I think I want to hunt!!

[BigMick]

So in my quest for a new horse I have made a surprising revelation...I think I might want to foxhunt.


1) It's all cross country, all the time

2) Tweed jackets with brown boots

3) Black boots with patent leather tops

4) There's booze involved

5) Hunt season is November-March, so it would supplement eventing (that is, if I still even want to event)

Am I missing something here? This sounds like FUN!!!

[Risk-Averse Rider]

6) You get to watch the hounds work

7) No ugly pinneys with strings flapping


Seriously, one of our whippers-in used to event, and she's given it up and just hunts now (and does some breed shows with her cobs). I'm thinking that Mr. Blondie and I may very well spend this season just hunting and working on our dressage, while Prozac Pony and I keep our trainer happy by pretending to be interested in eventing.

[jennifersw]

Hunting is a great sport...and it is great cross- training for other disciplines such as evening. How did the quest for a new horse wind you up wanting to foxhunt?

[didgery]

If I may interject, I think I want to hunt, too . . . drag only, for the vegetarian in me. My problem . . . my horse does NOT want to hunt. My horse doesn't even want to walk down the driveway.

Good reason to tell my husband that we need another . . .

[jennifersw]

Drag hunts are a WHOLE different ball game. Much faster. MUCH.
PS- the fox seldom dies....PLEASE don' t start with the negative press about no foxhunting for animal rights, PLEASE!

[BigMick]

jennifersw, my current horse is the worst eventer...he HATES cross country. I thought my perfect next eventer would be one with some hunting miles on it so I could avoid this aversion to the great outdoors. I have a knack for dressage so I could train it up in this area.

So as I've looked at a few foxhunters, I've learned more and more about the sport and now I think I might just want to do this!!

It just sounds like so much fun. Am I missing something? Is there a dark side I need to know about?

[jennifersw]

Dark side? Only in that in can be dangerous (what horse sport isn't, though...they all involve horses!!). There is no course designer out there walking the hunting fixtures looking for potential hazards (holes, traps, wire, etc.) and flagging them, removing them, altering the course so that they can be avoided.

Also, imagine doing your cross country course with 10 people ahead of you adn 20 people behind you...its like driving in traffic on the freeway at 65 mph. Not only are you concentrating on riding your horse, but you are anticipating the actions of the horses and riders in front of and behind you. And the levels of the riders vary. And while less experienced riders/ green horses are supposed to stay to the rear of the field (where they can cause less damage), it does not always happen this way. Someone falls off, horse runs off, etc.

Granted I am giving you worst case scenario....hunting is a fabulous sport which can be enjoyed by young and not so young. The traditions are centuries old. The camraderie is contagious. There is no icky competition. Its social and fun (and there is good food and booze involved)! Do you know anyone who hunts/ belongs to a hunt who would be willing to take you out as a guest?

[didgery]

Drag hunts are a WHOLE different ball game. Much faster. MUCH.
PS- the fox seldom dies....PLEASE don' t start with the negative press about no foxhunting for animal rights, PLEASE!

I am a vegetarian, I do not hunt for live prey, whether it's likely it will be caught and/or killed or not. I'm not trying to talk you guys out if it, but just stating the facts about me and my personal preferences!

I have enjoyed drag hunting in the past and would like to try it again with a suitable mount. I'm sure that live hunting is more enjoyable for some.

[BigMick]

I often gripe about the "overly manicured golf courses" that are XC courses these days. When I was a kid, my first introduction to eventing was a course at a local farm that was hilly, trappy, shadowy, and wooded. I loved it! So later when I evented at KY Horse Park and similar places, I was puzzled at where the "course" was.

Don't get me wrong, the true upper levels of eventing (Intermediate, Advanced) are beyond my grasp. I'm content to stay at Novice and Training, but I like some variety nonetheless.

As I get older I get kind of sick of the competition and just want to have some fun. Not to mention each event costs a fortune what with the $200 entry fee, two nights hotel, gas, food, etc. Multiply that by six or seven events a year and a hunt membership starts to look very appealing.

I know a few people who I could hunt with. They've invited me in the past, but I didn't have a suitable mount. I may be calling in those favors now!

[MuleLady]

The only REAL danger is addiction. But just give in. It's a fun one!

