I've been up to lot's leading up to Christmas with riding, mucking out for a trainer and seeing the pointers get ready to run! I've also been able to go on Hound Exercise which I enjoy. I must admit I'm getting a big soft spot for the drag hounds, they're such a sweet quirky bunch of bitches (I do mean that in the correct way of describing a female hound)!
But before I go any further, with people's opinions on Hunting strong ones both for and against I will say this, I go to ride horses and jump and that's it. I'll say no more on it and hope no arguements will ensue!
Anyway, I was lucky enough to try out a beautiful horse from a friend on Boxing Day to go out with the Fitzwilliam (Milton) Hunt who met at the Bell Inn in Stilton. I've not been to a boxing day meet since I was about 12 or 13 so to meet in the village high street and be so utterly surrounded by people was a bit overwhelming. Again, say what you will about hunting but a hell of a lot of people turned out to welcome the Masters and Hounds, as well as the Field. And I mean rammed, the streets were packed!
My photo I snapped quickly does not do justice to the amount of people there, there were equal that amount behind me that I couldn't photograph.
Thank you to Mum and Dad for my Christmas present of this gorgeous Shires navy jacket!
After a brief speach to a good few hundred people by the Field Master the horn was blown, the hounds spoke and off the Master trotted back up the high street and up the hill, followed by from what I read, 83 mounted Field followers and god knows how many cars!
As I trotted up the hill on Shay, a horse I'd sat on for about 20 minutes 3 days prior I started getting the nervous excited butterflies in my stomache. The field master shouted "Jumping field to the right, non jumping field to the left!" I had but a moment to weigh up in my head of should I jump or should I not?! "F**k it" I thought i'm going right and I'm gonna jump!
Turning into a beautiful grassy field with a good half of the Field in toe we kicked on into Canter and I could get to know my mount for the day. Very good I thought as me eased into canter and didn't proceed to yank my arms out the socket. Quite on the contrary as I didn't really have to hold on too much, he seemed very gallant in fact!
In no time at all the first fences appeared across a field, a double of post and rails about 2'9" high. I was nearer the back of the jumping field so got to watch as others before me tackled it. It seemed to be jumping well, so as I steadily cantered towards it I wasn't that apprehensive. Shay briefly lost his gentlemanly demeaner for a very 'Gung ho' style of steam towards it and push others out the way. I jumped it just after two girls, one on a grey and one on a coloured. A stride out I see the girl on the grey become unseated and much to her credit she stayed upright and on her feet, running next to her horse, but with no time to pull up I had to just keep left out of her way and pray Shay wouldn't refuse the second part of the double after all the kerfuffle! Although refuse he did not, he stormed at it and that was that, clearing them with ease and landing safely to continue bowling up the hill towards another post and rail, which he again made light work of.
"This is going to be a fun day I thought" as I continued a speedy canter across the field to meet up with Polly and friends who were just in front.
After a brief stop while the hounds worked and a sneaky (small) swig from a hip flask we were back off again across another couple of fields, and with the Jumping field rather tightly grouped and with Shays gung ho into the last couple of fences I opted to not jump the twisty track through the woods as knowing my luck I'd have come off so close to the start of the day and would have had to go home.
I'm rather glad I did avoid it as the next jump I had to jump (the only way of getting into the adjacent field) meant Shay literally pushing Kerrie out the way in order to jumping it. My sincerely apologies again Kerrie!!
We were back into a steady canter around a verge track next to some farmers field and I kept in control as to not have any leg problems in the deeper ground. We had come upon a large wood so myself and the rest of the field lined around the outskirts of the wood and waited while the hounds worked and did their job.
It gave the horses and their riders a chance to get their breathes back and stretch out after a quick and speedy first run!
I saw in front the single file line of horses neatly popping a ditch and had a quick flash thought of "oh crap I've not jumped a ditch in years, must not fall off! Must not fall off!" but the big Grey gentleman Shay popped over it no problem, I remained in the pilot seat and all was well and good! Again another steady canter round the farmers field lead to another set of jumps and another set of ditches. Well was going well until the last ditch..
