Hunters
📘 Overview
Hunter (or Hunter Over Fences) is a judged jumping discipline inspired by traditional fox hunting. The goal is not just to clear jumps, but to do so with elegance, rhythm, and consistency. Horses should move forward in a relaxed frame, jump in perfect form, and maintain a smooth canter throughout the course.
Unlike speed-based show jumping, hunter rounds are not timed. They are judged on overall performance: the horse’s form, straightness, consistency of pace, and smoothness between fences. Riders must demonstrate control, accuracy, and polished ringcraft.
Hunter classes are ideal for riders who enjoy technical challenge and stylistic riding in a competitive environment.
🐎 Breed Regulations & Stats
Hunter classes are open to all breeds that demonstrate suitable movement and jumping ability. Balanced horses with scope, stride, and quiet temperaments tend to perform best.
Speed: 20–30 mph
Jump: 0.00–6.99 ft
Division Eligibility: D6 to D5
Popular Hunter-Type Breeds:
Thoroughbred
Irish Sport Horse
Dutch Warmblood
Hanoverian
Trakehner
Appendix
Swedish Warmblood
Anglo-Arabian
🧑⚖️ Judging
Hunter rounds are judged based on quality, not speed. A perfect hunter trip should look easy, flowing, and correct.
❌ Disqualifications
Refusal at a fence (2 refusals = elimination)
Off course / skipping a jump
Unsafe or dangerous riding
Incorrect tack or attire for the discipline
⚠️ Penalties
Poor take-off or landing form
Uneven pace / rushing or slowing between fences
Knocked rail (-5 points)
Late lead changes
Break in gait (trot/canter errors)
📊 Scoring
Hunter classes use a judged point system (typically /100). Placings are determined by the highest scoring rounds.
Example Score Breakdown:
Jump Form: 40 pts
Rhythm & Pace: 20 pts
Straightness & Lines: 20 pts
Overall Impression & Turnout: 10 pts
Clean Round (no rails or refusals): 10 pts
Total Possible: 100 pts
Judges may adjust scores based on penalties or bonus notes for style and excellence.
👗 Attire
Hunter turnout should be clean, conservative, and elegant.
Horse:
English saddle and hunter-style bridle
Saddle pad (white or fitted)
Mane pulled or braided
Clean coat and polished tack
Rider:
Helmet (required)
Hunt coat (navy, black, or grey)
Tan breeches
Tall black boots
Gloves optional but recommended
🧱 Course Building
Hunter courses mimic traditional field obstacles but in a controlled ring environment. Fences are lower and more natural-looking than show jumping.
Arena Guidelines:
Minimum of 6–8 jumps
Natural fences like coops, brush boxes, and verticals
Wide, flowing turns and related distances
Use flower boxes, poles, and planks to enhance aesthetic
Arena Size: 30x50 blocks or larger recommended
Ensure footing is flat and obstacle spacing is even.
🎁 Prize Pot & Entry Fees
Local Show
$20
$1,000
Top 3
Regional Show
$100
$5,000
Top 5
Championship
$200
$10,000
Top 8
🚫 Reminder: All fees and prizes must be in-game only. Real-world currency is not allowed and will result in permanent IP bans for offending hosts.
📢 Hosting Guidelines
Hosts must ensure the arena is certified for hunter use, follow official judging protocol, and publish rules prior to the event.
Checklist for Hosting:
Course preview posted at least 24 hours in advance
Arena and jumps styled consistently and realistically
Announce judging rubric (e.g., 100pt system)
Scorecards shared post-event for transparency
Use neutral, approved judges
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