Advice for Ridden Hunter Classes

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Taboo1968

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I want to tackle something new next year and everyone keeps telling me I should do Ridden Hunter with my big lad.... Can someone tell me what is involved, whats expected, turnout of rider and tack.....

I know there is no jumping - I think thats why everyone keeps suggesting it cos they know I WONT jump a pole on the floor!

Any advice really appreciated!
 
basically you all ride around, showing off walk, trot and canter on each rein, and then gallop on one rein. then the judge will call you in usually in the order of placing. then, the judge will ride each horse starting with the top placed horse working their way down the line.

after the judge has ridden your horse (they will walk, trot and canter and gallop the horse but they will NOT ride it - they will just simply be a passenger) you have to strip the horse and walk it away from the judge and trot back.then the judge will ask you all to walk out, then call you in in your final placings!
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tack and turnout is usually a double bridle with a plain hunter cavasson. a straight cut saddle is usually better as it shows off the shoulder, but not too straight otherwise it will be uncomfortable for the judge! no boots, and the plaits are usually 9 to 11 down the neck. for the rider it is just a tweed jacket and hat, with a showing cane if wanted.

the horse is expected to have good manners to stand in the line up and willingly carry anyone - like the old traditions of hunting!

hope this helps! there are far more experienced showing riders out there in forum world if you want more help!

*waves goodbye for now
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I think that just about covers it!!!..no jumping at all which is why I did it for the first time this year!!...quite fun..can be a bit time consuming if there is a big class but you normally get Novice and open classes at bigger shows so go for the novice if your new to it..I often tried to do novice (where I thought I might stand a chance) and open for ring experience...it can be a bit fun for the horses initially, cantering and galloping en masse so give him time to settle and learn to do the job..standing in the line up can be practiced but it depends on the show..mine was a lamb all summer until I tried local county level and boy was he electric...way too much going on to be mannerly and stand in the line!!!...will attach a pic of turnout..others will tell you how to improve on it im sure!!

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Thanks ajb.... think its something I am going to give a whirl! Will make a nice change from a dressage arena for the lad, but i'm not too sure how he will cope with the "lets gallop with others" thing! Could be entertaining! Shall issue Public Safety Warnings before we attempt it I think!
 
well my lad enjoyed it and its a nice thing to do in the summer months!!...mine does a lot of endurance pleasure rides and hunting so the first time in the ring was a bit onward as naturally he thought that it was a pleasure ride in a small field!!... but once got the pelham and 2 reins sorted at least I had brakes!!!...practice a bit of group hacking over the winter and expect to spend a fortune on gear...new jacket, jods, show shine, etc etc...
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AJB - hope you don't mind me commenting on your picture - Your turn out looks very smart - but there are a few things you can do which won't cost money (and a few which will!) to make the final picture look even more professional.

Put your hair into a bun rather than just a hairnet.
You need a smaller numnah - one that only shows a tiny tiny bit around the saddle - this one is a little too large.
Your hat would look much nicer with a flesh harness rather than a black harness.
You could do with lopping 4 inches off his tail!

You have nice quarter marks, and it is good to see a pair of spurs sitting up in the right place on the boot.

Your plaits are very neat, but try to get your forelock to go down a little more (I always had this problem when I plaited as well!)

I also think that a slightly thicker noseband would suit your horse more and a flat browband, but that is being seriously picky (plus one of your keepers is not doing its job on the bridle!) - if you ever see an ebay bargain or one in your local tack shop for a slightly thicker bridle, that would suit your horse even more.

Oh - the other one is look like you are enjoying yourself!

The overall picture of you and your horse is lovely - you both look really well turned out!
 
ha thanks FMM..due to the other forum i have been gradually changing each show!!!...new hat is plan for next season...ditton the numnah..i have after advice on SR forum got a thicker caveson from Flyde saddlery and it looks super but due to PUK only arrived in time for final show in September...noted re the tail..just think i err on caution and always worry will look too short... and any tips re the forelock...its my bug bear..arghh always stick up so he looks like he has a quiff!!!...i do try and smile but this was only my 5th time in a ring and it was first county show so in my defence was super nervous!!!!
 
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