[QUOTE=Elghund2;3696179]
I really appreciate watching people who are on very fit and excited horse, just sit there calmly as if nothing is happening.[/QUOTE]
I agree. Those folks are amazing.
[QUOTE=enjoytheride;3694856]
It was ceshire and I didn’t think it was heresay because it was a hunt member but I could certainly be wrong! Thanks for all the intersting information about hunting. I don’t want to post the original thread because I wouldn’t want someone to get in trouble but here are the pictures of the hunt online.
http://www.jimgraham.exposuremanager.com/g/cheshire_11_27_2008[/QUOTE]
Not a hunt member, but the Cheshire (Unionville) area is the loveliest around here in my opinion and I prefer the footing. I have never jumped hot tape, let alone seen any in our jaunts. That split rail fence in most of the photos has portions taken down for those that are mid-railers on hunter paces.
And a lot of those horses would put many local show hunters to shame. They are just lovely.
[QUOTE=enjoytheride;3696199]
Elghund, do timber horses always hunt as conditioning or do they have specialized tracks?[/QUOTE]
It really depends. Hunting is not solely a conditioning tool for timber horses. McDynamo is a spectacular hunt horse, and also a multiple time champion hurdle horse. I believe Good Night Shirt also enjoy hunting in his time off, another great hurdler (catching up to McD).
Hunting is mostly used as a tool for getting the horses out, and on long gallops in groups over fences. Most that are in actual training, you won’t see out for an entire day of hunting. They come out, get in their runs, then hack back in. Often times a single rider will come out on more than one in a days hunting. Hunting really helps with any 'chasers (timber or hurdles) because it helps with stamina and many other things.
Most of the 'chasers mentioned by XCtrygirl are retired timber horses, and in their retirement they hunt with their owners/trainers. There are also timber horses that just don’t make it to the hunt field. Champion timber horse Ironfist hunted briefly when we had him, and was a BEAR to hunt (think arms being ripped out even for the longest of days). Once he was sold after his former trainer/owners accident, Ironfist just raced and did not hunt. He’s currently retired, fat, and happy.
There can be specialized tracks for all 'chasers. There are several farms in MD and VA that have outdoor all-weather tracks that go over hill-and-dale. Others just have nice galloping hills, or indoor tracks. Most of the larger places have schooling jumps, some may even have a full course.
Ok, that’s not all I can say, but I’ve gotta go study. More than willing to entertain specific questions.
That figures why I liked him. I remember Snar when he was alive. Lovely horse. He was a very good jumper…it was very sad that he was lost so early. A bit of a parrot mouth doen’t bother me if it doesn’t bother them!
[QUOTE=SteeleRdr;3696636]
Most of the 'chasers mentioned by Xctrygirl are retired timber horses, and in their retirement they hunt with their owners/trainers. [/QUOTE]
I actually have hunted alongside them over the years while they were still running and not retired.
Additionally Buck Jakes and Ivory Poacher (Both Md Hunt cup winners) have also galloped by me in my time.
(I did a 2 year stint at Greenspring in '92-'94)
~Emily
[QUOTE=SteeleRdr;3696636]
McDynamo is a spectacular hunt horse, and also a multiple time champion hurdle horse. [/QUOTE]
He’s better over the hurdles. And the most spectacular moment for all us with Cheshire was watching in horror a few weeks ago as McD and Mike (Moran, his owner) flipped a fence. There is video and pics of this online. It was worrisome as hell for a second but everyone was ok.
~Emily
[QUOTE=Xctrygirl;3697886]
I actually have hunted alongside them over the years while they were still running and not retired.
Additionally Buck Jakes and Ivory Poacher (Both Md Hunt cup winners) have also galloped by me in my time.
(I did a 2 year stint at Greenspring in '92-'94)
~Emily[/QUOTE]
Point taken, I was thinking currently. I’m a member of Green Spring. Buck Jakes was recently at the GSV hunter trials, can’t remember how he did. Private Attack actually won the stakes class.
my bright idea!
In her opening question, the poster said that hunting isn’t a spectator sport and you can’t go watch…actually…That’s innacurate!! Go watch a live hunt! Photos don’t do it justice and are always up for misinterpretation just as we’ve seen here. You can contact the hunt secretary or master and ask for directions to their next hunt meet. Then go 45 mins early and try to find someone to car follow the hunt with!!! Yep! Car following for even a few minutes is a great way to see what’s involved and what to expect. Locate the nearest hunt to you, check out their website, make some calls. Go meet/greet/introduce yourself. Sometimes members spouses or parents will follow for a few minutes in their car/truck. Hitch a ride!
Can someone in Indiana help Enjoytheride??!!!
