This isn't an epic and thrilling space opera... and it was never mend to be that way.. 
 This book and the series as a whole has quite a few detractors as well as supporter. And simply put they're right... both of them. Elizabeth Moon has the ability to write Sci-fy stories about utterly mundane things in fantastical surroundings sprinkled with just the few exciting things to spice up the mundanity of things. 
 And so it is too with Hunting Party. Heris Serrano is an ex military space naval commander who resigned her commission in disgrace and is now the captain of a private pleasure yacht of a rich old lady. And thus this novel ISN'T an epic space opera, but the story of a ex naval captain dealing with an incompetent crew, some rich old lady, a bunch of idle rich youngsters and the whims of said idle/ spoiled// rude/ annoying people. (And yes foxhunting and horses are part of that) 
 As for what i really thing of it.... well it's a bit uneven. Some of the characters and plot elements are great.... and some are not. Read it as a fun low-intensity sci-fy and you'll be fine.