Foxhunting, the ultimate thrill on horseback, is popular in North Carolina. Both recognized and informal packs are based in the state, with territories that range from southern Virginia to South Carolina. Finding field hunters for sale in NC is easier in prime hunting territory.
True foxhunters are different from show hunters. Showing demands soundness, good ring manners, a smooth gait, and consistency over jumps. Excellent conformation helps impress judges who have to choose between evenly-matched contestants. In the field, the most important thing is an ability to 'get over the ground' safely while exhibiting good manners. A field hunter must avoid trees and holes, cross creeks and ditches without a fuss, and safely negotiate all kinds of obstacles.
A pack of hounds may chase a wily fox through woods, over open fields, across creeks, down gullies, and over mountains. The variety of terrain challenges horse and rider. Horses need to be fit and agile, while riders need to stay in control and stay in the saddle almost in spite of what contortions their mounts are going through.
Horses must be fit, because a hunt can last for hours. If the fox runs across open country, the pace can be swift. The horse needs to stand quietly if the fox chooses instead to lurk in a thicket. If a scent is lost, the staff will gather the hounds and cast them again, hoping to find either the quarry or another fox. This may mean following slowly while hounds work.
When buying a field hunter, look for a horse that can go in a group without competing for the lead, kicking out at anything near by, and refusing to stand and move off quietly. It must be sound and sturdy, with no wind or leg problems. Good feet and clear vision are important. It needs to be under control at all times, so proper schooling is as important as basic disposition.
Finding a horse like this is hard to do. Often a trail riding horse will make a good hunter. Color and breed are less important than intelligence and sense. An ill-mannered horse is neither pleasant nor safe to ride. Such an animal will bother other members of the hunt and make the day a struggle for its rider.
Good horses come up for sale when a rider retires, a student goes off to college, or people move away. There are online classified ads as well as publications that list horses for sale. Horsetrading is traditionally fraught with perils for the buyer, so seeing the horse in action and getting a vet check for soundness are important. Prospective buyers can follow the hunt on foot or by car, see horses at hunter pace events or trail rides, and even take the horse out with a group to make their own evaluation.
Some hunts are more formal than others. The traditional disdain for spotted horses has lost its power to demand only solid-color animals in the field, but newcomers might want to find out how the master feels. Knowing the territory is important, too. A small, nimble animal might fare best in woods and mountains, while a large, powerful thoroughbred would be suitable for long, open fields. Horses that will be used to hilltop, which involves a slower pace and no jumping, won't need to be as young and athletic as those who go with the first flight.
True foxhunters are different from show hunters. Showing demands soundness, good ring manners, a smooth gait, and consistency over jumps. Excellent conformation helps impress judges who have to choose between evenly-matched contestants. In the field, the most important thing is an ability to 'get over the ground' safely while exhibiting good manners. A field hunter must avoid trees and holes, cross creeks and ditches without a fuss, and safely negotiate all kinds of obstacles.
A pack of hounds may chase a wily fox through woods, over open fields, across creeks, down gullies, and over mountains. The variety of terrain challenges horse and rider. Horses need to be fit and agile, while riders need to stay in control and stay in the saddle almost in spite of what contortions their mounts are going through.
Horses must be fit, because a hunt can last for hours. If the fox runs across open country, the pace can be swift. The horse needs to stand quietly if the fox chooses instead to lurk in a thicket. If a scent is lost, the staff will gather the hounds and cast them again, hoping to find either the quarry or another fox. This may mean following slowly while hounds work.
When buying a field hunter, look for a horse that can go in a group without competing for the lead, kicking out at anything near by, and refusing to stand and move off quietly. It must be sound and sturdy, with no wind or leg problems. Good feet and clear vision are important. It needs to be under control at all times, so proper schooling is as important as basic disposition.
Finding a horse like this is hard to do. Often a trail riding horse will make a good hunter. Color and breed are less important than intelligence and sense. An ill-mannered horse is neither pleasant nor safe to ride. Such an animal will bother other members of the hunt and make the day a struggle for its rider.
Good horses come up for sale when a rider retires, a student goes off to college, or people move away. There are online classified ads as well as publications that list horses for sale. Horsetrading is traditionally fraught with perils for the buyer, so seeing the horse in action and getting a vet check for soundness are important. Prospective buyers can follow the hunt on foot or by car, see horses at hunter pace events or trail rides, and even take the horse out with a group to make their own evaluation.
Some hunts are more formal than others. The traditional disdain for spotted horses has lost its power to demand only solid-color animals in the field, but newcomers might want to find out how the master feels. Knowing the territory is important, too. A small, nimble animal might fare best in woods and mountains, while a large, powerful thoroughbred would be suitable for long, open fields. Horses that will be used to hilltop, which involves a slower pace and no jumping, won't need to be as young and athletic as those who go with the first flight.
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