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The HFHA was established in 2007 as an organization dedicated to promoting the sport in HF, as well as promoting the breeding of sound, correct animals and general horsemanship.

Origins of the Sport
The sport of fox hunting, one deeply rooted in tradition, requires a bold horse that has stamina and a safe, neat jumping style. A horse with a sloppy jump and hanging legs was in danger of getting caught up on the solid obstacles encountered on the hunt. Competitions were formed to test these horses on their style, movement, and suitability for the hunt. This eventually evolved into the sport we have today and the modern Hunter horse.

The Sport Today
Hunter horses today are slightly different than their Fox Hunting counter parts, also known as Field Hunters. There is still the emphasis on a jumping style. A Hunter horse with good form is expected to have even front legs tucked up neatly and good bascule. Bascule can be simply defined as the horse stretching down and forward with its neck and lifting through it's back over the arc of the jump.

A typical Hunter course consists of 8-10 jumps and unlike the flashy, brightly colored jumps used in Show Jumping, these jumps are made in natural color and often have "fillers" made of brush and flower boxes. Jump distances are based on a 12ft stride and lines are to be jumped in certain number of strides. A Hunter horse should maintain a consistent pace and rhythm throughout the course.

On the flat, a Hunter horse should move in a light, balanced frame while pointing it's toes with little knee action. All three gaits should be rhythmic and ground covering.

The Future Of The Sport
2008 marks the beginnings of a class being developed to return to the sport to it's roots and broaden it's appeal at the same time. The International Hunter Derby, according the US Hunter/Jumper Association website, is intended to "bring show hunters to the international level, to increase spectator, media and sponsorship interest and to bring tradition and basic riding principles back to the sport of showing hunters." More information on the International Hunter Derby can be found here.