding with the hilltoppers, gasp, for even the entire first, second, or whatever season! In fact, some experienced foxhunters would respect this as an intelligent approach indictative of good horsemanship and respectful of foxhunting as a whole.

Way too often you hear folks new to foxhunting saying that for their first hunt or second hunt (on their horse new to foxhunting) they are planning to ride with the field. Yes, that might be an impressive remark, but the impression made might not be a favorable one. (i.e. a lack of knowledge, poor horsemanship and disrespect of those around them and foxhunting in general.)

So how does that relate to your and Louis' situation? You may want to keep your goals very realistic and take small steps. For example, you may want to plan to stay in the hilltopping group for as long as is necessary to help Louis get himself mentally organized so it is a good experience for both of you. Place no pressure on yourself or your horse to "move up" until you are ready. If that moment comes this season, fine...if it doesn't come until next season, fine, etc. This is not a race.

Amazingly, I actually follow my own advice in this regard. My horse, who is an experienced, well-mannered foxhunter, is very bold and has a huge ego. Basically, he thinks he is the hottest horse out there. (And admittedly he is good.) Because of his huge ego, however, he will sometime forget that I am the one "paying the bills". In order to keep him mentally organized on this point, each season, even though we have hunted nine seasons, I start him out in the hilltoppers. Later in the season, if he again needs help "getting his thoughts organized" I will ride with the hilltoppers for part of the hunt. This isn't punishment - its more of a horsey mental "time-out". And heaven forbid, I feel NO shame in doing this!

3. The Buddy System:

On a recent post on a thread started by Demon Mare, I mentioned the utility of pairing a horse or rider new to foxhunting with an experienced horse/rider combination. This buddy system works really well. Consider plopping yourself and Louis two horse lengths behind your "buddy" and stay there the entire hunt. This system provides an amazing sense of security for horse and/or rider who is/are new to hunting. And this really taps into the "monkey-see-monkey-do" psychology of how horses behave when they are in groups.

When I was new to foxhunting, I rode behind a buddy. Now that I have a little mileage, I enjoy being a good buddy for someone new or a horse that is new to hunting.

Gotta run. Hope some of what I said is of use.

Keep us posted!

cmf

Jul. 24, 2001, 03:27 PM

My first hunt fell into the category of "just do it."

I was invited by a late friend of mine to come out hunting on a given weekend years and years ago.

Not too sure what all this would entail, I agreed to come along, but only on foot, until I had time to assess the situation.

We were hunting Live Oak's south Georgia country pre-coyote, when most of the foxes were grays--who run in circles and climb trees.

It wasn't long before the pack found and took off. I was left with the parents of a junior who was on her first hunt in the company of her older sister.

We foot soldiers could tell from the sound of the hounds that they were traveling in a big circle around us, so we wandered a bit on foot until we found a corn combine parked in a field and climbed on top of it.

From that vantage point we could see hounds, staff and field.

Hounds actually killed right below us and we scrambled down from the combine and were first to the kill other than the staff.

Shortly thereafter, the field galloped up, including the young girl whose first hunt it was.

Us 'hilltoppers' (or combine toppers) were promptly blooded and the youngster was offered the brush (her older sister was a well-respected younger member of the hunt)--at which point she promptly shouted 'No way Jose!' and galloped off leaving the Master holding the brush in the air!

The following day I leased a horse and hunted properly!

My personal theory of fox hunting has always been that it can often be a very painful experience, but the stories are so darn good!

TrakHack

Jul. 24, 2001, 04:00 PM

And I think I'm doing that here. Thinking instead of doing does not get one very far!

Whistlejacket, the "my program" versus "the horse's program" made me really think about the way I ride. I guess I usually have taken an "our program" approach, where I let the horse make some choices and I make others, as in "You must cross this road, but you can choose one of two places where to do it." Louis definitely was on his program at the top of that hill, most likely because mine had essentially ended. One should never become complacent when it comes to horses!

