Working Hunter tips

[fleabitten]

ok, have put my name down to do the working hunter as the RS next friday evening (as long as im not asked to work). will be riding the same horse as for the show as i had a spin round a WH course on him recently in my lesson so i know what to expect.

apparently the format is to jump your course and then do your individual show straight after.

its correct turnout so that means shirt and tie and plaiting too.

was thinking of a figure of 8 in canter with change of leg at trot over X but then that doesnt really show the walk and trot off.

am quite glad that we are doing it straight after the jumping as he will be good off the leg and wakened up so hopefully it wont look too messy with me trying to get him going lol!

any tips and advice on working hunter in general (its only a wee relaxed thing like) and any tips on individual show plans?

thanks

[kitcat]

From reading other peoples replies to this type of question the best advice seems to be keep it simple and do it well!

Forgot to say good luck and have fun

[fleabitten]

thanks for the good luck wishes kitcat - it will be my first working hunter show ever so pretty excited!

thats good advice ;D

[scattymare]

Yes Flea, short and simple is the key - nothing worse than someone going round and round over and over.
This is quite a good diagram rehorses.com/individualshow.jpg
The paces should be at a good working pace, same for the junping - no need to race round but jumping with purpose and forwardness if that makes sense
Best of luck.

[fleabitten]

thanks for the link scatty, thats quite a good diagram i agree - it pretty much looks like a figure of 8 - not sure whether i will do a trot on the diagonal or just a few strides across X and then leave the trot to the end. will probs make it up as i go along LOL

i had forgotten about the gallop bit at the end, will have to remember to do that - i remember in the winter we were practicing for the WH as there was a league on and we did that.

i think my horse is going to be able to do it with his eyes shut lol! hes great.

thanks for the tips

[faye]

Showing a Good Gallop in a WH class can win you a class, a hunter should be able to gallop and come back to you with no fuss.

YOu need to show walk, trot and canter on each rein and a gallop on one rein. Many judges hate the fact that competitors rarely show any walk work.

[fleabitten]

Thanks for those tips faye