Taking Percy to MY first hunt meet.

[Sammii]

On December 29th is the next hunt meet in my area (The Bear @ Alderwasley, Derbyshire) and i am taking Percy up to get a feel. It is my first time at a hunt however Percy has been a couple of years ago.

There is one tomorrow but unfortunately Percy is quite fit enough and we haven't been prepared for the weather during my school holidays so haven't had the opporunity to train properly.

Well i was just wondering :-

a) is there anyone else attending this hunt meet? if there is, i would love to meet up, have a chat etc, just message me or reply whatever :)
b) is there anything inparticular i have to be prepared for that may be unusual to the things i would come across say on a hack or in a schooling session?

Thankyou x

[DITZ]

That'll be SOuth Notts Hunt then? ;)

I hunt with them occasionally but not in Derby as almost all the Nottm ones are within 5 miles of me.
Not much you can do to prepare unless you can find a sponsored ride between now and then. The riding;s not that different but the excitment can get to the horse sometimes and when youre in a group of 40 horses it can be difficult to stop!

Be on the safe side though and wear a body protector and a bit that will help you stop easily. Keep your horse away from the hounds, dont overtake the hunstmaster (easier said than done!), keep to the side of the fields, take plenty of chocolate to keep your energy up, a spare pair of gloves if its wet, a red ribbon in your horses tail if he's a kicker and above all enjoy!

Unless your horse is hunting fit dont expect to be out all day either, you'll probably only manage a couple of hours by which time YOU will be shattered never mind the horse!

They are a friendly bunch of people so Good luck!

[Kira657]

Im not with that hunt but you will almost certainly have the ride of your life!Hunting gives you the biggest and best adrenaline rush. I always think the first time for you and your horse is ok, and the second time you take him out hold tight because they know exactly whats coming up!The more you go the better your horse will be and like Ditz said, sit tight!Hope you have a great day, and trust me you'll love it! :D To add to what Ditz has already said you may also come across jumps, ditches and bank you may never have been over before, most hunts are pretty good though and provide you with an alternative route around so you don't have to jump if you're not feeling confident or your horse is acting a clown!Enjoy!

[morgan4eva]

is that the christmas day hunt meet? i a going to that!!!