Rider Position

Ideally, a champion hunter rider has a very secure position. This includes proper leg position, weight in heels, soft hands, good posture, balanced seat, eyes up and, when working over fences, looking ahead towards the next fence

The Horse

Show Hunter

Horses used in hunter classes are called show hunters, and are judged on their movement, way of going, manners, and jumping form. Conformation is judged to some extent as well. Thus, smooth, quiet-moving, well-built horses with an excellent temperament are desired.

Horses may be of any breed, although those of Thoroughbred and Warmblood type are most common. Regardless of breed, the horse should have a long stride with little knee movement, good jumping form with great bascule, and should be well-mannered. For top level competition, movement and jumping form become increasingly important should the rider wish to win.

Show Jumper

The show jumper is generally a horse that has more power and energy than a show hunter. Because only jumping ability is scored, conformation, manners, and way of going are critical only as far as they affect soundness and ability to jump. Jumpers are often taller and more powerfully built than hunters, often with a bit more speed. Some are far more tempermental, though excellent jumpers must be managable as well as athletic. Horses may be of any breed, though again, Thoroughbreds and Warmbloods dominate the field. It is rare for a horse to perform both as a hunter and as a jumper as temperament and style of movement are markedly different.

Equitation

Hunt seat equitation classes judge the rider only, including his or her position on the flat and over fences and overall effectiveness while riding. Therefore, it is not imperative that the horse has perfect movement or jumping form, but it needs good manners and an attractive way of going that does not detract from the rider's performance. Although temperament is not judged, horses with a more tractable temperament are generally easier to ride, and can therefore help riders demonstrate their skills.

The ideal equitation mount has less bascule then the show hunter, because it is easier for a rider to maintain the correct jumping position on a "flatter" horse that does not throw the rider out of the saddle when it jumps. However, a show jumper is not ideal either, as the horse may be less than smooth in its way of going and too volatile in temper for the rider to maintain steady and correct form over a course. The horse must jump safely and not carelessly rub rails. The movement of the equitation horse is generally more collected than the show hunter, which allows the rider to better adjust the stride for tricky combinations.

Differences between show jumpers, show hunters, and Equitation

Courses

The most notable difference between hunters and jumpers is the technicality of the courses. Show jumping courses include combination fences, sharp turns and several changes of direction, all requiring adjustability and athleticism. Show hunter courses include smoother lines, fewer combinations, and wider turns, reflecting the fox hunting tradition and the cadence needed for riding in large fields. Jumper fences can be quite high, up to 5-5'6" in Grand Prix show jumping, and up to 7-7'6" in puissance (high jump) classes, with a much greater width. Show hunters, on the other hand, are shown over fences no greater than 4' in height, even at the highest levels, but are expected to display a cadence and elegance that is not necessary in show jumping.

Equitation courses resemble a hunter course, but are more technical, testing rider's skill and form. They often include combinations, tight turns, and difficult distances between fences. These courses reach 3'6" in height at the highest competitive level as these classes are only open to junior or amateur competitors.

Obstacles

The fences used in show hunter courses are designed to be very natural in appearance, to simulate a natural cross-country hunting course. The poles and standards of the fences are usually natural wood or painted a conservative color, such as white or brown. Water obstacles are not included.

Obstacles used in jumper competition are often brightly colored and sometimes even deliberately designed to look "scary." These courses usually include an open water or "liverpool" obstacle, and may also have varied terrain with fences on the top or bottom of a bank, or with a ditch under an obstacle.

Equitation obstacles, though more complex in layout than a hunter course, are usually more conservative in design than jumper obstacles, more closely following those of the hunter courses.

Judging or Scoring

Equitation and show hunters are judged subjectively based on ability and form (or the rider) and elegance, cadence and style (of the horse). Equitation may be judged in one round, though often a "work-off" is included in which the top riders come back and display a round of jumping, flatwork, no stirrup work, or switching horses, for example. Hunter courses are generally judged in one round, but classics often include two rounds for the top competitors. In most horse shows, four over-fence rounds (one often containing a 25% conformation component) and one flat class make up each hunter section. The judge decides which combination has the smoothest round and displayed a ride most closely to the ideal. Certain mistakes like refusals will lead to drastic penalties, while minor errors like a soft rub on a rail are slightly penalized, at the judge's discretion. This can make judging difficult to follow for those new to showing until the subtle factors considered by the judge are better understood.

Unlike the subjective scoring of the hunters, show jumping horses are more objectively penalized by scoring "faults" if they knock down or refuse obstacles (four faults), or if they exceed the optimum time. Some jumper classes also require a second round for those who jumped clean (received no penalties) in the first round. These "jump-offs" are judged on accuracy and time where competitors are placed first in the order of fewest faults and among those in the order of fastest time (not just time allowed). Because style is never taken into account, the horse may jump in unorthodox form, take off from a poor spot, or rub a rail without any penalty. This objective scoring makes show jumping easy to follow though sometimes both horses and riders may exhibit unorthodox and even unsafe form.

