How to Compete in Hunter Under Saddle

Hunter under saddle is the preliminary class for English riding disciplines. The rider works the horse at the three gaits and does not do any jumps. Hunter under saddle derives from fox hunts, when riders would ride into the field after the foxes.

Things You'll Need

  • Spurs
  • English Riding Jacket
  • Light-colored Shirts
  • English Reins
  • English Saddle
  • Breeches
  • Headstalls
  • Leather Riding Gloves
  • Riding Boots
  • Riding Helmets
  • Snaffle Bit
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Instructions

    • 1

      Select a horse that rides English and has a long, elegant stride. Any breed and any size of horse can compete as long as it has the movements.

    • 2

      Use English saddle and tack.

    • 3

      Wear traditional English attire: a hunt coat, breeches, high English riding boots, and a hunting cap.

    • 4

      Hold the reins in your hands with your hands just above the withers and slightly apart, knuckles rotated 30 degrees inside the vertical. There should be a straight line from the horse's mouth to the rider's elbow.

    • 5

      Flex your ankles, keep your heels down, and maintain contact with the horse through your calves. Keep your legs slightly behind the girth.

    • 6

      Keep your head up, shoulders back and legs straight under you (not forward or back).

    • 7

      Enter the arena with the other riders in the class.

    • 8

      Listen for instructions from the judge.

    • 9

      Circle the perimeter of the arena with the other riders.

    • 10

      Ride the walk, trot and canter according to the judge's request.

    • 11

      Be judged on the smoothness of the horse's gait, its free-flowing stride and willingness to perform.