Hunter for a novice?

[chancing]

Slightly long winded post!

I am a novice rider I learnt to ride a couple of years ago with a 14.2h pony called chance. Steadiest thing on two legs. I had my first of many days hunting with her and learnt to love it. I sold her to move onto something faster that would jump. I bought a 15.3h mare that hadn't hunted but was supposed to have been there and done it with regards to jumping etc. Long story short said horse destroyed my confidence in 3 months by taking off down roads in traffic, terrible in open spaces, bargy just too much to handle. I've since sold her to a more competent mother/daughter and she is getting on much better now.

Therefore I am looking for another horse however this is proving impossible. I am looking for something that is safe and sensible to hunt good in traffic etc. Something for a new to hunting but very keen person to hunt. Looks etc uniimportant needs to be 14.2-15.2. I'm. 5ft 6 and 10.5 stone.

Does anyone have any recommendations for where to buy or would you say that this type of horse doesn't exist and I need to wait to hunt until I can ride anything so to speak.

Sorry for such a ramble. Desperate to hunt,, can offer 5 * home but still having no luck. Thanks

 

[spacefaer]

Glad to hear you've got the bug!

I would query you looking for a 14.2 though - I am a similar height and weight and would feel significantly underhorsed on anything under 15.2 - unless you are looking for a native breed in which case, they will carry you all day!

I would ask around, speak to your Hunt Sec and also your PC DC - the type of hunter you are looking for is out there - trouble is, it's probably being currently hunted by someone else!

If you keep looking and advertising (like you have done here) then the right one will turn up.

 

[JenHunt]

and keep asking around your local hunt and riding club etc - very often the best ones are sold by word of mouth in my experience, especially when they're that sort of size

best of luck with the horse hunt, and do keep us up to date!

 

[chancing]

Thank you for your replies. I am asking around all local hunts and have a couple of 'well known' people keeping eyes and ears open also. Just hope the right horse turns up!

 

[Mimi2610]

Get it touch with Jo Holder at Irish sport horse agents in the Cotswolds. They have just sold one that sounds what you are looking for. Her and he partner run a very good honest business that is highly recommended. They can be found on facebook and also their website. Good luck.

 

[chancing]

Mimi thank you very much. I will google and give them a ring. Thank you

 

[Bernster]

Agree, they are def out there you don't have to be the best rider in the world to hunt, just need the right horse for your ability. Agree about local hunts, there are ones advertised on eg the kimblewick website, as experienced hunters are going to be better for you, although sounds like you don't necessarily need an out an out hunter (who may go mental if not hunted regularly). More like a nice RC allrounder that's done a decent amount of hunting.

They are pricey at that size though as well (agree about looking for something 15h ish) so you might need to compromise on age/looks to get your perfect mount.

Southgate Farm sometimes have nice hunters. You could also try people who do hirelings, who are often also for sale, although tbh I think they can young and sharp once sold on.

There are people on here who sometimes have them for sale too, so consider this a bit of a bump for you