Fitness for Hunting (also in NL)

[sea_view]

Hi all,

Have just bought a new ISH two weeks ago, he's 6yrs old brought over from Ireland, has done a little hunting there. I haven't hunted before, I evented/BSJA'd with previous horse and hope to do the same with this one however, I also fancied trying a bit of hunting.

In my opinion my new horse is not so fit at the moment, he will be ridden approx 3/4 times per week over the winter months and of course any extra days off I get.

What levels of fitness would you expect for hunting - are we looking at super fit and I should wait until next year? I know that hunts can last several hours so I am also presuming I can pull up and head home when suits?

Many thanks to all those in the know!

Lx
(also in NL as not too sure where's best to post this)

 

[HayleyandBob]

maybe you should go out and try 1 line and then take him home and see how tired he is after ? i wouldnt judge it when your out as adrenalin will mask how tired he is. or maybe go for a hack and canter round some fields for a while ( if possible) to see how tired he gets? all i can say is dont over do it we dont want any injuries or tieing up :S

 

[MandyMoo]

if u just want to go on the odd hunt i.e. once a month or less; if you can have a relativley fast hack for about 2 hours or so and he isn't huffing/pouring with sweat he should be ok for an odd days hunting...and yes you can toddle of home whenever you want throughout the day (if u know the way that is!)

but if u want to do regular hunting i.e. every week or more then i would think up an 8 week fitness plan including lots of long and fast trots and fast canter work eventually. But you should be ok for this hunting season yes, maybe not the opening meet and first meets...but definatley in a month or so =) hope that helped xxx

 

[sea_view]

Thank you very much, that's a great help.

Laura x