A hunter's manners are also very important. The horse should obey his rider's commands and be very well schooled, making the jumping course look effortless.
Hunter riders often ride "out of the saddle" nearly in their jumping position on the flat, to show off that the horse can do it by himself. Hunter judging is often considered choosing the horse you would most like to ride home on a fox hunt - the judge is looking for a quiet, responsive horse that is going to jump safely, and get you home without ripping his/her arms off or falling on its face.
Good, careful jumping form is also imperative for a quality show hunter. The top hunters are careful jumpers, keeping their knees up and rounding their back over the fence (known as a "bascule"). A "flat" jumper is a horse that does not round is back - this often is a sign that the horse has reached the end of his "scope", or height limit.
Hunter shows consist of many different divisions. Each division consists of 2-4 jumping classes with one flat class. Hunter divisions range from beginner walk-trot classes on the flat, to 18" classes, to 4' Working hunters. Hunter shows include divisions specifically geared for young horses, young riders, juniors, adults amateurs, and professionals.
Jumping Classes
Fence classes are jumping courses consisting of 8-10 fences. Each course is pre-determined, and every rider rides the same prescribed course. Hunter courses are typically very simple to allow a flowing, forward stride.
Some popular hunter divisions are:
- Pony Hunters
- Low Hunters
- Children's Hunters
- Junior Hunters
- Amateur Adult Hunters
- Amateur/Owner Hunters
- Green Hunters
- Regular Working Hunters
Flat Classes
Flat classes are done in a group, and weigh more heavily on the horse's movement and manners in a group situation.