Foxhunt4me, don't worry to much! I am not quitting! And I will ride in the gate group (what our hunt calls hilltopping) for a long time, if not indefintely, where I can have a buddy horse and rider. It seems like a lot of the "fun" people are back there anyway! I just need to figure out WHEN we can realistically be ready for even that (I was actually thinking about December, after things quiet down at work...)

I do agree that I need to rebuild my confidence, but I feel like it's not so much a confidence in the horse's or my skill, but rather what I can trust him to do and not do. You know how it is when you've known and ridden a horse for a long, long time? You know just what to expect, even if that means expecting bucking, kicking, or biting. I've been with Louis for just over five weeks now, and although it feels like I've known him a long time, and I certainly already love the beast, I need to remember that a good partnership doesn't just develop overnight /infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif On a vaguely related note, I was talking to my dad (silly non horse person that he is) about getting out my apartment lease eventually, and he thought I meant the horse lease... Blasphemy! /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

Well, I think I'll just take things as they come, and see how the weeks to follow go. If Louis and I do make it to the hunt field anytime soon, we will be the rolliest, polliest pair out there!

Thanks everyone,
Jill

Foxhunt4me

Jul. 26, 2001, 12:25 PM

OK that sounds better.

Our hunt has 'First Flight' - the do it all group , and " Gate Group " - the take it easier and no jumping group.

We have many good riders and good horses in the gate group - for one reason or the other they choose to be there and nobody hassles them about it.

We have one country that has no jumps, so we all can ride together there but we do have a "slower" group when we hunt there for those that do not like to gallop .

When we say " Hilltopper" we mean car followers.
That can be kind of fun too and you actually will see more fox / coyote from the road we have found!

We do not allow foot followers.

As far as the horse goes - when I am hunting its "MY PROGRAM " as far as I am concerned - I try not to give him too many choices! Of course that does not help with his hot disposition.

/infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif

Thanx

TrakHack

Jul. 27, 2001, 06:25 AM

Louis and I went for our first post-incident ride last night, and all went well. We did almost all walk, practicing getting close to unknown objects and standing still for several minutes, and did only a tiny bit of trotting.

The barn sourness is very apparent, even when riding in the outdoor arena. When we are heading toward the barn, Louis is a happy camper; when we head away, he is reluctant to move forward. I do think having a buddy horse will help the situation, but I'd like to work on the issue anyway.

During our ride, I was very mindful of everything that Louis was doing. His oh-so-charming ways of expressing his impatience and displeasure include:
-pawing the ground
-grinding his teeth
-mouthing the bit so it incessantly squeaks
-bending his neck in half to nip at my toes

When he is happy, his mouth (and the squeaky bit) are quiet, and he goes forward with his ears pricked in interest. I think he may also have been irritated with me for interrupting his feast of hay, and then forgetting to bring carrots.

I'm glad I got a ride in last night, as it looks like rain all weekend. I can tell that my confidence has diminished, but I am trying to feel relaxed easy going in the hope of keeping Louis feeling the same.

Hunt camp is in two weeks!
Until next time,
Jill

TrakHack

Aug. 1, 2001, 08:36 AM

But I thought I would check in with you all anyway.

The weather here has been incredibly hot and humid, with heat warnings commonplace. I've been going out to the barn before work to check on Louis' fly wraps, and then late at night to check again. By the way, these fly wraps really seem to work for him, and he leaves them on without a problem.

We did go for a ride early Sunday morning. It was definitely a "my program" ride, although we didn't have any disagreements along the way. Also, there was no pawing of the ground, grinding of the teeth, squeaking of the bit, or nipping of my toes, so we were both happy campers.

I also decided to take the breastplate off him for the time being, since there is no way the saddle and girth can slide back over his very round belly. I came to the conclusion that Louis in a breastplate was much like me wearing a belt to keep my jeans up. Not needed!

In other news, if anyone is looking for a nice, flat leather hunting bridle, I did find a place in England that sells bridles of high quality at very reasonable prices. The website is www.saddler.co.uk (http://www.saddler.co.uk) for anyone who is interested. I was able to get a black, flat leather bridle with a 1 and 1/4 noseband, which I couldn't find anywhere this side of the pond. It was also less expensive than anything here, even with shipping (which was incredibly fast).

