Fun at the New England Hunter Trials 9/22

Hi all -

I jump judged at the New England Hunter Trials today, hosted by the Norfolk Hunt. It was a blast!

The turnout was great: 16 in Open (3’3") including 6 in the Heard Cup, 33 in Novice, 6 Team Chasers, and 22 pairs!

We got really lucky and had a good steady rain yesterday, after 3 weeks with no rain at all. Today was chilly and windy, but the clouds were clearing by the afternoon.

I wasn’t judging by the time the Pairs class rolled around, but here is a video link:

https://photos.app.goo.gl/vWpbyY5hWQ19mHdJ9

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Nice! Years ago I went to the Myopia grounds to watch the Trials but never had the opportunity to ride in it, just play over those jumps during Hunter paces.
Jump judging is fun!

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I don’t jump anymore but would love to volunteer as a jump judge! I will have to look into this for the future!

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It happens once a year and rotates among the various hunts. I jump judged in 2019 when it was hosted by Myopia, too but entries were light that year. This year had above average entries from what I understand.

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How lovely! I’m glad y’all had a good turnout and a good time.
And it’s nice to see some proper hunter jumps on an outside course.
Thank you for sharing!

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That looks like so much fun!

Well these horses are almost all actual field hunters used for foxhunting, with some eventers in the mix too. I suspect that most if not all of the Open horses are field hunters; I had a co-judge for the Opens who is active with the Old Northridge hunt knew most of the riders. The Novice division looked like there were some eventers who recognized the show as a great opportunity to do a cross country schooling course and get some feedback. Novice was 2’6" I think. The event was held at the Norfolk Hunt Steeplechase Course, which is actually a very large area with terrain, fields, and woods.

I was glad to have the co-judge as we did have to assign a 0 to 20 point score to each horse, and she pointed out to me what makes a good foxhunter.

Foxhunting is on my bucket list, though as a hilltopper only. I don’t have a suitable horse, and would need a babysitter.

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