Working Hunter for novice 13 year old

[Fizzandfun]

Hello, my 13 year old daughter is keen to try some Working Hunter classes locally. I don’t have a clue! She does general PC and local SJ - noting super competitive but likes a day out!

Can she complete on her 14hh cob? He’s not polished - clipped and hogged - but while he’s as safe as they come, he’s not what you’d call a competition pony. He never goes on the bit and he seems to have developed his own gait. He also loves a day out though so I want them to have fun.

Any advice would be appreciated.

 

[Gloi]

If he's capable of jumping the course and doing a short show just go for it. You've nothing to lose and if he can jump clear in a sensible manner will likely be better than many.

 

[Fizzandfun]

He’s capable at 50cm - he could jump higher but he doesn’t see the point.

 

[Gloi]

Go to one of the shows and see what is expected. There is likely to be a novice class at a height he'll manage.

 

[DeliaRides]

I'd have a look at riding club level - there are two classes that she could do at our RC that are ponies/horses any height and rider any age, jumping 40 and 50. Other classes have height and age restrictions (e.g. a 14hh pony might be expected to jump 70cm for example), but there are would likely be a couple at riding club level that would be suitable.

 

[fredflop]

You will be ok at local level, but a cob isn’t really a working hunter.

 

[Fizzandfun]

One is Irish x Trotter. Would there be better options (he’s coloured, pulled, not hogged).