The term "hunter" is not a breed of horse but an occupation. The hunter must possess jumping ability, manners, style, pace and quality, but he may be of any breed as long as he is a comfortable, safe ride in the hunt field, with the stamina for a long day's hunting and the manners to make it enjoyable. In practice, the hunter is usually a thoroughbred or a halfbred - a cross between a thoroughbred and some other breed, usually to gain weight carrying ability. At Devon there are many hunter divisions, but the courses over which all compete simulate the obstacles encountered in the field. The judges may penalize a horse for touching or knocking down an obstacle, but classes at Devon are judged primarily on form. The hunter should gallop on the course at an even pace, with long easy strides and without excessive motion. He should approach each fence perfectly straight and jump in stride, without hesitation. The flight should be an even arc and the horse should land and get away to the next fence in one motion. Faults of form include swerving, ducking, twisting in flight, uneven pace, jumping dangerously, jumping with legs down and moving poorly between obstacles. Points are awarded to the six top scorers in each class and the horse with the highest number of points at the end of the show is champion. The second highest scorer becomes reserve champion. Working hunters are judged solely on performance. Conformation hunters are judged 75% on performance, 25% on conformation, (their approach to an ideal of physical perfection). Green conformation hunters, horses with less than two years of show experience, are judged 60% on performance and 40% on conformation. These classes have two divisions, for horses with one year or two years of experience. In Appointments or Hunt Team classes the judges also score the dress of the rider and the appointments of the horse. Junior hunters are horses shown under regular hunter conditions, ridden by junior exhibitors (under 18 years of age). Pony hunters are judged on the some basis as regular and junior hunters. At Devon there are three sections: one for small ponies, 12.2 hands and under; one for medium, over 12.2 to 13.2 hands; and one for large, over 13.2 to 14.2 hands. A hand is, 4 inches. The figure 14.2 hands means fourteen hands, two inches, or 58 inches. Previous | Next