Producing the perfect hunter

H&H’s racing editor and hunting enthusiast Catherine Austen met up with Richard Walker, who specialises in preparing horses for the hunting field, to help her prepare her young horse Molly for the challenges she will face this season.

Have an extra port at the meet, and avoid leaving in the crush
When jumping, read the ground and the situation. Either get there before the crowd or wait until it has gone
Don’t get too close to everyone else if you can help it
Don’t race. Keep a contact with the horse’s mouth and keep it balanced
Jump to the side of hunt jumps, rather than the middle, to avoid the worst of the chopped-up ground
Go slowly through gates, and stop and pat the horse when you’ve closed them
Pack up and go home when the horse starts to get excited and boil over