Keep wondering if I should try hunting again ..........

[Orangehorse]

I used to hunt a lot, although I only ever discovered the real pleasure with one horse, after a very good pony and a rather mixed experience after that. I was an idiot to sell that horse as the next one was a nightmare to hunt.

I had a long break from riding and when I got a horse again my OH was very against me hunting in case I was hurt (and leave him with 3 children to look after ................) so I said OK. In fact I would never have hunted that first horse as she would kick. The present one - well there are about 6 good reasons NOT to take him hunting, so I never have.

But I still hanker about going again. Maybe it is trying to recapture my youth!

I wonder how much it is to hire a hunter, presumably they do the whole package, with payment to the hunt as well?

 

[Doug]

Depending on where you are in the country you can assume somewhere in the region of £180-200 for a hireling, delivered to the meet all plaited and ready to go. Don't be surprised if you only have the horse until second horses, so say 10:45-13:45.

You then have a visitors cap to pay which can be anywhere from free to £80-120.

 

[Countryman]

Around here, hireling until 3PM + visitors cap tends to come out at about £250 on average - a bit more on Saturdays, a bit less in the week.

 

[Orangehorse]

What part of the world is that, Countryman?

As far as staying out until second horses - I think I would have had enough by then anyway, for a first timer!

 

[The Fuzzy Furry]

As others have said, depends on where you are

Local hunt has at least 2 hireling recco'd yards, around £200/250 a day, plus cap.

 

[tootsietoo]

It's an expensive 3 hours! It would be interesting to work out the cost per hour of hunting for a horse kept at home, see how it compares!

It's a funny thing Orangehorse. Hunting is not quite how I remember it from the days pre-children. I don't have the same superstar horse I used to have, and every hunting day is tinged with a fair bit of fear, as well as the knowledge of just how much you have paid in terms of time and effort (not least the money) to get there. I still keep going though!

 

[Orangehorse]

It would be an expensive 3 hourse, thats for sure! It would be to see if I still have the nerve and the stamina, before making plans to go out and get a suitable horse (I do know of one for sale ....................)

I am much more of a worrier now than when I was younger. I can imagine being worried about the horse pulling a tendon, or putting his foot in a hole, etc, just worrying about anything that can go wrong. I might try and say "never again."

 

[Countryman]

What part of the world is that, Countryman?

As far as staying out until second horses - I think I would have had enough by then anyway, for a first timer!

That was in Oxfordshire, but the prices are similar for lots of nearby counties. As always though, the cost varies depending on how prestigious the pack in that area is! Where abouts were you hoping to go out?

 

[Orangehorse]

Just a vague idea ATM - Midland counties. The most difficult part would be to find a suitable hire place I think, although I know of one about 30 miles away.

 

[Doug]

What town are you in?

Do you have an preference for fox hounds or drag hounds?

People can then offer advice as to which packs are best and who can supply hirelings.

 

[MiniMilton]

I lost my nerve out hunting many years ago so got a hireling after nearly 15 years. Expensive but great to know she was used to hunting every week for years. She was a machine. I just needed to steer and hang on.
Hunting a horse you don't entirely trust is terrifying. Something that knows their job inside out brings back the element of fun. I'll hire one again rather than bring my own. I couldn't afford to do it too often though.

My uncle hires one for a whole season and it works out cheaper. He's been hunting the same super horse for years now

 

[Isbister]

It's an expensive 3 hours! It would be interesting to work out the cost per hour of hunting for a horse kept at home, see how it compares!

It's a funny thing Orangehorse. Hunting is not quite how I remember it from the days pre-children. I don't have the same superstar horse I used to have, and every hunting day is tinged with a fair bit of fear, as well as the knowledge of just how much you have paid in terms of time and effort (not least the money) to get there. I still keep going though!

I hunt with a hireling. Not that cost really entered into my decision to hire (rather than own), but I'm pretty sure it's the cheaper option, especially if like me you can only manage to get out a half-dozen times or so each season. There's no livery to pay, no vet's fees, no farrier to pay, no trailer, no insurance, no feed (and no horse or tack to buy in the first place) - just a really good hunter that I know and can trust.

 

[Orangehorse]

Thanks for the comments.

Isbister - that is actually a really good idea, if I could find something locally. I might well explore that further.
I probably wouldn't go out more than half a dozen times.

 

[Isbister]

Thanks for the comments.

Isbister - that is actually a really good idea, if I could find something locally. I might well explore that further.
I probably wouldn't go out more than half a dozen times.

You should do that. I have taken to hunting relatively late in life, but I'm enjoying it enormously.

 

[chesnutty]

I have just started hunting this season after a 10 year gap.

Could not recommend picking it back up again enough!