Business will take me to the Charlottesville area soon and I would like to extend my trip and hunt over the weekend. Would anyone be able to suggest a hunt and someone with solid hirelings?
I have hunted with Keswick on several occasions and it was wonderful every time. They have a keen pack of hounds that hunt foxes only. It was an awesome day to see 2 deer, 2 coyotes, and 2 foxes come out of the same covert that the hounds had just drawn…and then to see the hounds only follow the fox line.
I have been out with Farmington once. It was a very nice day several years ago during hunt week.
I have not had a chance to go out with Oakridge yet. Perhaps someone else could fill you in.
I would contact the hunts individually to see who has hirelings.
What rates do you all see for hirelings? At my hunt it runs $200 for the horse for the day. The horse is delivered with its bridle and girth. A saddle can be provided if needed.
Hunter’s Rest who posts here. I know she goes out with Old Dominion Hunt, not sure if that’s close enough though.
LetItBe
I’ve been out with ODH several times. (It may be a bit farther afield, but worth it.) I have had a blast each time out with ODH. I have never ridden one of Hunter’s Rest’s horses, but I have seen many of them out in the field giving their riders a marvelous day. Hunter’s Rest also runs a B&B…so you could stay and ride, if that suited your plans.
I would recommend going out with Keswick. Call Sally Lamb at Oakland Heights Farm in Gordonsville and see if she will do a hireling. She has an active show/hunting lesson barn, and frequently leads the 3rd field at Keswick, so she may be able to accommodate you. http://www.oaklandheightsfarm.com/
[QUOTE=SLW;8317721]
What rates do you all see for hirelings? At my hunt it runs $200 for the horse for the day. The horse is delivered with its bridle and girth. A saddle can be provided if needed.[/QUOTE]
$150-200 is common, if you go out with the hireling owner’s hunt. That includes delivery completely tacked up (they may let you use your saddle IF it fits the horse). If you want to go out with a different hunt, they may also charge you a cap fee for themselves in order to come along to keep an eye on your & the hireling.
Martha drum at easy keeper farm has some nice hunt horses and brings people out sometimes plus she is very friendly. I can send you a contact if you like
Thanks to all for the advice. I will reach out to Keswick as it seems to be the closest and keep the others in mind for future trips. I know I will need a full service (I show up and ride) arrangement due to the travel schedule that I have.
SidesaddleRider- I will reach out to Sally Lamb.
Pinkpony- please PM me the contact information if you have a chance and I will check with a couple of other places to get rates and details.
