Hunter Pace questions

[One_Two_Three]

I am posting this here because the hunter pace is held by Southcreek Fox Hounds. I tried to post a few questions in Eventing and generated NO response so hopefully the friendly hunting people can enlighten me!

I am going on my (and my horse’s) first Hunter Pace this Sunday. I understand what a Hunter Pace is, essentially going over the terrain and getting back in the optimum time. There are 4 divisions: english flat, western flat, english jumping and driving.

I have been told that there are gates/paths around the jumps.

This is my mare’s first time in a “cross country” type jump setting. She trail rides and does obstacles very well, and jumps in the grass arena very well, so I have high hopes that she does well.

What can I expect?

I guess it varies with each hunt on what they have set up. This particular hunt has 3-4 different venues that they hunt at and also hold these paces at.

I know we want the optimal time, but honestly I think I’m going to treat this more as a cross country schooling day more than anything else.

What are most of the jumps set at, on average? Is it something a greenie pony can handle? I just don’t know what to expect when we get there. The person I am going with has been on a hunter pace at a different location with SCF and she said at that venue they galloped in fields with cows, crossed creeks, and came across many menacing coops.

I hate to enter the jumping division if my horse can’t handle the jumps.

Also, I was curious what most hunts prefer participants to wear? All it says on their website is helmet and close toed heeled boots. Would they be upset if I wore jeans with my half chaps? how about a regular t-shirt vs a polo? It’s open to the public so I can’t imagine them getting too upset if they didn’t post dress code guidlines.

Anyways, I guess I am just looking for someone who has been on hunter paces, (brownie points if it was with southcreek fox hounds in florida!)

Thanks!

[Highflyer]

The ones around here vary a lot-- generally the fences include logs, coops, split rail post and rails, and telephone poles and range from 2’6 to 3’3 although there may be a few smaller logs or a lowered rail to make some fences more like 2’. Definitely creek crossings, bridges, mud, road crossings etc. Most likely if you can go around all the fences the only difference between divisions wI’ll be time-- the jumping might have a faster time. The ones around here specify if they want hunting attire. If they are encouraging western riders I’m sure jeans and chaps is okay.

[Melissa.Van_Doren]

We have a large hunter pace series in our area. The divisions tell you who you’re riding “against” and therefore something about the pace that’ll get you in the ribbons, if that’s your aim. In our series, the “field hunter” division tends to move out like they would on a typical hunting day. Lots of trot and canter, jump all the jumps, with walk breaks here and there and a 5-minute check at the half way point. I’ll bet your “jumping division” is much the same.

Our “trail rider” division encompasses everyone else… western, huntseat riders who don’t jump (or who jump only a little), folks who just want to wander along.

I’ve never been to a pace where you’ve been required to jump all, or anything for that matter. It’s really just a fun day out with friends. The competition is friendly and allows the ride organizers some control over how the riders start (typically at least a few minutes between each single or group of 2-4 riders), keeps the trail from feeling crowded, and makes tracking each team’s time easier.

For your first time out, I’d suggest doing the slower group and just jumping the stuff you feel your mare could do comfortably. The most difficult thing for new horses is you inevitably end up getting passed by faster riders along the way. That makes some nervous as the herd instinct to keep up clicks on. Riding along with someone on a steady Eddy can be invaluable in this respect.

Even if you just wander, with a little trot and canter, you might be surprised with a ribbon. I’ve placed on days I had no intention of worrying about the time, for sure. Or you might just make some new friends on a nice day. :yes:

Enjoy!

ETA: Riders here dress all over the map, but most are in some version of what they’d be wearing for a lesson or practice ride. I always like to look neat, so I’m in breeches and a tech shirt with helmet, gloves, half chaps and paddock boots and my horse always has a neatly pulled mane and a shiny coat.

[One_Two_Three]

Thank you so much! This helps a lot!!!

I am looking forward to a fun Sunday!

[Roxyllsk]

I agree, don’t plan on jumping everything, just stick to the simple stuff this time out. Your goal should be to be safe, build you and your horse’s confidence and HAVE FUN !!

The speed and turnout vary greatly depending on the club hosting. In NJ there are probably a dozen or more different clubs that have paces. Some are slower ideal times than others, and those hosted by the hunts tend to be on the faster side. Fast does not mean crazy. You generally go as fast as is reasonably safe given the conditions. IE, in good footing in the woods you trot, open fields with jumps you canter. Slick, rocky or on pavement, you walk.

You can’t go wrong with boots, breeches and a polo. The hunts tend to have a more formal turnout. Since they don’t specify in the flyer that you need formal turnout, jeans and half chaps should be fine. I always try to be neatly dressed with a clean horse and clean tack out of respect for the event.

Don’t forget to pack a picnic lunch - a lot of people hang out afterwards and tailgate. You’ll make some new friends !

The other thing is that the passing teams have the right of way. If you are going slow and someone wants to pass you, move aside as soon as you reasonably can and let them pass. Also, if you want to pass someone, use common sense and do not go blasting past them. Slow down to a walk or trot and give them plenty of room.

[Bigblackdraft]

How was your Hunter Pace?

[One_Two_Three]

It was a BLAST! There were only 3 small jumps for my green horse, but honestly I was A-OKAY with that! It was beautiful terrain! We had a slower pace than we anticipated, but that was due to a lot of deep mud that I felt uncomfortable asking my horse to go fast through. HERE are the stats of our ride!
I know we didn’t win, but I am anxiously awaiting the results and for the revealing of the optimum time! I can’t WAIT to go again, hopefully we can jump some of the coops this time! They were all well over 3ft, and my mare isn’t ready for that yet.

[Roxyllsk]

Hunter paces are a lot of fun ! Glad you had a good time

[CarrieK]

Yay!! Glad you had a great time!

[pi_and_tofu]

Have you been to any other paces at SCF? They have been very wet. But, if you can make it through April, the next one after that will be at Boarshead, which is much dryer and has great terrain, as well as jumps. Wynndfields and Boarshead are all 3ft or under, but I have heard they are planning to put some higher jumps at Boarshead. I rarely miss a pace, they are a blast!

If you are looking for something sooner, Misty Morning has a hunter pace in early April - I believe they are in Gainesville - apx 2 hours for SCF.