As we got nearer the very experienced hunt staff and seasoned hunters took this large uneven ditch in their stride. The take off was lower than the landing, which was about a foot and a half higher on the landing side and had an awkward tree on the right of the landing which had a dangly branch hanging over it which would smack you in the face and head upon landing.
"Must avoid that" I thought "don't want to get hit in the face.." well Shay must have also had the same thought because we took off no problem, and landed no problem but in my maneuver to not get a tree whipping across the face I lent forward but in doing so did not see Shay's trajectory towards the oncoming tree...
My right leg impacted the trees body and that was that.. so on the cantered exit to the rest of the pack, who had now parked up ahead, I was in agony. I audibly swore out loud, pulled up and rubbed the impact area vigorously. I'd read somewhere that rubbing a place in pain helps dull the nerves and help it from hurting so much, which actually did work. But I'm not gonna lie I had to bite my lip no avoid crying.
I tried not to make a fuss and when we pullled off again I just prayed the adrenaline with mask the pain, and luckily it did. We cantered over a few more fields and had another break just off the road, which we shared with a large number of awkwardly placed foot followers in their cars and had a chat while the hounds worked.
Before long we were at, what I understand, is called Moonshine (someone from Gidding please tell me why it is called this as I am very intrigued) where all the foot followers had parked up, jumped out of their vehicles and were in prime viewing places to watch the jump into the field.
I understand from friends that this is a prime place where people fall off so people grab their phones in the hope of watching a tumble. The jump is a 2'9"-ish up right post and rails about 2 strides off the road so you have to trot from the road, ask for canter as soon as they touch the grass, kick on and hope your horse doesn't jump it awkwardly and has enough speed to get over it.
With a rather achy leg I kept with my friends group and watched as others tackled it before me. Some jumped it too slow and got a cat leap or an awkward stumble over it, other jumped it with a bit more speed or with a more genuine horse and popped over it. Luckily Shay is genuine as the day is long and popped it no trouble!
Georgie complimented my jumping position and said it was rather good, so i'm pleased with that
Once you were inti the field the gallop was on towards a rather large hedge. I kept steady and watched as a girl in front of me had a refusal and was mid turn away from the fence. In a split second I had to decide; Do I stop and wait while she represents and potentially has another stop, or do I kick on and try and jump it while she's turning away?! I quickly decided that Shay wouldn't appreciate being asked to wait and if I stopped now I might not get enough propulsion to jump it cleanly, the take off was already quite chopped up.
So kick on I did and Shay took into auto pilot and flew over and with that a rush of adrenalin and relief flooded over me. "Right" I thought, "That's hedge one, I know there is at least 2 more!" The first of which I flew over with no-one in sight, the next I'd have to pop a smaller post and rails to get over into the other field, which I did, and bowled on. A small group had congregated at the open gate on my right about half a field in front of me, I then spotted Sam about to tackle the biggest hedge of all. I tucked in behind her and pushed on.. Shay autopiloted again and I just took deep breathes instinctively and kicked on and we flew over! Although mid way over I saw Sam part company from Coco and hit the deck! I pulled sharpe right to avoid collison and pulled up as I watched Coco high tail it over the field towards the rest of the Field. Sam got up and bravely brushed off (which is more than I could say i'd do after falling off that high so hats off to you Sam) and we watched as her friends had retrieved a wayward Coco. Not wanting to loose the adrenalin in my system I kicked on and headed towards the large post and rails. It's a pretty big post and rails and with Shay getting in a little close I lost my balance on landing but clung on, quickly picking myself back up and foot back into the stirrup. To avoid a repeat I pushed on Shay and he took a big one, flying over the second post and rails and we sailed through the air. God it felt amazing and from the photo evidence it looked pretty cool too!!
I now knew where I was and could tell we were nearing home. We had a steady canter up the hill to rejoin the main Field and soon approached the main road into Gidding. A photographer caught this wonderful picture as we approached.
