I Texas skal alle jentene delta i en eller to av hunter-klassene. De samme rytterene skal altså konkurrere i grener som reining, cutting og trail, men også vise sine ferdigheter i de engelske klassene. Det er det western dreier som om. Å vise en variasjon av ferdigheter både hos rytteren og hesten.
Hunter under saddle bedømmes hovedsakelig ut i fra hestens bevegelser. De skal bære seg selv lange og lave, med lett kontakt på tøylene. Du trenger en lydig og glad hest til disse klassene, vifting med halen og firetaktet gallopp er ikke ønsket. I Hunter bruker man klassisk engelsk utstyr. Hesten bør være pent striglet, og fremstå som velstelt.
Dette kan være en fin inngangsport for de som rir sprang og dressur til vanlig, til å begynne med western. Det finnes også noe som heter Hunter hack der det er hinder med i mønsteret. I motsetning til de fleste som rir sprang og dressur, så er det "løsere" tøyler i hunterklassene.
Malin og Tellus
Youth Hunter under saddle
Aurora og Snappy i 2015
Hunter-Under-Saddle (HUS). This class is judged primarily on the horse’s way of going (movement), type or conformation, and last their manners.
For this class you will need a ‘scopey’ type of horse, meaning a horse who appears to have a great deal of space between his belly line and the ground. They appear leggy, regardless of their height.
They do not have any animation to their movement, or any unnecessary motion or high stepping. Their legs should swing and reach easily and freely, with their feet landing quietly, and not too high off the ground, or with any ‘floating’ style (such as found in the Arabian). The stride should have a nice length; not too short or extended. This applies to all gaits, with a round ‘scope’ to the canter. The horse should appear efficient and effortless. The walk should have energy, and be straight and smooth. The trot is the same but strong, and the canter balanced and relaxed. The hand gallop should have cadence and a good stop. The back up should be soft and responsive, with appropriate flexion and give at the jaw and poll, and be straight.
There are many breeds that make up this class, and in the pony classes, these little equines are rare and valuable.
Mostly, you will find Thoroughbred crosses, Warmbloods, Appendix Quarter Horses, Arab crosses, and a few others. It is a ‘type’ not a breed.
‘Hunters under saddle’ should carry themselves low and long, with their necks level or slightly below the wither line, or have a gentle arch from the shoulder into a low headset. I like to ride with a headset just marginally in front of the vertical, but you need to watch how the judge places the classes, as I have seen great discrepancies in judging this class, especially in Open divisions. The Arabian divisions tend to ride a bit higher, due to their characteristic upright build. You must get acquainted with your breed preferences, or the Judge’s.
A horse that is irritable or continually swishes his tail every time you apply aids will be penalized. Horses with a four beat canter or that breaks gait is eliminated.
You need a very obedient, happy horse for this class, as you will have to maintain very soft contact; not loose or draped rein, nor any pull or tightness. Your equipment is of course a hunt seat saddle and regular headstall with no noseband alteration (no drop, figure 8, or flash). Snaffle bits are preferred, in either eggbutt or full cheek, and pelhams and kimberwicks. Spurs and crops optional, but I suggest to leave the crop behind. No other equipment allowed (martingales, full bridles of 2 bits, bitless bridles).
You should learn to braid manes and tails properly. Nothing looks worse than a beautiful typey hunter with poor braids. Take the time to practice at home and get proficient at this, or hire someone who is good. You can often find someone teaching this at the large equine events.
Eight smart tips:
