Sorry about that. I don’t understand the imperial measuring system at all.
42 inch = 106.68 centimeter.
OP, I don’t know if this would be helpful but here’s a video comparison of the different types of classes you were asking about. (Rather random Googling).
3’6 A/O round:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bxA4qKKYjEE
Hunter derby with mostly pros competing:
Thank you for these. links.
I don’t think that I will ever understand. Never mind.
I know that I am in the minority here, but I have done foxhunting and show hunters on the same horse. Yes, there are A LOT of differences between the hunt field and the hunter ring, but there IS also a relationship. It started as a way for people to show off the qualities that make a good hunter: A calm, willing, and reliable horse that will give the rider an easy and carefree ride through the countryside. So the rider can have a glass of port, talk to friends, and thoroughly enjoy the ride with no worries. Is that what is it always like in the field - no – but that is the part that goes into the show ring. Yes, you also need other qualities: ability to deal with less-than ideal footing, hills, long gallops, long days - but that isn’t the idealized “show” atmosphere. And I’m OK with that – a show is not rough and tumble “real life” - but it is still related. And for those who don’t have the opportunity of the desire to go into the field, show hunters are still an enjoyable pastime, showing desirable traits, with a long and rich history. I fully support both.
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What is it that you do not understand exactly?
Why the height is not more?
Or just what a hunter round is judged on?
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Watched a major Hunter championship once. Saw a lot of horses in standing martingales going very slowly and with their heads very low. The rounds mostly looked identical. Didn’t know what the judges were looking for but whatever it was, I figured that a winner would be hard to pick. To my eyes, the winner didn’t seem any different to most of the others. So no idea on what they are being judged on. Working hunter classes in the UK and Australia are ridden at a much faster pace. Thanks to the wonderful members here, I have a better understanding of why warmbloods dominate the higher levels. I think it’s precision jumping with excellent turnout. Not my idea of a hunter over fences but I think that the sport has evolved and become something else. If you could tell why all the standing martingales and why the horses are carrying their heads so low, that would be great. Also, some tips on what the judges are looking for too please.
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Most good hunters don’t need a standing martingale, but on some horses with less then perfect conformation it can break up the picture. For some jr/am riders it’s a “holy sh?t” strap for when the scopey warmblood jumps extra big over the single oxer with tons of fill (since there’s no mane to grab).
The heads may seem lower then you’re used too but the top line is not downhill, the horse is moving uphill. The horses head is out of the riders face so it’s enjoyable.
If you can get your hands on one of George Morris or Randy Roys books they’ll explain everything as far as judging.
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There isn’t one! At least not in the US sense. Similar to the UK, there are "working hunter’ classes, but these are entirely different.
In a way it’s good. Riding is a lot more affordable, and kids are a lot more self-reliant in riding, horse care and management. They also have a bit more of a “get 'er done” attitude. Probably one reason why Aus and NZ do comparatively well in eventing.
In a way it’s bad. If we forget the ridiculous $$ required, and some of the more unfortunate/exaggerated riding styles that have come of it, riding hunters and equitation is meant to teach younger riders accuracy, rhythm, and a stable and unobtrusive jumping position. All things that are often missing from club-level riders in Australia. You might argue that it’s one reason Australia does comparatively poorly in showjumping (internationally).
I’ve ridden 10+ years in both countries. I agree that when you first encounter US-style hunters, it does seem strange and even unappealing. Paying top $ to ride over comparatively small fences very slowly seems silly. But it’s not easy to 2-point around solid 3’6 jumps while looking like you’re not doing anything, getting all correct distances, correct number of steps in lines, all your lead changes etc. Try it sometime! Even if you don’t plan (or aren’t able) to ever ride in a hunter class, the feeling of floating down a line and nailing it is quite addictive!
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I have, as well. And on an Arab, no less! :eek: But I’ve always been of the opinion that a sound, well-trained horse can and should be able to perform reasonably well in any situation. World beaters? No. But functional? Yes.
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I’ve never gone foxhunting on my hunters (the closest hunt is a good 3hrs away), but we’ve done lots of x-c schooling and our ring has a bank built in to it. I’ll be honest though, I try to jump pretty boring stuff most of the time so that they’ve got expression when they jump all the fill at a show.
Beg pardon…I did get out but trying to include others whose circumstances are different in my reply instead of just assume because I can, everybody else can. Fact the majority of riders with enough discretionary income to have a show Hunter are in or very close to metro areas with long work commutes and little access to open spaces. Many sacrifice elsewhere to afford what they can do, like skipping buying trailer and tow vehicle.
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