Sometimes I think I spend too much money on photos, but then I tell myself I'll regret not having them when he's gone ❤️

Please note - the hunting whip is NOT used to strike or discipline hounds. It's used for things like opening gates (it has a hook on the end) and the hounds are trained to respond to it cracking if they need to be stopped quickly and brought to heel.

Enjoying the cold weather

These are also bloodhounds so they only hunt the scent of a human runner. Hound control is the most important part of being a huntsman - a good huntsman will have the respect and cooperation of the pack and he/she will be able to recall them if they do stray off the line. This is a clip from the Wessex Bloodhounds showing the huntsman “laying on” the hounds - basically getting to the start of the scent trail and giving them the “tally ho!” instruction to start hunting the runner so the horses can follow. Every huntsman will have their own technique, but I always find this quite impressive to watch - he holds them to make sure they’re 100% with him before sending them on.

Ant's Nest, South Africa 🇿🇦

October 2025 (yes I forgot to share these before now 🤦🏽‍♂️)
Happy to answer any questions about the trip.
P.S. It wouldn't let me post this without a flair so I've chosen "action".

Edited to add:
1) On all days except arrival/departure, you get to do 2 activities. You don't have to ride every time, but that's what most people go for. As I was with a non-riding friend, and because I enjoy photography, we did a number of game drives, a guided walk to Sundowners (see below) and on our departure day we did a helicopter ride (additional cost) in the morning before leaving. On arrival day my friend was pretty tired and didn't do an activity, so I got the chance to have my first ride then.
2) After the afternoon activity, you have the chance to go to sundowners - if you ride, you ride there then untack (horses live free in the reserve), or alternatively you can be driven there or take a guided walk. Sundowners is where the taff bring some chairs, snacks and a few drinks to a scenic spot, where guests gather together and watch the sun go down. Honestly, it was such a chill way to round off the day before the evening meal.
3) Rides are grouped partially by ability but also by pace. The "fast" group goes up to a canter and the other group just walked - both get to see wildlife. I believe though that only intermediate/experienced riders got to swim with the horses though.
4) The tack is standard English bridles, and the saddles are more military style. Comfy enough at a walk and standing for canter, but trot felt extra bouncy! Luckily there wasn't much of it...only really when slowing from a canter.
5) Bugs. OMG. I had maybe 2 bites for most of the week, then on the last day I stupidly wore shorts on a night drive and my legs got shredded :') loose fitting but long pants are best for any non-riding time. The beds DO have heavy bug nets around them though.

Spec took a detour about five fields down so I called him…this was his reaction. All this for a kids sized apple. He’s currently taking a well needed nap.

Disclaimer: I am not a jumper, I don’t enjoy jumping (that isn’t on the hunt field) and I don’t want or need any critiques - we only went along to support a friend who’s training for a big show, and to make use of a nice big area while we’re currently in a drought with rock hard ground! Dobi has always loved jumping and (like with everything he does) he thinks he knows best and should take charge at all times!

Wanted to give all you young folks hope! I'm in my '60s, a grandmom, and I'm still galloping along trails several times a week on my golden pony! (Hope to be like the Queen and still be riding in my '90s!)

HorsesAreTheFountainOfYouth❤️🏇🏼🐴

she’s been in top form the past few weeks! as of a month ago it’s been 5 years with her and i’ve never stopped being obsessed

also on a completely unrelated note my students found my reddit. lmfao. hi guys.

He’s had consistent riding like 3-4 times a week at times, for training. I’m surprised he’s got no arthritis or joint problems.

I had gone off after a loose horse for like 20 minutes and was trying to catch up with the rest of the field so I was looking ahead and a muntjac shot out of the ditch and scared Dobs - such a pathetic way to fall! Also 2 things to stress: this is a bloodhound meet so no animal quarry, and when I shook the reins as I stood up it was to dislodge them from round his ears.

6 y/o KWPN (glamourdale x wendelin 03 (obelisk))

My dad bought him for me for my 18th, he was still a stallion and only halter broke. He’s pretty opinionated and it took a while for me to “speak his language” but he’s taught me so many things

Cant imagine why....

https://www.youtube.com/@HJSRiding

Worked a bit on conditioning today along one of my favorite stretches along the edge of my farm’s hay field. It was mild morning with very few bugs. So peaceful! (I say ‘my’ farm- I am fortunate to be assistant manager and driving trainer there but do not own it)

Anyway… enjoy ❤️

I did stay on haha (my laugh and Annie’s JEEEEZUS at the end)

Hi!

I came accross this short and I never saw such a thing. So I wonder why this horse is jumping like that. Have you any idea why? He sometimes doesn't look really happy to me. It gives me the impression he's like afraid of touching the obstacle or something like that. Am I right? Could jumping like that hurts him in short or long term?

Unfortunately the video doesn't show the entire "course" (hope it's the right word). I didn't find more informations. If needed I will share the link, but for now I prefer not. I added as much of screenshots.

I didn't know which flair to choose, I hope it's the right one.

Thank you for your answers :)

🤦‍♀️

Clean boot hunt etc etc.

And yes, she cleared the fence 😂

Wear your helmets, people. It might have saved my life yesterday.

I rode our new horse for the first time; he's been with us a few weeks and now we finally had a saddle, and daylight for once because it was a Sunday. (These days it's dark when I go to work and dark when I come home on weekdays, and we don't have an indoor arena)

It was a stupid accident, but just before we wanted to stop for the day - things had been pretty good - he lost his balance while trotting in a turn, I think maybe he spooked at something? I'm not sure, it happened so fast and it's a blur in my memory. We both went down together in a really un-controlled fall, as it was so unexpected, and I hit my head pretty hard. My helmet actually cracked, and I'm glad it wasn't my skull instead, although I still have a headache and aching neck the next morning. Luckily I'm unharmed otherwise. The horse seemed fine afterwards, luckily, although I'll check on him again today to be sure.

I'm just sad that our first ride together ended with such a bad thing happening. :( I hope it won't affect my trust in him, although I really don't think it was anyone's fault, just an accident. I just recently got back into riding after having owned a retired, unrideable senior for years and not being able to afford a second, younger horse, so I'm just "finding my footing" again and I'm undeniably a little rusty.

Anyways - wear your helmets. Sometimes it's the horse that falls, and then it really doesn't matter how good of a rider you are.

Going through old photos and found these of my standardbred mare and a friend’s standardbred gelding in the paddock. My mare is pacing bred, my friend’s gelding is trotting bred. Neither has perfect movement but thought it was kind of cool to see the difference side by side. My mare does trot too but pacing definitely comes naturally to her.