Everything you need to know about hunt horses

Hunt horses are a category of their own, with the skills and stamina suited to woodland, galloping and climbing. They are athletic horses. To get to know them better, take a look at the information set out below.

The breeds concerned

Hunting takes place in open country, often on natural terrain where trees and animals are left to their own devices. You decide almost nothing, apart from the direction your horse takes and, to a certain extent, how it performs. To be sure of achieving your aim every time, you need to choose a horse that can adapt to this environment and, above all, provide it with the appropriate protection described on La Sellerie Française. Given the right conditions, the breeds suited to hunting will show what they can do.

The Selle Français has an athletic build that allows it to cover long distances and clear impressive fences. Well schooled, it gives its rider a real advantage when hunting in a field.

The Thoroughbred is a serious rival to the Selle Français out hunting. This horse is the product of breeding refined over many years. Generation after generation, breeding stock is selected to pass on its exceptional qualities to the next generation. The Thoroughbred is also used to cross with other breeds in order to improve their performance.

The Anglo-Arab is another candidate not to be overlooked. It is fast, responsive and very capable. It has carried hunting champions for generations.

The training required

A hunt horse, then, is a type destined to gallop over particularly unpredictable ground. Rider and mount come across a hole, a ditch, clumps of trees or larger obstacles. At that point, there is nothing better to do than press on and clear the obstacle. For that, the horse must be in complete harmony with its rider and follow instructions to the letter. Training covers all of these details.

To begin with, the horse must be worked outside, on uneven ground. It should first be prepared to work on its own, in hand or under saddle. It needs to get used to performing the basic technical movements involved in its discipline.

Next, the horse must be introduced to its world and to the people who will be around it out hunting. Above all, it needs to get used to hounds and their noise. It also has to enjoy the atmosphere of the hunt, in particular the whistles, the horn, the whips and the general noise.

Finally, the horse must be fit for every day's hunting. An outgoing horse that is happy out in the open and has sound reflexes is what you want. It must never be frightened of anything. As soon as its rider asks, its first response should be to do as it is told.