Is it feasible to get into foxhunting without a truck and trailer?

[collegialequestrian]

I’ve gone hilltopping once with the fabulous Betsy of Hunter’s Rest, and I would really like to go hunting again. Problem is, I’m in my early 20s and funds are limited (Hunter’s Rest rates were very reasonable but with traffic, it’s just too long of a drive to go often). I live in MD so there are many hunts around, and I’ve started to call a few to go cartopping, but I’m just not even sure if it would be attainable for me. I don’t think I’ll own my own horse for the next two years at least, but leasing is doable. Buying a truck and trailer isn’t really on my radar either, since my sedan is chugging along just fine.

Is it totally crazy to hope that I could lease a horse at a farm near a hunt fixture, and cap a few times a year (either hacking to meets or catching a ride with someone)? Is this something people do, or does pretty much everyone who hunts own their own horse and trailer?

[jawa]

If you board at a primarily fox hunter barn, you could easily share rides, or even if you live in a fox hunter dense area.

Car following and staying to chit chat at the breakfast / tailgate afterwards, and hunt club work days are a great way to meet fellow hunters and begin to develop friendships.

Just remember to share the costs of trailering, be on time, have a horse that’s an easy loader, help with cleaning up the trailer at the end of the day.

[DancingArabian]

If you can chip in for trailering costs you can likely make a friend to take you. Since you’re horseless, making connections would be the best way to go about it. I forget what it’s called but there’s an option to follow the hunt on foot. You can get your foot in the door that way.

[InstigatorKate]

One option:

http://pleasantprospectfarm.com/Foxchase.html

Make lots of contacts! People are usually eager to help others if they’re cheerful, helpful and game.

[jawa]

I have seen several of Pleasant Prospect Farm lease horses out in the hunt field. They all seemed to perfect for the job and several were ridden by folks who it was their first season hunting. The horses took great care of their riders.

Pleasant Prospect Farm is GORGEOUS!! Awesome trails, LOTS of varied jumps. If its close to you it would be a place to check out and see if it would be a good fit.

[JSwan]

I’m so jealous - I’d kill to have someone leg up my horses for me! Sounds like a great option for really busy people or folks without transportation.

[ISR]

Totally feasible.

Many of our hunters have 2 horses (or more!), and happy to have a competent rider leg one up in the season. We have even started a bit of a horse-share program in our hunt, perfect for those who may be dealing with lameness issues, or who’s horse decides the night before to get out of hunting by throwing a shoe!

So many hunt clubs are eager to get new blood involved! Many are happy to accommodate! I’ve personally picked up a trailer-less rider a few times on my way to the meet.

Our huntsman has a couple made horses that he has leased in the past (and one large pony being leased now). Some meets are from his property, so very convenient for those without truck/trailer.

[artsmom]

I wish that I could find a good rider who wanted to hunt some. I’d trailer my extra horse for them just to get the horse out. I know there are others who feel the same way.

[pologirl27]

You sound a lot like me, only I have the horse but am missing the transportation! I will be trying to get involved with a local hunt this winter, so I’ll let you know if I have any great insights after a few months!

[ISR]

[QUOTE=pologirl27;7320589]
You sound a lot like me, only I have the horse but am missing the transportation! I will be trying to get involved with a local hunt this winter, so I’ll let you know if I have any great insights after a few months![/QUOTE]

If you’re in Clarksburg, I know a few people in the area with half empty trailers

[pologirl27]

[QUOTE=ISR;7320923]
If you’re in Clarksburg, I know a few people in the area with half empty trailers :)[/QUOTE] I am between Clarksburg and Damascus! Which hunt? I have been out once in my life (on a terribly naughty horse) and had a blast even under those circumstances, I really want to take my mare out!

[ISR]

[QUOTE=pologirl27;7321233]
I am between Clarksburg and Damascus! Which hunt? I have been out once in my life (on a terribly naughty horse) and had a blast even under those circumstances, I really want to take my mare out![/QUOTE]

Goshen.

Our kennels are in Damascus.

You can e-mail me at goshenhoundshuntclub@gmail.com if you want more info!

[rivenoak]

Yes, it can be done.

For many years I rode other hunt member’s horses. For those who have more than one horse, it helps keep them all going (as JSwan mentioned).

The arrangement depending on each member. Some, I would meet at their house, help load, etc; some, I would meet at the fixture.

There were a couple years when a great friend went far out of her way to pick up me & horse when I didn’t have a way to haul myself. I shared fuel costs.

You are at the whim of another, so that can offer some challenges; sometimes you need a thick skin.

If you are polite, thoughtful, trustworthy, and a decent rider, you might just be thrilled by the arrangements you can find.

[pologirl27]

[QUOTE=ISR;7321455]
Goshen.

Our kennels are in Damascus.

You can e-mail me at goshenhoundshuntclub@gmail.com if you want more info![/QUOTE] I will send you an email shortly!