how do you know if a horse will hunt?

[chancing]

finally found something that has made it through to a trial. sounds like exactly what i want. I asked if she had hunted and they said they thought she would.

So to you what would indicate how a horse will behave out hunting?

Thankyou

 

[loverly]

I don't think you do know until your actually hunting!

I would think good manners/well behaved when ridden around other horses, well behaved in open spaces etc.. would indicate that he may be good. But as all things, it can sometimes depend on the horse on the day!

 

[Bangagin]

I think temperament has a lot to do with it. I find the more hot headed horses get very wound up with all the stopping and starting involved. My advice would be to go along to some busy long distance rides and see how the horse reacts there.

Have fun!

 

[L&M]

Has it done some fun rides? My last chap had, so although had never hunted knew he could cope with large groups, at pace and into jumps.

Also find out if it is happy with dogs running around it as that should transfer to hounds.

Can you open gates from it on hacks too as that is always useful for hunting.

Does it stand still? Useful for sipping your port at meets etc!!

Good in traffic and not frightened of quads etc.

General temperament and being calm in company with effective brakes would be a good initial indicator, so would try to put it in this sitaution whilst you have it on trial,

Good luck!

 

[flyingfeet]

You don't - also depends whether you could take it hunting with a friend as that makes a huge difference

My homebreds, are generally uber quiet and perfect on fun rides. However one of them was a real git out hunting and went through a rearing stage (he NEVER does anything this rude ever)

The other was perfect, went to opening meets etc and now has just hit a bad patch and also doing the odd rear and leap which I hate.

I am now wishing I had taken them out as 4 year olds as would have been much easier!

 

[SplashofSoy]

You just never really know but can only follow indications. My horse great in large groups, over fences and at a fast pace, generally very mannerly and fine with dogs etc. Every indication he would be a fab hunter. Took him a number of times and he just flipped every time, all manners forgotten. Dont hunt him at all as just too risky for me, him and the rest of the field.