What makes a good working hunter?

[Ranyhyn]

I am hoping to do some WH classes on my new neddy. He's never not been placed (sadly I feel i might let the side down!!!) but Im a total newbie to shows - so what makes a good working hunter and what turnout etc would you expect to see?

 

[Ranyhyn]

Well you lot are a wealth of useful info aren't you?

Guess Im going to have to read a book on it or something..!!!

*blows raspberry*

 

[clairel]

Your horse has presumably done these classes before?
He is then probably the right stamp of a horse for WH classes! They need to be well covered but also fit enough to jump a course of jumps and possibly be ridden not only by you but at the higher levels at least one judge also.
They need to be well mannered and ride politely, for both you and the judge. He should also jump in a good rhythm.

As far as turnout goes, you should be neat and tidy in a tweed jacket, cream jodpurs and a shirt, tie and gloves. Horse should be nicely plaited and a pulled tail is preferred.

Any other questions feel free to ask?!

 

[Ranyhyn]

no-one was meant to answer after my mini flounce! TY! x

 

[clairel]

Oh sorry!! You must have had your mini flounce whilst I was typing my reply!!

In the interests of being helpful... heres a pic of me in a county level WH, it's not great quality but it gives you the idea!

 

[Ranyhyn]

I shouldnt imagine I'll ever make county level - so thanks - I'll copy your dress ideas and turnout :laugh@ at least I'll LOOK good!!

 

[only_me]

Well for wh, your horse needs to be manerly and responsive to ride, has a good jump and is balanced and rythmical during the jumping.

You must be neat and tidy, and be elegant as a rider

 

[LCobby]

http://www.horsehero.co.uk/1180/competition-turnout-and-travel/5831

worth a look at the video.
But you;ll need a safety standard velvet hat, esp if Riding Club competitions, not a beagler.

 

[Ranyhyn]

Elegant?
Oh crap!

 

[Baked Bean]

I love love love WH classes. Turnout is important, workmanlike, immaculately clean, threaded plaits, boots, martingale and whip allowed for jumping section, don't take them in the showing section tho.

If you have a horse, the judge will usuall have a ride and you can really pick up marks here, a well balanced, polite and schooled ride will make the judge smile, so many competitiors produce badly schooled horses.

The aim of the class is to show a horse that can hunt and looks good and is well behaved. Don't worry about letting the horse down, those sort of worries can kill a good performance, just go in, watch what the others do, especially ones who go on to win!

Bits are important too, if it's a novice class, a snaffle is correct turnout but if it's open, pelham with double reins or double bridle. I've won a good few of these type of classes and they are great fun to compete in, you can pick up marks in so many areas. At the end of the day, it's not just the judge's preference for your type of horse, it is performance related too.