HAVE you always wanted to go hunting but not been sure how to go about it, whether your horse would take to it and whether you would enjoy it? If you fancy taking the leap next season, there’s plenty you can do over the summer to prepare and work towards a day out with hounds.
Where to start? The summer is an easy time to make contact with your local pack and ease yourself in to the scene with social, fun (and sometimes pub) rides where you can meet new people and get your horse used to riding in a group without the pressures that a full hunting day brings.
You can find out which hunt is closest to you by contacting the Countryside Alliance or the Hunting Office (01285 653001) – or have a look on social media. Most packs are fairly active these days on Facebook and Instagram and welcome new followers.
“Make contact with your local hunt through the secretary, who will be able to answer all your questions, fill you in on planned events, help with key details such as where to park and perhaps link you up with more experienced people who can help you on the day,” says the Alliance’s Polly Portwin.
“Hunt rides are a perfect way to meet people, they’re much lower key and don’t have the hustle and bustle of a big day’s hunting. There’s no dress code and it is far less intimidating – you’ll realise that hunting folk are no different to anyone else.”
FITNESS ISN’T CRUCIAL
DON’T worry about getting your horse fighting fit for these rides or even for autumn hunting which starts in September. Far better for your horse to get slightly tired than be fresh and out of its skin for the 90-minute or two-hour duration of a ride.
Esta historia es de la edición June 10, 2021 de Horse & Hound.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 8500 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor ? Conectar
Esta historia es de la edición June 10, 2021 de Horse & Hound.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 8500 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor? Conectar
New competition and classification to mean dressage will be for all
The new partnerships with British Dressage will provide opportunities for riders with intellectual disabilities
Pressure grows on the FEI to tackle concerns in dressage
A leading judge has made some recommendations he believes will help support the sport's future
Aidan Coleman
Just a week after he announced his enforced retirement with a career-ending injury, Aidan Coleman talks through his raw emotions with Kate Johnson as he ponders life outside the weighing room
Badminton groundsman
Phil Cole on flawless going for cross-country, perfecting his craft on polo pitches and being at the mercy of the weather
Pulling power
Carriage-driving horses have a very specific job, and with that can come specific injury risks. Rosie Mould MRCVS explains
'Plenty to get your teeth into'
This year's Badminton track is testing, but fair, says Nicola Wilson, the 2021 European champion who finished in the top 10 at this five-star four times
Townend leads British domination
The world number one spearheads a British clean sweep of the podium as he contests his 100th five-star
Birch is back in the big time
A former Olympic reserve rider scores her first international win in four years, while Kelsall specialists make their mark again
Comeback queens reign
Rehab work pays off for Anna Ross as she makes a winning return, while a pair of young riders' birthday wishes come true
Pender keeps it in the family
Ireland's Mikey Pender begins a remarkable grand prix winning double and it all comes together in the ring for a \"special character\"