Working Hunters Explained
Working Hunter competitions were first introduced to simulate the attributes required by horse and rider on the traditional hunting field, hence their name. It really started as way of giving hunters something to do in the summer ready for the new season. Working hunter competitions are judged in the categories of Lightweight and Heavyweight.
Phase 1:
To jump a course of natural fences – the judges are not only looking for the horse to jump a clear round, but also mark riders and horses on their jumping style. Precision, style and presence are important criteria.
Phase 2:
The top horse and rider combinations are invited back into the arena. The judges are assessing every aspect of the horse and its rider. The horse is judged on its conformation, movement and behaviour. The rider is judged on his or her turnout. The judge is looking for perfection from both horse and rider. The show judge will ride each horse and then ask the riders to unsaddle their horses to judge the conformation (ie, the physique and movement of each horse). Marking is assessed accordingly.