WHAT IS THE SHOW HUNTER DISCIPLINE AND HOW IS IT JUDGED?

THE SHOW HUNTER HORSE HAS STYLE AND MOVEMENT
The horse's movement and carriage are an important part of the presentation. He should have as little action in his legs as possible (less action conserves energy for the long days in the hunt field). The horse should be light and graceful across the ground. A relaxed horse with a long, low neck and a good expression (ears forward and alert) is the most desirable. The horse should be beautiful with a small head and correct proportionate conformation.

Probably the most important consideration when judging hunters is jumping style. The horse should jump with his front legs folded high and evenly. His head and neck should stretch down to insure a well-balanced jump. It is important that the horses body and legs stay straight while jumping, and that the horse stays in the middle of the jump. His expression should say he enjoys his job (ears forward), and his jumping effort should appear effortless. A top hunter does not appear nervous or difficult to handle.

THE COURSE AND JUMPS SIMULATE ACTUAL HUNT FIELD CONDITIONS
The hunter course is designed to simulate actual hunt field conditions. A typical hunter course is comprised of approximately eight jumps. The jumps consist of natural colored rails, gates and brush. The course includes verticals - rails or gates on a vertical plane; and oxers - jumps built with a second rail to make the jump wider.

A SHOW HUNTER RIDER'S JOB IS TO SHOW OFF HIS HORSE
The rider's main job is to show off his horse. The rider's appearance is just as important as that of his mount. The hunter rider should wear traditional hunt field attire, which is clean, conservative and well fitting. His boots should be shined and he should wear gloves. A well-turned out rider can really dress up a horse.

While the rider himself is not being judged, he can do a lot to present his horse favorably to the judges. It is the riders' job to create the correct pace and navigate to right track for the course. To maintain a straight and forward horse while finding comfortable take off distances, all while appearing relaxed.

A SHOW HUNTER IS CLEAN, SHINNY AND BEAUTIFULLY TURNED OUT
The horse should be well turned-out. He needs to be completely clean, and his coat shiny. His mane should be braided with many small and evenly spaced braids; his tail should be braided and well combed out. It is important for the tack (saddle and bridle) to be clean and supple, and any metal (bits and stirrups) be well shined.

HOW IS A SHOW HUNTER JUDGED?
Judging the hunter begins the moment the horse and rider enter the ring and ends when they leave. The rider will make an opening circle before he attempts the first jump. This is when the judge gets his first look at the horse and turnout becomes crucial. A pretty horse that is well turned out and is relaxed and confident will make a favorable first impression.

The most important part of the round is the jumps. The judges are looking for consistent jumping efforts. The horse should clear each jump confidently, easily, and in good style. The pace from beginning to end should remain about the same, with any sudden changes being penalized. The horse should clear the jumps without hitting them. Hitting (known as rubbing the jumps), knocking down a rail or refusing a jump is heavily penalized. The horse is also expected to stay in the middle of the jumps and go easily around the turns without fighting with his rider. The most beautiful horse with the smoothest round and the best jumping efforts should end up the winner.