[ShowMeTheGlory]

I'm glad this thread was started, just the other day I was thinking about how much fun it would be to go hunting this season! I have a horse available to me that has hunted in the past, and I am right smack dab in Cheshire Hunt country. So how do I go about doing this? My old boss is the Master and I know one of the whips. Should I call either of them?

[Badger]

Foxhunting is great cross-training for your event horse, and the event training makes them better foxhunters too. You might even find that the old horse becomes better x-c after a season going along in the field and learning to just cope. Foxhunting is fabulous for keeping my warmblood eventer fresh and forward for dressage and stadium, and my young TB whip horse is doing brilliant double-duty during the off-season on the event course.

Here is the link to the Masters of Foxhounds Association. You may be able to find contact info on your local hunt there.

http://mfha.org/

[Ray]

hunting is the fun-est! I started hunting to get up my nerve to event, and its taken on a life of its own. If you event to Training level, you should have no problem. just be prepared for the horse that is calm at home or even XC at the event to really wake up when they hunt. Even my 24 yr old way-experienced eventer really gets jazzed to hunt. In a good way ;)

and you are right about #1-#5; especially #4 :)

[wateryglen]

Lots of big deal eventers in our area also foxhunt. Bruce Davidson, the O'connors, Fouts, etc right!?! I heard a talk once from an Olympian who said foxhunting is good for event training cuz it teaches the horse to take care of himself cross country and jump stuff he's never seen before. That it's excellent for young eventing prospects to teach them to gallop on. To help with confidence, exposure. That the herd instinct gets him in a go-go mind set to always go over the obstacle.
Whatever!!

[armandh]

I'm glad this thread was started, just the other day I was thinking about how much fun it would be to go hunting this season! I have a horse available to me that has hunted in the past, and I am right smack dab in Cheshire Hunt country. So how do I go about doing this? My old boss is the Master and I know one of the whips. Should I call either of them?

they will point you to the right person [usually the hunt sec.]


PS your trainer / BO wont be happy when the lesson revenue drops.
but you will be having too much fun to notice.

helpful urls
http://www.horse-rider-etc.com/foxhunt/tiestocktie.html
http://www.bridlespur.com/hunting.htm
while this is specific to our hunt, the hunt sec. should have the info specific to the one you will ride with.

[Painted Wings]

Your event horse who is perfectly controllable by himself on a cross country course turns into a fire breathing monster who pulls your arms out in the hunt field with a group of other horses.

My horse literally goes XC in a snaffle with a loop in the rein and I have to push to make time at Training level. He stands 1/2 asleep in the start box.

In the hunt field I have resorted to a three ring gag type bit. My first few hunts with him using a snaffle, my arms ached for days afterwards. He also forgets one of his three gaits (walk). He prances the entire time. The savings to that is that his trot is very comfortable and he does stand great at checks, just hardly ever walks.

Upside is that his trot lengthenings have improved for dressage and I do think that overall his dressage has improved. If your horse is a Tb though hunting generally does not make for dressage phase improvement.

[BigMick]

As I read up on foxhunting and get the input of all the wonderful COTHers here, I am more and more convinced that I'd really like to give hunting a try.

Now the question becomes, is my horse suitable?

I evented my horse with mixed results. He has stellar dressage and jumps stadium perfectly, but gets nervous alone on XC and doesn't want to go out by himself.

When I school XC and go out on hacks, he's perfect in the company of others and jumps anything I ask of him - especially if he can follow someone. Even just in the company of others he'll jump all sorts of stuff without a lead including Prelim coffin jumps, corners, logs, etc.

He's rateable and mellow and happy to do whatever the rest of the gang is doing.

It's only when we're totally alone that he gets panicky and wants to high-tail it back to the barn (skipping the jumps on the way).

He doesn't kick or do anything disagreeable around other horses. Vehicles, dogs, dirt bikes, golf carts, tractors, and people are perfectly fine by him.

Could I hunt him? Or does he have to be more independent-minded?

[armandh]

your only area of concern is if you have to leave early he may not want to.
other than that go for it.

