| I've been invited to hunt -- now what? |
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This is a work in progress. Comments and questions are welcome!
Hunting PreparationsThere are a lot of things to be done when you’re going hunting. Some things have to be done that day and some things can be done ahead of time. Plan ahead! There is no need to arrive at the meet late or in a hurry. What time is the meet?Check the fixture card. You should also find out about where to check for last-minute changes. Most hunt clubs rely on voicemail or an answering machine to post delays or cancellations due to weather or other problems. What time do you plan to arrive?Plan to arrive at least thirty minutes prior to the start of the meet.Where is the meet and how long will it take to get there?Make sure you have directions -- and make sure they're suitable for a horse trailer! You can't always rely on computer-generated directions. Don’t forget to allow time for loading the horse(s).What do you have to do after you arrive and how long will that take?Check in with the Field Secretary. Do you need to sign a waiver or pay a capping fee? Do that before the meet. Greet the MFH. Unload the horse. Sweep out the trailer. Clean the horse. Clean yourself up. Tack up your horse and mount up. Many fox hunters prefer to tack up at home and arrive at the meet ready to go. You'll have to see what works best for you and your horse.What will you have to do that morning before you can leave and how long will that take?Have your own breakfast. Feed the horse (allow time for him to eat without being disturbed). Check that everything is packed. Thoroughly groom the horse. Allow extra time for getting dressed in your hunting clothes.What can you do the night before hunting?Clean tack. Clean and polish boots. Wash horse, if necessary. Assemble your hunting clothes. Decide whether, in the morning, you’ll wear something over your hunt clothes to stay clean or if you’ll change your clothes at some point. Organize and pack accordingly. Pack your vehicle, if possible (tack, riding coat, hat, etc.).What can you get done a week before hunting?Examine your hunt clothes to see if they require cleaning or repairs. (Fix that loose button -- before it's lost!) Pull your horse’s mane and do any necessary trimming. Check his shoes and arrange for needed repairs. Check your trailer. If you don’t have your own horse trailer, make definite travel arrangements.What can you get done a month before hunting season begins?Buy a hunting license . Make sure you have a current Coggins test for your horse. Simplify things and have a copy you can give to the Field Secretary. Do a thorough, annual check of your horse trailer. If you don’t have your own horse trailer, find out about travel arrangements. Teach your horse to load confidently and reliably. If you need help with this an excellent resource is John Lyons's videotape, Leading and Loading Safely.Will there be a breakfast following the meet? Are reservations required?This varies considerably from one club to another. You may need to make reservations for a catered meal. You may need to pay separately from the capping fee. It may be that everyone who hunts is expected to bring a dish for a casual "tailgate" in the field instead of a breakfast. There's only one way to find out -- ask! The mere act of inquiring will be appreciated by your hosts. Not sure if your horse is ready?Good question! We'll have some information on that, real soon now!
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Comments (3)
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written by Cheryl Microutsicos, August 09, 2010
Dear Heather, congratulations on your determination to go hunting! I'm sure you will enjoy it. As far as conditioning, it would be great to get a buddy who wants to go too, and work on your trail rides, adding trots and extending them as you go on. Having a buddy makes it more interesting and motivating! I'll see what more specific conditioning plans I can find, but two good resources are http://www.ecovertside.net, and http://www.foxhuntinglife.com. I personally go for the theory that you ride long enough to tire your horse a bit then push just a little further (like add a 5 minute trot to that), and that time will be longer and longer as he gets more fit. Make sure you incorporate hills and varied terrain to get the horse used to that too! Good luck.
Thank you!
written by Heather , August 09, 2010
I am determined to begin fox hunting this year or, if need be, next. This web page and all your articles have been super helpful! I would really love to see an article on conditioning your horse before the season. I don't want to show up with an overweight horse (or rider!) but I'm not sure of a good plan to follow- any suggestions?
Thank you!! Write comment
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