The working hunter pony (WHP) classes are some of the most popular on the showing circuit today. They are an all-round test of both pony and rider, with the judges assessing not only type, suitability, conformation, paces and manners, but also accurate and stylish jumping ability.
What judges look for in the hunter ring?
History of Hunter Divisions
Horses are judged on several points, including: hunting pace, movement, style of jumping, and manners. Riders are judged on their position (equitation), ability to communicate and control their mount with invisible aids, and ability to execute the questions posed on course.
What makes a good show hunter?
Show hunters should possess qualities that are recognised in the hunting field. These include good manners, ground-covering movement and, if competing in working hunter classes, a bold jumping style. Hunters should have a straight, ground-covering movement with little knee action.
How is hunter equitation judged?
Equitation is judged on the rider and her/his effect on the horse wile executing a pattern. The class is judged 75% on pattern work and 25% on rail work (usually following the pattern work). While judged on the flat, the class provides a base for natural progression to over fence class.
What makes a winning hunter round?
A summary of the scores
Most judges award points or score hunter rounds based on a score of 100. Remember the horse with the best form over fences should win the class. So: 90-100 Excellent – good form, gets all the spots and beautiful turnout.
How do you judge a working hunter class?
Judges may commence the class by requesting that all competitors enter the ring together and walk on a circle to the left so that the Judge may gain a quick first impression of the horses and approximate number of competitors. The Steward will then call competitors into line to check competitor numbers and withdrawals.
What are 3 behaviors of a responsible hunter?
Responsible hunters obey hunting laws, hunt fairly, practice safety rules, and wait for a clean kill before shooting.
What are the 5 stages of a hunter?
The five stages of hunter development are:
- Shooting Stage.
- Limiting-Out Stage.
- Trophy Stage.
- Method Stage.
- Sportsman Stage.
What skills should a hunter have?
Six Core Hunting Skills
- MARKSMANSHIP. Marksmanship is an age-old skill and when done well, is part science, part practice and part art form.
- MENTAL TOUGHNESS/PHYSICAL FITNESS. Hunters are a tough breed and they need to be.
- NAVIGATION.
- BUSHCRAFT.
- FIRST AID.
- OBSERVATION AND PATIENCE.
How do you win working hunters?
Ride the course as if it were a normal jumping class – maintain rhythm and balance to help your horse jump to the best of his ability. This will all help you score the best possible marks for style. Aim to jump a beautiful clear round, not just a clear round.
Do you have to plait for working hunter?
Horses should be shown with plaited manes, and tails should be pulled at the dock and shortened to hock level when carried. Any feathering at the fetlock should be trimmed, as should the ears, jawline and whiskers.
How do you stand out in the hunters ring?
Make sure your hair is neatly organized and put up in your helmet, all of your zippers and buttons are fastened properly, and your boots are clean and polished! This will show the judge that you are confident and you should be! Walk into that hunter ring like you own the place!
What do judges look for in an equitation class?
“Equitation classes judge the rider on their form, their guidance of the horse, effectiveness of their aids, position of legs, hands and upper body, and the ability to perform certain tests with style and precision. The rider’s legs should be perpendicular to the ground and quiet, with the heels down.
What is the ideal hunter horse?
A hunter horse must be athletic and agile and good breeds for the purpose include the Hanoverian, the Holsteiner, the Arabian, the Quarter horse, and the Trakehner. Both thoroughbreds and warmbloods perform well at the training and junior competition stages.
What does good equitation look like?
An equitation rider has a solid leg – the leg is around the horse and not swinging. The rider’s seat is secure and they have a good upright position; not too far forward and not too far back. Their hands are steady and their arms have a nice bend.
Why are hunter numbers declining?
It’s potentially bad news for conservation.” The decline in hunting is largely a result of the nation’s “significant demographic change,” according to Larson. That includes the growing age gap.
How do hunters jump higher?
First, max your agility, and use triple jump. To jump higher, press and hold the jump button until you hit max height. Combine that with bones of eao, and the hunter has the highest jump of any class.
What makes a good hunter in sales?
The Hunter Sales Persona
They’re independent and enjoy moving from one deal to the next as they’re motivated to continue finding and drawing in new leads. Hunters are good at quickly building rapport with prospects but not necessarily cultivating long-term salesperson and client relationships.
Can you wear brown boots for working hunter?
Plain fawn, banana, cream or buff coloured jodhpurs or breeches are correct. White is considered incorrect. Long black or brown boots (or matching jodhpur boots and gaitors) should be worn.
What happens at a working hunter?
More for action heros than pretty posers, the working hunter class is the closest you’ll get to eventing in a showring. Competitors tackle a round of jumps and are then put through their paces on the flat, making it an all-round test of a horse’s performance.
Can you show in a working hunter saddle?
Description. The Cheshire is a traditionally styled Working Hunter Saddle, suitable for showing and working hunter classes, but with the comfort and knee support for everyday riding…