[Painted Wings]

They are usually happy to jump when the horse in front of them goes. I think the unknown with any potential hunter is whether they are rateable in the field with other horses galloping. Most horses will get acustomed to hounds after a little bit so that usually isn't a problem.

Bottom line is, there's only one way to find out so go for it.

[BigMick]

PS your trainer / BO wont be happy when the lesson revenue drops.


Oh gosh no kidding! I haven't even discussed this with my trainer. She wants me to sell my horse, buy a young one and let her train it for me. That would certainly be lucrative for her now wouldn't it?

"Sorry,...What's that? I can't hear you disapproving over the music of the hounds..." ;)

[Nlevie]

I just want to add my 2 cents here - the ONLY way to learn if your horse is suitable to hunt is to hunt him. . . There is just no way to duplicate that atmosphere doing anything else ! I believe that the jumping is less important than having your horse listen to you rather than following the horses ahead of him, so get out there and try it. Start out in the back or the "gate group" and concentrate to getting him used to the other horses before you move up front where it's faster and you're adding the jumping excitement IMO. Also better to start out cubbing when it's warmer out, it's shorter and everyone is less fit. Once you have some confidence built up for both of you then just have FUN !

[jeniferkey]

I agree with Nlevie. We had a guest out a couple of times last year. She and her horse evented. The first time out they had a blast up front in first flight. The second time out the horse was unpleasant in first and she had a horrible ride. Much better to start out cubbing and then in the slower group. I think the horse has a better time being introduced in stages.
I also like to start out roading, so the horse can get used to the pack of hounds in a controlled way. Out hunting, it's not always possible to keep the hounds out from under your horse's feet. We've lost a hound from a horse's first time out and not handling the excitement of riding near the front.
Jennifer

[Bogie]

Hunting is the best!

At least in my area, quieter/smaller hunts are on Tuesday mornings. If your area hunt has one on a weekday, I'd start with one of those. On Saturdays the field at our hunt can be quite large. If you hunt as a guest, you are generally expected to stay with your host. This, I found, was a good thing as it helped me learn the protocol more quickly.

I'd also recommend hunting in an area that you (or your host) know well. It's really nice your first few times out for someone to brief you on where you are going and what's up ahead.

I have one really good hunt horse and am hoping to start hunting my OTTB this fall. To get him ready I've taken him on a few hunter paces and am also planning to take him out to gallop in company. When I got him, he had a real problem if he wasn't first (he was a good race horse). I've taken him out in small groups and after a few temper tantrums he's learned that it's okay to be second, or god forbid, third or fourth. I've also started asking him to let the field go away from him, and to turn around and leave the field without a fuss.

I plan to hilltop him the first few times out and only in an area that I know (in case I choose to retire). If he's okay with the group, I'll ride with the "pick and choose" riders before moving him up to first flight.

Another piece of advice would be to bit on the conservative side. My Trakehener goes in a rubber snaffle most of the time but after a few hunts, I moved him up to a happy mouth kimberwicke because galloping downhill to fences he really started to get away from me.

[BigMick]

Have I mentioned that you guys are the BEST?? Thanks so much for the support and feedback. Gosh I love this forum.

So is it possible to be invited to go roading or cubbing?
I wasn't sure if guests were allowed to attend those activities or if they were just for members. I'd love to do that.

My horse never wants to lead unless we're heading for his feed tub. ;) So I think he'd stay quiet in the pack.

My friends and I are entering a hunter pace the first weekend of August. I am so excited.

I think the recommendation for the bit is a good one. I flat in a loose ring snaffle, but hack and jump XC in a full cheek, slow twist. I may want to bump up to a waterford or something like that. I'll plan to use my slow twist for the hunter pace and then decide if I need more bit after that.

[Hannahsmom]

Your event horse who is perfectly controllable by himself on a cross country course turns into a fire breathing monster who pulls your arms out in the hunt field with a group of other horses.


Yep, that was my problem Big Mick. My experienced eventer is wonderful in groups hacking out and is a XC machine at events but is pretty much unrideable hunting. I tried him a couple times and people swore he'd get better but I decided that trying to keep him from galloping over the top of people trotting from place to place and leaping huge leaps because I was politely holding back waiting for people to give me clear spot wasn't much fun. I was exhausted at the end and it wasn't fun. And this was in Virginia. (And they are right about things not being manicured!)

