Anyone any experience of hirelings and what to expect?

[JackDaniels1]

After some advice really. Thinking of hirelings - I gather from other old posts I've read that you just turn up, get on then hand the horse back muddy and sweaty....is there anyone who rides with you? Being a ''first timer'' I wouldn't really want to go out on my own. Is there always an option whether to jump or not? I can't really say whether I'd want to until I get out there!!

 

[ExmoorHunter]

It may depend where you hunt, but down here you have the option of an experienced escort. We have very little jumping but the country and riding is challenging and you should be reasonably competent. The weather is also often challenging to say the least!

Hirelings are not cheap and your cap will be additional. Horses can be taken to the meet and collected from where you finish and yes, you don't have to clean up the horse afterwards! If you're new to the country then your escort should get you in the right place and ensure you have a great day out. They will match the horse to you but you need to be honest about your ability and look after your horse.

I would thoroughly recommend it as a way to see different country with experienced people. And you may find it addictive!

If you don't have an escort then I know there are always people who will look after you and make sure you get home in one piece.

 

[spacefaer]

Your horse will be brought to the meet and taken away again at 2nd horses (or 1.30-2ish in a one horse country.

If you are new to hunting, you will obviously have spoken to the Secretary before to checkout such details as the visitor's cap etc. They may well be able to introduce you to a friendly face at the meet

Depending on the pack you pick, jumping may be more or less optional -it's possible not to jump with most packs, but with some, if you don't jump, you'll find you are left well behind if you don't know the country

You also need to pick an appropriate day -again, the secretary can advise you- so you don't go out over the biggest flying country!

Which pack are you hoping to get out with?

 

[Countryman]

Would second Spacefaer's point that jumping completely depend on who you hunt with. Where abouts are you and which Pack did you have in mind?

 

[JenHunt]

depends on how much you are prepared to pay too!
i've had 4yo's in their first season and seasoned veterans and everything in between!

 

[Doug]

Find out who the person is that does the hireling is and get in contact with them. You will probably be able to go out for a ride to see if you get on with the horse and what he is like to hack. There might be a charge for this or they might offer it free of charge.

You might even find that the person is linked with a riding school so you could arrange some lessons to really get you up to speed.

 

[Isbister]

I have ridden a hireling (the same one) for the last three seasons and find it a very good arrangement. The per-ride cost is quite high, but given my work commitments I can only attend half-a-dozen or so meets a season, so owning my own hunter might not be economical.
The first time, a groom was sent to ride with me - no doubt to ensure I was managing all right - but since then I have normally been left to my own devices.
Of course, a lot depends on the horse and how you get on with him/her.