Prepping a horse for hunting

[arizonahoney]

Can anyone give me any tips on building up fitness? Initially I think we'd be aiming for 1/2 day's hunting instead of the full thing, as he hasn't done it before to the best of my knowledge...

Also he's ridden in an simple eggbutt snaffle and cavesson; what would you recommend as a stronger option for a first time out on the field?

 

[JenHunt]

try to get out autumn hunting or on hound exercise rides to get your horse used to seeing hounds and make a judgement on a stronger bit based on that.

you need to be riding at least 4 times a week IMO a mixture of hacking and schooling. But your hacks need to be at least an hour and a mixture of roads, hills, tracks etc, and a mixture of pace.

once you've been a few times you'll probably find that she wold do a full day quite happily.

my blog has some helpful hints for the day itself!