Do I need a second hunt horse?

[Bogie]

While my own horse was laid up with a check ligament injury, I agreed to school a horse for a friend who can no longer ride. I wasn’t crazy about the mare at first – she’s a big, opinionated girl who bucked a lot when she didn’t want to work.

Fast forward three months and my own horse is recovered . . . and this girl is turning into a great hunt horse. The bucking is resolved and she’s a delight in the field. Snaffle mouth, nice jump, comfortable . . .

So my husband offered to buy her for me and I’m on the fence. I really like her. She’s only 8 (my own horse is 15), she’s sound and safe and fun. I’m in my early 50s and starting to think that I’d like my next hunt horse to be a non-TB (she’s a TB/Clyde cross. My own horse is a pistol and fun but very high octane. She’s forward but completely laid back.

My concern is the time involved in keeping two horses going and, of course, the added cost. I can handle the $$ but it will make me feel a bit stressed some months.

So, am I crazy to say no? Crazy to say yes? or just crazy!

Did I mention she is wicked cute? With a fun personality? My hunting peeps say I should buy her.

Here’s a photo of me hunting her last week.

[Equibrit]

You know you want to. Anyway if you have two there’s always one available for guests !

[jetjocky]

If she suits you and you have room for her, why not? Can you get on her once or twice a week to keep her going? Confession time - I hack my guy on Saturday and hunt on Sunday and he’s fine for the most part. But he’s half-Arab and stays half fit without any help from me and he lives outdoors 24/7, so that may not be the best gauge. If I had two, I’d probably rotate them.

[Ponyclubrocks]

If you have the money go for it. I have two and it is great, I generally alternate them, they are both great but totally different rides and I really enjoy hunting them both. If you show up one morning and one has pulled a shoe, no problem, just take horse number two… I do sometimes get help with hacking one or the other if I’m pressed for time or traveling, but all in all two is a very good number! Yes all your costs are doubled so I would not do it unless you can do it easily.

[Hunter_s_Rest]

Do it.

[ThistleDewDressage]

The cost would be my biggest factor, the other option would be to buy her then half lease her to share costs, you could also pony her out on days you need conditioning and have less time. Keep in mind that the time needed will be more too. Good luck.

[bornfreenowexpensive]

Keeping two hunting fit isn’t harder than keeping one. Teach them to pony…so ride one while ponying the other. That way you get two horses done at once.

Days you hunt one, give the other one off or ride later. It is very possible.

Only draw back is when they BOTH get hurt at the same time. That does really suck…and unfortunately, does happen!

[Beverley]

I am with those who say yes, do it. Nice gap in age differences to assure you a longer reliable supply of hunting horses that you know you like. No need to stress- I have two going (sadly not for regular hunting but they are ready whenever hunting opportunities arise in other states) and no, given my travel schedule, they don’t get worked as much as they should, and for a number of reasons my hours in the saddle have been way down this year. But truthfully keeping two going just isn’t that much more work- and is fun- mine typically take turns after work, one ridden, the other turned out. But even if a couple of weeks pass and they aren’t worked- they are still ready to go, it’s just not a big deal and they do maintain sufficient fitness- even for 6-8 weeks if they have sufficient turnout (24/7 w/shelter being ideal).

[rustbreeches]

It is like lungs; you can get by with one, but two are better! The age is perfect

[WildBlue]

[QUOTE=bornfreenowexpensive;7248881]
Keeping two hunting fit isn’t harder than keeping one. Teach them to pony…so ride one while ponying the other. That way you get two horses done at once.[/QUOTE]

Exactly what I was going to suggest. Two is easy-peasy and it’s wonderful to have a backup.

[mountainbells]

Really now, you think there is really any question about it??? Of course you need to buy that horse!!! And probably also the next nice one that will come along in a couple of months…

[ManyDogs]

You show us a gorgeous picture of a stunning horse and…what are we supposed to tell you??? :-).

[Prime_Time_Rider]

Absolutely! That way you’ll have a back up in case one gets injured.

[Feliz]

I had a similar situation a few years ago - nice horse, belonged to a friend. I turned her down in the end.

My reasoning: due to work, I can only hunt during weekends so the horses would only hunt once every second week. (Sometimes I take leave for the best mid weeks)

Cost. Even though I could afford it, it adds up to a lot more money over a year. It would also mean that I’d have to cut down lessons/competitions.

Time. I just don’t have time to do two justice. I would ride one and lead one a fair bit but you still have all that other stuff to do.

I have missed most of a season and the odd hunt here and there, but I’ve also had some great catch rides and car following.

However, having said all that, I never took the horse out hunting. Maybe my decision would have been different if I had

[gypsymare]

She sounds like a great match, especially if she will suit you better as you age. I have a crotch rocket of a hunt horse right now, I’m sure I’ll prefer something steadier in the future, too!!

[Hinderella]

this girl is turning into a great hunt horse. The bucking is resolved and she’s a delight in the field. Snaffle mouth, nice jump, comfortable . . .

This certainly seems like an endorsement for a second hunt horse. And I believe that if you wanted to be talked out of picking up a second horse, you might have come to the wrong place

[Finn_sMom]

I’ll jump in on the Enabling! Yes! Get her! You look perfect together.

[xeroxchick]

Plus, you have put the time into making her worth much more money. If you need to, or if it does get to be more than you want, you can make a proffit.

[Bogie]

I am definitely leaning toward keeping her. Just goes to show, I doomed myself when I took her on and said confidently that I don’t buy mares!

I think she’s one that I could part lease to help cover the costs. My gelding is pretty high strung and not so easy to share.

[Firefox]

Do it

Everyone needs 1.5 horses to hunt for that time when someone is hurt therefore it really is 2 horses