We'd been out a good two and a half hours so as we neared Gidding I kept with my friends and we all mutually decided to call it a day. It looked like a good few others thought the same, as about two thirds of the field slowly followed back to their boxes which had all been strategically moved to the Fox and Hounds on Gidding High Street.
I patted the lovely Shay and thanked him for being such a good boy for me all day. I swear they know what you're saying to them, even if they don't I still like telling them and giving them a good pat!
I was absolutely shattered, sore and ready for home.
Thank you for all of those who stuck with me and reassured me through out the day - Polly, Sam, Clare, Kerrie, Phillipa you're all so kind and good to me!
Thank you SO much for Katie for Shay, he is an absolute Star!
Than you to the Fitzwilliam for such a wonderfully well organised day, to their lovely staff and loyal supporters who helped me through out the day
I'm now going to put an ice pack on my leg and put myself on box rest for a few days because I am well and truly lame!
Owwww!! Im now off to ice my leg again!
In no time at all the first fences appeared across a field, a double of post and rails about 2'9" high. I was nearer the back of the jumping field so got to watch as others before me tackled it. It seemed to be jumping well, so as I steadily cantered towards it I wasn't that apprehensive. Shay briefly lost his gentlemanly demeaner for a very 'Gung ho' style of steam towards it and push others out the way. I jumped it just after two girls, one on a grey and one on a coloured. A stride out I see the girl on the grey become unseated and much to her credit she stayed upright and on her feet, running next to her horse, but with no time to pull up I had to just keep left out of her way and pray Shay wouldn't refuse the second part of the double after all the kerfuffle! Although refuse he did not, he stormed at it and that was that, clearing them with ease and landing safely to continue bowling up the hill towards another post and rail, which he again made light work of.
"This is going to be a fun day I thought" as I continued a speedy canter across the field to meet up with Polly and friends who were just in front.
After a brief stop while the hounds worked and a sneaky (small) swig from a hip flask we were back off again across another couple of fields, and with the Jumping field rather tightly grouped and with Shays gung ho into the last couple of fences I opted to not jump the twisty track through the woods as knowing my luck I'd have come off so close to the start of the day and would have had to go home.
I'm rather glad I did avoid it as the next jump I had to jump (the only way of getting into the adjacent field) meant Shay literally pushing Kerrie out the way in order to jumping it. My sincerely apologies again Kerrie!!
We were back into a steady canter around a verge track next to some farmers field and I kept in control as to not have any leg problems in the deeper ground. We had come upon a large wood so myself and the rest of the field lined around the outskirts of the wood and waited while the hounds worked and did their job.
It gave the horses and their riders a chance to get their breathes back and stretch out after a quick and speedy first run!
I saw in front the single file line of horses neatly popping a ditch and had a quick flash thought of "oh crap I've not jumped a ditch in years, must not fall off! Must not fall off!" but the big Grey gentleman Shay popped over it no problem, I remained in the pilot seat and all was well and good! Again another steady canter round the farmers field lead to another set of jumps and another set of ditches. Well was going well until the last ditch..
As we got nearer the very experienced hunt staff and seasoned hunters took this large uneven ditch in their stride. The take off was lower than the landing, which was about a foot and a half higher on the landing side and had an awkward tree on the right of the landing which had a dangly branch hanging over it which would smack you in the face and head upon landing.
"Must avoid that" I thought "don't want to get hit in the face.." well Shay must have also had the same thought because we took off no problem, and landed no problem but in my maneuver to not get a tree whipping across the face I lent forward but in doing so did not see Shay's trajectory towards the oncoming tree...
My right leg impacted the trees body and that was that.. so on the cantered exit to the rest of the pack, who had now parked up ahead, I was in agony. I audibly swore out loud, pulled up and rubbed the impact area vigorously. I'd read somewhere that rubbing a place in pain helps dull the nerves and help it from hurting so much, which actually did work. But I'm not gonna lie I had to bite my lip no avoid crying.
