Instructions
Prepare your horse. A Hunter Under Saddle class shows the judge your horse's gaits on the flat. The gaits shown are walk, trot and canter. Your horse will circle the ring in both directions at all gaits, and then will line up in the middle of the ring while the judge makes her decision about who the winners are. Preparing your horse for the show ring includes daily schooling on the flat at all three gaits and practicing obedience such as standing quietly without movement. It is good to school with other horses and riders so your horse is comfortable working with others. You can also take your horse to local schooling and unrated shows so he can begin to work in unfamiliar environments without losing his cool. When you get to the show grounds, always school him in the arena he will show in, if this is allowed. This gives your horse a chance to look at the arena and the objects in and around it, making him less likely to spook during his class.
Work on the flat. A hunter should have three beautiful gaits that are expansive, free flowing and graceful. He should swing his shoulders freely and his trot should be flat-kneed. His head should be "long and low," or reaching downwards, rounding his top line. Hunters should be extremely obedient, immediately responding to the rider's aids. To get your hunter fluid and supple, work on the flat a minimum of five days per week. For the higher level shows, your competition will be stiff. Your horse must be responsive but mannerly. Put in the time it takes to build your horse's muscle and temperament. If you are not able to ride this often, have a trainer keep your horse fine-tuned. It is also important to take regular, weekly lessons on your horse. A professional trainer is your eyes on the ground, and all great riders need this feedback.
Prepare yourself. Impeccable rider turnout is important, even though you are not begin judged on your riding abilities. A dark riding jacket, starched riding shirt with choker, tan or white breeches, black gloves, black field boots and a black helmet are just the start. All your riding attire must be clean and wrinkle free. At the in-gate, prior to your entrance into the arena, have someone wipe off your boots and helmet. Make sure that your number is easily visible to the judge.
Prepare your horse. Your horse should be well groomed and shiny with a braided mane and tail. Have a professional braider take care of the braiding aspects. The cost is well worth it. At the in-gate, while your boots and helmet are being cleaned, have your groom, trainer or friend shine your horse's hooves and wipe him down with a cloth. Also be sure to wipe out his nostrils and around his eyes. Have someone look at his tail and run a brush through it one last time.
Clean your tack. Your saddle, bridle, girth and saddle pad must be clean and conditioned. Wash the saddle pad a few days before the show and wrap it in plastic until you are ready to use it. If it has any spots or discoloration, use bleach to make it completely white. Clean and condition your saddle, bridle and girth, but do this several days before the show. If you oil your tack, use the oil sparingly on the seat and knee pads. Clean your horse's bit and shine all metal parts of the saddle, including the stirrups.
Ride your horse. From the moment you set foot in the arena until the moment you walk out, you are being judged. Remember this. Some people will tell you that you are not officially judged until the announcer asks the horses to walk, but the judge is still watching. First impressions count, so make your entrance to exit shine. If your horse has an amazing trot, show this gait off as soon as you get into the arena. Trot past the judge and around until you find a place to make a smooth transition to a walk. All your transitions should be smooth and seamless, however. Hunters are supposed to be calm horses that anyone could ride. This is the appearance you want to give, even if your horse is difficult. Make sure that you are about 10 feet away from the rail and that you plan it so that your horse has ample chances to work before the judge by himself. It is okay to cut across the arena a few times in order to position yourself. Ride with a loose rein, soft contact and remain in two point during the canter. Remember to smile, too. If you give the impression that riding your horse is easy and fun, this will be conveyed to the judge and audience.
How to Win a Hunter Under Saddle Class
Hunter Under Saddle classes are some of the most elegant in the English riding world. Hunters are horses that are judged on movement, style and manners. In a Hunter Under Saddle class, the rider's abilities and equitation are not judged. It is all up to the horse. So how the rider handles her horse is of the utmost importance. The rider's job is to get the best out of her mount and show the horse to the best of his ability. Behind the scenes preparatory work matters as does schooling at home. You want both you and your horse to look perfect.