SADDLE HUNTERS- KINGS OF THE SHOW RING

I love most- if not all- types of show horses and ponies. However, an excellent Saddle Hunter (Show Hunter in the UK and Australia) has to be one of my favourites.

Is this the class for you?

If your horse is a handsome, substantial type then this could be the show class for you. Saddle Hunters are big, strong and good looking with plenty of sparkle and a cracking gallop. They originate from the long-standing sport of fox-hunting so they have to look like they could cope with a tough day out with the hounds. The heavier type of thoroughbred, Irish Draughts (both part and purebred) and horses with Cleveland Bay blood have always excelled in Hunter classes.
If you only intend on going to small, local shows then the Saddle Hunter horses will probably all be lumped into a single class. At the larger shows, the Saddle Hunters may well be divided into three classes: Lightweight Hunters, Middleweight Hunters and Heavyweight Hunters.

Weights:

The one thing that distinguishes the different Saddle Hunter types is how much physical weight they can carry. A good Lightweight should be able to carry up to 12 stone 7lb (about 80kg); Middleweights should be able to cope with up to 14 stone (88kg) and Heavyweights should be able to carry well over 14 stone (88kg+) without any problems.

Judges will assess how much weight a horse can carry by looking at the amount of bone below the knee. You can measure your own horse’s bone by placing a tape measure around the part of the leg that is just below the knee. As a rule, Lightweight Hunters should have 8.5” (roughly 22cm) of bone below the knee, Middleweights should have 8.5” to 9” (22cm to about 23cm) and the Heavyweights should have 9” (23cm+) and over.

Presentation:

The Sadde Hunter type of equine should be presented in a much more understated and subtle way than the Hacks and Riding Horses of the showing world. Equipment should be well looked after, and good quality if you can afford it, but there is no need for the flashy trappings that are expected with other types of show animals.

The Bridle

The bridle will usually be made out of brown leather, although black is perfectly acceptable if you own a black or grey horse. Hunter bridles are usually heavier than the ones worn by Hacks and Riding Ponies (3/4” (1.9cm) cheek pieces rather than the 1/2” (1.3cm) cheek pieces worn by hacks). This is because the head of the Saddle Hunter is generally larger and nobler looking than the elegant and dainty little heads of the Show Hack. If you are confused about different bridle weights then simply ask your friendly local saddlery store who will, no doubt, be happy to point you in the right direction. A double bridle or a pelham bit is suitable for most Hunter classes but a snaffle is correct for the four year old or novice classes.

The Saddle

The ideal saddle for the Hunter classes should be straight cut, to show off your horse’s shoulder.

Turnout Tips

Plaits should be less dainty than those worn by the Show Hack or Riding Pony but should still be neat and sewn with thread which is the same colour as the mane.
On arrival at the showground, give him another quick brush over and apply a shine-enhancing spray, a variety of which can be purchased at most saddlery stores. Make-up, although popular in many show classes, should be kept to a minimum with Hunters. If you can’t resist the urge to apply some products then make sure you don’t add more than a touch of petroleum jelly to the muzzle, legs and dock (behind the tail.) The idea is to present your horse as an attractive working animal, not as an overly made-up floozy!

What You Should Wear:

Most Saddle Hunter riders, both male and female, choose to wear yellow or beige coloured breeches, a plain shirt, a stock and stock pin in a colour that matches the rest of the outfit and a tweed hacking jacket, topped off with a navy, velvet riding hat, long black boots and fawn coloured, leather gloves. Spurs can also be worn, to add authenticity. ‘Dummy’ spurs can be purchased from most equine stores, should you not wish to wear real ones.

What to Expect from the Class:

The one, vital thing that really sets the Hunter class apart from the other disciplines is the gallop. The Saddle Hunter is expected to show that it can perform a proper gallop, at full pelt, both in company and within its own individual presentation. If your horse really comes into his own at this pace then make the most out of it, get up out of the saddle, and show the judge what your horse can do. However, do remember that you must be able to pull your horse up easily and smoothly as well....!

Check out this Australian article for more tips and advice

There are also a few videos of British Show/Saddle Hunters at the Horse of the Year Show on YouTube: Heavyweight Hunters HOYS 2008, Lightweight Hunters HOYS 2008, Hunter of the Year HOYS 2007 and Intermediate Small Hunter HOYS 2008. Happy viewing!