[cassandrasdaddy]

anybody got experiences? suggestions? recomendations?7 year old girl tough lil heathen that doesn't mind the cold. the trip is more about the ride and camping than the kill. shes a newbie and i haven't been hunting seriously in a decade so i want to pay an expert for the lessons. want her to learn right. dads 50 in decent shape and really not that concerned if i get game trip is more about her than me. prefer east coast we live in va

[moosehunt]

I'd say she's a bit young for a pack trip unless she's been in the saddle since 3, like kids here. A pack trail and horses can be pretty demanding and one had best know his business horseback. It's not like walking down a trail in the park on a dude horse! I didn't even know that there were places in VA (or anywhere in the East) that needed horses to get into! Be careful--good luck!

[Harve Curry]

I have experience with what you want to do. I recommend you get her some formal lessons, skills develope that can last a lifetime. Then take her out riding as much as possible at a dude ranch getting experience on different horses. Seven years old can be OK, depends on a saddle fitting her, how wide the horse is, and how she takes to it. She'll probably need a saddle with a 12" seat.
Isn't the Appalacian trail near you and maybe there is some horse rental business around it.

[cassandrasdaddy]

she sat her first pony when she was less than a year cried when i took her off. daddy traded a roof for a pony when she was 14 months. and yes i spoil her. i just wanna take her out so she can see what its like. in a couple years we'll let her take the hunter safety class. she makes a pretty good bird dog except she won't go into briars to retrieve and she doesn't hold point

[cassandrasdaddy]

i only like to pack cause i'm an old fart who likes to eat well when i camp. we'll need to rent a horse for me and probably for her unless i can find mules

[moosehunt]

Personal experience--pretty extensive--STAY AWAY FROM MULES!!!!!!!