Hunting

Sometimes known as just fox hunting

What does everyone think of it? Ever been on one?

If you have I feel a bit scared on Phoebe on hunts because she is strong and always wants to pass the fields master and it is very hard to hold her back.

Any advice?

Bumpity

I have never been on one and I am not interested in them. I think it's fine if they use modern hunting in which they chase after a fox-scented cloth instead of a real fox, but I don't like the idea of taking away the life of a fox (there aren't many around these days anyway) for sport.

As long as it's not a real fox it sounds like fun.

Practise on good stops and slowing down. Both alona or perhaps with a friend that can help ''pulling'' your horse while you practice to stop.
Make sure you're using your seat first, blocking her movements untill she slows down, and only using the reins if that won't work. Squeese both reins, while sitting straight in your back and ''blocking'' her moves with yor body, and give-take a little on the reins until she slows down, then you give her her mouth again and relax your seat for reward, even if that means you have to start slowing down again.

Thanks Zab

I've hunted 4 times with different hunts throughout Maryland. It's SO much fun! And they don't kill the fox in the US, we just chase it til it goes to ground (in it's hole). They are killed in England because they are considered vermin, however.

The first time I went my horse was a little unsure of the hounds, but he got used to them very quickly. He was also 5 his first time out and when we were standing at checks he was very impatient (and some hounds ran off to east-jesus so we were standing for a LONG time while they were gathered back up), but by the end he was snoozing in the shade.

If your horse gets a little fresh out in groups I would stick a martingale on her - I use a running, but most hunt horses go in standings.. it might give you a little more control, but worse-case senario, it's a great "oh crap! Strap" to hang on to if needed ;)

To the OP - I love Fox Hunting and am in a wonderful and amazing community for it.

My TB is just the same way. Out on Fox Hunts, he is strong, forward, and excited. He is in his favorite place, surrounded by 20 - 30 other horses who love it as much as he, and of course the hounds, the horns and the face paced tempo of the whole thing.

I use a 3 ring, french link. 2 reins.

I'll tell you what - I spend up to 5 days a week working on Flat Work and 1 lesson a week under a 3rd level Dressage Competator/Trainer and I always ride Seat into Legs into Hands to Soften.

He is wonderful when we hack in small groups. He is wonderful when we school in the arena and out on the CC course and at HT's and Comps. We are both in tune together and responsive.

But out on Hunts, large groups of riders, busy atmosphere - he gets oober excited, and I can use all the seat I want until the cows come home and he isnt going to respond. His mind isn't there.

He wants to go, go, go, go, go -and you know what - he is 18 and has had a long hard life and I am going to let him - with limits.

I put the 3 ring elevator on him ONLY on these rides, and due to that, we have a great time, safe time and we come back to the barn with big grins on our faces......and also because I know we haven't interfeared with the other riders, the Hunts Master and the Hounds...lol

Mie; perhaps its easier for you, but do you know just how much pressure that bit puts in his mouth?

Anyway..not going to judge a pessoa on that kind of riding, as long as it's not used as a regular bit I'll jst stay quiet :P

I know this wasn't directed at me but.... as long as you ride with the softest hands possible it shouldn't be a problem. If you have ride around the field pulling with all your strength to get the horse to slow down, well, the bit's not going to help you. But if the horse does get a little over-excited - which my guy has been known to do - you have the extra bit to help you out if needed.

And also, the horse will tell you. If you pull back on a 3-ring and end looking at your horse's forehead because they threw their head/neck up so high then it's safe to say you can move to a milder bit.

Hey thanks everyone the first hunt is on in about a month and I am deffo going on it can't wait