464. HUNTER UNDER SADDLE

(a) Hunters under saddle should be suitable to purpose. Hunters

should move with long, low strides reaching forward with ease and

smoothness, be able to lengthen stride and cover ground with

relaxed, free flowing movement, while exhibiting correct gaits that

are of the proper cadence. The quality of the movement and the consistency

of the gaits is a major consideration. Horses should be obedient,

have a bright expression with alert ears, and should respond

willingly to the rider with light leg and hand contact. Horses should

be responsive and smooth in transition. When asked to extend the

trot or hand gallop, they should move out with the same flowing

motion. The poll should be level with, or slightly above, the withers

to allow proper impulsion behind. The head position should be

slightly in front of, or on, the vertical.

(b) This class will be judged on performance, condition and

conformation. Maximum credit shall be given to the flowing, balanced,

willing horse.

(c) Horses to be:

(1) shown under saddle, not to jump.

(2) shown at a walk, trot and canter both ways of the ring.

Horses should back easily and stand quietly.

(3) reversed to the inside away from the rail.

(d) Horses may be asked to change to canter from the flat-footed

walk or trot, at the judges discretion.

(e) Faults to be scored according to severity:

(1) Quick, short, or vertical strides

(2) Being on the wrong lead and/or wrong diagonal at the trot

(3) Breaking gait

(4) Excessive speed at any gait

(5) Excessive slowness in any gait, loss of forward momentum

(6) Failure to take the appropriate gait when called for

(7) Head carried too high

(8) Head carried too low (such that poll is below the withers)

(9) Overflexing or straining neck in head carriage so the

nose is carried behind the vertical

(10) Excessive nosing out

(11) Failure to maintain light contact with horse’s mouth

(12) Stumbling

(13) If horse appears sullen, dull, lethargic, emaciated,

drawn or overly tired

(14) Consistently showing too far off the rail

(f) Faults which will be cause for disqualification, except in novice ama206

teur or novice youth which shall be faults, scored according to severity:

(1) Head carried too low (such that poll is below the withers

consistently)

(2) Overflexing or straining neck in head carriage so the

nose is carried behind the vertical consistently

(g) At the option of the judge, all or just the top 12 horses may be

required to hand gallop, one or both ways of the ring. Never more than 12

horses to hand gallop at one time. At the hand gallop, the judge may ask the

group to halt and stand quietly on a free rein (loosened rein).