That's about it for now. Looking forward to cooler weather,
Jill

TrakHack

Aug. 10, 2001, 08:14 AM

-Hunt camp is this weekend, but Louis the ding-a-ling will not be making an appearance there. After a recent ride that included miles of a jiggy trot and spooking at things like shadows and a clump of dirt, I didn't think taking him to new surroundings to try new things around strange horses was a good idea at this time.

-The hunt's new members party is tonight! This should be lots of fun, but I still have to behave as my first year of membership is probationary... /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

-My barn is having a "come one, come all" trail ride this weekend, and barring disaster, I plan to ride out with everyone and see how both Louis and I do with a group of horses we don't normally ride with.

-There is a hunter pace in town Labor Day weekend that I would like to bring Louis to (his best horse friend will likely go), even if to just hack in new surroundings. I'm supposed to go to a horse show in North Carolina that weekend, so I'll have to see if doing that is absolutely necessary.

-The weather FINALLY broke, and I am a much happier camper!

I hope everyone is having fun getting ready for cubbing,
Jill

Bumpkin

Oct. 6, 2001, 09:01 AM

It has been almost two months since your last posting!! /infopop/emoticons/icon_frown.gif

Foxhunt4me

Oct. 8, 2001, 02:05 PM

Yes Jill,

TELL THEM ABOUT YOUR NEW HORSE SINCE LOUIE DIDN'T WORK OUT!!!

( spoiled it for her )

/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

Thanx

TrakHack

Oct. 15, 2001, 08:52 AM

Since my last installment, I have found a new job, a new horse, and I'm looking for a new apartment (must be closer to the horse, afterall!). I'll try to give a brief (I'm not always good at being brief...) summary of recent events.

I made the decision that Louie was not the horse for me, and started looking for something suitable. Knowing what an experienced field hunter goes for, and that there aren't many for sale around here, I was a bit discouraged by my options. There were a couple of Perch/QH crosses that would have been nice in a couple of years (3 and 4 and neither had been ridden), but I wanted something that I could ride now. I looked at a horse who had been hunted, but he was very "rough around the edges" (to put it nicely) and use of a direct rein made him buck. I ended up finding a horse at the same stable that Louie is at, but a different barn. People heard that I was looking for a horse, and knew that I wanted something quiet, sane, and sound and three of them independently suggested a non-descript, plain Jane little mare named Holly. Well, she's short (about 15.0 or 15.1), but not exactly little, as she wears a size 78 blanket. "Rotund" would be a nice word to describe her, or perhaps "pleasantly plump". Anyway, I didn't know much about this mare except that the teenagers who have ridden her for the last five years do things like slide off her hind end, somersault to the ground from her back, and ride her into the barn and swing off her by hanging on to the door frame. She tolerates this all, and the closest thing I've seen to an objection is a look that says "You have GOT to be kidding me!" Clearly, the horse is quiet. I rode her several times before making any decision to buy, and her temperament really shone through. On one particular ride several high-schoolers who had just finished a cross country track meet came over to pet her. One of their parents had brought the family dog along, who had never seen a horse. As the girls were petting Holly, the dog sniffed at her, and then nipped her nose. Despite what must have smarted quite a bit, and the shrieking of the girls, Holly's only reaction was to pull her head up and away from the offending beast.

A brief description of this horse is:
6 year old mare, registered as APHA breeding stock but looks like a QH as she is plain chestnut, about 15.1hh and a bit "rotund", quiet and lazy, and one who very much looks forward to any opportunity to eat. Her conformation isn't great, and she's nothing spectacular to look at, but she's sane and sound, likes to jump, and is the kind of horse you could trust to carry your 90 year old grandmother. She safely took me up and down some very steep slopes with tall grass, and the only problem we had was the saddle sliding forward a bit. She needs some remedial work on things like standing in one place at the mounting block instead of swinging her hindquarters away, and not making a beeline for a field of grass that we usually pass where she used to be allowed to eat. She also is very heavy on the forehand right now, and canters like a freight train. My hope is to have us both ready for the hunter pace that occurs relatively early next year, and begin hunting with cubbing. In the meantime, I am still staying busy with hunt events. I'll be baking my critically acclaimed cookies (ok, the critics are my friends /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif) for the hunter pace this weekend, and waking up bright and early to follow the field by car on opening hunt (our hunt calls this hilltopping, and the non-jumping field the gate group). I've also been asked to write a short piece for the hunt's newsletter about my impressions as a new member, and have had a great time telling my new coworkers about the hunt. One of them thought foxhunting didn't even exist anymore... Sigh.

