HUNTERS
Show Hunter Hack
Show Hunter Pony
Show Hunter Galloway
Characteristics
Movement
Must cover the ground and have a very SOUND way of moving (Absence of stiffness is especially important in the hunter ring) - Less pretty & flashy than a show hack
Conformation
Built for practicality/work rather than leisure. Shorter cannons (Front shins), denser muscle through neck shoulder & hind - deeper girth generally a longer back. and neck as well. Should NOT be fine boned in any regard - Head should not be refined like that of a Show Hack but rather 'bolder' with a large kind eye. A fat horse is not necessarily a hunter
Bone
Hunters 16 hh and over should have a MINIMUM of 8 1/2 inches of bone measured just under the knee - For Small Hacks, Galloways & Ponies this can be less however they should still carry a significant amount of bone relative to their size
Impression/rideability
Must create the impression of a smooth ride that would be able to carry out a full days work hunting in the fields. Whilst only Working Hunter classes require a horse to jump Show Hunters must create the impression that they would be able to jump if asked. Hunters are usually required to complete a hand gallop in their work outs
Manners
Manners are generally more important in the hunter ring than the hack ring. Hunters hypothetically have a job to do & must be able to do a full day of 'work' without protest or fear of their surroundings. A quiet, obliging temperament is desirable - an anxious, fidgety horse is likely to be marked down.
Colour
Whilst 'plain' horses are more common in the hunter ring Hunters do not have to be of a certain colour. If they fit the criteria of a hunter a horse should not be marked down based on colour. Comparatively, horses of the hunter type but 'flashy' markings should not be entered in the hack ring
Scaring
Whilst scaring is undesirable, Hunters are generally less harshly penalised for superficial scaring than Hacks as long as it doesn't appear to affect the horses soundness - However it will put them at a disadvantage against unblemished competitors