How to Compete in Hunter Hack

Hunter hack is the transitional English class between the flat riding class with no jumps (hunter under saddle) and the class with tall jumps (working hunter).

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately challenging

Things You’ll Need:

• English Riding Jacket
• Light-colored Shirts
• English Reins
• English Saddle
• Breeches
• Headstalls
• Leather Riding Gloves
• Riding Boots
• Riding Helmets
• Snaffle Bit

1. Choose a horse that moves well, rides English, and has a long, elegant stride.
2. Tack up your horse with English saddle and tack. It's required for this event.
3. Wear a dark jacket with a light-colored shirt, a riding helmet with light-colored breeches, tall, dark leather riding boots, spurs and a riding crop.
4. Enter the arena when instructed according to your order in the class. Riders compete individually.
5. Hold your hands just above the withers and slightly apart, with your knuckles rotated 30 degrees inside the vertical. There should be a straight line from the horse's mouth to the rider's elbow.
6. Flex your ankles, keep your heels down, and maintain contact with the horse through your calves. Keep your legs slightly behind the girth.
7. Follow the pattern. Riders compete in a specific and required pattern.
8. Jump your horse. Horses are required to jump two fences ranging in height from 2 feet to 2 feet, 9 inches. Horse should move freely and easily while jumping small fences.

Tips & Warnings

• Always wear a helmet.
• Use caution when jumping.