HUNTING AND HIP FLASKS
As I am always asked about who I hunt with etc, and who are nice, fun and just out for a good time, I have to give you guys my top hunts for niceness and an all out fun day.
Now firstly, there is a misconception about hunting that it is full of hooray Henry's, tally ho'ers and toffs alike. Now, that's not to say this isn't true, its just Henry usually turns out to be a very nice chap who gives you a lead over the hedge and then comments how good his Sloe Gin is before handing you a sample ;) you will find Henry to be very accommodating and his mates the toffs will happily push your pony's rear end in to the lorry until he decides that loading is a good idea (I talk from experience) - and so...........
Before you set off on your merry way, these are the most important points about hunting: a) 99% of the time you will have a super fun day you are going to love b) always allow plenty of time in the morning for plaiting and cleaning your pony etc c) always fill your hip flask to the brim and take a spare hip flask in case your non-drinking friends suddenly develop a taste for alcohol and d) clean your tack and pack the night before - especially if you know getting up will be a struggle - other than that, ENJOY !!!
Hunting starts end August / beginning September and runs until Mid March - plenty of time to get in a few outings ! Generally, August and September hunting is slower with less jumping, and it gradually gets faster with bigger fences as you go along in the season. Get your green / beginner ponies out in August and September if you can.
1) Kent and Surrey Bloodhounds - they are very organized, you just text to let them know you are coming, the cap (the amount you pay for the day) is 50 pounds, meets are usually at 12:30 (how very civilized) and they are super welcoming! Most meets have an option around a fence if you don't fancy a jump and there are always a few non-jumpers to guide you around. Yes it can be fast, but its hunting, what do you expect, that's what we go for ;) Now fill up your hip flask, clean your tack, plait up your pony and orf you go :) next meet location is on their homepage ! Their website below........
http://www.kentandsurreybloodhounds.com/contact/
2) The Sandhurst Drag - another super welcoming bunch who hunt around Hampshire, Berkshire and Surrey. I also go out with this lovely crowd whenever I can. The cap is 55 pounds, but newcomers get an amazing discount and pay only 25 pounds, how fantastic :) They also meet at 12:30, again super for plaiting up time !
http://www.sandhurstdraghunt.co.uk/diary.html
3) Mid Surrey Farmers Drag - I will start by saying these guys are not for the faint hearted and unless you have a hard core event/hunt horse I recommend emailing them first to make sure you get a smaller warm up day. They consider small 4ft, just to give you an idea. They are absolutely lovely but mad as a box of frogs. You need a bold horse to tackle the fences but if you can make it out with these guys, you won't regret it. They are not at all snooty and know how to fill a Whiskey Mac cup surprisingly well ! The day cap is 80 pounds and the meet times are usually at 1:30pm. Link to their website below !
http://www.msfd.co.uk/events.html
Now firstly, there is a misconception about hunting that it is full of hooray Henry's, tally ho'ers and toffs alike. Now, that's not to say this isn't true, its just Henry usually turns out to be a very nice chap who gives you a lead over the hedge and then comments how good his Sloe Gin is before handing you a sample ;) you will find Henry to be very accommodating and his mates the toffs will happily push your pony's rear end in to the lorry until he decides that loading is a good idea (I talk from experience) - and so...........
Before you set off on your merry way, these are the most important points about hunting: a) 99% of the time you will have a super fun day you are going to love b) always allow plenty of time in the morning for plaiting and cleaning your pony etc c) always fill your hip flask to the brim and take a spare hip flask in case your non-drinking friends suddenly develop a taste for alcohol and d) clean your tack and pack the night before - especially if you know getting up will be a struggle - other than that, ENJOY !!!
Hunting starts end August / beginning September and runs until Mid March - plenty of time to get in a few outings ! Generally, August and September hunting is slower with less jumping, and it gradually gets faster with bigger fences as you go along in the season. Get your green / beginner ponies out in August and September if you can.
1) Kent and Surrey Bloodhounds - they are very organized, you just text to let them know you are coming, the cap (the amount you pay for the day) is 50 pounds, meets are usually at 12:30 (how very civilized) and they are super welcoming! Most meets have an option around a fence if you don't fancy a jump and there are always a few non-jumpers to guide you around. Yes it can be fast, but its hunting, what do you expect, that's what we go for ;) Now fill up your hip flask, clean your tack, plait up your pony and orf you go :) next meet location is on their homepage ! Their website below........
http://www.kentandsurreybloodhounds.com/contact/
2) The Sandhurst Drag - another super welcoming bunch who hunt around Hampshire, Berkshire and Surrey. I also go out with this lovely crowd whenever I can. The cap is 55 pounds, but newcomers get an amazing discount and pay only 25 pounds, how fantastic :) They also meet at 12:30, again super for plaiting up time !
http://www.sandhurstdraghunt.co.uk/diary.html
3) Mid Surrey Farmers Drag - I will start by saying these guys are not for the faint hearted and unless you have a hard core event/hunt horse I recommend emailing them first to make sure you get a smaller warm up day. They consider small 4ft, just to give you an idea. They are absolutely lovely but mad as a box of frogs. You need a bold horse to tackle the fences but if you can make it out with these guys, you won't regret it. They are not at all snooty and know how to fill a Whiskey Mac cup surprisingly well ! The day cap is 80 pounds and the meet times are usually at 1:30pm. Link to their website below !
http://www.msfd.co.uk/events.html
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