The autumn and winter calendar months bring the delight of hunting with our horses for many experienced riders. For those of you that are in view of taking part in hunting for the first time this year, take a look at Canadian tack stores ‘need-to-know’ basics. The most critical point to consider when going pursuing this autumn is that your horse is entirely healthy and sound, and adequately fit to cope with the rigours of the day. Rider appropriateness is also vital to ensure you enjoy yourself and indispensably that you are safe at the same time as tackling a variability of different terrains, climate conditions and sometimes jumping efforts.
Adults going hunting that have not been given colours by their hunt should wear flannel jackets during the autumn months, and black or navy coats through the winter season. A white or cream stock with a plain pin should escort a simple, yet shrewd shirt. Breeches should be light brown in colour, not white, and combined with streamlined, tall boots. For those with long locks, Canadian tack stores advise a hairnet should constantly be worn. Your horse should be turned out to a high typical on hunting days, so bathe the day before using top quality dressing and bathing stuff, in order to get a high shine on the coat.
Get your weaving fingers at the ready, as tack shops in Ontario recommend all horses and ponies should be energetically plaited when hunting! In terms of tack and equipment, a well-fitting saddle and bridle is a complete must, and for security reasons, it is prudent to use a breastplate in order to save your saddle and avert it from slipping backwards – it also gives you a neck fastening to hold on to if essential! Some horses do become excited when out hunting, so a breastplate that offers detachable martingale attachments to use where vital is ideal!
Many riders deliberate using defensive boots on their horses; however, tack shops in Ontario agree that this is imprudent, on the basis that dirt and grit can become surrounded by the boots when travelling over boggy, wet and muddy going, subsequent in the dirt under the boot producing cuts and sores to the horse’s limbs. It is vital to have adequate ‘brakes’ on the hunting field, both for your safety and to save any unwelcome embarrassment should your horse disobey, so a considerable bit is vital. Our four-legged friends often reasonably become excited on the field, so a stronger bit than usual is typically essential.
