General

HH 1.0 General The Hunter Hack class typically includes individual fence work (70% weight) and collective rail work (30% weight), judged on manners, performance, and versatility. Some shows may offer the class on the flat only, judging manners, performance, and way of going. Hunter Hack may be open to juveniles 14 and over with fence experience, amateurs, amateur masters, ladies, gentlemen, youth, or open/professionals. The horse should demonstrate versatility and manners, moving at a “fox-hunting pace” with a long, ground-covering stride. The head and neck should be slightly collected, with the poll level or slightly above the withers. The frame should be natural, not tightly collected, with light mouth contact. Over-flexing at the poll or an excessively extended nose is undesirable. High trotting motion or elevated head carriage is also penalized. Severe penalties are given for knocking down a rail, breaking into a trot from the canter, or picking up the wrong canter lead. Rushing jumps or excessive slowness must be penalized. Unnatural tail carriage, either exaggerated or lifeless, results in a severe penalty. Minor faults include refusals, hesitations, run-outs, or extra circles. More than three minor errors lead to disqualification. Fence work is done first and consists of two fences set in a straight line, at heights of 2 feet or 2 feet 9 inches. Fences are spaced 12-foot apart increments (usually 36, 48, or 60 feet) to allow 2 to 4 strides. After the second jump, the judge may ask for a hand gallop, halt, and straight-line backup. Collective rail work follows fence work. Horses enter the ring counter-clockwise at trot, walk, and canter, then reverse and repeat the gaits. The judge may extend any gait or call for a halt and backup on the rail or in line-up.