$200 a pop for a weekend capping day and that maxes out, with the hunt by me, as only 3 times allowed in total and they cannot all be on Saturdays. (Which because I have a job is the only day I could hunt)
Em
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You can go hunting all winter. There are no hunts where I live, so I can’t.
If there was something like this close to me, I’d go, for a fun day of schooling.
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Maybe I missed it but what is the cost when it is rolled out as a show? I saw the workshop is $50.
I think this sounds like an interesting new concept. I would love to see a team section added, similar to team chasing in the UK! You ride the course together in a group of up to 4, and points/penalties could be totaled between team members.
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I’d do these if they happened near me. As someone who still rides and trains like an eventer, but does not actually compete due to time and money constraints, a shorter day with the best phase sounds like fun.
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Under the classes run under training rules, group riding is one of the allowances as are other features such as receiving coaching or getting a lead.
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This sounds fun! Like competitive trail courses, but for those of us not super interested in pool noodles and tarps 
I’d go, if the price and schedule was right. I think there’s a demographic that might want to try it - a lot of the H/J barns here go to hunter paces and on trail rides or XC schooling, as it’s all a great way to despook and get confidence. And they bring a crowd! Eventers wanting some interesting schooling opportunities, pony club types, etc etc.
Keeping the scoring running correctly and making sure these things don’t drag on wayyyy past schedule will be important. Also it’s not called “eventing equitation”, so one could argue it’s not going to “do anything” to eventing. It’s closer to a hunter pace or Trail But Make It Jumping class.
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Even if there were hunts you[g] may not be able to go. My local hunt is north of $1300 for a yearly membership that runs fall-spring. You are only allowed to cap three times a year ($50), and only one weekend.
It’s one of my favorite things in the world, but I am totally aware of why more people don’t join. It’s not sustainable for many.
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One of my hunts charges this month and the more expensive hunt in the area is 2200 for a family membership. That’s far cheaper than eventing. That’s approximately 28 weeks and if you hunt once a week, the more expensive hunt is $79 per hunt and that is if you only go out once a week. How much is an event these days? $200+.
Yes, hunts limit the number of caps, but the cost is still far less than the cost of an entry to recognized event.
Yes, there are some very expensive hunts but there are plenty around, at least in VA, that are very affordable. My total cost of two hunts (one full time and one limited in 2175). Last year, hunting two horses, my cost was $40 per hunt. There is no version of showing that even comes close to that for bang for the buck.
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I think four figure memberships for half the year are out of reach for some families. The days / non-weekend hunts can also present a challenge for those who still work.
I agree with you it is worth the money if you can afford it! I love it. Just for perspective, I get 28 weeks of lessons from Pony Club, 2-3 unrecognized shows a year, and 3-4 hunter paces a year and it would take me four years of doing this to come close to $2200. If I was trying to decide which was better for my riding, I might be inclined to put the funds towards Pony Club – added bonus, many PC orgs cap with hunts a few times a year. 
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There are no active hunts near me, and some hunts are very particular in their membership and the type of horse you ride.
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Have you ever belonged to a hunt? I’ve never seen a hunt discriminate about the type of horse you ride. As long as it can do the job, its good to go.
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I was specifically told by a hunt member when I inquired as I was going to cap and then join.
Of course, this can vary depending on who’s in charge as the hunt I inquired on wasn’t always like that but there you go.
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But “a hunt member” is not necessarily on the organizing committee and that particular opinion might be a strictly personal one. I find the overwhelming majority of people in hunts to be super friendly. It isn’t exactly a mainstream activity so anyone who shows an interest is to be welcomed.
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Some hunts recommended that your horse has a lot of blood, especially if they’re hunting coyotes. I know my chunky mustang wouldn’t be able to keep up!
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I think that sounds fun but I’d definitely reconsider the name of it… the word equitation means something specific when it comes to showing, and I think it may discourage some people who ride effectively but have less than perfect form.
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But I have seen the hairy eyeball those that brought their lively event horses. So I get what Enjoytheride means. Some are friendlier than others.
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Yep. Besides, it doesn’t matter if people don’t believe me as there are no longer any hunts in my state. AND, hunting for several hours is a lot different than a short course of xc equitation 
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That is different than breed of horse. I’ve seen people be advised that their horse wasn’t suitable for the hunt field but that is due to behavior not breed. I think I’ve about seen almost every breed out in the hunt field. It makes sense to have a horse that is suitable to the job at hand.
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It is discouraging to hear some hunts are not welcoming depending on breed. I obviously cannot speak for all areas. I can speak for the hunts I have hunted with - both in MA and in SC (Aiken Hounds). I have ridden in hunts with the following horse breeds: two different POAs, a Fjord ( ), two TBs, a Percheron X, and a grade horse that was probably Fox-trotter/QH. I was never judged by the horse I rode in on and every hunt welcomed me.
There is merit in saying a horse is inappropriate for the field - but not because of breed. It is usually in relation to the horse’s disposition and level of training. Some horses are frankly unsuited and for the safety of all, should be escorted to more suitable endeavors.
My local hunt is mostly mixed gaited breeds and TBs; I would describe them as a fairly traditional club.
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