I tried not to make a fuss and when we pullled off again I just prayed the adrenaline with mask the pain, and luckily it did. We cantered over a few more fields and had another break just off the road, which we shared with a large number of awkwardly placed foot followers in their cars and had a chat while the hounds worked.
Before long we were at, what I understand, is called Moonshine (someone from Gidding please tell me why it is called this as I am very intrigued) where all the foot followers had parked up, jumped out of their vehicles and were in prime viewing places to watch the jump into the field.
I understand from friends that this is a prime place where people fall off so people grab their phones in the hope of watching a tumble. The jump is a 2'9"-ish up right post and rails about 2 strides off the road so you have to trot from the road, ask for canter as soon as they touch the grass, kick on and hope your horse doesn't jump it awkwardly and has enough speed to get over it.
With a rather achy leg I kept with my friends group and watched as others tackled it before me. Some jumped it too slow and got a cat leap or an awkward stumble over it, other jumped it with a bit more speed or with a more genuine horse and popped over it. Luckily Shay is genuine as the day is long and popped it no trouble!
Georgie complimented my jumping position and said it was rather good, so i'm pleased with that
Once you were inti the field the gallop was on towards a rather large hedge. I kept steady and watched as a girl in front of me had a refusal and was mid turn away from the fence. In a split second I had to decide; Do I stop and wait while she represents and potentially has another stop, or do I kick on and try and jump it while she's turning away?! I quickly decided that Shay wouldn't appreciate being asked to wait and if I stopped now I might not get enough propulsion to jump it cleanly, the take off was already quite chopped up.
So kick on I did and Shay took into auto pilot and flew over and with that a rush of adrenalin and relief flooded over me. "Right" I thought, "That's hedge one, I know there is at least 2 more!" The first of which I flew over with no-one in sight, the next I'd have to pop a smaller post and rails to get over into the other field, which I did, and bowled on. A small group had congregated at the open gate on my right about half a field in front of me, I then spotted Sam about to tackle the biggest hedge of all. I tucked in behind her and pushed on.. Shay autopiloted again and I just took deep breathes instinctively and kicked on and we flew over! Although mid way over I saw Sam part company from Coco and hit the deck! I pulled sharpe right to avoid collison and pulled up as I watched Coco high tail it over the field towards the rest of the Field. Sam got up and bravely brushed off (which is more than I could say i'd do after falling off that high so hats off to you Sam) and we watched as her friends had retrieved a wayward Coco. Not wanting to loose the adrenalin in my system I kicked on and headed towards the large post and rails. It's a pretty big post and rails and with Shay getting in a little close I lost my balance on landing but clung on, quickly picking myself back up and foot back into the stirrup. To avoid a repeat I pushed on Shay and he took a big one, flying over the second post and rails and we sailed through the air. God it felt amazing and from the photo evidence it looked pretty cool too!!
I now knew where I was and could tell we were nearing home. We had a steady canter up the hill to rejoin the main Field and soon approached the main road into Gidding. A photographer caught this wonderful picture as we approached.
We'd been out a good two and a half hours so as we neared Gidding I kept with my friends and we all mutually decided to call it a day. It looked like a good few others thought the same, as about two thirds of the field slowly followed back to their boxes which had all been strategically moved to the Fox and Hounds on Gidding High Street.
I patted the lovely Shay and thanked him for being such a good boy for me all day. I swear they know what you're saying to them, even if they don't I still like telling them and giving them a good pat!
I was absolutely shattered, sore and ready for home.
Thank you for all of those who stuck with me and reassured me through out the day - Polly, Sam, Clare, Kerrie, Phillipa you're all so kind and good to me!
Thank you SO much for Katie for Shay, he is an absolute Star!
Than you to the Fitzwilliam for such a wonderfully well organised day, to their lovely staff and loyal supporters who helped me through out the day
I'm now going to put an ice pack on my leg and put myself on box rest for a few days because I am well and truly lame!
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