Let's Talk about Hunt Seat

Hunt seat is a type of forward seat riding steeped in the history and tradition of foxhunting.  Riders can choose to ride on the flat or over fences for showing hunters.  In Hunter under Saddle, or Hunter over Fences classes, the horse’s form, or conformation and way of moving and correct way of jumping, are judged.  Equitation classes are judged more upon the rider’s form and skill on the flat or jumping over small fences.  This includes the correct leg position, forgiving hands, heels positioned with the weight in them, a good and balanced posture, eyes forward and looking up, and when jumping over fences, the rider is focused towards the next jump.  The movement of the equitation horse is usually more collected than the show hunter.  This permits the rider to better regulate the stride for tricky combinations.

Keep in mind, that hunt seat can refer to any form of forward seat riding found also in eventing and showjumping.  Many professional show jumpers start by riding in hunter and equitation classes prior to progressing into the jumper division.

Jumper classes are judged on the ability of a horse and rider team to complete a jumping course with the fewest faults and within the fastest time.  The horse that competes as a show jumper is usually a horse with a higher energy level and more power than a horse that competes as a hunter.  It is rare for a horse to have the ability to show in both hunter and show jumping classes, as the style, disposition and way of going are quite different.

Hunter under saddle and Hunter over fences classes can be found in many breed registry shows.  Sometimes the Hunter under Saddle class is called English Pleasure, depending on which registry is sponsoring the show.  Thoroughbreds and Warmbloods are the most common types of horses shown in hunt seat classes.  Irrespective of the breed, the horse should have a conformation that includes very little knee action, good form over jumps, a long stride and an easy going, well-mannered attitude.  

The Difference Between Hunters & Jumpers

Hunters and jumpers are obviously judged differently, but what is the judge actually looking for?  In a Hunter class, the judge looks for a certain conformation and efficient elegance in movement that creates an overall picture.  A hunter rider must be concerned with every detail, taking an artistic approach to jumping.  Hunter classes were originally created to analyze the qualities needed in a field hunter.  A well mannered, or good minded horse is a must.  A ground covering yet easy to ride gait, and a safe jumping style are important attributes that the judge looks for.

Jumpers on the other hand, are the Porches of the horse world.  The horses must have the same traits as the hunter, but must also be extremely bold and courageous!  In the jumper classes, the fastest cleanest round wins.  Faults such as refusals, runouts, rails down, and going over the optimal time may keep the horse and rider team from winning.  Big purses and the thrills and spills of this sport attract top horses and riders as well as big crowds.   Show Jumping became an Olympic sport in the 1900 Paris Games.  

Equitation classes are judged subjectively.  However, in this class the rider is judged more than the performance of the horse.  This event was invented to create a solid riding foundation, which would allow a rider to move into hunter and then jumper classes. 

Many beginning riders have the misconception that jumper classes do not require as much skill as hunter classes.  However, the opposite is true.  It is important that a rider hone their skills going at a slower pace with great precision before attempting to take large jumps at high speeds.

No matter which class a rider should choose to show in, Hunter Jumper Shows are extremely popular amongst riders from all over the world.  Big shows are held each year in many different parts of the world that attract thousands of riders as well as spectators.  They create an avenue where horses and riders can show off their hard work and the beauty and unity of their riding skills.