Can you have a two horse day without any help?

[tootsietoo]

I might be getting a gift horse this summer! My parents' failed racehorse who has sentimental value so they are keen for me to have her rather than anyone else. I already have my IDxTB hunter, so I am sooo excited about the possibility of a two horse day next season! It's very much two horse hunting around here. I know there will be a lot of work to do with her before I get her out, but I am prepared for that.

HOWEVER. I don't have anyone to help with the horses. DH is non-horsey so he can't help. Would it be physically possible to do two horses by myself? Has anyone ever done it? I mean, it's risky leaving your precious TB alone in a trailer for 3 hours, I'd probably need to leave her at second horses place so would have to hack miles to the meet with the first one, then the first one would have to stand unwashed in the trailer for a few hours. It doesn't sound feasible, but I am wondering whether anyone has done it?

I do have a lady who looks after the ponies if we go away and I know she used to do hunters back in her youth. Perhaps I just need to bite the bullet and pay up and ask her to help?

 

[AmyMay]

I mean, it's risky leaving your precious TB alone in a trailer for 3 hours

And not something I'd ever do I'm afraid, the risks are far too great. It may possibly be illegal too (you'd have to check).

I don't think you can do it without help.

 

[tootsietoo]

Yes, I will probably get lots of posts now asking how I can even ask the question! I spose I can picture it being done somewhere in the middle of nowhere in Ireland (I have seen the horses all parked outside a pub for hours after hunting!) but I agree, I would not be happy doing it.

 

[AdorableAlice]

Tricky,

I did it years ago, but my horses were very experienced hunters and I was using a lorry. Always parked in a farm yard, usually with other 2nd horse lorries and someone about. I opened the partitions out so the standing horse could move a bit. No different really to waiting for a class at a show.

Had to stick to a routine, the welsh cob went out first, he was excitable soul and although would stay on the lorry it stressed him. He would do the bulk of the day. 2nd horse a RID stood very well with his haynet. But he was Mr. Sensible, and in his old age I used him at the meet and put him back on just to amuse him !!

Radio left on helped.

Trying it with inexperienced horses would worry me, I think you need someone with the lorry and in this sad world we live in I would not consider leaving the horse/lorry anywhere that the 'public' could access them

 

[tootsietoo]

Interesting to know it is possible, but absolutely agree, you'd have to know your horses and also have them somewhere safe.

 

[AmyMay]

Yes, I will probably get lots of posts now asking how I can even ask the question!

Not at all.

 

[BigRed]

It's not just the issue of the 1st horse standing in a trailer for a few hours, but how can you bring a hot, sweaty horse back to the trailer, load it up and leave it there, until you have finished for the day. I think you will need to find a friend on hunt days to meet you, deliver one and take the other one back home. Is that possible ?

 

[AdorableAlice]

It's not just the issue of the 1st horse standing in a trailer for a few hours, but how can you bring a hot, sweaty horse back to the trailer, load it up and leave it there, until you have finished for the day. I think you will need to find a friend on hunt days to meet you, deliver one and take the other one back home. Is that possible ?

You don't,

When you call it a day with number 1 horse, you need to be a mile + from your box, slack the girth and walk back. He will be relaxed when you get there, saddle off, thermo on and he will be fine, give him a drink.

Again I stress the hunters you are using need to be used to the routine.

 

[Dogstar]

You obviously have far more energy and enthusiasm than me; I have had 2 horses on the go for many years but I am always knackered and ready to go home by 3pm or 3.30pm latest normally, so its always a one horse day for me! I reckon your best bet would be to find a friendly yard near where second horses would be. I would be too worried to leave a horse standing in a trailer for hours, it would probably be fine but I just couldnt do it in case something happened...

 

[Grey_Eventer]

My dad and grandparents used to leave their seconds on the lorry, put their first horses on and then leave them on there until the end of the day. Lorry was big enough for 8 horses to take them all home at the end of the day.

Dad wouldn't do it now though. Too much of a risk of someone pinching your horse (or tralier with them in it!), or them damaging themselves.

I think finding someone who does 2 horses, maybe with a groom who could take your horse home for you and then you take both your horses home and pick up your first horse would be a sensible option.

 

[emma.is]

If most people hunt two where you hunt there must be a solution. You never know, somebody may offer their groom to help you or a stable for a few hours in their nearby yard