Morgan Working Hunter

MGN 20.0 Morgan Working Hunter

1. Eligibility: Horses entered in the class must be registered Morgans. Working Hunter classes may have divisions based on age, experience level, or other criteria. Open to professionals, amateurs and Juvenile Exhibitors.

2. Attire: Riders typically wear traditional hunter attire, which includes a show coat, light-colored breeches, field boots or dress boots, a show shirt with a choker or stock tie, and an ASTM/SEI-certified helmet. Attire should be neat, clean, and in good condition.

3. Tack: The horse should be equipped with suitable Hunter tack, including a well-fitted English saddle, bridle with a snaffle bit or suitable hunter bit, and appropriate saddle pad. Tack should be clean, well-maintained, and in accordance with traditional hunter standards.

4. Conformation and Movement: Judges assess both the conformation and movement of the horse. Morgans competing in Working Hunter classes should exhibit the breed's characteristic traits while demonstrating correct hunter movement. This includes a ground-covering trot, a balanced canter, and an athletic jump over fences.

5. Jumping: Working Hunter classes typically include a jumping component. Horses are judged on their jumping form, style, and willingness. Jumps are set at regulation heights and include both fences and natural obstacles commonly found in hunting fields.

6. Manners and Performance: The horse should demonstrate excellent manners, responsiveness to the rider's aids, and an overall pleasurable performance. This includes steady, rhythmic gaits, smooth transitions, and obedience to the rider's commands both on the flat and over fences.

7. Presentation: Presentation of both horse and rider is important. This includes grooming, turnout, and overall presentation of the turnout as a polished and harmonious team. The horse should be neatly groomed, with a clean and well-maintained appearance.

8. Judging Criteria: Judges evaluate various aspects including conformation, movement, jumping ability, manners, suitability as a working hunter, and the overall impression of the turnout. Emphasis is often placed on the horse's jumping form, consistency, and style over fences.

● Amateur & Juvenile Exhibitor - Shown: Execute at least eight (8) jumping attempts over hunter-style fences 2'6"-2'9" with one (1) change of direction recommended. May be asked to back. Must jog for soundness with rider dismounted if considering horse for award. Judged on performance, manners and soundness.

● Regular - Shown: Execute at least eight (8) jumping attempts over hunter-style fences 3'-3'3" with one (1) change of direction recommended. May be asked to back. Must jog for soundness with rider dismounted if considering horse for award. Judged: Performance, manners and soundness.

● Under Saddle - Shown: Walk, trot, canter, and hand gallop both ways of the ring. May be asked to back. Excessive speed at the hand gallop should be penalized. Light contact is required and the horse should be responsive, obedient, alert, and move freely. Judged on performance, manners and soundness.

● Bridle Path Hack - Shown: Walk, trot, canter, and hand gallop both ways of the ring. Horses must back easily and stand quietly while the rider dismounts and mounts. May be asked to back. Judged on performance, manners and soundness.

● Hunter Warm Up - Shown: Execute at least eight (8) jumping attempts over hunter-style fences with one (1) change of direction recommended. May be asked to back. Must jog for soundness with rider dismounted if considering horse for award. Judged on performance, manners and soundness.