Working Hunter

1 January 2020

Working Hunter 2.5.1

Definition A Working Hunter should possess more substance than the modern ridden Show Horse but it must be emphasised they should be quality animals.

A quality Working Hunter must create the impression that it is capable of hunting over a variety of terrain – this militates against any weakness in conformation which would prevent this, and he must do it comfortably and safely for his rider. The Working Hunter in competition is required to jump.

2.5.2 Workout Phase 1 - Jumping The course should be ridden at a hunting pace, jumping each fence smoothly, all changes of leg should be flying changes and not done through the trot. The course should be open and flowing and must have a change of direction.

There must be eight jumping efforts, which can comprise of verticals and spreads and may include a two stride double. Some of the obstacles could be jumped from either side in which case, less actual obstacles are needed. All obstacles are to be clearly numbered.

The course should comprise of some natural obstacles such as hay bales, brush, gate, wall, picket fence, log with rail, rustic rails.

All jumps must have a top rail in cups; wooden blocks on a wall are acceptable. There should be a steward available to assist with the altering or rebuilding of the course.

Phase 2 – Work Out The workout should be similar to that of a Show Hunter class and should always include a gallop and a change of lead at the canter.

The leniency that can be shown by judges for minor transgressions in the show horse should not be shown in the Working Hunter.

The order of priorities for flat section judging should be conformation followed by action and EA NATIONAL SHOW HORSE RULES JAN 2020 Page 19 © EQUESTRIAN AUSTRALIA LIMITED ACN 077 455 755 temperament.

No change of saddlery is allowed between phases or during a phase

Boots and bandages are permissible for the jumping phase only

An approved safety helmet must be worn by all competitors

In the event of equality of marks, the total mark from Phase One will take precedence, followed by the manners mark and then the conformation mark.

If there is still a tie, the Judge will decide the winner and that decision is final

Both phases must be ridden in a snaffle bridle

Whips to be a maximum length of 75 cms

No martingales, bearing reins, side or running reins of any kind are permitted

Ponies up to and including 12.2hh to be ridden by rider 14 years or under

Ponies over 12.2hh may be ridden by riders of any age.

2.5.3 Rules for Phases of Working Hunter Phase 1 – Jumping

Riders are permitted to walk the course dismounted prior to the competition

No penalty will be incurred if the lower pole on the same vertical plane is lowered

If a horse/pony turns its quarters to a fence or has a complete turnaround a refusal will be given

Horses/ponies displaying continued disobedience or ponies leaving the ring, whether the rider is mounted or dismounted will be eliminated

Any horse/pony taking the wrong course or jumping another fence after completing the course will be eliminated

The fall of horse and/or rider anywhere on the course will result in elimination. The rider may not attempt another fence but must leave the area immediately on foot

Any horse/pony eliminated or disqualified in the jumping section will not be required again for Phase Two

Horses/ponies must not enter the jumping arena prior to the event

If a jump is knocked down due to refusal or disobedience, the competitor must wait for the steward to rebuild the jump and permission from the judge before re-attempting the obstacle

The jumping phase must be conducted in an enclosed arena

Practice jumps must be available in a separate area

A penciller must be supplied for the judge

Judges are required to inspect the course prior to the event to ensure that it is suitable and at least2 fences are at maximum

Maximum Height of obstacles:

Small Pony 12.2hh and under (rider 14 years and under) 45cm

Large Pony over 12.2hh and not exceeding 14hh 55cm

Galloway over 14hh and not exceeding 15hh 65cm

Hack over 15hh 75cm

2.5.4 Marking System Phase 1 Marks Deductions/Penalties Jumping (10 per obstacle cleared) 80

Knock down 10

Style and manners while jumping 20

First refusal 15 Second refusal 20 Third refusal Elimination

Fall of horse or rider in either phase Elimination

Max Total 100 80 marks are awarded for completing the course without elimination.

Any penalties are then deducted, and the mark for style and manners is added to arrive at the total score for Phase One.

Phase 2 – Work Out A work out will be prescribed by the judge. The judge may also require the horse to be stripped to conclude an accurate conformation mark Marking System – Phase 2 - Competitors to be marked for the following Conformation 20

Freedom of action 20

Manners 10