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Post by vikki85 on Oct 19, 2012 9:43:32 GMT
I'm planning to go drag hunting for the first time ever this winter. I'm really looking forward to it as have always wanted to go. I'm just a bit worried my pony will hurt herself with the boggy ground etc, as my friend went recently and her pony came back with a fat fetlock. Mine's a welsh cob so is pretty sturdy and has never been lame in her life so I don't know why I'm worried really, but any tips on whether to boot, bandage etc would be gratefully received She usually just wears some tendon boots on her front legs for jumping and fun rides etc, will this be sufficient or should I boot up all round? Any other random tips for a first timer would be great also!
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Post by sometime on Oct 19, 2012 9:49:33 GMT
Make sure if you do boot the pony up that they are breathable boots as more tendon damage is done through overheating the tendons than the mud and jumping. Bandages are even warmer on the legs
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Post by lampshade on Oct 19, 2012 9:52:49 GMT
I normally have my cob mare in light weigh xc boots and over reach boots. Make sure you have plenty of brakes (good bit in). Nothing worse than not being able to stop your horse. I always travel tacked up so that all I have to do when I get there is get on. If your horse is anything like mine she is a propper giddy pants when she gets there, she knows we are going to have fun. Might we wise to stay at the back until you get a feel for it, it can be quite fast upfront. Above all enjoy yourself!!!
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Post by emma3870 on Oct 19, 2012 10:15:41 GMT
We travel tacked up, leave a flask of coffee in the car for when you get back, daughter rides with her name address and my phone number in her pocket. We tend not to wear boots as if they start coming off they are more of a hazard than none. Water carrier and buckets for drink when they get back as well as a first aid kit.
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Post by emma3870 on Oct 19, 2012 10:16:24 GMT
Ooh if you do boot up put plenty of electricians tape or duck tape round boots
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Post by vikki85 on Oct 19, 2012 10:35:12 GMT
Thanks everyone for the great tips As she is an M&M will it be acceptable for her to be unplaited? I have the right gear to wear for myself, but her mane is so thick I'd never get decent plaits in it
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Post by GinaGeo on Oct 19, 2012 17:14:12 GMT
Yup leave unplaited. Most won't have had Opening Meets yet (at least by traditional standards we shouldn't!) so everyone's unplaited now. As an M&M I'd leave it loose, unless she'll get really hot under it then perhaps a running plait to get it out the way. Regarding boots, I either use light weight breathable XC boots, or no boots at all depending on the country we're in. If it's known to be boggy then I don't bother as they pull the boots off and it's not easy trying to sort boots out when the rest of the field is disapearing into the distance It can also cause nasty mud rash, if the mud gets down them which isn't pleasant. A Sometime says the biggest risk is tendons overheating when wearing boots so make sure they're a good brand that's very breathable if you do decide to use them. I also don't wear them if I'm Hedge country as I have a fear of the boot getting caught in the hedge on the way over and causing a nasty fall - that's what happened when my cousin experienced a semi rotational last year out hunting. Use cheapy over reach boots if you plan to use them with quite rubbishy velcro - if they catch them on landing it can cause a nasty peck sending the rider out the front door if they don't break instantly. In stone wall country I have them booted to the nines and use knee boots too. If you're not sure, just take them with you to the meet and do what everybody else does
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Post by vikki85 on Oct 19, 2012 18:05:20 GMT
Thank you very much ginageo for the excellent advice. I did consider not booting at all due to bogginess, will try and find out before I go whether it'll be hedge or walls we'll be jumping. And I'll take boots with me as suggested and see what everyone else does. I'm excited!
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lfh1
Junior Member
Posts: 124
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Post by lfh1 on Oct 20, 2012 10:01:56 GMT
I think when it comes to being unplaited I think you should check with the hunt. I know the hunt I have been out with expect you to be plaited. I would also try and go on a childrens meet first that way you will find out how your pony will act. Its not so continuously fast with more check points and jumps tend to be optional. It will also give you the chance to learn about the etiquette during a hunt and how to keep the hounds safe etc.
But again give your local hunt a call before hand and they should be happy to discuss.
