My new hunter????

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fitzaud2

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18 October 2009
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Tipperary, Ireland
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Finally got my 3 year old to drive in long reins yesterday without an issue! He's not that big, but he's built to hunt. (I hope!) He's a real character. Coming into next season, he will be riding 5 mths. is that too soon to take him out for a few hours a couple of times during next season, or should i wait. Most hunting people in Ireland, would have no problem hunting a 3 yr old all season, but i think a couple of days, if any would be enough?? Any thoughts welcome!!
Byy the way, He's Red and white, slightly heavy, his dad was a heavy irish stalion, mam was a 3/4 bred mare. He is not impressed with being put to work, but once you catch him, he's fine. He has never had a hand raised to him. Am interested in what people think, as i dont know what to do, dont wnt to rush him???
 
Is he three just now, or rising 4? My youngster's three tommorow (happy B'day pipsqueak!) and there is no way he's ready or even almost ready to go hunting in the autumn/winter (i.e 3.5yrs old). It's not just the hunting itself, it's the work you'd need to do with hiim to get him fit enough. I'll hopefully be taking him the winter after though, once he's 4.5yrs.
 
It really depends on the horse I think. My lad was hunted in Ireland as a 3 year old and then 'imported' to yorkshire the following summer. He's 16 now and I can't say as its done him any harm. Your little one sounds like a similar build to Ron, and Ron's got no windgalls or splints or anything, so the hard work hasn't done any obvious damage.

Is your lad well grown? Do you think (bearing in mind how backwards some ID types can be) he is mentally ready for that sort of work load? if the answer to these is yes, then I can see no reason not to do a couple of hours on a couple of days towards the end of the season (to give you as much time as possible to get him ready).
 
I wouldn't wait until Christmas - if you want to have a couple of days with him then take him cubbing and see how he goes, far less stress for him and usually more sedate :)
 
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