What kind of experiences has anyone had renting a horse? I plan to hunt Routt National Forrest this fall in Colorado's GMU 4.

I have three horses of my own, but I don't have the extra time required to haule'em that far and my mare is in foal anyway.

My biggest fear is renting an unbroke horse from a guy, it gets hurt and then it is suddenly worth big bucks b'cuz I'm responsible for it.

When I contact the outfit, I have planned not to let them know I have any experience with horses to see if they try and fill my bags with poop or shoot straight up. What do you think?

How much does a rent fee usually run?

Hello;
Honesty is always the best policy and it will probably be returned. To the people I know in this business, their reputation is their biggest asset and they try to treat their clients fairly. if you try to put one over on them, they will probably take notice and the trust factor is gone..
Griz

I saw last year while Elk hunting in Colorado rented horses-
green broke riders thrown-
cost about $350 per week flat rate rental

if you know someone in Co. use theirs or take your own- be safe

From the information I've received from three outfitters who rent horses, you are right on target with the price. One of them faxed me a contract...what a joke. I realize that they must protect their interests because of all the people who would rent a horse and treat it poorly. As a horseman, I know there are many things that can happen on a ride that is not the fault of the rider. So, I guess I'll be afoot after viewing a contract.

Besides, I would never rent one of my horses. It stands to reason that a "good" horse would not be for rent. One week with a green rider and some of the best horses can develop nasty habits...I guess I was wishing for something that isn't possible.

If I hunt, I want and demand a dirty broke SOB, I'm not there to train a horse, I'm hunting...I brake horses from time to time for myself, have for years, but not during hunting season, they are finished horses when I go hunting. they will stand ground tied and not be bothered by a shot or shots, they don't run off and leave me on foot 20 miles from home or camp...I doubt that you can rent horsed like that, more likely a rent horse is just that, a rent horse and not worth killing.

I'm with Ray, it's hard to buy a good broke horse, much less rent one.

I've rented horses Colo. Your best bet is to ask around when you are hunting this year and try to set something lined up for next year. Don't expect high quality but I have rented adequate horses and when you have an elk down, a half decent horse can be worth his weight in gold. I would hesitate to take my own horse to Colo because I live near sea level and elk hunting is usually a 10,000+ ft proposition. That altitude change is hell on me and tough on horses too.
Good luck on your hunt!