First off PSA if you are participating in 2ptober final times are due Nov 2nd at 11:59pm PST.
Earlier this past week my friend mentioned that Saturday was opening day and that she might be able to find an extra horse so that I could go. I was so excited. I have always wanted to get out in the hunt field and as a total newbie I was nerding out at the prospect.
I was able to find my coat and stock tie and only had momentary panic that I had never worn my black field boots. No time like the present to break boots in.
Stephanie at Hand-Gallop posted about how to prepare for opening hunt and I can add a few items to the list:
- Don’t ride for the month leading up to it – crippled at 25yo the day after is worth it
- Realize you haven’t washed your coat since who knows when – no time now so you smell
- Don’t break in or even wear black field boots prior to wearing them for 3+ hours
- Forget both saddle and helmet at farm the night before
- Lay awake like the kids in disney commercials
My friend D’s daughter was out of town this weekend so I was able to catch a ride on him. This was only possible because the stars aligned and D was able to use one of her friends young horses.
I just have to say that this was one of the most fun rides I have been on and I can’t wait to go again. I am already trying to research local Nashville hunt clubs. I have literally no idea what joining would cost (any experienced people willing to share their knowledge?) but I am super interested!So grateful and happy that I was able to participate in such a fun adventure! I would encourage anyone interested to try it out!
That little horse is adorable
He is a welsh I think and was so so good. Little saint – much better behaved than a lot of the hunt horses!
So fun! In my area here in the northeast hunt memberships can run anywhere from $1k – $5k for the year. It’s the only thing really stopping me from joining my local hunt – SO expensive!
Gah that is horrifying. SO MUCH MONEY.
How fun!! You look SO HAPPY in that last pic 🙂
I had a blast. Definitely the most fun I have had when riding in a long time.
That looks like a blast!! And what a cute horse to do it on.
One of my biggest regrets was never hunting Candy; his breeder said he hated it, but I think he would have begged to differ.
Wally is so fun. You should definitely try it if you ever have the chance.
You look so happy and cute on Wally! I’ve never hunted but I’ve been invited by a local club. I don’t think it’s for Pongo, but maybe….??? Id feel better on a less ahem, “expressive” mount probably!
Haha there were some expressive horses out there but luckily like 95% of the horses were seasoned and chill so they didn’t have anyone to feed off of if there was a horse that was a little up.
I always wanted to try hilltopping. Looks like fun!
omg what an awesome adventure – i’m super jealous!!! hunting was in my plans for this fall but… alas, not going to happen any more. seriously tho, that pony is stinkin adorable !
There’s always next year 🙂
Ahhhh I’m insanely jealous! This looks awesome! Having lived in Nashville for over a decade, I never hunted but there’s definitely a big community there!
Oh man! Do you have Nashville recommendations??!
Glad you had fun! What a cute pony to go on!
Wally is the cutest!
I hunted once when I was 12. Oddly enough, I made a contact through Instagram and have the name of a SoCal hunt that I hope to get to guest ride with soon. The area where they hunt has a 3* event so I had to clarify first just how high the jumps are and if there’s a hilltopper group. Thankfully the highest ones are 2’9″ and the option exists to go around. I love all your pictures and it looks like you had a blast!
Definitely best to clarify. We only had optional jumps. And nothing too big.
Looks like a blast! Great pictures and what a cute pony!
Thanks 🙂
Oh my gah!!! A perfect hunt pony!
Looks like a blast! 😀
My final time is 9 mins and 3 seconds. Might try to squeeze in another ride tonight but just in case I don’t’