Going on a hunt fun ride is something completely new to me, so when I was asked to help plan a route for one, I really wasn’t sure what the expectations of such a route would be. In endurance we have clear rules regarding routes, no more than 10% tarmac being one, and we all know how I love rules and planning. We managed to plan a lovely route using woodlands kindly opened up for us by the Duchy, bridleways and a bit of roadwork.
In the UK Bloodhound hunts follow the scent of a human runner over a pre-planned course during winter hunting. In the summer they need to make an income to look after the hounds and to pay hunt staff so they put on fun rides.
This particular ride we had 42 horses in attendance all setting off together on a guided route of approx 11miles. It took about 3hrs in total and was definitely a different experience for Tissy, who is used to to doing that distance in under an hour. But I had great fun getting her pretty for the meet and using my leather tack, although my presentation know how is next to nil and my plait lasted about 10mins!
It would make excellent training for an endurance horse that’s experienced but is about to start their racing career as they could practice warming up with lots of other horses and keeping calm in a big group. All the jumps are optional, and Tissy will literally stand on poles and step over logs rather than jump them, so I was very surprised when I thought I’d have a go at a teeny tiny cross pole that she actually picked both front feet off the floor.
Beth Endurance 