Hunter

With its roots in traditional fox hunting where riders would often jump their horses over fences and natural obstacles, hunter classes test the essential qualities in a good hunting horse. In today’s Hunter ring, performances are judged subjectively, with a variety of factors being taken into consideration, including the horse’s style, movement, jumping technique, and conformation depending on the class. Hunter divisions include over fences classes (jumping obstacles) and hack classes (gaits, including walk, trot and canter).Hunter Derbys test keenness, athleticism, and proficiency as horse and rider negotiate obstacles typically encountered while galloping in the open field.