Foxhunting demands a certain kind of horse. Since there are several hunts scattered around the state, finding field hunters for sale in NC is not too hard. However, really good horses - sound, safe, and sensible - are few and far apart. A rider who finds a horse that performs well during the excitement of hunting can count themselves blessed.
A field hunter does not necessarily make a good show horse. Riding at speed over uncertain footing calls more for steadiness and good sense than cadence and consistent jumping. The ability to avoid holes, dodge trees, and negotiate obstacles takes precedence over conformation.
A hunt may be a headlong dash over open fields or an almost-as-fast downhill charge through the woods filled with creeks and gullies. This variety presents a challenge to both horse and rider. The horse must be sound and fit, while the rider has to stay on while the animal gets over the ground as best it can.
Horses must be fit, because a hunt can last for hours. If the fox runs across open country, the pace can be swift. The horse needs to stand quietly if the fox chooses instead to lurk in a thicket. If a scent is lost, the staff will gather the hounds and cast them again, hoping to find either the quarry or another fox. This may mean following slowly while hounds work.
Enjoyment of the day depends on having a horse with manners. The horse should like being with a group without competing for the front position. It must be sound, with good feet and no leg or wind problems. It should stand and move off quietly, respect other horses and the hounds, never kick, and stop on the command of the rider no matter how exciting things get.
No one enjoys having an ill-mannered horse in the group. Such a mount is neither safe nor fun for its rider. It may excite other horses, bother the hounds, irritate the staff, and make the whole day one long struggle. At worst, such an animal may run away, stumble over obstacles, or - horror of horrors - pass the field master on open runs.
Fine hunters are sold occasionally when a rider retires, goes off to college, or moves on to another horse. Look for online classifieds in hunt newsletters. Equine magazines list available horses. Some trainers specialize in turning out field hunters. People shopping for a hunter should work with a veterinarian, since sound feet, legs, and wind are important. Buyers can see the horse in action by following the hunt on foot or in a car. Sometimes serious buyers can get a horse on trial for a month or more.
Some hunts are more formal than others. The traditional disdain for spotted horses has lost its power to demand only solid-color animals in the field, but newcomers might want to find out how the master feels. Knowing the territory is important, too. A small, nimble animal might fare best in woods and mountains, while a large, powerful thoroughbred would be suitable for long, open fields. Horses that will be used to hilltop, which involves a slower pace and no jumping, won't need to be as young and athletic as those who go with the first flight.
A field hunter does not necessarily make a good show horse. Riding at speed over uncertain footing calls more for steadiness and good sense than cadence and consistent jumping. The ability to avoid holes, dodge trees, and negotiate obstacles takes precedence over conformation.
A hunt may be a headlong dash over open fields or an almost-as-fast downhill charge through the woods filled with creeks and gullies. This variety presents a challenge to both horse and rider. The horse must be sound and fit, while the rider has to stay on while the animal gets over the ground as best it can.
Horses must be fit, because a hunt can last for hours. If the fox runs across open country, the pace can be swift. The horse needs to stand quietly if the fox chooses instead to lurk in a thicket. If a scent is lost, the staff will gather the hounds and cast them again, hoping to find either the quarry or another fox. This may mean following slowly while hounds work.
Enjoyment of the day depends on having a horse with manners. The horse should like being with a group without competing for the front position. It must be sound, with good feet and no leg or wind problems. It should stand and move off quietly, respect other horses and the hounds, never kick, and stop on the command of the rider no matter how exciting things get.
No one enjoys having an ill-mannered horse in the group. Such a mount is neither safe nor fun for its rider. It may excite other horses, bother the hounds, irritate the staff, and make the whole day one long struggle. At worst, such an animal may run away, stumble over obstacles, or - horror of horrors - pass the field master on open runs.
Fine hunters are sold occasionally when a rider retires, goes off to college, or moves on to another horse. Look for online classifieds in hunt newsletters. Equine magazines list available horses. Some trainers specialize in turning out field hunters. People shopping for a hunter should work with a veterinarian, since sound feet, legs, and wind are important. Buyers can see the horse in action by following the hunt on foot or in a car. Sometimes serious buyers can get a horse on trial for a month or more.
Some hunts are more formal than others. The traditional disdain for spotted horses has lost its power to demand only solid-color animals in the field, but newcomers might want to find out how the master feels. Knowing the territory is important, too. A small, nimble animal might fare best in woods and mountains, while a large, powerful thoroughbred would be suitable for long, open fields. Horses that will be used to hilltop, which involves a slower pace and no jumping, won't need to be as young and athletic as those who go with the first flight.
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