Will hunting damage my horse over time?

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hunter123

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I have just started to hunt my horse and so far both my horse and I are really enjoying it :) but I'm just worried that, over time, all the galloping on uneven ground and climbing up ditches could cause him damage. Do horses who hunt stay in work as long as those who don't?
Thankyou :)
 
The risk with hunting is getting carried away with the moment and losing the discipline you would have when out and about hacking on your own. If you trot a horse for miles on end on rough tracks or tarmac, you would expect it to show some signs of wear and tear over time. Keeping up with the pack encourages this.

Just listen to your horse, and any signs of lameness, don't hesitate to stop and check it out.
 
A neighbour of mine hunted his TB X ID until he was about 24, although he was only hunted lightly during the last 2 or 3 years. He had suffered no injuries or health problems and he'd been hunted all over south, mid and west Wales although the Sennybridge hunt is where he spent most of his hunting life.

Another neighbour hunted his Connemara until it was in it's early twenties and I spent a few months driving him while he was 26, he's now 28 and still enjoying work - he was hunted from the age of four.
 
Ron is now 16, he's hunted all his working life that we know of. When I bought him the vet said he'd never seen such clean legs on a 10 year old horsed one that's hunted.

The key is, as someone else said, not getting carried away and keeping to your discipline of going home before he's had enough for the day. That and the fittening work in the run up to the season and of course the care all year round.
 
Treat them right and with no bad luck, they can still last you a lifetime. Old hunt mare at my old yard must be 29 or 30 now, been hunting since a 4y/o, and still hunts now bless her!
 
Hunting is no worse than show jumping, dressage or eventing for the strain on your horse.

Go and enjoy, look after your horse as you would anyway and make sure that you keep your head.

My old boy hunted regularly until I brought him. He had been pushed and pushed by many hard riders. With a bit of TLC his tendons have been fine since and we have gone on to do all sorts. I have to keep him calmer these days as he is the sort to carry on despite a leg hanging off but we think he is now about 30. He looks about 8!

Accidents happen no matter what you do but if you keep your eyes open and know your horses limits there is no reason why you can't continue on into old age for both of you!
 
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