Age....

[Tabbi]

At what age have you or would you stop your horse going hunting?

(just being nosey )

 

[LauraWheeler]

I was hunting Lucy right uptill she was diagnosed with her illness (the diagnosis was the only reason we stopped) Our last day of the season before was amazing. She stayed out all day, it was a fast day and she was still bombing off with me. There were very few people out and those that were, were on second horses who were all nackered. The huntsman couldn't believe it when I told him Lucy was 19 the next oldest was 9!!! But in reality, when Lucy went to liphook to be diagnosed the vets there informed me Lucy was actualy atleast 26. So she was 7 years older than I thought she was. I would have hunted Lucy till she told me she had enough. But knowing her she would have kept going and probably dropped in the hunting field.
She was amazing out hunting though and would happily walk along leading a small chiled on a pony even when the rest of the field galloped off. So if she was still hunting in her old age I would have just crept around the edges.

 

[pinklilly]

I don't think age is relevant if they are sound and enjoying the job. One hunt horse I did retired at 24 because the new huntsman wanted some new horses, went on to have at least ten years being a happy hack. Known a few other older ones and some retired through injury.

 

[Addicted to Hunting]

My old one hunted till at least she was 23, (no official passport age) we lost her with colic or else she would of kept going, she had been out the week before and was going to go again in 4 days time. She was a very active horse who just loved hunting, it was basically her retirement after doing a lot of showjumping, giving me confidence xc etc. she owed me nothing as was most happy out hunting up the front, she would never of settled being retire to the field so I always said I would hunt her right up to the end, she would of told me when it got to much and in that case I would of taken her to a meet and then to the Kennels. I intend to do the same with the current horse as well, as she is also very active. Although only 10 at the mo. ideally I would love a foal of her but don't think I would like the break that she would need.

 

[CrazyMare]

Mines 21 and still going. Still bonkers and utterly fantastic. Adore my nutcase

 

[Christmas Crumpet]

20 and still being naughty but utterly lovely!

 

[ExmoorHunter]

Mine's 19 and still going strong after many seasons. I regularly used to hunt her 3 days a week in her prime (she got fitter and I was knackered!) I bred a foal from her last year - I had left it and left it as I didn't want to take her out of work but had to bite the bullet in the end. She is now back in work and loving it plus I have an absolutely beautiful filly for the future. I have been very lucky as she has been the most fantastic mare and she absolutely loves her job. She will be kept going as long as possible, if she is enjoying it and is fit to do so. I try to take things a bit slower now but she usually has other ideas!!!

 

[JenHunt]

our two are both 19 this time round, and will do a good few days each (with any luck!)

we had an old pony who was still hunting in his 30's.... he was 46 when he died, having had 10 years retirement owing to no rider and a bit of arthritis.

age is irrelevant.... if they can and want to then there's no reason IMO not to, as long as you're sensible with them!

 

[laurenmariethompson]

Depends entirely on the horse! If they are healthy and capable of doing it, and enjoy doing it, i see no reason to quit

 

[Dreamer515]

we had one out with us that was 27 and his owner said she will hunt him till he decides he doesnt enjoy/cant do it no more. she even went as far to say that if was to die out in the hunting field she would be happy as he would have died doing what he loved. this was 2 years ago and to my knowledge he is still loving his hunting though he no longer hunts every week.