Hunter Country Pleasure Division

ASB 6.2 Hunter Country Pleasure Division The Saddlebred Hunter Country Pleasure Horse must be portrayed as an overall pleasurable ride, with a relaxed attitude and a lower natural neck carriage positioned with a slight pole bend. Typically, a longer body frame compared to Saddlebred Country Pleasure Horses. Higher headed horses or set behind the pole should be penalized. The best quality Saddlebred, according to breed standards should always prevail. Professionals may compete in the Hunter Country Pleasure Prospect or open Hunter Country Pleasure classes, provided two additional Hunter classes restricted to amateurs are available at the same event. For safety considerations, the judge may restrict the number of horses allowed to perform an extended canter simultaneously in any hunter class. Shoeing: Horses in competition must adhere to specific regulations regarding their shoeing. They are allowed to be either plain shod or unshod. "Plain shod" refers to a shoe, which may include caulks, and may be thicker at the heel. Additionally, toe clips and side clips are permissible, as well as eggbar shoes. A ¼” thick leather rim pad, no wider than the shoe, is allowed to maintain the integrity of the hoof wall. However, certain elements are not allowed with plain shoeing, including bands, bars, full pads of any kind, wedges, lead, springs, or any attachment extending below the shoe. Any foreign substance not explicitly permitted is also prohibited. It is essential that the sole and entire frog of the foot remain visible. Any horse found with prohibited shoeing will be disqualified from further competition. These regulations ensure fairness and safety in competitive events. Mane & Tail: Horses have the option to appear with a conservative braided mane and tail. However, horses will not face penalties for showing with a full, unbraided mane and tail. It's important to note that tails must not be manipulated with any device such as a tailset, bustle, or brace that alters their natural carriage while on the show grounds. Even if a horse's tail has been set previously, this doesn't disqualify them from participating. Artificial manes are not allowed, but inconspicuously applied hair in the tail is permitted. These guidelines ensure fairness and preserve the natural appearance and movement of the horses during competition. Tack & Apparel:

Entries will be penalized for incomplete Tack & Apparel. Hunter pleasure horses are required to be presented with traditional hunter-style equipment, including a browband and caveson of hunter type. Incorrect non-hunter style browband and caveson requires disqualification. Bridle: Options include a snaffle bridle, pelham with two reins, kimberwick bits, or a full bridle (curb and snaffle). If a full bridle is used, it must adhere to the hunter style, with curb shanks and pelhams not exceeding five and a half inches (5.5"). Breastplates are permitted, but martingales are prohibited. Saddle: A forward or balance hunt seat style saddle is required. An appropriate style side saddle is permitted as an exception. Attire: Riders should wear traditional hunter-style attire, including a jacket, breeches or hunter jodhpurs, a dark hunt cap, derby, or protective headgear, along with appropriate boots. Tall dress or tall field boots are preferred, with paddock or jodhpur boots and matching half chaps also permitted. A stock, choker, or four-in-hand tie with any color shirt is acceptable. Shadbellies are prohibited. Jackets should be of traditional colors and materials suitable for hunting, with discrete patterns allowed. Brocades, raised patterns, glossy/metallic/shiny fabrics or materials are prohibited and may be penalized at the Judge’s discretion. Ornamentations or attire items are also prohibited, except for certain exceptions like a stock or lapel pin, tie clip, number magnets, or tie tack. Side saddle riders may wear a skirt, divided skirt, or apron. In all classes, gloves, a hunter crop or bat, spurs, and Tack & Apparel are optional. Junior riders must wear headgear with a protective harness attached when mounted, and wearing protective headgear is permitted without penalty. Members of the Armed Services or the Police may wear the Service Dress Uniform. Gaits Exhibitors are expected to demonstrate a walk, trot with forward-moving stride, extended trot, canter, and extended canter in both directions of the ring. Judges may limit the number of horses shown at extended canter for safety reasons. Entries are required to halt and stand quietly on the rail in both directions of the ring. Manners, suitability as a pleasure mount, smooth and effortless transitions between gaits, and obedience with prompt transitions are all paramount. Standards of Judging Specifically for Hunter Country Pleasure Horses, competitors enter the ring at the trot in a counterclockwise direction. Light contact with the horse’s mouth must be maintained at all gaits, with judges giving equal consideration to performance at each gait when evaluating the class.

HUNTER COUNTRY PLEASURE CLASSES OFFERED Hunter Country Pleasure Classes are available in various categories including Open, All Ages, Ladies, Gentlemen, Adult Amateur, Master, Juvenile, Maiden, Novice, Youth, Limit, Junior, Championship, or Stake. Entries are expected to demonstrate a walk, trot, extended trot, canter, and extended canter in both directions of the ring. Entries will be required to halt and stand quietly on the rail in both directions of the ring. Judging criteria will include manners, performance, suitability as a Hunter, quality, and conformation. While in line, horses must stand quietly with all four legs perpendicular to the ground, and they should readily back up when required. Hunter Country Pleasure Prospect This class is exclusively open to horses competing in their first or second competition years as Hunter Country Pleasure horses. Comprehensive competition records for licensed or open shows should be verified on Saddle Horse Report. Exhibitors may include professionals, amateurs, or Juvenile Exhibitors. Entries are expected to demonstrate a walk, trot, extended trot, canter, and extended canter in both directions of the ring. Entries will be required to halt and stand quietly on the rail in both directions of the ring. Judging will focus on suitability as a Hunter, manners, performance, quality, and conformation. While in line, horses must stand quietly with all four legs perpendicular to the ground, and they should readily back up when required. Hunter Seat Classic - Saddle & Bridle Please refer to https://saddleandbridle.com/classes for rules and regulations.