Pacing

Speed is not favored in show hunter or equitation classes. A steady but forward canter is seen in show hunter courses and in equitation courses. In show jumping, the rider may be penalized for going over the time. Therefore, a faster but steady gallop is used in jumper classes. Jump-offs also often display greater pace as time is of the essence.

Classes

Classes of hunt seat riding are often divided by the horse and rider's ability, the rider's age, the height of the horse or pony, and the requirements of the horse in that class.

Type of Class

• Flat classes: The horse is judged "on the flat," meaning jumping is not involved. In show hunter classes, the horse's movement and manners are judged. In equitation classes, the rider's position, seat, and aids are judged. Horses are shown at the walk, trot, and canter. In some classes, backing up, an extended trot or a hand gallop may also be required.
• Pleasure classes: A type hunter flat class where the horse's manners and suitability for the rider is a more important fact than its movement. The horse should look like it is "a pleasure to ride."

• Over-fences classes: The horse is judged over a course of fences. In show hunter classes, particular attention is paid to the horse's jumping form, the fluidity of the course, and its take-off spot for each fence on the course. The judge also looks for correct leads in the turns or clean flying changes, good movement, and a calm ride. In equitation classes, the rider is judged over a course of fences, with attention focused on his or her position between and while over a jump, his or her ability to get her horse to the right take-off spot, and his or her choice of line between fences.
• Equitation classes: Judge the rider on the flat or over fences, including the rider's position and his or her overall effectiveness.
• Model classes or In-Hand classes: Classes where the horse is presented to the judge "in hand" meaning led, wearing only a bridle. The animal's conformation is judged, as well as its movement and soundness.

Horse Restricted Classes

• Pony classes: Are designated by the height of the pony. Includes small pony (12.2 hh or smaller), medium pony (larger than 12.2 to 13.2 hh) and large pony (13.2 hh to 14.2 hh) classes. The jump heights in the over fences pony classes are proportionate to the height of the pony, with small ponies jumping 2'3", mediums jumping 2'6", and large ponies with fence heights of 3'.
• Baby -, Pre-, First- and Second-year Green: the classes are for inexperienced horses. Baby-green classes usually have a jump height of 2'6", pre-green have a height of 3', first-year green have fences set at 3'6", and second-year green have a fence height of 3'9".
• Regular: for the experienced horse and rider combination. Fences are 4' in height, and the horse is often shown by a professional.

Rider Restricted Classes

• Short stirrup, long stirrup, and green/novice rider divisions: These classes are for the most inexperienced riders. Short stirrup classes are usually for riders 12 and under, long stirrup classes are for those 14 and younger, although age varies between shows. Fence heights in these divisions are usually 2'. Green or novice rider divisions have courses set at 2'6".
• Children, junior, and adult classes: are for older or more experienced riders. Fences are usually 3' in the children's and adult amateur classes. Modified junior and Amateur classes are a step up, at 3'3". The highest levels for both age groups are the junior and amateur owner divisions, with fence heights of 3'6". These classes may be further divided by height of horse into Large (16 hh+) and Small (under 16 hh), or by age of the rider, usually into 14 and under, 15-17 yrs, 18-35 yrs, and 36+.
• Walk/trot classes: are for beginner riders, requiring the rider only to execute the walk and trot. These classes are not always offered at the higher-rated shows.
• Beginner rider classes: open to riders who have just begun showing. The rider may become ineligible for this class after one or two years of showing, or after winning a certain number of classes. These classes are not always offered at the higher-rated shows.
• Maiden, Novice and Limit classes: Classes limited to horses or riders who have not won one, three or six first place (blue) ribbons in a given division.
• Adult Amateur and Professional divisions: these classes are designed to separate the less-experienced amateurs on older, steady horses from professional riders on young or green mounts.

Required Tack

Hunter Classes

Hunter classes (both under-saddle and over fences) are ridden in a forward seat saddle (jumping saddle), usually of brown leather, with a plain girth and a saddle-shaped pad. The bridle is simple, with a plain cavesson (any type of noseband other than a plain cavesson is prohibited) and a simple, unadorned browband. Bitting should also be simple, with riders usually using a Dee-ring snaffle, although full-cheek and eggbutt snaffles are also popular.

Pelham bits which include a curb chain and require two sets of reins are also acceptable and popular in equitation. Standing martingales are permitted in over-fence classes only. This basic tack demonstrates that the hunter is easy to ride and attentive and responsive to his rider.