In regards to boots. Being caught on fences can be an issue plus over heating and rubbing. All just depends on your pony. But we go without
Final thing take a hip flask!! Keep you warm and give you some courage ;-) (over 18's of course lol)
Oh and HAVE FUN!! x
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Post by sparklepony on Oct 20, 2012 10:04:16 GMT
Who are you going with? My OH is master of the Sandhurst Drag and we have some unplaited natives. We don't boot our horses in case stones and grit etc get in the boots and they rub.
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Post by vikki85 on Oct 20, 2012 16:15:06 GMT
Haha I had heard a hip flask was a must It'll be most likely with Cheshire Farmers I go with, I will give them a call about suitable meets and ask about whether I need to plait. She's actually just had her mane tidied up so may be able to get some plaits in her as its looking a lot thinner
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Post by sophiabell on Oct 20, 2012 16:21:14 GMT
Enjoy!!! I would love to go again - I once went on a conny that I used to have but the SRT I have now just can't cope with it (plus his legs are too much like pins) Post us a picture and an update when you get back
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Post by Linzy D ickinson on Oct 20, 2012 19:24:31 GMT
Echo lfh1 and Ginageo. I have hunted a Section D with the Cheshire Farmers and for most of their meets I'd recommend NO boots - especially at the moment while the ground is so boggy. Their country is mostly flat arable land. Boots are more trouble than they are worth unless you are up in the hills over walls. I always plaited my D. The Farmers have had their opening meet and have always been a drag pack, so they don't adhere to the 1st Nov rule of 'former' foxhound packs. But don't stress about it, you'll be fine unplaited if necessary so long as it's not a lawn meet. LOL You know what, there are so many unwritten rules of which to fall foul in hunting that you may as well just go and enjoy yourself and find out as you go along! Seriously, so long as pony is clean and tidy and quite clearly a native don't stress about plaiting unless you feel you want to plait up. You could always put a throat plait in (half inch wide behind the ear, as when showing) to show you are aware that plaiting is usual, but to indicate that your pony is Welsh and not supposed to be plaited. Another D-specific tip is to put some show-shine spray or pig oil through the feathers if the pony is heavily feathered - it helps stop the mud clagging up. Definitely don't put boots on over oil - it will rub. The Farmers usually have a 'gap gang' who follow at the back and don't necessarily do all the jumps, so you can tag along with them until you get confident. Being able to pass your hip flask around is a good way to get talking to people. And if something goes wrong, remember, it has almost certainly been done before and will be done again...it may feel like the worst thing in the world if you have a mishap or commit some sort of faux-pas, but believe me everyone else is far too busy focusing on their own survival to notice. Just be charming and kick on!
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Post by sparklepony on Oct 20, 2012 19:42:03 GMT
If in doubt ring the secretary they will make sure you dont go wrong, just go and enjoy.
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Post by vikki85 on Oct 20, 2012 19:52:51 GMT
Thank you all so much for the great advice - I'm so excited! Think I'll go with bootless from what everyone has said. Can't wait now, want to go right now haha.
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Post by emma3870 on Oct 20, 2012 20:10:04 GMT
Just thought of something else - make sure you check with the secretary to see if they have a new starter scheme where you can go cheaply for 3 meets. Also ask if you can be paired up with someone - most hunts will do this and its a good way of meeting new faces and your pony will have something to stick to on the way round at whatever pace you are happy with
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Post by GinaGeo on Oct 20, 2012 20:26:14 GMT
Fantastic advice from Emma - it's always good to hear from someone with experience of the pack you're wanting to go with!
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Post by LinsopStud on Oct 21, 2012 14:19:06 GMT
Enjoy!!! I would love to go again - I once went on a conny that I used to have but the SRT I have now just can't cope with it (plus his legs are too much like pins) Post us a picture and an update when you get back Same! I used to have an ex-racer on loan to Hunt so my wimpy show horses didn't have to go, but now I only have wimps I miss going
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Post by flee on Oct 21, 2012 18:13:33 GMT
And don't forget to wear a hat when you walk the course beforehand .
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Post by vikki85 on Oct 23, 2012 10:15:07 GMT
Had good news today, our horsebox is finally getting plated today after being in the garage all blinking summer soooo hoping to get out hunting early November
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Post by GinaGeo on Oct 23, 2012 12:24:08 GMT
Enjoy!! ;D
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