how to prepare for our first working hunter? *pics!*

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Fly_By_Wire

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Hi

I've finally been persuaded/plucked up the courage to enter a working hunter class with the boy. It's only a little local one (summer show at bca if anyone's going?) but I've never done any showing before so does anyone have any tips/advice on how to prepare, and what I can do to practise between now and then?

I think I know the basic format of the class, but not so sure on ringcraft/showing him off so any tips would be greatly appreciated! How trimmed is a hunter expected to be? Fly has feathers and whiskers at the moment (also a moustache...), should I trim him? Also, is he a light or heavyweight hunter? I've never been sure on the distinction between them (some photos of him at the bottom).

Cookies and hot chocolate for anyone who's made through the barrage of questions without getting annoyed :)

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Definitly trim all feather off. As it's local you could probably leave the whiskers on if you wanted too, but I'd take the tash off!
 
Very smart and he'll look a nice LW Hunter - doesn't look like he's got enough bone to a HW, unless he's like 17hh.

Trim all the feathers off, beard off and plaited up nice and neatly. He can keep his whiskers - he uses them for feeling things! Smart workman like tack you can jump in , and is comfortable (if the judge has to ride) - so a GP saddle if poss, and a hunter bridle with flat noseband and plain browband. Bit he goes best in, double or single unless stated on the schedual, but a three-ring gag looks suspisios ;) No boots and a plain discrete numnah. You needs to look smart, ideally in a tweed jacket, but a normal show jacket will be just fine.

For the class, what happens depends on the judge. Jumping is almost always first, then clears are called back to do their show piece. Or sometimes the show peice is done straight after the jumping, regardless of if you were clear or not.

Sometimes you're asked to strip the horse and trot up in hand - a helpers is useful to hold the horses whilst you untack etc, but not essential - I just prop my saddle up against a jump!

Occasionally the judge rides but it's usually stated on the schedual. If they do it's always a competant quiet rider. They're not there to school your horse - they just want an idea of how easy a ride the horses is, if it feels safe etc. They will have a short walk trot and canter and that's it.

The judge and steward will keep you right - just ask if you're not sure.

Whilst it's nicer if he walk trots and canters in an outline etc, really the most improtant thing is he's obedient, well mannered and well behaved, and a calm, confident jumper. The judge SHOULD be judging on the horses they would genuinely like to take hunting! Which is why our girl does well - she's solid and steady, feels really safe to ride and is well behaved and obedient. She doesn't go as nicely as some of the flashy WB's entered, but she's a horses I'd def take hunting!

Go and have fun. It's easy and usually laid back. There will no doubt be a couple of 'serious' showing folks with their flashy horses, but there will also be plenty of people like me, who's just up for an extra go at a nice jumping course ;)
 
Sorry to hijack the thread, but I'm considering taking my boy to a working hunter class at a very small low-ley local show next week and have a couple of questions:

1. I have a brown Numed numnah - is that ok to use under his saddle? I don't have a ny other numnahs other than white/coloured saddlecloths.
2. Can he wear tendon, fetlock and over-reach boots for the jumping (I know he'll have to have them off afterwards).
3. Should I have a martingale on? I don't usually have one on my boy.
4. Do I need to plan an individual show?
5. Can I use a flash noseband?
6. Will I get away with a black jacket (and black velvet hat)? He's a coloured horse and I don't have a tweed jacket (nor am I sure what colour would really suit him)!

Thanks
 
Unobtrusive numnah is fine.

Boots are allowed but frowned upon - a decent hunting horse should be able to jump some small knockdown fences without chopping their legs to bits and therefore having to wrapped up in cotton wool!! It's a showing class, not a jumping class. It looks suspicious when the horse toddles in wearing so much leg protection it's a surprise it can get off the ground.

Same applies for tack - the less the better. Martingales and big bits suggest the horse is hard to control. Same for a flash - allowed but doesn't give a good impression.

If you actually need it, use/wear it. If not, less is definitely more.

Yes, you will need a short individual show, but it may well be done between and around the jumps, so it's hard to plan for - easier to make a quick one up when you see the ring. A figure of 8 in trot and canter, with a gallop and a bit of walk is plenty.

Black and black is fine. Tweed always looks better but it's not essential - it's only a local show after all!
 
Boots are fine to wear!!! Most will use them - its a showing class, so whats the point of your horse bashing its leg & getting a lump!!
Martingales are the norm - if your horse doesn't go well in one, try a breastplate or something simplar -its correct hunting gear!!
Flash nose band is fine.
Defintely go for the trimmed option - get everything looking nice & neat & you'll be fine!! Good luck both of you!!
 
Agreed with Idoshowing. Boots are fine to wear and I have never heard of them being frowned upon - you remove them when you go back in for the showing part.
Generally adult working hunters don't have to do individual shows - this is more for ponies. In adult classes, the judges usually ride them.
 
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