Though seen in jumper classes, a running martingale is not allowed on a hunter when showing. Some hunters do wear a standing martingale when jumping. Almost all shows prohibit martingales in "flat" or "under saddle" (not to jump) classes. According to the 2007 USEF Rule Book for the Hunter division, "Martingales of any type are prohibited in Under Saddle, hack and tie-breaking classes. Standing martingales are allowed for all over fence classes. All other martingales may be considered unconventional." [1]

Equitation Classes

Because equitation classes judge the rider rather than the horse, a slightly stronger bit may be used without penalty. Pelham bits are currently (as of 2006) popular. If a horse is ridden in a pelham, the rider must use two sets of reins, as a bit converter is illegal. The rest of the tack that is used is similar to that of hunter classes.

Breed Classes

In some breed-specific shows, other types of bit, such as the Kimberwicke, are sometimes legal, but are not considered "classic" hunt seat bits, and riders moving from breed-specific to open competition are sometimes penalized severely if they use non-traditional equipment in open competition.

Equipment, grooming and Rider Attire

Hunter and equitation horses should have braided manes while showing, and braiding is a must for rated competition. If braiding is not possible, the mane should be pulled neatly and lie on one side of the horses neck. The dock of the tail should also be braided into a "French" style braid, which runs the length of the tailbone, with the remainder of the tail allowed to flow freely. In the United States, the tail should not be "banged" (cut straight across to an even length), though banged tails are sometimes seen in Europe.

Horses usually have any long body hair trimmed short, particularly around the fetlocks, jaw, and ears. In some breeds and in some places, it is common to trim muzzle whiskers as well. Many exhibitors also trim a small "bridle path" by shaving a few inches of mane right behind the ears. The horse are usually bathed the day before a show, blanketed overnight so they stay clean, then braided and thoroughly groomed the day of the competition prior to entering the ring.

Equipment

A forward seat type English saddle is required. The close contact saddle is the most commonly used, but an all-purpose saddle is also legal. The bridle must be a plain hunter type with cavesson style noseband. Bits are limited to the snaffle and the pelham. All tack should be clean and well oiled. Standing martingales are allowed in the over fences classes, but not Running martingales. In flat classes, martingales are not allowed.

The saddle pad should be white, and shaped to fit the saddle. Ideally, no more than one inch of pad should appear under the saddle.

Rider Attire

The hunt seat rider is dressed conservatively. Classic attire for hunter classes consists of beige, tan or gray breeches, a white or light pastel shirt, and a black, navy, gray, "hunter" green or dark brown hunt coat. (Black is considered a dressage style, however, and though legal, is less often seen in Hunter classes.) Some years, patterns that appear solid at a distance, such as pinstripes, faint plaids or herringbone, are popular.

The show shirt, called a "ratcatcher," is a buttoned shirt with a stand-up mandarin-style collar covered by a separate, matching choker or a stock tie, the final look usually resembling that of a turtleneck. The traditional, classic shirt is white. However, in some places and at some types of less formal competition, pastel-colored shirts are popular, coordinated with the colors in the hunt coat. Traditionally shirts were long-sleeved, but today are more often short-sleeved or sleeveless. Stock pins are sometimes worn on the stock tie or choker, although the most recent fashion has been to embroider the rider's initials on the choker.

In some places, particularly breed-specific shows where tradition is not as strong, different colors of jackets and shirts are seen: riders sometimes wear tan, teal, light grey, or even dark violet coats with shirts in move vivid shades like green, orange, pink, lavender, and blue. Non-traditional attire is frowned upon and sometimes penalized in open competition.

The rider is usually required to wear an ASTM / SEI - approved equestrian helmet with safety harness fastened. Although black, velvet-covered hunt caps were once popular, the old style caps provided virtually no actual protection to the head and are now prohibited on junior riders and in all classes over fences. Caps are still sometimes seen on adult riders in flat classes, and remain somewhat popular at breed shows. However, many adult hunt seat riders who do not jump are also leaving behind the hunt cap in favor of approved headgear.

A popular new design is characterized by a broad visor, a silver ventilation strip down the center, and, for women, a hair-catching cloth at the back. The ventilation strip has given this style of helmet the tongue-in-cheek nickname "skunk helmet .

Riders 13 years or older should wear tall, black field boots. Children may wear either brown or black jodhpur boots (sometimes called "paddock boots") and "jod straps" (strips of leather worn buckled under each knee for grip).

Dark gloves should be worn, but are not required.

Attire for lower-level jumper classes resembles that of hunter riders. It is also becoming acceptable in some regions for competitors to wear any collared shirt, such as a polo shirt during very hot weather, rather than the traditional wool hunt coat and long sleeved ratcatcher. For upper level competitions, such as classics and grand prixs, formal dress is usually required. This usually includes light or white breeches, a white shirt, and a coat. Some riders are allowed to wear scarlet coats based on achievements in the sport.

In some competitions, the show management may choose to waive the jacket requirement if the heat and humidity is very high.

References

• Morris, George H. Hunter Seat Equitation.

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