I think hunting looks like a blast but I would find the right horse for hunting and then event it if you decide you want to still event.

[jennifersw]

Yes, you could be invited to cub. In fact, that might be easier on you because the dress is not so formal (i.e. you won' t have to go shopping just yet)/ some hunts even cub in polo shirts during the week while the weather is warm (which I personally detest). Cubbing is different in that it srarts earlier in the a.m. (because the scent dries up/ burns off as the temperature goes up) and crops are still standing, which can be a challenge if you hunt areas with excessive land planted in crops, that is.

Agreed that the only way to find out if your horse is suitable is to "just do it". My old show hunter mare, whom I NEVER would have thought would make it as a foxhunter (could be very tense, required lunging/ serious preparation for the show ring) was the bext horse I EVER hunted- and she hunted in the same rubber snaffle she showed in. And, like was mentioned by someone else, the best eventers can make the worst foxhunters...it just depends how your horse takes to (or doesn' t take to) a crowd situation...and to hounds. Some horses hate them/ are flightened of them and the best way to insure you will NEVER be invited back is for your horse to kick a hound. Do whatever you can to keep him clear of them or keep him facing them when possible.

Have fun!!

[BigMick]

(you won' t have to go shopping just yet

Ha ha! I'm an eventer who PLANS her annual shopping trip at Rolex each year. I'm already running eBay searches for tweed coats and canary vests! Bring on the shopping.

I'm making some phone calls to people that I know who hunt. Hopefully, this will result in something soon.

I'm hoping that in my horse's case the worst eventer will be a great hunter. Mick's motto is "safety in numbers" so I feel pretty certain he'd do okay in the crowd. Some of our XC schoolings are absolute mayhem and he's fine with it. It's being alone on course he despises.

At any given time we have 6 or 7 dogs running up and down our barn aisle rough housing with each other. They run right under Mick while he's cross-tied and he could care less. Of course this isn't the same as a pack of hounds in the field, but at least he doesn't flip out.

Naturally I'll exercise caution at every step. Mick sure likes to make a liar out of me!! ;)

[jennifersw]

Oh yeah....the clothes....definitely a perk!!

[armandh]

Oh gosh no kidding! I haven't even discussed this with my trainer. She wants me to sell my horse, buy a young one and let her train it for me. That would certainly be lucrative for her now wouldn't it?

"Sorry,...What's that? I can't hear you disapproving over the music of the hounds..." ;)

the best part...no more going round the same old ring
I hope you [and your horse] will find hunting as fun as we [on the BB] do
...there is nothing like it

[BigMick]

Advice with self interest indeed!

The thing is, I really love my horse. I don't want to sell him. He's just not been a great eventer, so I was 'advised' to sell him and start again. During this process I've been really evaluating what it is that I want to do.

Hunting sounds like it would satisfy both Mick and me. We're both sick of the ring.

So last night, I spoke with the Hunt Secretary. She said I should just call up the Hunt Master and introduce myself. So I did that and she invited me to walk the hounds with them this evening! We're just going on foot, but I am so excited to learn whatever I can. I'd follow along on a hobby horse if requested. ;)

I also corresponded with a friend of mine who hunts with them. She said she'd be more than happy to invite me out cubbing and sponsor me for membership. Yippee!!!

[Nlevie]

I know of no hunt where the members are not thrilled to have someone new who is interested and capable of joining in the fun !

I think your horse sounds like he has great potential as a foxhunter - so keep us informed of how it goes ? Find someone who is willing to help you along and hopefully you'll soon be a convert !

[BigMick]

Boy that was FUN!!!

I met the MFH, kennel manager and two of the whippers-in. They are such nice people!

There was another lady with them who walked with me and explained everything they were doing.

They moved the hounds from field to field, gave them commands to "pack up", and let the young ones figure it out.

They have 24 couples, but only hunt with half that. Silly me, I kept expecting hundreds of hounds. I really don't think my horse is going to care one bit.

This weekend, they are going to walk the hounds on horseback and invited me to attend. So exciting!!

[melliebay Aefvue Farms Chesapeake Bay]

I really want to start hunting this fall, what is the closest hunt to Bowie, MD?

