Horse not suitable? Don't want to hurt the hounds?!

[Smith123]

My horse is not a fan of dogs, we have one and he scowls at it if it comes too close. If a dog gets in 'his' field he will properly chase it out, ears back, trying to kill it! He has killed a chicken and rabbit that got in his field before we could rescue them he is the most gentle boy around kids and people just hates smaller animal!

Do you think it would be unsafe to take him hunting? The last thing I want is for him to kick a hound, but also I know he would make a fab hunter, he is 16 next year so looking for a new focus after eventing...

If dogs are around on leads he is fine, never noticed him do anything about a dog when I have been on board, just don't know if it is worth the risk...

 

[JenHunt]

depends really....
I'd say, get in touch with your local pack and see if you can go out on hound exercise. The hunt staff will talk you through things, and also let you see how your horse copes with the hounds without the complication of hunting at the same time.

if he copes ok, or you can handle it easily enough then go for it, stick a green ribbon in his tail and stay towards the back of the field. If hounds do get close, turn him to face them, or move far enough out of the way to keep him moving and not focussed on the hounds. You'll probably find that there's enough going on that he's fine with them!

let us know how you get on!

 

[Festive_Felicitations]

What is he like with loose dogs/small animals out of his field when you are not on board? Some horses do get very terretorial/defensive about 'their' field and he might not be so fussed away from home.

But JenHunt's advice ^ is very good.

Good luck with it!

 

[Orangehorse]

I had a pony that was a fabulous hunter, she loved hounds. But she would chase loose dogs in her field and try to jump on them!

I think hunting horses can tell the difference. Just be careful and keep an eye out for stray hounds. Isn't this why riders carry a whip with a long lash, so they can guide a hound away from the horse?

 

[JenHunt]

Isn't this why riders carry a whip with a long lash, so they can guide a hound away from the horse?

one of many reasons!

hunt whips are also useful for (but not limited to!):
catching loose horses as they canter past just out of arms reach
opening and shutting gates
hooking dropped stuff off the ground (like handkerchiefs!)
encouraging a stoppy horse to load (as one would use a lungewhip for such a purpose!)

 

[L&M]

The problem with hunting is that you can never predict what the hounds will do, or the country you will meet. Our country is heavily wooded in parts and we will often be standing on narrow tracks with hounds streaming past (and sometimes through!) the horses legs, so need an ultra reliable horse with hounds. However we have other meets in more open country it is very easy to avoid hounds.

As Jenhunt has already suggested, firstly speak to the sec of your local pack and explain the situation, then ask permission to go on hound excercise to see if you have a problem. The last thing you want to do is fork out for an expensive day's hunting, only to be sent home after half and hour as your horse has kicked a hound.

Hope it works out for you!

 

[SpottyTB]

The general rule is out hunting - put your horses ass in the hedge/away from the hounds whenever they are close by - down here (cornwall) it's not often you have to be in close/tight proximity with the hounds.

I took my girl last year and was a little worried because, like yours, if a dog were to run around in her field she'd gallop at it and then try and jump ON it.. however she was fantastic with the hounds - she just knew (they did make her a little nervous - but she stood when they were around). I just put her bottem in the hedge/away and stroked her neck whilst they came through the horses - she even had 1 go underneath her and another go through her back legs (!!) and she stood for that and didn't even think to kick it..


As suggested above - try and go on a hound exercise or alliteratively go cubbing? Not as many horses there - so less to deal with. At the meet just keep to the outskirts of the group and try and stay at the back of the group - just until you know whether he is ok with them.

Good luck

 

[Foxhunter49]

We have a horse here that was a whips horse for a couple of seasons. I do not trust him with dogs just walking past his stable as he will bite them and will go for a dog if given a chance but out with hounds he is totally trustworthy.