Hunter Seat Champions (2024)

FAQs

What is a hunter seat medal? ›

The USHJA 3'3” Hunter Seat Medal serves as a stepping stone for equitation riders, providing an opportunity to qualify and compete in a national equitation final at fence heights of 3'3”.

Finals are open to those who have qualified by earning a minimum of 10 points or more between August 2, 2023 - September 1, 2024. To be shown over a course of no less than eight obstacles with fence heights of 3'3” and spreads to 3'6”.

Modern hunter classes were designed to test the qualities and attributes of a successful hunt horse. These classes are subjectively judged based on the horse's performance over fences as well as its quality of movement under saddle on the flat.

The Hunter/Jumping Seat Equitation division is divided into two different types-Hunter Seat and Jumping Seat. Both types of Equitation classes are designed to teach riders proper form and style, with riders being judged on position and style both over fences and on the flat.

“Hunter saddles are designed to help riders ride like hunters with a shorter stirrup, more closed hip angle and a more forward upper body,” says Sprieser. “A dressage saddle is much more conducive to a good dressage-rider position.” There are also differences between bridles used for the two disciplines.

4 Ability Levels for Equitation on the Flat: Beginner, Novice, Intermediate and Open. Flat classes may include patterns for upper levels. 3 Ability Levels for Over Fences: Novice, Intermediate and Open.

Equitation is judged on the rider and her/his effect on the horse wile executing a pattern. The class is judged 75% on pattern work and 25% on rail work (usually following the pattern work). While judged on the flat, the class provides a base for natural progression to over fence class.

A hunter derby is a class that is a combination of a hunter classic and a handy hunter class. Minimum height is 3 feet. Pony Derbies will be set at the appropriate heights as per Article G302.

No rider needs to own a horse.

Classes are offered in four ability levels: beginner, novice, intermediate, open. Any combination of ability levels on a team is permissible, but it is advantageous to have at least one rider in every class to be competitive as a team.

Hunters should show a great deal of quality and style and should fit the part of an English horse. This horse will have a big, long, bold stride wand, and when traveling (especially at the trot), should flatten out at the knee and cover a larger amount of ground.

What are four qualities of a good hunter horse? ›

The great hunter is calm, not excitable. He is quiet and brave. He likes his job and pricks his ears forward while at work. He does not spook or look at the jumps.

A hunter horse must be athletic and agile and good breeds for the purpose include the Hanoverian, the Holsteiner, the Arabian, the Quarter horse, and the Trakehner. Both thoroughbreds and warmbloods perform well at the training and junior competition stages.

Hunt seat is a style of forward seat riding commonly found in North American horse shows. Along with dressage, it is one of the two classic forms of English riding. The hunt seat is based on the tradition of fox hunting.

The hunter/jumpers and equitation riders all favored a knee patch breech.

The rider is automatically reinstated the following competition year. Riders qualify for the USHJA 3'3” Adult Jumping Seat Medal Finals by earning 10 or more points or completing 3 or more Adult Jumping Seat Medal classes during the qualifying period.

This class will be judged on performance, condition and conformation. Maximum credit shall be given to the flowing, balanced, willing horse.

Equitation is judged on the rider and her/his effect on the horse wile executing a pattern. The class is judged 75% on pattern work and 25% on rail work (usually following the pattern work). While judged on the flat, the class provides a base for natural progression to over fence class.

Hunt style riding involves a more forward seat and a slightly different body position on the part of the rider. The knees are more relaxed, with the calf resting on the horse. The pelvis is tilted forward slightly and the rider's back is slightly arched. The hands are carried low, near the horse's withers.