I will try to get pictures of Holly up soon, and I'll be sure to report how opening hunt goes!
Jill

SLW

Oct. 16, 2001, 03:03 AM

Jill,

Congrats on finding the mare!! It sounds like she will be well suited for the job! Looking forward to seeing photos, soon!

Opening hunt is this weekend for us. We had strong wind and rain all day yesterday. /infopop/emoticons/icon_frown.gif At mid-day I went out back and put a nylon sheet on my white gelding so he'll stay darn close to white for this weekend!! No "Commando Mud Camouflage" for him!! This is one time when I wish I had a heated wash room!!! I "think" I can rig a hot/cold water supply from the washing machine, via the window, to the backyard if needed. Still, even if the water is a safe temp the outside temp can make it too cold to bathe. My youngest daughter will show him at the American Royal in a couple weeks. Ole Skip just may live in this nylon sheet through the first weekend of November!

Again, congrats on the mare! PHOTOS!

SLW

TrakHack

Oct. 16, 2001, 10:15 AM

SLW, congrats for your daughter showing in the Royal! And riding a horse who has a job outside of the show-ring, no less. I'm impressed! There was talk at my barn of a pilgrimage to the Royal, but I'm not sure if there are any definite plans. If there are, I'll be sure to let you know!

I have good news to report on the mounting block issue! Last night I was able to lead Holly up to the block without any hesitation, stand right next to it, and walk behind her and up the steps without her moving! This is a BIG accomplishment for me, as I am definitely not a horse trainer. She only had her bridle on, and the next session I'll put the saddle on but not mount up. I was getting frustrated last week with our lack of progress, but taking baby steps and ending the session when she consistently does what I ask is starting to work. Holly did throw a fit about being bridled though, which is new for her. I can't figure out if it's the bit that's bothering her, the fit of the bridle, my bridling technique, or if she's just being a pill. Or all of the above. I've commissioned a friend at the barn to work with her 2-3 times a week on the basic things that she was never taught, so hopefully in a few months she will do things like accept the bit without argument.

I suppose one of the nice things about being at a boarding barn is the supply of hot water in the wash rack that is inside the barn. Given the option, I would much rather have the horse at home. I suppose that will have to wait until that independent wealth materializes! /infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

I will try to get photos soon. I would like to have some taken outside on one of these nice fall days, but it's dusk by the time I get to the barn /infopop/emoticons/icon_frown.gif. I'm not the best photographer (to put it mildly!), but perhaps I'll take some quick snapshots so pictures can be seen. As I mentioned before, she's nothing spectacular to look at, but she is a cute little horse. Her coat currently has the texture of velvet (which just happens to retain dust extremely well!), and she has lovely dapples.

Happy hunting,
Jill

SLW

Oct. 16, 2001, 03:51 PM

The gelding has had several careers in his 16 years- team penning, WP showing and I switched him to english and do hunt him. I only was able to get him out 5 times last year. He made progress each time but he still remains "concerned" about some things so I'll hilltop some more until he hunts on the buckle. /infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

Keep taking baby steps with your mare. Horses progress faster with frequent, successful repetitions!

