Can it be done?

NellRosk

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I have 2 horses, one a 15 year old ID and one a 5 yo ID. Ideally I want them both to be fit for the season this year, so I can get the youngster out a few times for experience, but then also have a few outings of fun on the schoolmaster and have a jump of everything (currently don't have the balls to do it on the young one!). I work full time, do you think it's an unrealistic expectation to try and get 2 fit when I've only got limited time to ride after work and at weekends? Any tips appreciated if you guys think I can! Thanks :)
 

be positive

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You need to be getting them fit now while you have longer days and less stable work to fit in, a few decent hacks at the weekends should be enough to get them fit enough for some autumn hunting, guessing they are currently in work so not starting from scratch, I would autumn hunt the youngster to keep things quiet and get it settled to the job then let it down and concentrate on keeping the older one properly fit.
I don't think you can keep two fully wound up, bearing in mind that Saturdays are going to be hunting days so no chance of doing much with the horse left behind, unless you have floodlights or an indoor plus plenty of energy left at the end of the day, if you could get someone to give one or both a good long hack or two mid week it would help once the days are too short for hacks after work.
I think the main thing is to get them really fit and hope they can manage on ticking over once you are hunting regularly, be prepared to go home early if it starts to tire but still feel you will struggle to do two without risking injury if they are not hard enough.
 

NellRosk

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Thanks be positive! Yes I took the younger one cubbing as a 4 yo last year and she really enjoyed it so I'm looking forward to getting her out this year. Some really good points here thanks, especially retiring early if they're tired (which I would do anyway!)
 

Ditchjumper2

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We both work full time, have no arena and hunt every Sat and the odd Weds. Get them as fit as you can now especially the youngster. If you can ride and lead it really helps. Once we start hunting we do go every Sat which keeps the older two going fine. We have a problem if we can't go due to bad weather. Our youngster gets a long hack on the Sunday and if OH or I get a day off she goes on Weds.

We are a harrier pack so easier to cut corners to keep up and we know the country well. Go home when your horse is tired but remember to do that bit more each time as it does help to get them fit. Ours hunt from the field fully clipped for as long as possible, before they come in at night, which certainly helps to. It is doable if you are sensible whilst out. The more you go the fitter they wll be. Enjoy.
 

JDH01

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I hunt 2 horses and work full time, it is possible but requires a plan and some creative thinking to get them fit. I ride at 06.30 every morning winter weekdays unless we are iced in. Hack (ride and lead alternate horses) on roads swathed in hi viz and lights and it works for me. We hunt Tuesday and Friday with some Saturdays so I have an arrangement to use leave in the Winter and normally manage a day a week over the season. Good luck.
 

NellRosk

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Thanks for the replies! I tried riding and leading a while back but gave up because the younger one was gawping at everything and kept trying to swap sides but I'll give it a go and she'll surely get better the more I do. JDH01 you're very dedicated to ride before work, I think I need to take a leaf out of your book!!!
 

Houndman

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I never let the horses go totally unridden through the summer and they get one good hack per week to keep them ticking over. We are on the moors so we can ride them without shoes over the heather.
 

redfoxhunter

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I'm in the same position as you this season, I have two horses (I don't own them) that I am keeping fit for hunting over the winter. I have a full time job, and a young daughter. I will only be hunting one of them, and the other will be hunted at least once a week.

The 6 yo, that I hunt, has been in work all through the Summer (bit of everything - hacking, x country schooling every fortnight and a weekly lesson) so he is pretty fit already and does a lot of roadwork. The second I brought back into work around 2 weeks ago.

I plan to ride and lead each day, getting up early before work. I'm lucky in that I'm on flexi hours so can start early to finish early (or vice versa), but still quite a struggle in the couple of months when its dark late in the morning and early in the afternoon. Lunging can be a godsend when its too dark to get out on the roads.

It can be done - but you have to be prepared to be knackered all winter! Last winter I only did the one, with occasional exercising of the 2nd (and general yard duties, and getting them ready for hunting, and hunting once or twice a week!!) and I was in bed every night by about 8.30!
 

NellRosk

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I'm in the same position as you this season, I have two horses (I don't own them) that I am keeping fit for hunting over the winter. I have a full time job, and a young daughter. I will only be hunting one of them, and the other will be hunted at least once a week.

The 6 yo, that I hunt, has been in work all through the Summer (bit of everything - hacking, x country schooling every fortnight and a weekly lesson) so he is pretty fit already and does a lot of roadwork. The second I brought back into work around 2 weeks ago.

I plan to ride and lead each day, getting up early before work. I'm lucky in that I'm on flexi hours so can start early to finish early (or vice versa), but still quite a struggle in the couple of months when its dark late in the morning and early in the afternoon. Lunging can be a godsend when its too dark to get out on the roads.

It can be done - but you have to be prepared to be knackered all winter! Last winter I only did the one, with occasional exercising of the 2nd (and general yard duties, and getting them ready for hunting, and hunting once or twice a week!!) and I was in bed every night by about 8.30!

Thanks rhf... so it CAN be done just needs a lot of work and determination. My horses have been kept ticking over all summer with light exercise and we're off on a fun ride tomorrow so the fittening starts now!!!
 

ExmoorHunter

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I'm sure it can be done. I've done it now for some years but I do have someone to muck out in the Winter so I can exercise before work. I also go out in the dark at around 7am generally riding and leading (I have two that I hunt) swathed in hi viz and a headlight. I am lucky to live in a very quiet area and generally only see gamekeepers at that time! I am also lucky as we run our own business locally so I can leave early in the darkest months to get them in and it's not a problem if I'm a few minutes late for work. I haven't gone away on holiday for well over 20 years and have taken holiday through the winter to go hunting. The money is spent on subscriptions! I have to say though that I am very early to bed but find that really easy in the dark evenings. Good luck!
 
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