); as outlined above in HU135.1l; and striking off on a wrong lead on the courtesy circle. A poor spot would put the horse too close or too far back from the jump, so that it would either have to stretch and make a great effort over the fence, or have to jump more "up and down" rather than over the fence. JNZ Development Lower level shows do not require braiding, however higher rated shows frown upon unbraided horses and might penalize for informality. Where classes are restricted by breed, the breed standard is taken into account and horses are not marked down for exhibiting movement that is a breed characteristic. Adult Amateur â This is a division for Adults (18 years and over) who are not professionals, which means that they do not participate in any professional activities surrounding their riding. He should be steady, tough and robust, and able to withstand the inevitable knocks, bumps, bruises, minor injuries, and sometimes falls which happen in the hunt field. This article is about competition in the British Isles. Ideally, the majority of the movement occurs from the horse's shoulder and hip, and there is minimal flexion in the horse's joints. [4], Some classes include a conformation section where the saddle is removed and the horse is asked to walk and trot in front of the judge to evaluate conformation and soundness. It should have an elegant appearance, perfect manners and give a smooth ride. The distance between fences is usually a set number of strides, with each stride 12 feet in length. [1] Obstacles must simulate those found in the hunting field such as natural post and rail, brush, stone wall, white board fence or gate, chicken coop, aiken, hedge, oxer, and so on. In the US, this includes the whiskers around the muzzle, the hair in and around the ears, the bridle path, and lower jaw. Flat â Sometimes also called "hunter under saddle" or "hack" classes. The show hunter should have a balanced frame, where they are âroundâ in their top line and âon the bitâ softly. In the United Kingdom, competition over fences is called "Working Hunter," and the term "Show Hunter" describes classes held on the flat. (May be corrected with either a simple or flying change of lead), Stopping for loss of shoe or broken equipment. Show hunter pony classes were first introduced in 1984. Show Hunter Hacks are not required to jump. If the horse and rider don't do this, points will be taken off the overall score. Show hunters, ideally, show many qualities that were rewarded in the fox hunting field such as manners, fluid movement, and correct jumping style. Exceptions: As posted on the course diagram (i.e. These are group classes where all the competitors entered are judged in the ring at the same time. January 25, 2021 | News and Publications , Hunter Under Saddle Downward Transitions: Horse … The legs are also trimmed, removing all fetlock hair and feathering, and trimming the pasterns and coronet. The handy hunter is a horse that is easy to manoeuvre round the course with a little bit more adaptability than a regular show hunter round. A show hunter is supposed to make its movements look effortless; and maintain a long, low, ground-covering stride with a swinging shoulder, and a low head and neck set. The riders of show hunters often ride on a slightly looser rein than seen elsewhere to facilitate this type of movement, and the horse carries its head just in front of the vertical. [2], A high scoring hunter in open competition maintains an even stride over courses based on an average 12 feet (3.7 m) stride length. Show Hunter Medal Equitation classes – these are a two part competition. Hunter Classics Hunter classics are special classes that They will look relaxed and seem to float effortlessly around the courses, meeting all of their fences at an ideal takeoff distance.[3]. Ponies are shown in height classes - up to 12 hands (48 inches, 122 cm) 12 to 13 hands (48 to 52 inches, 122 to 132 cm), 13 to 14 hands (52 to 56 inches, 132 to 142 cm), and 14 to 15 hands (56 to 60 inches, 142 to 152 cm). The horse should stay straight over the fence. Regular â This division is open to any horse. In the winter, show hunters are often given a full clip, removing all the body hair, to give them a neater appearance in the show ring. Plain black or brown boots are allowed in the jumping phase only. The British "show hunter" is shown primarily on the flat, while the "working hunter" must also jump a series of rustic fences (see also the horses called "show hunters" in the USA). Tails are not pulled at the dock, so that it may be braided, and the bottom of the tail is left natural in US competition, not trimmed. Working hunter tack also varies from traditional rules. The maximum height is 15.2 hands (62 inches, 157 cm), and small hunters should have relatively short legs with a deep body. The horse should have a long galloping stride (12 feet is the expected length), but it should still be balanced and rhythmic. Show hunters prioritize perfection whereas field hunters reward efficiency and durability. Additionally, hunter classes exist for virtually every breed of horse or pony and for any level of rider. After the course has been completed, they are also expected to complete another circle of similar size at the trot before leaving the arena. Show hunter ponies come in all shapes and sizes and within each class you will find light weight, middle weight and heavy weight ponies as you do in the horse classes, but unfortunately, in the pony world don't have the luxury of "Handy" classes â A hunter class that combines elements of flat and over-fences classes, often with elements reminiscent of field hunting.