[SteeleRdr]

There are several choices for around Bowie: Greensprings Valley, Marlborough, or Howard County-Iron Bridge, oh and Elkridge Harford...you kind of have your choice when it comes to living in MD, there is a pretty good selection. If you are interested in coming out with HCIBH to road or possibly cub this fall, PM me. I also have friends at several of the other hunts too!

[BigMick]

Well, we went roading on Saturday.

Mick was AWESOME!

We started out with a small group of hounds (about 14-20). The Hunt Master and three Whips walked the hounds around a few fields. My friend and I kept our horses at a reasonable distance and observed.

Mick didn't really care one bit about the hounds, but was keenly interested in them. As I imagined, as soon as the horses moved off he wanted to go too!

We walked the first group of hounds around then went back to the kennel and took the rest of them out.

They took the hounds to a special pen/field they have for them. I had Mick standing next to the pen as the hounds approached. At that point, he got a little nervous. I could feel his heart beating, but he never actually did anything. He stood and just watched.

Then we went in the pen with the hounds and the huntsmen and followed around. By that time, he figured out that he wasn't on the menu and relaxed. Almost the entire time we were out, I had him on a loose rein and he was just great.

One of the Whips even commented that he was good and just very interested in everything.

We've been invited to come back anytime they walk the hounds on horseback, so I guess we passed the test!

[armandh]

this is the time to work your horse up to speed first walking out, roading, cubbing, then full-on hunting. a gentle ramp up in excitement and activity.
it is much easier than starting new, mid november, freshly clipped on a brisk 40 degree morning. with a new horse I should be doing the same but it is too darn hot.

[phoebetrainer]

Big Mick, how's your introduction to hunting going?

[BigMick]

So far, it's been great!

I've only been able to walk hounds on horseback once and Mick was fantastic. I think this could be the ticket.

I have walked hounds on foot several times and will tonight as well. It's really enjoyable and a good chance to get to know the staff.

The next few weekends will be devoted to clearing trails and repairing coops. My friend and I are hoping to join in that project. Chicks with chainsaws! Yeehaw!! ;)

We are going to do a Hunter Pace in late August and then cubbing after that.

It's kind of funny, because I've been riding out in the fields almost exclusively lately. I'm doing trot sets and just keeping Mick acclimated to the great outdoors in general. He is enjoying it so much that when I do take him in the ring for a little dressage refresher, he heads straight for the gate whenever he can and has little enthusiasm for the work. Once I leave the ring, he heads straight for the fields...

I think hunting and similar activities may make my horse much happier in general.

[Delphi]

BigMick, You may find your horse marking his calendar for hunting days and be waiting for you to open the trailer door so he can drag you aboard.

[Dices]

Very interesting read :)
Glad to hear things have been developing so well for you and Mick and of course, it continues to do so!

[crosscreeksh]

Fun, Fun, Fun. Fresh air. No competition concerns with co-riders. No waiting around. Who cares if your position is perfect. No counting strides. The thrill of a good horse galloping cross country with no times to be met or jump judges! More jumping (optional) for the time and money spent. Did I mention FUN? And watching all the pretty hounds. More comraderie at the end of the hunt day than at the end of a show or event day. The re-hash of the day's fun while hacking in or at the Hunt Breakfasts or just back at the trailers. Less stress! JMO

[BigMick]

Well I'm back with more updates.

I met up with the hunt club a few weeks ago and helped clear brush and ready the trails for hunting season. I now have a raging case of poison ivy, but I'm wearing it proudly.

I guess our hard work paid off because my friend and I have been approved for Provisional Membership!!

We went cubbing on Tuesday morning. We set out at 7:00 a.m. The sun was coming up, there was a light mist everywhere and a nip in the air. It was truly breathtaking and exciting.

We stayed with the second field. The Fieldmaster was awesome and got us around with ease. The other riders were welcoming and enjoyable.

Mick was totally cool with it from the get go. He just wanted to go where everyone else went! He'd get pretty excited and went to gallop on, but I was able to rate him by staying soft and just talking him down. He was cracking everyone up because anytime we'd cross a little creek or run off he'd jump it - big. The other horses would just step through it, but Mick wasn't so sure and definitely cleared it.

