Working Hunter Help

[BuzzyBee13]

Hi, I currently have a 143cm working hunter pony on loan. We have qualified for a championship in august. I'm new to working hunter so if you had any advice/tips on what catches the judges eye and what should I do in my individual show? Also I know I should be wearing a tweed jacket but do I need beige/cream/yellow jods? And should I just wear just my short boots or should I wear my gaiters aswell. BTW im 14, if this makes any difference and its 2'6 jumping. Thanks in advance and sorry for so many questions! x

 

[rushyj]

Where abouts are you based? It is a vast subject so I would suggest going to some fairly good level shows and watching to see the format for the individual show. There are a number of variations people use it depends on the good points of your pony and making sure you don't highlight any bad points. The most important thing is keep it short and make sure it is a show you and your pony are comfortable with. Judges wont like any flashy movements like flying changes etc.

You can wear any of the above coloured jods but if you use your gaiters wear breeches. As for gaiters or short boots it again depends on the overall look. If you are shorter (younger looking) and your pony has more of a pony look then go for short boots and clips if your older looking and your pony is more horse like in apperance then opt for the gaiters and breeches.

There are a huge number of tips for riding in the ring and ringcraft to catch the judges eye again you will gain these with some help and experience. Good luck and most of all have fun with it.

 

[Pearlsasinger]

^^^^^ good advice above!

Do particularly be careful about doing a short show. I've lost count of the number of times I've been stewarding WH classes and heard the judge say "s/he's surely not going round again". You need to make sure that your jumping style is flowing rather than showjumping and that you show a decent gallop. Make sure that you know which tack is allowed and unless you are showing in Heritage (M&M) classes plait your pony's main neatly. Good luck!