Working hunter classes

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mudmonkey17

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I am planning to do some low level working hunter classes at local riding clubs this year to try and boost horses confidence as has been bashed lately with a few cross country mishaps.

Am unsure about bitting etc. Can you jump in any bit but then have to swap for the flat bit of the class? Usually jump in grackle noseband and a myler low port snaffle that i know is not dressage legal so am assuming cant be used in showing either?
 
Exactly what monkeybum13 said! You can use any type of bit/noseband/martingale/breastplate combination for working hunter, except for bitless bridles. Your horse may also wear boots.

For the flat part, the only thing you are allowed to remove the boots and a BP if you desired to wear one. All other tack must be left as is.

The KISS theory applies. The simplier your tack the better - at the same time a horse in a pelham, grackle and martingale that does a perfect smooth round will place higher than the horse in a snaffle and cavesson who's out of control!
 
Hi just reading your messages on working hunter tack, I agree with all your comments except the wearing of boots (horse) when competing affilliated in Scotland only front boots where allowed- maybe different in Scotland but wouldnt think so.
 
Everything thats been said is spot on!

Lynbo- Ive seen horses with a full set of boots on competing here (Im only at verrrrrry low level though) But did hear it was because riders were wearing weighted back boots to encourage horses to tuck up more!
 
Can I hijack and ask a question about tack colour? I know at RC level it doesn't matter, but at what level would brown tack be required? Do you see black tack at county level?
 
MissMincePie&Brandy said:
Can I hijack and ask a question about tack colour? I know at RC level it doesn't matter, but at what level would brown tack be required? Do you see black tack at county level?
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Brown tack is preferred but there is no rule that it must be used even at county level there will be one or two in black, it just does not look as smart as brown. A good quality flat hunter bridle is usually easier to find in brown, the black ones tend to be either dressage style or cheap leather.
I would use a brown bridle with a black saddle if I had to, the bridle is more noticeable, it may not be absolutely correct but it would cost less than having to buy a saddle too.
 
be positive said:
Brown tack is preferred but there is no rule that it must be used even at county level there will be one or two in black, it just does not look as smart as brown. A good quality flat hunter bridle is usually easier to find in brown, the black ones tend to be either dressage style or cheap leather.
I would use a brown bridle with a black saddle if I had to, the bridle is more noticeable, it may not be absolutely correct but it would cost less than having to buy a saddle too.
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Oh that's interesting, thanks. I certainly couldnt afford a new brown WH saddle this year.
 
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