letting someone else take my horse hunting

[charliehands]

I remember there was a post about this recently but I was just wondering how to go about this. I work full time 8:30-5:30 and just do not have time to ride my horse at the moment so she's getting a bit lively and she is so happy to go out hacking when we do she is getting dangerous (think cantering up roads whilst others are trotting). So I was thinking about letting someone take her out hunting once a week, just to keep her a bit saner. I would like it to be the same person so I am not just letting a randomer off on my mare but someone that will get to know her. I don't know where I would stand in terms of insurance as she is insured with petplan but it isnt specified that it has to be me riding her as far as I am aware?

a bit about her; she is a 17hh warmblood mare, 13 years old. i have owned her for a year and a half now. I have not taken her hunting myself but I have been on a fun ride (fun was not the right word for it..) and another fun ride to introduce people to hunting. her old owner took her hunting with sucess however I find her too strong, she just puts her head down and tanks off with me and i cannot hold her so was hoping to find a nice strong man who would be able to cope with her.

what do you think my chances are of finding an arrangement like this?

if anyone could help me word an advert like this that I could put up in my local countrywide that would be great!

also a photo as she is good looking

 

[spike123]

Firstly I'd check with your insurance company that they will insure her to be used as a hunt hireling. Secondly if all is well then get in touch with your local hunt as they may well know someone willing to take her out for you that is experienced. However if you are only able to ride her now and then, she may not be fit enough to go hunting. That could spell disaster for your horse. Is there nobody experienced enough where you keep her that would be willing to ride her during the times you can't? Also if she is very up for it then is there a nice big hill you can take her up and let her go as fast as she wants. She will soon tire and you will probably find it's enough to make her more sane and sensible to ride.

 

[pinklilly]

No idea about insurance but it isn't uncommon for people to hunt other peoples horses. If you aren't riding her much I'd be concerned about sending an unfit horse that's also fresh out hunting, that's when injuries are likely to occur. Particularly on deep going, though the horses are being kept on the roads at the moment with it being so wet. Getting in touch with your local hunt is probably your best bet.

 

[Luci07]

Your insurance would not cover them if they hurt themselves so they would need their own rider insurance. If they were sharing your horse, then she would not be a hireling per se and your insurance would not be impacted but do check your Insurance to make sure hunting is included in your list of activities. Agree that you will have to rethink your mares fitness plans though as she won't be fit enough as she stands at the moment.

 

[Happy Hunter]

I would worry slightly that the 'fun' ride not being fun, her being 'tanking off' 'strong' and 'lively' wouldnt really be a combination that would work well with a strange rider to her.

She may have hunted in a previous home - But I would imagine they hunted her a lot and exerised her during the week with hunting in mind.

If she was hunting once a week you might not get a 'calm quiet' hack at the weekend as she would be looking for the hounds?!!

Obviously I dont know you or your horse - its just my opinion.
Insurance might be your 1st hurdle