Is it better to buy a horse that has hunted?

[djlynwood]

Im looking to buy my first horse.

Im just after a general allrounder for a novice rider but I notice that it seems to be a selling point if the horse has hunted.

Is it benifical that the horse has hunted and how would it benifit me if Im not going to hunt.

 

[Weezy]

A horse that has hunted has another feather in his cap, that is all. There are plenty of horses that have hunted, but that doesn't mean they were mannerly It can be the making of some horses and the breaking of others.

All you need to be looking for is a horse that ticks the boxes that YOU create - whether they have done other things or not should be by the by.

 

[Leg_end]

As weezy's post.. You need to know what you want and stick to it. If you want to hunt then yes maybe one that has been and is mannerly would be a selling point. When I was looking it was something I didn't want as we have a hunt going near by and I don't really have an urge to go hunting so would prefer not to have a quivering wreck in the field every other week!

Plus remember it is hunt season now which is why you will see more hunters advertised

 

[ThePony]

Just becasuse it has hunted doesn't mean that it is decent to hunt. It may be a regular mannerly hunter, or it might have been once and gone nuts!
If you don't want a horse to hunt on then I wouldn't worry about it either way. Just pick something that suits what you would like to do.

 

[only_me]

It depends on the type of hunt i think!

I don’t know if you know anything about the type of hunts, but as an example a staghound hunt– they go like **** off a shovel, over hedges built like houses, through plough and potato over ditches and people. The horses may be a bit bashed but you can guarentee that they can look after themselves
No offence intended btw to anyone!

A horse that has hunted is generally able to look after itself, and have an extra "leg" if needed when jumping - which can be a useful thing for a novice

 

[ezililaur]

I bought a horse that had been hunted in Ireland.

She's 6 and pretty much spooks at nothing. Is excellent on the roads and just loves hacking. Whether this is due to her experience of hunting, I'm not sure. I have had to work on her manners regarding standing around with me on top and also standing to be mounted, that could be down to the fact that she's excited about going out and has hunt memories! Regardless, she is much better with that now.

All in all I'm very happy with her and she's suitable for exactly what I wanted her for. Just go along with your list of requirements. I certainly wouldn't rule out a hunter!