Hunter has its roots in fox hunting, where horses and riders crossed miles of open countryside in pursuit of a fox. Hunters would have to navigate terrain and obstacles, such as jumping over fences, stone walls, or hedges.
Hunter courses typically consist of 8-12 obstacles. The course itself is basic, with simple diagonal and outside lines. The course is designed to show off the horse an rider, rather than testing them.
Jumps pay homage to the foxhunting origin of the sport and are designed to look like natural obstacles. They’re typically in muted, natural colors like green, brown, white, or plain wood, and may be adorned with branches, greenery, hay bales, harvest decorations, or flowers.
Unlike equitation classes, hunter classes judge the quality of the horse. Hunter rounds are scored subjectively by a judge, but faults are penalized and detract from the overall score.
Here’s what those numbers mean-
A score in the 70’s is alright but mediocre. There was probably a fault or two in the round somewhere.
A score in the 80’s is average to good. A strong round, but not perfect.
A score in the 90’s is very good. A competitive, above-average round, and a serious contender for the big ribbons.
Hunter faults fall into one of two categories – major and minor.
Major hunter faults include a fall, refusal, running out on a fence, going off course, kicking, adding a stride, trotting to change canter leads, cantering on the wrong lead, and knocking down a fence.
Hunter fences are smaller and sturdier than jumper fences so a “hard rub”, when a horse hits a fence but does not knock it down, is also a major fault.
Minor hunter faults include cutting corners, taking off too far or too short (meaning the takeoff spot has been incorrectly judged and the horse needs to stretch or shorten his jump to make it over the fence), pace adjustments, lead changes at the incorrect time, or poor jumping form. Evidence of tension or bad attitude, like pinning ears or swishing tails, is also considered a minor fault.
Hunter classes are heavily steeped in tradition and are decidedly conservative when it comes to turnout of both horse and rider.
Tack is brown leather and the bridle and saddle should be the same shade. Saddle pads should be clean, crisp white, and closely fitted to the outline of the saddle. Only regular cavesson nosebands and simple snaffle bits are allowed.
Breastplates and running martingales are not allowed, but a standing martingale is permissible. Boots and wraps are not allowed because they’re not traditional, visually distracting, and can hide poor lower leg conformation.
Hunter riders must wear a black helmet, black (usually leather) gloves, and black field boots. Breeches should be tan, with a crisp, usually white show shirt and dark hunt coat, typically navy. If you wear a belt, it should match the color of your tack.
Horses must be braided for hunter shows.
The exact number of braids will depend on the size and shape of the horse’s neck, but expect to do anywhere from 30-40 small, tight, flat braids with thread or yarn to match the color of the mane (not elastics). The forelock should be finished in a French braid.
Braiding the tail is optional, but nothing puts the finishing touch on a hunter more than a beautifully braided tail.
Question: When the first fence in a hunter course is on the far side of the ring, are you still able to do a courtesy circle?
Yes, the USEF Rulebook states that you may do a courtesy circle before your round begins. If your horse needs more time to establish pace and rhythm, it's always better to take that time to have the best performance possible. Don't feel rushed to go directly to the first fence even if the rest of the competitors do so.
Question: Which is worse, a rider who posts to the canter or sits and pumps?
While we don't want to see either, a rider who pumps may be using a driving seat, which is actually one of the four seats (along with half-seat, light seat and full seat). Posting to the canter is a fad and not traditional riding, so that offends us more.
Question: Do you count off if a horse stops in an under saddle class to scratch its nose?
This is a subjective decision on the judge's part. Most judges would probably not have a problem if the horse stopped at the walk. However, we noted that a horse that stops at the canter (or stops or breaks gait to poop) would likely be placed lower on the judge's card.
Question: Do you count off if a rider circles in an under saddle or flat class?
Most of the time the answer is no. If a rider needs to circle to stay out of traffic or to avoid someone else's misbehaving horse, it's a good decision. However, if a rider continually circles to retain control of the horse or to pick up a lead a judge could certainly count off for that.
Question: What gives you bonus points in an equitation class?
There are many answers to that question! We both agree that turnout gives bonus points: shiny boots, clean tack and a neatly braided horse stand out. Riders should be careful to place their foot correctly in the stirrup iron, be sure their reins aren't twisted and they are holding their Pelham reins correctly. And, maybe most importantly, enter the ring as if you are already the winner of the class! We notice riders with confidence and who have that presence.
Question: What are some of your pet peeves?
Riders who tie the martingale in a knot and do not take it off for under saddle classes. Take the time to dismount and remove the martingale!
Riders who are asked to hand gallop but don't change their pace or who sit in a full seat at the hand gallop (It's always to be ridden in the half-seat).
Trainers (and some parents) who coach from outside the ring. If I hear someone tell a rider to change their diagonal, it only helps me notice who is on the wrong diagonal!
We offer full-service horse boarding with daily turnout in our spacious pastures. Our on-site staff ensures that your horse receives the best care possible.
We host horse shows throughout the year, ranging from local shows to rated shows. Our shows are open to riders of all ages and skill levels.
Cidermill Farms Equestrian Centre
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