Curious about hunting, but lack familiarity? Interested in trying hunting, but worried about how your horse will behave, or lack a horse to hunt? Looking to get back into hunting, or for a new hunt to join in the area? Want to hunt, but don’t have transport?

Iowa Horse Co. frequents the North Hills Hunt fixture. We are happy to facilitate your hunting experience by answering or directing questions, providing transport to/from the Des Moines area, or by leasing you an experienced horse for the day.

Day lease:

• We strive to keep our prices as low as possible. All horses offered for lease must be kept fit, fed, vetted, housed, and shod throughout the season. However, we are passionate about making this sport as accessible as we can. If you cannot afford the cost to lease a horse plus the $75 NHH capping fee, please reach out and we will do our best to work something out.

• Prior riding experience is required. We can accommodate riders at or above a level where they are comfortable walking, trotting, and steering on horseback. First flight, jumping, and staff horses are available to experienced riders. All interested riders must complete a riding history questionnaire to assist us in assigning an appropriate horse. Riders may opt to move between flights if there are concerns over rider endurance, however, riders are encouraged to ride below their level until familiar.

• We have an extremely select reserve of horses and guides that allow us to accommodate riders with disabilities, impairments, ailments, conditions, or other atypical needs. Please give us advance notice of to allow us sufficient time to collaborate with you on any desired tack or equipment modifications.

Hunt Horse Training:

• If you’re feeling nervous, or lack the time to adequately season your horse, this is a great option to put some quality miles on your horse! Hunting is a great tool to teach horses to conserve energy, trust their riders, stay level-headed, and process a variety of new exposures in a safe, relaxed environment.

• Horses must be up to date on all cares to attend hunts. This includes shots, Coggins, and dental work. Shoes may be required for certain fixtures due to terrain.

• Horses will be ridden in the field deemed most appropriate for them based on mental/physical fitness. Horses deemed too green may be turned away.