This weekend at the Royal it's the Quarter horses. The hunters/jumpers were last weekend. I may sneak in on Saturday just to figure out how the trailer parking will work. All 4-H livestock show the weekend we do, hogs, cattle and sheep. Might be kinda interesting. I'm going to try and tuck sponges in our guys ears just to deaden his hearing a tad. I mean really, you know how loud hogs are in a pen- imagine them in a building with tall ceilings! SUUUEEEEYYYY! /infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

Looking forward to seeing your photos!
SLW

Foxhunt4me

Oct. 17, 2001, 07:20 AM

SLW wrote:
" I'll hilltop some more until he hunts on the buckle. "

Hunting on the Buckle! kinda like:

" I am staying up till I see Santa Claus come down the chimmney"

Or Sighting ther Loch Ness monster, a Yeti, Bigfoot etc.

Does anyone a hunt horse worth its tack that can hunt on the buckle?

( Not a Western trained horse mind you )

Jill - BRING THAT BEAST TO OPENING HUNT!!!!!

I will personally take pictures and upload them!

Joel

Thanx

TrakHack

Oct. 17, 2001, 11:38 AM

Hmm, I could bring her to opening hunt, but I can't sit her freight train canter yet, so we would be a walk/trot pair. Plus, I'm still waiting for the truck and trailer fairy to arrive!

General question to all: do your hunts have walk/trot groups, or is it just first flight and hilltoppers (gate group for NHH)?

Jill

xeroxchick

Oct. 17, 2001, 11:42 AM

My six year old Ap is into his second season and hunts on the buckle. It's the stock horse mentality - he understood his job from the get go.
xc

TrakHack

Oct. 17, 2001, 12:09 PM

I have a stock horse! Maybe we will be able to hunt on the buckle!

SLW

Oct. 17, 2001, 12:56 PM

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Foxhunt4me:
SLW wrote:
" I'll hilltop some more until he hunts on the buckle. "

Hunting on the Buckle! kinda like:

" I am staying up till I see Santa Claus come down the chimmney"

Or Sighting ther Loch Ness monster, a Yeti, Bigfoot etc.

Does anyone a hunt horse worth its tack that can hunt on the buckle?

( Not a Western trained horse mind you )
Joel

Thanx <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Neeener, neeener, your just jealous 'cuz I can open my flask while moving out or standing still, take a sip (gulp) and not spill any (much) and not be run away with while doing it!! /infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif There's a reason having them hunt on the buckle. /infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif I rode my share of "rapid responce TB's" back in Virginia while hunting. I owe it to my spouse and minor age children to ride what I am riding right now. /infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

Of course he is worth his weight in tack! /infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif Who else helps other's "remount" when their horse becomes separated from them??

Seriously, I like 'em quiet on a hunt. This guy is not there yet but he's also not wreckless.

As for the "walk/trot" group question it depends on the hunt. Sometimes if there are several/many riders who need a w/t hunt day, a third group will form to do that so the regualar hilltoppers may go at a hunting pace.

SLW

TrakHack

Oct. 21, 2001, 04:08 PM

But here's a picture of me and Holly, and one of just her doing her favorite activity, eating. (note: I continually get error messages when trying to attach pictures to this post /infopop/emoticons/icon_mad.gif)

This weekend I went to our hunt's fall hunter pace on Saturday, and to the breakfast following opening hunt on Sunday. After waking up at the crack of dawn (actually, BEFORE the crack of dawn!) for the pace, arriving at the breakfast around 12:30 sounded a lot better than arriving at the kennels at 8:30 to follow the hunt in a car.

I didn't ride in the hunter pace, but did the registration and gave a head's up to the timers when riders would come in. It was a lovely fall day, and fun was had by all. We had over thirty riders, so a good sum of money was made to benefit the hunt. There was a walk/trot pace, a pony club pace, a working hunter pace, a tandem pace, and then a point-to-point. The point-to-point was the most fun to watch, as the riders went out at top speed and came thundering to the finish line. It was a close race between our hunt's joint master and a hunt staff member, but the staff member won. I believe he was riding a Perch/TB cross, and made very good time against the master's TB. Friends of mine who are also new members unexpectedly won the tandem pace, so that was really fun too. Oh yes, I was also the keeper of the secret optimal times and the money. I think Holly and I would have had a fun time, but there was a creek that had to be ridden through, and it was about 3.5 feet deep, and I don't know how she (or I) would be for that. I guess I'll find out next year /infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

The hunt breakfast featured an open bar (gotta love that!) and wonderful food. One member was awarded her buttons, and our new huntsman was recognized for the great job he's doing. There were over 80 members in attendance, and I'm beginning to become more familiar with the faces of the "regulars".

