New Year Hunt on Old Horse

[lizijj]

Hi, I know I have posted before in another forum, but very tempted to take our reasonably fit 20 year old, TB/Cob hunting on the 2nd for just an hour or two. Only came to us last year so no previous knowledge if he has hunted or not. Has been in a riding school before and seems very keen to join other horses (doesn't like to stand still). Currently ridden in a snaffle. Too old? Not fit enough? Bit not strong enough? All ideas/advice gratefully received

 

[VGM]

new years days and boxing day are two of the busiest days on the meet calendar I wouldnt advise taking a new horse hunting on either of those days in all honesty

 

[luckyoldme]

I wouldn t take my 19 year old! then again im a crap rider and no one has told minger that he is old. He would definately splatter me . again :-(

 

[paulineh]

If your horse is fit and healthy there is no reason why you should not hunt.

One of my mares is 22 this year and would happily hunt for some time of the day. She is an advanced Endurance horse and is still competing at distances up to 100k (60 miles) and as a 21 year old did the Arab Marathon and the 160k (100 miles) at the GHS

 

[TwoPair]

I don't think his age is an issue - we had a horse mastering until it's early twenties. However, as someone else has said, it is a busy meet and usually pretty cramped, and there's the potential for all sorts of disasters in that situation. For a horse who is an unknown quantity hunting, it wouldn't be sensible to put it in that situation. (Certainly the two packs I have done NYD with there has been plenty of horses, foot followers, children, pushchairs, and antis all in one space. There is lots of noise and generally applause as you leave. Even our seasoned hunters found it all terribly exciting.)

 

[lizijj]

I think that is sensible advice! Thank you.