Difference between Novice Hunter and Open Hunter?

[Showjumper17]

Hi there-

I am planning on going to a show this weekend and wanted to enter a hunter class- however there is Novice Hunter and Open Hunter and i'm not sure of the difference?
I originally thought it must be experience- however on most other classes on the schedule it states how much prize money must have been won to make the horse unable to enter the class.
The only differences listed between the two is that the novice states the horse must be over 148cm. The open has no height limit, but it does say a prize will be awarded to the highest placed small hunter.
As i'm fairly new to showing i'd opt towards the novice, however my horse is very much in the small hunter category, and doesn't stand much chance amongst bigger horses, so i'm thinking the open may be better if they have a set prize for that?

Thanks!

 

[Pearlsacarolsinger]

Any horse may enter the Open class but only those who have never won a Hunter class may enter the Novice class, unless the schedule states otherwise.

 

[AdorableAlice]

Any horse may enter the Open class but only those who have never won a Hunter class may enter the Novice class, unless the schedule states otherwise.

Spot on.

OP, if you have never shown the horse and the show is a reasonably well run affair, I would put him in the novice. If there is a ride judge please make sure he is safe to be ridden by a stranger in company.

 

[Showjumper17]

Thank you to both of you- novice it is!

 

[Showjumper17]

I have shown him before, quite a few times but this is probably one of the more respectable events.

 

[AdorableAlice]

Have fun and good luck.