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 hunt may be a headlong dash over open fields or an almost-as-fast downhill charge through the woods filled with creeks and gullies. This variety presents a challenge to both horse and rider. The horse must be sound and fit, while the rider has to stay on while the animal gets over the ground as best it can.
A strong fox may run for hours before going to ground. Others may circle around and around in thickets which hounds have trouble negotiating, making the field (the group of mounted followers) stand and wait. A long gallop can be followed by a period of walking or standing, so horses need to be able and willing to do both.
People hunt for the thrill, not to risk their necks on a unruly mount. A bad actor can make things difficult for everyone in the vicinity by refusing to stand or walk off quietly, kicking at other horses or at the hounds, or getting ahead of staff members. A good hunter goes with a group without fighting for the lead, going or stopping at the rider's command.
No one enjoys having an ill-mannered horse in the group. Such a mount is neither safe nor fun for its rider. It may excite other horses, bother the hounds, irritate the staff, and make the whole day one long struggle. At worst, such an animal may run away, stumble over obstacles, or - horror of horrors - pass the field master on open runs.
It's possible to find good horses anywhere. Often a sensible trail horse will make a safe hunter. A reliable, experienced horse may be for sale because the owner has retired from riding, gone off to school, or moved up to another mount. A vet check can establish soundness, and manners can be observed by watching the horse in action. It's permissible to follow the hunt on foot or by car. Sometimes a horse can be taken on trial before the purchase is finalized.
The type of hunt and territory dictate what is a suitable horse. Formal hunts may prefer solid color animals, although the prohibition against spotted horses no longer exists. Open country means fast going, so large thoroughbreds may be best. Mountainous, wooded terrain calls for smaller, agile horses. People who hilltop will not need a horse strong and fast enough to 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 hunt may be a headlong dash over open fields or an almost-as-fast downhill charge through the woods filled with creeks and gullies. This variety presents a challenge to both horse and rider. The horse must be sound and fit, while the rider has to stay on while the animal gets over the ground as best it can.
A strong fox may run for hours before going to ground. Others may circle around and around in thickets which hounds have trouble negotiating, making the field (the group of mounted followers) stand and wait. A long gallop can be followed by a period of walking or standing, so horses need to be able and willing to do both.
People hunt for the thrill, not to risk their necks on a unruly mount. A bad actor can make things difficult for everyone in the vicinity by refusing to stand or walk off quietly, kicking at other horses or at the hounds, or getting ahead of staff members. A good hunter goes with a group without fighting for the lead, going or stopping at the rider's command.
No one enjoys having an ill-mannered horse in the group. Such a mount is neither safe nor fun for its rider. It may excite other horses, bother the hounds, irritate the staff, and make the whole day one long struggle. At worst, such an animal may run away, stumble over obstacles, or - horror of horrors - pass the field master on open runs.
It's possible to find good horses anywhere. Often a sensible trail horse will make a safe hunter. A reliable, experienced horse may be for sale because the owner has retired from riding, gone off to school, or moved up to another mount. A vet check can establish soundness, and manners can be observed by watching the horse in action. It's permissible to follow the hunt on foot or by car. Sometimes a horse can be taken on trial before the purchase is finalized.
The type of hunt and territory dictate what is a suitable horse. Formal hunts may prefer solid color animals, although the prohibition against spotted horses no longer exists. Open country means fast going, so large thoroughbreds may be best. Mountainous, wooded terrain calls for smaller, agile horses. People who hilltop will not need a horse strong and fast enough to go with the first flight.
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