What really is sticking in my mind is how much time and effort goes into hunting; it's not just something you do on a whim. You have to get your horse and tack cleaned up the night before, wake up early to trailer to the kennels and be mounted up on time, then ride for three hours, then socialize, then take the horses home, clean out the trailer, clean up yourself... And none of that takes into account the work you've done before hunt season!

Well, I need to run out to the barn to give Holly her new mineral block. It seems the old one vaporized...

Jill

[This message was edited by Sister on Oct. 21, 2001 at 08:41 PM.]

TrakHack

Oct. 21, 2001, 04:33 PM

Maybe this will work...

TrakHack

Oct. 21, 2001, 04:35 PM

Picture of just Holly

vineyridge

Oct. 21, 2001, 07:03 PM

Question though, because I'm old and stupid

One does still get in galloping position to gallop, doesn't one?

TrakHack

Oct. 22, 2001, 05:44 AM

She's even prettier when she puts her ears forward!

When we get to galloping, I will definitely ride in galloping position. BUT, I won't get to that point until I can confidently ride her canter. It's not a 'big' canter like many warmbloods have, but it pops you forward and up. I did learn something that will probably help me though: wp horses in this neck of the woods are trained to trot from a cluck and canter (or lope, as they would say) from a kissing sound. Silly me, who had been taught that using vocal cues was NOT something that should be done regularly...

Seven

Oct. 22, 2001, 06:41 AM

Holly's a REAL CUTIE!! Thanks for sharing the pics!

I've so enjoyed keeping up on the diary and it's *wonderful* to read that you've found a nice horse to ride.

Best of luck!

=^+^=

SLW

Oct. 22, 2001, 07:24 AM

Sister,

Holly has a sweet, sweet expression! I hope you two "connect" and have a wonderful season hunting! /infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

Vineyridge, yes, galloping position is still used! /infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif My gelding was unsettled yesterday so I sat and rode deep until his bucking stopped. Self-preservation is strong in my blood. /infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

SLW

TrakHack

Oct. 22, 2001, 07:49 AM

/infopop/emoticons/icon_confused.gif
I've always thought that galloping position was two-point, with the hip angle relatively closed and the center of gravity over the horse's withers. Is this right, or is it something different?

On a related note, it's interesting the things younger riders don't know that "mature" riders do. I've seen some riders lately that didn't know you're supposed to have a different length stirrup for flat work than you do for over fences work (this is something I knew, but I was taught by an 'old school' instructor). Does anyone know of any more things like this that aren't so commonly known anymore? I'm guessing there's quite a bit that can be learned from riders who have extensive experience.

SLW

Oct. 22, 2001, 08:04 AM

When riding across a field, avoid grassy areas which are brighter green than the rest. Those areas are often mole/mice dens which are soft and could result in a nasty spill. The reason they are greener, so I'm told, is due to the fertilizer (poop) of the residents.

I agree with your description of galloping position. I didn't shorten my stirrups yesterday, /infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif , but could have after the first 30 minutes.

SLW

Bumpkin

Oct. 22, 2001, 07:51 PM

She has a most sensible and honest look to her.
I think you have found your hunting soul mate there!!!
Good Luck /infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

Foxhunt4me

Oct. 24, 2001, 07:02 AM

OF COURSE I AM JEALOUS! ( About your buckle riding horses. ) But whatever do you find to do out there if you are not fighting with your horse all morning?? /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

Galloping position? Hmmmm I two point it and keep my center of gravity as low as possible and rearward - maybe its just me - but I have learned never to have a forward center of gravity when riding cross country. I like to stay in the saddle when they stop.

Cant wait to see Sister out there riding with us now that she has that cute mare - I think that my wife's gelding will be in love when they meet.

