We certainly are a club determined to have fun.
This time we have looked to the equestrian sports held in North America for another way to have a great time with your horse. We’re having ……………. An Annual Hunter Seat Horse Show!
Hunter Seat riding is huge in North America.
It’s a combination of flat riding and jumping. You can participate in one or the other or both.
Hunter Seat Shows give riders a place to practice riding around a showjumping course (or in the flat classes) in an unhurried way, accurately and safely.
Did you know that most North American Show Jumpers begin as Hunter Jumpers meaning that they learn correct, effective riding in a Hunter ring? Young horses are given their first outings in this environment. Correct seat, balance and use of the natural aids are the goal.
So……………….at our Hunter Seat Show, horses and riders will be judged on their effectiveness on the flat or at negotiating a course of jumps effectively as a team. The competition is NOT about jumping faults. It is about a horse and rider who make it all look easy and rhythmic………….. This could be you!
Anyway…………… read the attached info and, just for the heck of it come along, see how you measure up and enjoy a friendly competition with a different flavour, American style!
HUNTER SEAT HORSE SHOW ( 2011 DATE TO BE ADVISED )
Show Specifications
The Hunter Seat Horse show is a day of competition based on a Hunter and Hunt Seat Equitation Shows similar to those run in the U.S.A.
The Hunter: A hunter is a horse or pony that would give (in the judge’s opinion) the most pleasurable ride to the hounds and whose conformation would make it sound and safe.
Hunter Hack: This is the horse or pony that (in the judge’s opinion) will carry the rider to the start of the hunt in the greatest comfort and with the least amount of effort, on a fairly loose rein. The rider will show the horse in a two point seat. Judged only on the flat, this horse should give the impression that it could easily jump a small fence or hedge on the way to the meet, if it helped make the journey shorter! This horse (often referred to as a daisy-cutter) arrives at the hunt relaxed and using the least amount of energy.
Hunter over Fences: Horses and ponies are judged over a course of fences similar to those encountered in local hunting country. The Judge will look for safe and stylish jumping, manners of going between fences with extreme speed and unsafe manners severely penalized. This jumping round should look effortless on the part of both horse and rider. Jumping faults are not given, although three disobediences will result in elimination.
Working Hunter class – This horse is judged STRICTLY on the horse’s performance. Conformation is not taken into account.
Bridle Path Hack: This class recognizes the horse or pony that (in the judge’s opinion) gives a most comfortable, obedient and pleasurable ride on the flat. The horse’s conformation is not a priority. To be ridden reins in both hands with no loss of contact and displaying perfect manners!
Hunt Seat Equitation:
Hunt Seat Equitation has evolved from a study of riding in the classical style which was then adapted for work over fences. The seat allows the rider to perform with the least amount of effort while being most effective. Most importantly, it allows the horse to perform with the least interference from the rider’s weight or movement. In the show ring, a winning Hunt Seat rider will have a correct position at all stages of the horse’s movement, will be balanced and independent, and a pleasure to watch.
Classes on the flat: Here, riders are judged bearing in mind that this is training for hunter jumping. The rider should be slightly forward of the vertical, but in three point contact.
Classes over fences: These classes are judged on the rider’s ability to negotiate a course of fences in the most pleasurable, smoothest and eye-pleasing manner. A minor jumping fault not caused by the rider will not be penalized. The difficulty of the course negotiated is determined by the level of the exhibitor. A Maiden Rider, for example, will be asked to jump very simple fences with no combinations. Candidates for the Equitation Championship will be judged by overall performance.
Testimonial:
What a fantastic idea! As an organizer of Goulburn & District Showjump club, I can see so many benefits, we are seeing so many riders going in an uncontrolled fashion, big shank bits and spurs over small tracks, unhappy horses, where has the finesse gone?.These are the same people who wont pay to join a professional qualified coaching clinic but will turn up if there is a chance of a ribbon. I think it is wonderful to reward the people who pay attention to the way they ride!
Ingrid
# For some excellent info visit: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hunt_seat