Teaching children to love hunting

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Useful tips on how to give children a happy introduction to the hunting field.

• Find the right pony– one that will stop when everyone else stops and won’t go wild at the first sight of a hound
• Buy the right kit – lots of thermals or jumpers under coats, good gloves and plenty of pairs of socks
• Choose the right day – the cream of the country will not necessarily suit a novice
• Get them out autumn hunting as much as possible when there’s more of a chance to see what’s going on

On the day

• Hack to the meet if possible to steady everyone’s nerves
• Put snacks in your young charges’ pockets and, if possible, a grandparent in a car with extra supplies
• Stay at the back, away from the fray
• Keep them interested – explain what’s happening, what to do and when, and try to make it fun
• Stay calm. Children sense fear as sharply as they can smell chocolate
• If possible, try to let them hook up with some friends their age out hunting
• Take care to leave before they get tired. Leave them wanting more
• Always carry a mobile phone

For the full article on taking children hunting, see the current issue of Horse & Hound (27 October 2011)

Find out more about hunting for beginners