I am upset that she didn't come and hilltop with me! I saved her a spot in my truck - my horse was injured a bit in a wreck we had last week and I didnt ride. So I had to stay in the truck and take pictures ( soon to be posted on the NHH web site) and empty my flask with the guys that were with me!

Good news is that I worked my horse on a line yesterday and he looked sound and the swelling was down so it appeared to be not too serious a sprain - he had been off bute for 3 days so I think I can start riding carefully tomorrow and see how it goes. Got my fingers crossed.

Thanks for the PIX Sister!

Thanx

TrakHack

Oct. 24, 2001, 10:20 AM

Yes, I am a sleep-deprived person who really did NOT want to have 12 successive days of waking up at or before 6am... Plus, I thought you might ride Wishful, and I didn't want to drive around with a bunch of strange guys /infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif.

I'm glad everyone thinks Holly is a cutie! Or at least that those of you who don't aren't saying anything /infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif. I'm not sure if I mentioned it before, but I think I am going to ask one of the experienced hunt members to take her out hunting the first few/several times (as was suggested early on in this thread). I'm thinking of asking the huntsman's wife because she's a great rider, but also because I think Holly will do better with a woman riding her in new surroundings. Call me silly, but I just have a feeling.

Well, lunch break is over. Back to work!

TrakHack

Oct. 29, 2001, 12:07 PM

None of this is exclusive to hunting, but I thought I'd let you all know how things are going /infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif.

I have successfully trained Holly to stand at the mounting block! Four weeks ago she wouldn't go near it, and last night I brought her up to it, walked up the steps, and mounted up. After much praise, we stood still next to the block for several moments, then we walked a few steps, I dismounted, and then turned her out to play. For the hunt field, I'd like to teach her to bow...

I've got the farrier coming out on Friday to do her feet. Last week I was getting a little happy with the Corona ointment, and I noticed that her heels on her back hooves are quite low, to the point where she's almost walking on the bulbs of her feet. Yikes! My guess is the farrier (different fellow from the person who did her before) will put eggbar shoes on her, but I want the shoeing to be done as a means to repairing the problem, as opposed to a lifelong dependency. I'm a big fan of keeping horses barefoot if at all possible. Funny thing about the Corona: it cleared up a skin irritation that Holly had on her girth (I was so surpised!), but she does NOT like the smell of the stuff. She's got a couple of new spots on her hide where hair is missing, and I went to put some Corona on them last night and when she caught a whiff of it her eyes got wide and she moved away. My best guess is that she got some of the ointment on her nose from when it was on her coronet band, and she doesn't want that to happen again.

Another interesting thing that I think is related to smell is the bit I was using. It was the bit I used on Louie, properly disinfected and wrapped in Sealtex. Holly seemed to object less to bridling once the Sealtex was removed, and when I put a new bit on yesterday, she spent a while smelling it and resting her lips against it before allowing me to bridle her with much less resistance than before. Of course, I could be totally off base with the smell thing, but that's what it *seems* to be.

I hope everyone is enjoying a lovely fall!
Jill

TrakHack

Dec. 4, 2001, 10:58 AM

So, I traded horses with a friend for a little trail ride over the weekend. The horse spooked at a rock (it was dusk and that light colored rock just jumped right in his face and said "BOO!"), and I lost my balance and fell off /infopop/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif. I felt stupid, because normally I can sit spooks pretty well, and also because I should have been aware that this horse isn't quite as sensible as Holly and hasn't "been there and done that".

The plus side of this is that I fell, got up, dusted myself off, used the "scary" rock to get back on the horse, and had no apprehension riding him back. Not that I want to make a habit of coming off, but if it helps me get to a place where falling off is no big deal, that's a good thing (as Martha Stewart would say!)

In hunting news (as this is the hunting forum, after all), I've been in touch with a woman from Iowa who rides with a private pack, and she's invited me to come out with them. She also put me in touch with a horse-person friend of hers who is here in Lincoln, and this person just happens to have bred a lovely Holsteiner that I admired this summer at a dressage show. I feel like I'm at Disneyland on the "It's a Small World" ride!