Hunters and Jumpers

Hunter/jumper horse shows typically hold three types of classes. The first type of classes (and horses) is called "hunters" where the horse is judged on its manners and way of going. In hunter classes, only the horse is judged, not the rider. The horse jumps a series of eight inviting fences that might represent fences that are typically jumped when fox hunting (chasing) such as gaits and walls. The horse also performs on the flat typically at the walk trot, canter, and hand gallop.

Horses are turned out with braided manes and tails for hunter classes, and riders wear formal hunting attire. There is much history surrounding the evolution of the hunter horse shows as they arose as a competition for horses used for fox hunting. Nowadays most hunter horses have never been anywhere near a fox hunt!

The second type is called equitation in which only the rider is judged. The rider is judged on their ability to maintain a correct seat while making a pretty picture with the horse. The rider performs over a series of eight hunter type fences and also on the flat at the walk, trot, canter, and occasionally the hand gallop. It is essential that a rider have a quiet, well mannered horse in order to do well in equitation classes.

Horses and riders are turned out much the same as for the hunter classes, but riders must take extra care to make sure that attention is paid to all detail including having their tack cleaned and adjusted perfectly. Both hunter and equitation classes are judged on standard criterion, but the judging is very much subjective to the judge's opinions. The rider does not receive a score card indicating the judge's reasons and thoughts as they do in dressage shows.

The third type of classes is jumpers. Jumper classes are not subjective at all. The horse is asked to jump a minimum of eight challenging fences as fast as they can without knocking any down. The fastest time with the least amount of knockdowns or time faults wins. Jumper fences are usually brightly colored, stylish, and setup to test the horse's agility. Jumpers are extremely exciting to watch! The horses typically are not braided and the rider does not need to wear a formal habit.

Hunter/jumper shows are an all day affair! Usually a rider will enter three to six classes which means waiting around to jump and waiting for the class to finish. Sometimes there's more than sixty riders in one hunter class at the big shows like the Hampton Classic in New York. The shows with big Grand Prix jumper classes like the Hampton Classic draw huge crowds who want to be entertained by the jumpers and hob knob with the horsey set. The Hampton Classic is one of the largest horse shows in the country and one of the most prestigious events to see and be seen

You can learn more about Hunter, Jumper, and Equitation events at www. usef.org.