What is hunter?
Hunter is a discipline that stands out in terms of horse riding. It was originally created so that the horses used would be more dynamic when hunting with hounds. The principle of hunter is simple.
It's about completing an obstacle course with the greatest possible grace. You can find out more about the hunter by consulting the content of this article.
What is hunter?
Hunter is a test during which the rider will complete a course made of obstacles while showing those watching him that he has mastered his mount. On the other hand, speed is absolutely not important here, unlike other types of show jumping competitions.
That said, if you finish an obstacle course in less than 2 minutes by ending up on the horse's neck, having lost the stirrups that you were wearing and that came with a mismatched outfit, this will not have any impact in the context of a show jumping competition.
On the other hand, if it is a hunter test, you will certainly experience an elimination. Because you are obliged to respect what is asked here.
Indeed, during a hunter test you may be required to wear colors and themes. You will therefore have to have an impeccable appearance during this test. Your posture, your appearance, whether during or after the test, everything counts.
The hunter requires the rider to have perfect control over his horse. This is why the judges may go so far as to ask for a certain number of strides between two obstacles. The rider must then be very good at dressage.
Hunter regulations
Hunter has many requirements that are not necessarily found when it comes to other disciplines. That said, practicing hunter can require specific harnessing during an event. To have access to the events, you will have to check your stirrup leathers for example and ensure that they do not fall above the flap of your saddle.
You will need to ensure that your gaiter straps are fastened, that the saddle pads are the same as for all events during a competition or that you do not wear them for all participations.
As for the rider, the outfit is also very regulated.
You will have to wear a riding competition jacket. Or, you can wear a federal jacket approved by the FFE! If you have long hair, you will have to hold it back with a hairnet. The aesthetics of the outfit will also be important.
As a man, you will be asked to wear a city tie. If you are a woman, you will need a neck warmer. Riding pants will be of a single color and it is forbidden to wear riding boots , jodhpurs or even ankle boots, or even a set of mini chaps.
In addition, some harnesses will be allowed. You will be allowed to use a French, crossed or combined noseband. Collars or breastplates will be tolerated. A fixed martingale may be equipped if it is adjusted loosely to go all the way to the trough and if it is not elastic.