How often do you autumn hunt one horse?

[gingerspice]

Just curious - how often do you take one horse out autumn hunting at this time of the season? Normally I go 2x week or 5x a fortnight, but first day today and discovered they are really close to me tomorrow and just wondering if two days on the trot (excuse pun!) is a bit much for the lad!!

Its not particularly strenuous work load I know, but taking into consideration travel, stress/excitement - any thoughts?!

I love this time of year!!

 

[Addicted to Hunting]

My horse went on Friday with me as a very local meet ie hacked up there and then also Saturday with my bro, so I would say go for it. Hacked her out today and she was fine, would partly depend how fit he is obv, but it not like they are normally doinguch at the moment. The horse I hunted last year did two days cubbing on the trot his first time out and was tending to go out 2/3 times a week then normally 1/2 a week full hunting, all full days and he finished the season sound and a good hunter have fun!

 

[L&M]

My lad is doing tues and sats quite happily as stayed in work over the summer so no fittening issues.

As long as they are fit and sound can see no harm in it, especially atm when we are only out for 2-3hrs, with a lot of standing about.

Love this time of year too!

 

[spacefaer]

My guy went out on Saturday, is going on Wednesday and next Saturday - there's a lot of standing around still - so no reason why he can't go and learn the ropes.

Good way of increasing his fitness too - get him used to wearing his saddle and carrying me for a length of time as well.

Sidney - who do you hunt with? I'm in Shropshire too

 

[gingerspice]

Thanks for your replies - unanimous decision!!

So I went out this morning, pouring with rain but despite that had a really good morning on all fronts!

 

[Addicted to Hunting]

Good glad u had fun, looking back on last season I think my horse did 2 days hunting, day off 1 day hunting 2 days off then another 2 days hunting, was very early inn and he was fine, was just giving an example off how well they can cope. I relly think it helps them settle down and understand what's going on if can go out a far bit and also helps there fitness, just keep an eye on their weight, mine tucked up a fair amount at first but then was soon relaxed about it. My older horse won't go out that often tho as allthough she will need settling down I want her to hunt for as long as possible, and she will loose weight!

 

[PorkChop]

One horse will happily autumn hunt two days a week and two days consecutively, the joy of hunting is that you can stay as long or as little as you want.

 

[Suziq77]

very pleased to see this thread - i feel like (non-hunting) people are giving me disapproving looks for doing twice a week with my 5 year old.

 

[Goldenstar]

I think the great thing with autumn hunting is that you can take them often it's great for teaching them the job and the more you go the better hunter you have when hunting proper starts. I love autumn hunting we have not started yet and I am jealous of you lot who have.
I have just got a 5yo TB for dressage mainly and he is so laid back I am tempted to try him when we get started, he's very laid back and I think he's been in the school to much and he might love it just do not want to turn him into a lunatic and my hunter might kill him on his return what do all think ?