Encouraging Crossover Getting more crossover between the worlds of foxhunting and eventing is often just a matter of exposing each side to the other. The Caza Ladron Hunt in Santa Fe, New Mexico, makes a concerted effort to introduce eventers to the world of foxhunting by inviting pony club members to hunt any time for free, or to join the club for a $10 youth membership. “Since pony club grew out of the interest of foxhunters in providing a safe, sensible training ground for future hunters, it’s a great combination,” says Nancy Ambrosiano, president of Caza Ladron and the MFHA Board’s liaison to the United States Pony Club. The hunt also has a long-standing tradition of helping at local events by volunteering as jump crew and jump judges — which helps hunt club members see eventing up close and familiarize themselves with the rules.
ers are terrible riders.” But, he added, that’s because foxhunters “ride to hunt,” which, he says, is
exactly what they should be doing. But sometimes, the results aren’t very pretty.
“You see a lot of people in the hunt field who are riding with their hands and not their bodies,” says Hatterman. “They wonder why their horse is running off with them — it’s because they’re hanging on their horse’s mouth.” Dressage lessons can help fix this by teaching riders how to use their seat independently of their hands. Ambrosiano asserts that hunt clubs would be doing their members a service to offer more pony club-like classes that teach not only how to ride better, but also better horse care and management. “Foxhunters would benefit from more understanding about how to keep their horses sound and recognizing signs of lameness,” she says.
Outside the Comfort Zone
The moral of the story is that all riders can benefit from getting outside of their comfort zones and trying something new. Eventers should try foxhunting to learn how to be bolder and trust their horses more. Foxhunters should try eventing to learn how to ride with a more independent seat and softer hands. In the end, more crossover between these two sports will foster better riders, happier horses and a growing base of support for both sports. Who can argue with that? Laura Mullane is a writer based in New Mexico. She is an eventer who also foxhunts and sees the benefits on a daily basis.
Matthew eliott, a long time equine veterinarian and first time author presents this delightful book which lovers of horses and all animals will relish.
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Available, July 15, 2013 To order, contact…
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