Hunter Jumping Trainer

Hunter Jumping is an event where the horse is judged on its movements and performance instead of the rider. Hunters consists of classes over fences and on the flat. In a division, there will typically be three classes: two over fences classes with jumps set at a specific height and one flat class. In the classes over fences, horses are judged by their pace and quality of jump. The rider is responsible for maintaining a consistent pace and measuring well to set their horse up for a good distance to a jump. The jumps are set to a generally lower height than in jumpers because of the technicality of the event. In classes on the flat, horses are judged on their manners and communication when asked to perform specific tasks. Riders strive to finesse the ride to best showcase the effortlessness and style for the horse.

Any age of rider can participate in hunter classes. Because of the wide range of participants, the event is broken up into age groups of riders so that riders are judged against other riders of a similar age group.

Hunter Jumping classes begin as low as cross rails. They need to have had lessons with a trainer knowledgeable about the event to ensure the safety of the rider and horse. Riders need to have mastered the basics of riding: walk, trot, canter, and lead changes.

In jumping, your only judge is the clock. Jumpers is a race to clear all the jumps within the time allowed. Unlike jumpers, hunter jumper judges will give you a score based on technique and a knocked rail will seriously damage your score. In hunter jumping over fences, the higher the score, the better the ride. Out of 100, a knocked rail will drop your score to 45 rather than the 4 faults added to your time in jumpers. Hunter jumping is largely about finessing the ride- making it look as easy and effortless as possible.

When looking for a jumping trainer, experience is key- especially in the show ring. Your trainer needs to have several years of experience showing in order to be generally qualified to teach. They also need to understand that, as the rider and client, your safety and health of your horse comes first.