What is a handy hunter class?

What is a handy hunter class?

Handy Hunter is similar to Working Hunter where the horse is judged on a course of obstacles that again simulate obstacles found in a hunting field: fences, brush and walls. Depending on the division, obstacles can range in height from 18” to 3 feet 3 inches.

What is a hunter model class?

Model – A portion of hunter competitions where a judge scores a horse based on its conformation, standing form and presence without any tack on. Under Saddle – A portion of hunter divisions in which all riders in the class ride around the outside of the ring at a walk, trot and canter following the judge’s commands.

What does a working hunter class involve?

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.

What is a small hunter class?

The U.S. Equestrian Federation-recognized small hunter division is back. A discussion at the 2010 USEF Annual Convention sparked a rule change, and the classes—which are for horses that stand over 14.2 hands but not above 15.2½ hands—have been offered since the beginning of the 2012 competition season.

What does SMS stand for in horses?

SMS Horse Abbreviation. 1. SMS. Sorraia Mustang Studbook. Technology, Mustang, America.

What does Handy mean in horses?

The word ‘handy’ means that the horse turns very well and stays balanced. It also means that the horse can be ridden at different rates of speed according to what questions the course designer (or the uneven ground) has asked. Handy Hunters classes can have sharp turns as well as a walk, trot, or a gallop fence.

What is a small hunter?

To display the quality, temperament and conformation required of a Small Hunter. The Small Hunter should be a blood horse. He should be short of leg, with a good deep body and should have a lot of character and presence with an exemplary temperament.

How are hunter classes judged?

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. Hunter classes are judged using the numerical scoring system, much like grade school. Scores can range from in the 90s down into the 60s.

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.

What do judges look for in working hunter?

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.

Why does a horse tuck up?

The sick horse looks “tucked up” (the flanks are sucked in). The horse will either not be alert or may be excessively anxious. It may keep looking at its flanks and/or paw the ground (signs of abdominal pain).

Why do horses tie up?

Tying-up can be extremely painful and horses experiencing an episode can refuse to move, or even act colicky depending on the severity of the episode and the specific muscles that it affects. Tying-up can be triggered by strenuous exercise in an unfit horse, stress, or even dietary imbalances.

What is the difference between Hunt Seat and field hunter?

In the hunter ring, horses are judged on movement, form and manners. The rider is judged on position, neatness of attire and how well the rider can control her horse. While riding hunt seat equitation, only the rider is judged, while jumping or on the flat. The rider is judged as if she was riding in the hunter ring.

What makes a hunter?

To be a successful hunter you must think like a predator. A successful hunter can anticipate the very next move of the animal that is in pursuit. This intimate knowledge of the game you are hunting can only be acquired by spending hours on stand, collecting trail cam pictures, and in season scouting.

What do hunter equitation judges look for?

It is judged solely on the ability of the rider to show his or her horse. Thus, the communication between horse and rider through subtle cues and aids should not be obvious. Equitation is judged on the rider and her/his effect on the horse wile executing a pattern.

How is a hunter class judged?

How do you judge a working hunter class?

“Judges will be looking for combinations going forward in a balanced, rhythmical canter, meeting each fence without a break of stride and showing harmony between pony and rider,” says Philip. “It is always good to see a pony pricking its ears and attacking the fences, giving its jockey an enjoyable ride.

What makes a good working hunter pony?

“The pony should have good conformation — a major factor leading to a long and useful life as a hunter with minimal days off through injury — and most importantly, it should be able to jump a range of natural jumps cleanly, in an efficient and comfortable manner.”

What to do if a horse bites you?

When the horse reaches to bite you, look straight ahead and tap him lightly on the shin of his leg with your foot. Do NOT create pain, just surprise. You want him to associate his effort to bite with a distracting tap on his shin. No fights.