I’ve been riding in various jumper divisions for the past 300 years, give or take :). Now I have a young hunter, and I’m realizing my expertise in riding flat classes is probably super outdated. Back in the day, we used to ride the trot very forward, the canter was essentially a relaxed lope, and everything was on a very light contact (even a slight loop in the rein if you could manage). Also, at the canter, everyone would get into a half seat.
What’s it like now? Has it changed?
I’m sure there are recordings of classes at some big shows you could watch to see how people are going now. Just make sure you’re not watching an AQHA show (unless of course, that’s what you’ll be going to!).
From some clips I saw at Upperville, it seems like most people aim for a nice forward trot and an energetic (but not necessarily fast) canter in light contact. Seemed about half and half for light seat vs full seat so probably whatever helps your horse be his best self 
Forward walk! Lots of people forget about this, and some judges don’t pay a lot of attention to it, but some do. Get them stepping under and swinging through the back at the walk and you give a great first impression.
Trot should be forward, ground covering, and round. Use the corners to balance a little and then show off down the long side. If your horse is fussy or has a topline that doesn’t change then you can relax the contact a little more. I wouldn’t loop the reins though, I would rather show some connection.
Canter should be engaged and relaxed. I usually opt for a half seat so that I can keep my body quieter. I may sit a little deeper around the short ends to collect and get that inside hind stepping under, and then relax down the long side.
This is really useful feedback. Thanks!
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