Quarter Horses are often used as field hunters.
A field hunter is a horse mounted to hunt foxes. The term does not refer to a specific breed of horse, but to the function of the horse. A field hunter rides for dogs, which means that the horse carries a rider and follows the dogs on the hunt.
The field hunter is judged on his ability to jump and keep his cool on the hunt. He must also be able to reach a galloping speed that allows him to keep pace with the field while hunting. The horse must be one that can control itself around dogs and other horses and must not kick dogs.
Most horses must be at least five years old before beginning work as field hunters. Attributes sought include straight legs, strength, and firm feet. A horse must be properly conditioned and trained before its first hunt.
Morgan horses are popular field hunters.
The most popular field hunter is the Irish Hunter, also known as the Irish Sports Horse and the Irish Draft Sports Horse. The Irish Hunter is not a specific breed, but rather a type of horse. Most of the time it is a mix of Irish Draft, Thoroughbred and Connemara.
Thoroughbreds and draft horses are often the preferred mounts for fox hunting. Morgan, Arabian, and Quarter Horses are also popular as field hunters. Mongrel horses, and even ponies with the right skills, are also often used for fox hunting.
Like his riders, who wear traditional hunting clothing, the field hunter’s grip is traditional. The tack is the equipment that is placed on the horse. Includes saddle, drill and halters.
The equipment used by field hunters is more English than Western. It is made of heavier leather than other studs and is not decorated or embellished. The saddle is a front seat, sometimes called a hunting seat. Side saddles are not used.
Some range hunters, also called fox hunters, are also show hunters, but not all are used in actual hunting. A show hunter is ridden in an arena and will be able to jump certain fences, but must also have appearance attributes that are not necessary for a horse whose only function is that of a field hunter. A field hunter must be able to negotiate balance on terrain that may not be possible for all show hunters.