As we rode on, he got a little excitable and for a few minutes was a pain in the neck as he decided NOT to listen and just wanted to go. We were doing quite a bit of stopping and starting which frustrated him somewhat. So I dropped to the very back and stayed with another rider who was working the gates. This "timeout" tactic worked wonders and Mick settled back down.

At several points, we were in wooded areas going up and down steep, rocky trails. My typically prissy boy was sure-footed and steady. I think he'll be a bonafide redneck before this is all over. ;)

We stayed out for about an hour and a half. Mick had a good workout and was sweaty, but that was mostly from being excited. I still had plenty of horse left.

It was such a great day!

[Dices]

It was such a great day!

Glad to hear it!! :D

Guess you're gonna have to come back every so often to update this thread now! ;)

[tcgelec]

I have been interested in hunting for years, but a bit intimidated by the thought of it. This past week, my local hunt had an "Introduction to Scent Hunting" day at a local park, so I decided to try it. It began with a brief history of hunting, followed by discussions and demonstrations about protocol, traditions, terminologies etc, followed by a "mock hunt". There were no hounds; someone was the "fox", a couple of young members were the "hounds", and there were two field masters for two different "flights". This was followed by a luncheon in the park.
The riding was fun, if a little low-key, but that was necessary due to the varied levels of experience of riders as well as their mounts.
I was glad to have the experience to see how my new guy was going to be in a large group of horses; he just turned six and I've only had him for eight months and have not had the opportunity to have him out with many other horses.
He did fine; he (and another horse we happened to be behind) was a bit of a numbskull for about 10 minutes, prancing, tossing, etc. but then both he and his new numbskull pal settled in together and were fine. Normally in a snaffle at home, I put a full cheek bit with a slow twist on him. Toward the end of our ride, I just had a light contact on him. He was really a joy to ride and I was very happy with him.
I thought it was a great idea and I'm very grateful to my local hunt for the opportunity. It has definitely whetted my appetite!

[dianad]

BigMick,
Where are you hunting? I just moved here two weeks ago, and hunting is always, ALWAYS been something of a dream to try for me, this has been a very inspirational thread!

I am going out hound walking (for photographs, another story) soon, and want to learn more and possibly get involved also, it just looks like too much fun and excitement! Diana

[talloaks]

Oh Diana!!!!:D Which horse will you use??

[dianad]

Oh Diana!!!!:D Which horse will you use??

Danny BaNanny, he's it. :winkgrin: He just doesn't know it yet!

[BigMick]

dianad,

I am hunting with Long Run Hounds in the Simpsonville/East Louisville area.

I'm so excited about hunting too. I was pretty much at the end of my rope with Mick and had him up for sale. He just wasn't cutting it as an eventer. The qualities that held him back eventing have paid off in the hunt field. (He's a follower, not a leader.)

As a surprising twist, my dressage work has actually gotten BETTER!! We had a lovely collected trot Tuesday night. I haven't even worked on anything for a couple of months, but he's more relaxed and fitter than ever so his willingness is really there. Dressage has always been our forte, but I expected it to unravel somewhat not improve.

We did a Hunter Pace last weekend. That was pretty awesome. We had a team of three. We did the jumping course which consisted of jumps from 2' - 3'6". The terrain was varied between open fields and woods. There were creeks, rocks and such to consider along the way. My friend took the lead and once her horse jumped the fence, there was no stopping Mick. He pretty much attacked the jumps. Too bad we couldn't always have a lead on XC, or we'd be going Intermediate by now! ;)

During the Hunter Pace, you were supposed to be on the lookout for 5 items that were out of place in the field such as a helmet tucked into a tree branch or a saddle pad on a limb. Well, we were having such a good time we were about 5 jumps away from the end before we saw anything. Oops!!

We're going trail riding tomorrow and cubbing on Monday. Yippee!!

[armandh]

by now both you and mick have discovered the secret the trainers never want us to know......there is a ton of fun to be had without them and hunting is at the top of the list. mid way in the season wrangle an invitation for your trainer, and watch 'em turn a whiter shade of pale at the thought of keeping up with you.
best wishes to you and Mick

armand
http://members.arstechnica.com/x/armandh2/coop2.jpg

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