Wednesday, October 30, 2013

Sure, take the new horse foxhunting. What could possibly go wrong?

This weekend was our hunt's blessing of the hounds. I'd planned to ride in the hay wagon with MC, while hubby rode Red (after all, Red is actually hubby's horse) and Fuzzypony rode Taran. But suddenly, we had a Paddington! Maybe I could ride in the hunt after all!

Here are the reasons this was a bad idea:
  • We'd had him for less than a week
  • I'd only ridden him 3 times, including the tryout
  • He'd never been hunting before (but he had walked out with the hounds)
  • He's ... uhhhhmmm ... a little out-of-shape. Unless you consider round a shape.
Here are the reasons this was a good idea:
  • He has a great brain.
You know that exercise they tell you to do when you're trying to make a big decision, where you list the pros in one column and the cons in the other? Obviously I didn't get the message about what to do when the cons outweigh the pros, 'cause I stuffed Paddy's fuzzy butt in the trailer and off we went to the opening hunt.

As it turned out, he was AWESOME. We ended up going second flight (slow, no jumping, but still a good gallop or two) and it was perfect for him. He watched the hounds but was not at all bothered by them - one even came loping up behind him and he barely flicked an ear. He was a little uncertain about the cows, and he had a tendency to leap over ditches, but otherwise he never put a foot wrong. He was more than willing to keep up with the 2nd flight leader, who was riding an ex-Intermediate level eventer! I definitely need more brakes hunting, because when we were galloping he completely ignored the loose-ring snaffle I was riding him in.  Ooops!

He got a TON of compliments on the hunt, mostly involving how cute he is. Good thing HE thinks "cute" is an acceptable compliment! The huntsmistress even commented on how well he did, and said that in another three outings he'd be an old pro at it. Coming from her I'll take that as a compliment of the highest order!

MC generously took some pictures from the hay wagon, so of course I must share:

Easy to pick out in a crowd!

We did a lot of walking during the holds... he hasn't figured out that he can stand around and relax yet.

Fuzzypony on my right on Taran, Hubby on my left on Reddums.

I love this shot!

Gratuitous ear pic. Because, how can you not?

Post-ride, Paddy decided it was time for a roll. MC is holding Paddy (and the camera), I'm in the background holding Red.

I had a super, awesome fun time and am SO glad we decided to take Paddy after all. Now we just need to get a bit more fit, find some brakes, and we'll be set for the season.

Tally Ho!

40 comments:

  1. Replies
    1. He says that this week his nickname is Paddykins. ;)

      Delete
  2. So cute! And I love his name. He reminds me of Tux, though slightly smaller and less spotty :) Always thought he would have made a fun foxhunter, some day I'd like to try that!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. He is sort of Tux-like, and he actually DOES have spots... they're just dapple-spots instead of spot-spots.

      Delete
  3. What a great looking horse!! I so hope you have fun on him, because I think you need some fun.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Karen, that's exactly why we got him - because he was so much fun!

      Delete
  4. He looks PERFECT in that field. He's obviously found his calling! YAY!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, Tracy! He thinks he looks pretty good too... at least he always knew where the camera was!

      Delete
  5. He is flipping adorable!! What a fun season you have ahead of you! So glad things are going much better.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. BritnieAnn, I am pretty sure he practices adorable looks in the mirror. And we are also oh-so-glad that things are going better. :)

      Delete
  6. Seriously? Can you get any cuter?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Paddy says it's unlikely it could get any cuter. Unless we got ANOTHER haffie. Just sayin'.

      Delete
  7. Don't you love the feeling when it all works out?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. YES! We do. And let's hope it continues to work out for a very long time. :)

      Delete
  8. Yeah Paddy! He is so friggin' cute - I just had to add that along with everyone else.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The cuteness is pretty overwhelming, it's true!

      Delete
  9. Looks like he fits right in to me! I'm so glad it was a successful outing and that you and hubby had a good time. Good boy, Paddy!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. We had a GREAT time, and I am so glad we brought him. What a star pony!

      Delete
  10. Replies
    1. I think he prefers "cute" and "adorable"... unlike Reddums the Feerless War Pony, who is absolutely NOT CUTE. ;)

      Delete
  11. Awesome! You Deserve To Finally Enjoy your Horses. I Should Have Given You Fair Warning On The Haffies And The Need For Some Bitting Up FOr some Breaks.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Heh, yeah, he goes great in a snaffle for dressage and has a very soft mouth and is light off the seat, but hunting is a whole 'nuther thing. Time to bring out the kimberwicke!

      Delete
  12. What an adorable little tank! Man. That looks SO much fun!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. We had a great time and can't wait to do it again!

      Delete
  13. Hmmmm. Are you hinting that you cannot have just one Haffie?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Well, you do know that two Haffies make a Whole. So perhaps another one is needed? Only time will tell!

      Delete
  14. Round is most definitely a shape in my book! :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Paddy definitely agrees with you, and is working hard to keep his in-shapely-ness. Omnomnom...

      Delete
  15. Awesome post :-) Welcome to the most fun ever - the world of the Pocket Rocket Hunter - NOTHING is as much fun ;-)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I am not sure this one fits in your pocket... he's quite round! But definitely a ton of fun!

      Delete
  16. He is just too cute! How tall is he? And yes, haffies thing being cute is quite the accomplishment and they expect to be rewarded in food :)

    ReplyDelete