Novice hunters

dianchi

dianchi

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Right few questions that from reading rule books I'm now confused....

So next year will be showing my 4yo in novice hunter classes.

So turnout wise, have plain hunter bridle, and wanted to ride in a snaffle- can it be a full cheek? Reins plaited or plain?
Saddle wise does it have to be a leather saddle?

And killer question......
Does she have to be shod?

Thanks!
 
Which rule books have you been reading?

She doesn't have to be shod, although if you are entering WH you might want to shoe for studs. I usually think that plain reins look better on a hunter but I can't imagine that any society/organisation has a rule about it. I can't think of any reason why you shouldn't use a full-cheek snaffle. You don't have to have a leather saddle but if you can find/afford one, the ride judge would probably prefer it.
 
Sorry should have pointed out its shbgb for county shows, no not likely to do WH next year as I think 4 is a bit young for that!

I just don't see the point in getting her a leather show hunter saddle when it prob won't fit her for long!
I'm hoping she will still fit wintec shape next year!
 
EKW said:
I seem to recall from somewhere in the rules that Hunter must be shod all round for ride judge safety to lessen the chance of the horse slipping in the ring.
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I think that is correct, it is a fairly new rule, I would also put stud holes in so you can stud as some showgrounds can get very slippy. Otherwise use the tack that you want, pretty much anything is acceptable if it fits, shows the horse off at its best and is comfortable for the judge, I would prefer plaited or laced reins with a snaffle as they give better grip if wet.
 
If you are showing at County level, then I don't think there's a rule against a full cheek snaffle, but it's not usual - most show hunters are produced in eggbutt or loose rings as it presents a more pleasing picture.

Saddle - at that level, should really be leather. The ride judge will not appreciate a synthetic. I don't know if you have a GP or dressage, but neither are an appropriate shape to show in anyway.

Shoes - it's in the rule book that they should be shod. Rule 49 (h)
 
Well I really don't want to shoe her so think it might be pointless with the other questions then!

What a stupid rule!!!
 
The shoeing question will entirely depend on which society runs the hunter classes next year. This year due to an argument over hats with chin straps all the HOYS qualifier County shows were run by BSHS and as far as I am aware they do not have the rule that hunters are to be shod whereas in SHBGB affiliated classes hunters do have to be shod.
 
islandspirit said:
The shoeing question will entirely depend on which society runs the hunter classes next year. This year due to an argument over hats with chin straps all the HOYS qualifier County shows were run by BSHS and as far as I am aware they do not have the rule that hunters are to be shod whereas in SHBGB affiliated classes hunters do have to be shod.
Click to expand...

Sadly I only wanted to enter 4yo and Novice classes as I don't think HOYS next year is an option for us! lol
 
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