Off we went on Sunday morning with a lovely bunch of girls, I think 5 of us in total all dressed up in hunting kit with bottles of port and hip flasks flying around. With the last pony loaded we were on our way.
This was my first time out hunting on my new pony who came to me as a rehabilitation project due to rearing, he arrived about 6 weeks ago. Since that time he has done one sponsored ride a couple of jumping clinics, all without issue so I was feeling confident!
Once unloaded we threw our bridles on, whipped off our travel gear and jumped aboard our trusty bunch of steeds to let the fun begin. The meets are always fun as sausage rolls and various other belly filling type things are plentiful and there is an excited feel to the air.
One of our little group had her first time hunting so was feeling a little nervous but the meets are always so friendly that they are great to help alleviate first time nerves.
Anyway, we were soon off to what I might call a 'baptism of fire', the first line was incredibly fast, deep and big and fortunately none of us really had time to think too much about it, by the time you had thought about the next hedge coming in your direction, you were already over it so that was quite a relief as they were rather large.
We managed to lose two of our party in the first line and our lovely newbie managed to face plant in the mud twice, but twice she heaved herself back on and galloped off with the rest of us, super impressive for her first time out on a horse that is fairly new to her. Most people might have considered running a mile!
My horse was also behaving impeccably which I was super grateful for given the going was deep and fast. He didn't hesitate at anything, kept a civil head, retained his breaks and was a darling, could not have asked for more. The rest of the days lines were not quite so eye watering and with plenty of tiger traps and long gallops, all in all a great day!
For a horse in for rehab, I think we have found his favored form of therapy - HUNTING :) Onwards and upwards !!
Thank you to the Kent and Surrey Bloodhounds for a really fun day with lovely friendly people ! More info here: http://www.kentandsurreybloodhounds.com/
This was my first time out hunting on my new pony who came to me as a rehabilitation project due to rearing, he arrived about 6 weeks ago. Since that time he has done one sponsored ride a couple of jumping clinics, all without issue so I was feeling confident!
Once unloaded we threw our bridles on, whipped off our travel gear and jumped aboard our trusty bunch of steeds to let the fun begin. The meets are always fun as sausage rolls and various other belly filling type things are plentiful and there is an excited feel to the air.
One of our little group had her first time hunting so was feeling a little nervous but the meets are always so friendly that they are great to help alleviate first time nerves.
Anyway, we were soon off to what I might call a 'baptism of fire', the first line was incredibly fast, deep and big and fortunately none of us really had time to think too much about it, by the time you had thought about the next hedge coming in your direction, you were already over it so that was quite a relief as they were rather large.
We managed to lose two of our party in the first line and our lovely newbie managed to face plant in the mud twice, but twice she heaved herself back on and galloped off with the rest of us, super impressive for her first time out on a horse that is fairly new to her. Most people might have considered running a mile!
My horse was also behaving impeccably which I was super grateful for given the going was deep and fast. He didn't hesitate at anything, kept a civil head, retained his breaks and was a darling, could not have asked for more. The rest of the days lines were not quite so eye watering and with plenty of tiger traps and long gallops, all in all a great day!
For a horse in for rehab, I think we have found his favored form of therapy - HUNTING :) Onwards and upwards !!
Thank you to the Kent and Surrey Bloodhounds for a really fun day with lovely friendly people ! More info here: http://www.kentandsurreybloodhounds.com/
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