Just as a point of reference, if the distance I was told was correct, we had a rate of 354 MPM in the optimum time over fences at the Blue Ridge Hunter Pace yesterday. That included sections of trotting and one creek crossing at a walk.
I rode at this Hunter Pace when they had their last one a few months ago because it was close to my house and something fun to do with my horse that didn’t cost an arm and a leg.
I rode the fast and medium divisions. Galloped the fast division. There is a straight-away portion that runs along Camelback Rd. and Killian decided to full-on gallop out of control. It was FUN! However, I did come in about 2 minutes under the optimum time. Even got an award for the Fastest run of the day. On the medium I trotted where it seemed prudent and cantered the rest. Still came in way under the optimum time.
I look at it like this - who cares. I wasn’t there to win - just to gallop around and get my 'fraidy cat jumper horse over a few natural looking obstacles.
I was pretty much the only adult there other than a few western riders who appeared to board at the facility.
Anybody wants a fast TB as a partner, I’d love to ride as a team this time with someone. I do plan to go.
Katy
If I can get a ride there, we can team up for the fast division. Most mis-matched pair!:lol:
Here’s how ours are run…
It’s so fun to see the different ways they are done! Here’s how our Hunter Paces go. They are not long at all, well under 5 mins…so a fit horse does 4 classes easily.
Class 1: HILLTOPPER PACE: No jumps but a nice tour of the facility to be ridden at 300 mpm (meters per minute). The Next Generation trophy will be awarded to the winning team with an LAH member.
Class 2: INTRODUCTORY HUNTER PACE: Pairs class. One rider must jump each jump. Jumps about 2’6", speed 325 mpm. Only pairs who have not won this class at any LAH Hunter Pace in the last year are eligible for ribbons and to receive points toward day- or season- High Point ribbons or trophies. The Woodrow Silver Bowl trophy will be awarded to the winning team with an LAH member.
Class 3: CHALLENGE PACE: Pair exchanging horses. At least one rider must be an LAH member and one of the riders must jump each jump. Jumps about 2’6", speed 350 mpm. A new trophy will be awarded to the winning team.
Class 4: HUNTER PACE: Pairs class. Both riders must jump all fences. Jumps anywhere between 2’6 - 3’3", speed 375 mpm. The Albert Schreck Trophy will be awarded to the winning team with an LAH member.
Class 5: CROSS COUNTRY PACE: Single rider must jump all fences. Jumps anywhere from 2’6" to 3’3", speed 400 mpm. The Stirrup Cup trophy will be awarded to the winning LAH rider.
Class 6: FAST HILLTOPPER RACE: No jumps. Fastest time wins. The Super Sam trophy will be awarded to the winning team with an LAH member.
Class 7: POINT-TO-POINT: Pairs class. Both riders must jump all fences. Jumps anywhere between 2’6 - 3’3". Fastest time wins. The Dick Collins Silver Hunt Cap Trophy will be awarded to the winning team with an LAH member.
Alas, it has become a moot point for me, as I finally realized that Mr. RAR & I will be in Denver that day, visiting our son & daugther-in-law… and, if all goes as planned, our new grandchild!! (Due April 2; we’re going up April 9)
I’m bummed.
Maybe next year…
I was thinking about going too. i haven’t ever been and really haven’t jumped anything other than bushes and arroyos in years!
Can i partner with you ladies???
Zoe,
My answer is YES! My goofy horse needs all the support from other horses that he can get. There were actually a few fences I skipped last time because I didn’t want to get into a battle if he decided no way. With other horses to follow I think it will be a piece of cake. Of course on the straight-away back I will leave you and Amy in the dust as Killian runs out of control and I laugh…which just means he will run even faster.
Our local unter Pace;
A Hunter Pace is a set course over obstacles throughout the hunt country of an established hunt. No hounds or game are involved. There is a designated start and finish and contestants are timed by their total time taken on course. This is not a test of speed but an opportunity for individuals to ride hunt country they might not normally get to see. Riders go out in groups of 2 or 3 in a staggered start system. Within each group, some riders may be jumping their horses while others could be hilltopping or bypassing the jumps. The course is marked by the organizers and there are even opportunities to “view” game by finding hidden pictures of fox in areas where they might be expected to be found. Those finding “game” can exchange the picture for a prize when they return. There are three divisions offered which include both hilltopping and over fences. These divisions will also be divided Junior (18 & under) and Adult. The divisions are:
Bluebird - the slowest division. Time is determined by a hunting day where there may be no game found. Country is still covered by hounds and field when they cast from one cover to the next. While slow, this group is still based on a combination of walk, trot and canter.
Cast and Run - the middle of the road. Time is based on a day when the hounds are cast, run game, check, re-cast, and possibly run again. This group trots and canters with some breaks.
Gone Away - the quickest division. Time is based on the very best day when hounds are cast, game has broken cover or been “viewed”, and most importantly, all hounds are on the line. While a fast division, excessive speed will be penalized.
Hey Zoe!
Killian will be so thrilled to have lovely ladies on either side. Maybe he won’t take off at the end!
