What type of horse setup for lion hunting?

[Desert Hounds]

What type of horse setup for lion hunting? Also I will be using hounds.
1. Type of horses and personality?
2. Saddle type?
3. HH?
4. Other ideas?

I am new to horses and looking to purchase everything over the course of a year. I am working with folks for horse training.
Thanks for your advice.

[houndsnmules]

Try before your buy. Most any decent horse or mule person will take you on a 4 hour or more trail ride to try out the animal for sale. Try to ride in similar country you want to hunt in. Try to arrive earlier then expected to see how easy it is to catch the horse or mule (mules especially).Try out several horses or mules. When you pick out your ride, now its time to find a saddle that fits properly. This is just a few of many tips. good luck

[nmplott]

a sure footed horse or mule that will work well his dogs is a must, some will tolerate dogs but I look for more than just one that will tolerate dogs. When I used to live in Bosque Farms my dogs were not kenneled but would sleep in stables with the horses (all but the mother in laws crazy horse who hated dogs and the dogs knew better than to be around that old plug). Try different saddles, personally I like a 16 or 17 in seat and reinforced tree (a roping saddle). It really is trial and error as what I may like maybe something totally different from you.

[pegleg]

the horse/mule is a personal choice what works and pleases one guy may cause problems with another. I am past my days of riding anything that is available. the height of a ride is again a personal thing but as long its stout enough to carry you for three days with out major issues that is a good starting point"I prefer a shorter horse less ducking". the main traits are a sound and willing mind and unflappable disposition. i like a horse with good endurance. speed isn't important, one that trusts you and and wont cause a wreck in any condition. I haven't ever had a real problem introducing a mount to hounds if it has the right temperament for a mt. horse in the first place. remember a lion trail isn't a horse trail and allowances have to be made for that. test ride it in the same terrain you expect to hunt in. a great arena/pasture horse doesn't equal a lion hunting horse. I have one that is great in the rocks, calm, steady and willing but will push your buttons on a simple trail ride. she is almost spoiled for hound hunting, load the dogs with out her and she starts pacing and carrying on. where are you located at? whats your experience level? maybe someone close can help you find a good one.

[LCK]

DO NOT believe what you read in advertisements at all, and try not to believe much of what a seller is telling you face to face. Test the animal like mentioned above. Ride the animal ALONE, and with company. Many sellers will ride along with you and the mount does fine, but will not go alone. This is critical unless you want to always ride/hunt with somebody.

Don't get fooled into trusting someones advice just because they have had or been around horses/mules "all there life". I know plenty of life long owners who are as stupid as holes in the mud when it comes to horsemanship, proper tack etc.

You generally get what you pay for. Be prepared to pay a dang decent price for a dang decent mount.

Don't go cheap on tack, and spend some time fitting your new animal to the proper pads, headgear and saddle etc.

Spend some time and effort learning about overall horsemanship. Get to know what a truly broke horse should be like and why.

Deciding to "get into horses/mules is a great way to go, but can turn into the worst mistake you ever made if done in a hurry and uneducated.

[Desert Hounds]

Thanks for the input. I will take it all into good advice. Again thanks.

[Big Mike]

As far as tack goes its a bit of personal preferance but I dont like roping saddles for mountain riding. I like a high cantle with some swells. I think they make a better seat for the mountains hold you a little better. If your going to buy and ride only mules get a mule saddle they fit and hold on a mule much better than a regular saddle. And buy good quality saddle, and tack if you go cheap you will ussually end up having to buy another one later.

For stock just starting out look for gentle, a soft eye, good hoofs. I look for heavy boned something with a good back that a hold a saddle well, with some whither and a some hump in the rear. Size varies something 15H is about perfect for most. I have to buy 16H mules or my feet will drag the ground! But between my 6'5" and 16H+ mules we dont fit under many trees! LOL

[Here Kitty Kitty]

Desert Hounds,
I think everyone is correct on finding one that is gentle and can get around in the country you are hunting. You definitely need to try one a time or two to get to know them. Don't let people fool you into buying one that they think you need.

There are good used handmade saddles out there that are affordable that you can get your hands on. I like a saddle with at least 13 inch swells and a 4 inch cantle also. No matter if you chose a mule or horse make sure you talk to several people that can help you with finding a saddle and tack that will make it easier on you when you start hunting horseback.

I mostly ride colts but I like them to have a good mind and be enjoyable to use and teach. Good bone and good feet are a must. Most I ride are about 14.3 and pretty stout because I make a living on them so they have to be able to handle anything that gets thrown at them. I am going to attach a picture of a 3 yr. old on a hunt in the middle of the summer with dogs shaded up. Take care and good luck with your horse or mule. Missy

[pegleg]

typical hounds. had a guy ask me one time what i did to train the hounds to stay right beside the horse on the way back to the trailer. if all dog training was that easy.

[Orion Guide]

Right now there a ton of horses out there people can't afford to feed. Just start looking. If you can ride him or her first. Or just hollor at me, I'm in AZ, I'll hunt with anyone and i got a horse you can ride till you get the feel of things!!!

[Here Kitty Kitty]

Pegleg,
You know what's sad? We weren't even on our way back to the trailer yet.

[Roy Sparks]

Also totally green and in the dark here but looking to get going. I swopped a guy a hound pup for a South African Boerperd " Stock Horse ". Its a dunn coloured horse thats been used in mountain terrain for collecting cattle. It is ridden often and about all I could afford in the way of procuring a mount that I thought may be suitable for where we hunt. The horse is gentle enough for ladies and kids to ride. I have an imported Australian Stock Saddle at my disposal, is this suitable to use ? We dont have many genuine Western saddles here in South Africa and the imitations are crap.

How do I rig or attach a scabbard for a scoped rifle to the saddle ? Some pictures would help. When leading a string of horses while you're mounted what is the safest way for rider and the horses ?Again pictures could be of value. Is it necessary to have your hunting mount shod ?

Any extra input would be highly valued.

Thanks - Roy.