Hunters on Moira EQ

Owned by Anya & Equest

Information on the website may be limited. Be sure to check the google document linked in the resources tab above.

The Objective of Hunters

"Subjectively judged, the modern show ring hunter pays homage to its history, exhibiting the traits desired of a good field hunter— calm disposition, good manners, smooth gaits, steady way of going, and pleasant and efficient jumping ability— but must do so with style, presence and superior technique. Conformation, athleticism, disposition, and jumping form all combine to define a winning show ring hunter. A wide range of sections and classes are offered for hunter riders in today’s show ring, both over fences and on the flat. Hunter classes exist for virtually every type of horse or pony and for any level of rider.”

Please keep in mind that you must be certified to host hunter shows through the Moira Showing Association (MSA). Additionally, please forward any and all questions to LovinHorses33/Anya either on the server or through Discord. Happy huntering!

Lesson Guidelines

Due to the intricate nature of the discipline, it is highly recommended for our players to attend hunter lessons before participating in shows! There are many components of hunters, so these lessons will generally focus on one area of specialty at a time.

Some common lesson objectives include flatwork, jump approaches, and arena entry/exit.

It is important to note that only players certified in the hunter discipline may be permitted to host lessons for other players.

Tack & Attire

Mandatory Equipment:

• English tack is the only permissible equipment

• Hunter saddle pads are required

• Colorful saddle pads are not permitted

Attire:

• Colorful show attire is not permitted

Regulations:

• Martingales/breastcollars are allowed for the over fences (O/F) portion of hunter events, but they are not permitted in under saddle (U/S) competitions

Illegal Equipment:

• Ear bonnets, polo wraps, regular boots, or bell boots are not allowed during any phase of hunter competitions

• Flash nosebands are not permitted

Suitable Courses

Jump Requirements:

1. Hunter courses are required to have anywhere between seven (7) to twelve (12) fences.

2. Hunter courses are designed to be easy to follow with no sharp turns or complex combinations permitted

3. The first jump of a course may not be an oxer

4. All jumps must have at least one stride between them

5. All jumps are required to have either a pole or foliage at the base of each jump

Course modifications may be required at the discretion of LovinHorses33/Anya

Hunter Classes

There are a wide variety of hunter classes that can be hosted with their respective restrictions, which are all listed below.

Open Hunters:

• Open Hunters

  • • • Open Hunters 3'6

        • • A horse of any gender or height may compete in this class

      • Open Hunters 3'0

        • • A horse of any gender or height may compete in this class

      • Open Hunters 2'6

        • • A horse of any gender or height may compete in this class

      • Open Hunters 2'0

        • • A horse of any gender or height may compete in this class

Horse Hunters

• Performance Hunters

  • • • High Performance Hunters 4'0

        • • The horse must be above 50 show points to enter this class

          • Stallions are permitted to participate in this class

      • Performance Hunters 3'6

        • • The horse must be above 50 show points to enter this class

          • Stallions are permitted to participate in this class

• Green Hunters

  • • • Green Hunters 3'3

        • • The horse must be below 50 show points to enter this class

          • Stallions are permitted to participate in this class

      • Green Hunters 3'0

        • • The horse must be below 50 show points to enter this class

          • Stallions are permitted to participate in this class

• Hunter Derbies

  • These classes must be hosted in grass derby arenas

    • • International Hunter Derby 3'6

        • • The courses are set at a height of 3'6 but include options for select 3'9 jumps as an opportunity for additional points

          • Stallions are permitted to participate in this class

      • National Hunter Derby 3'0

        • • These courses are set at a height of 3'0 but include options for select 3'3 jumps as an opportunity for additional points

          • Stallions are permitted to participate in this class

Pony Hunters

• Large Pony Hunters 3'0

  • • • All ponies must range between 14.0hh to 14.3hh to participate in this class

      • Stallions are not permitted to participate in this class

• Medium Pony Hunters 2'6

  • • • All ponies must range between 13.0hh to 13.3hh to participate in this class

      • Stallions are not permitted to participate in this class

• Small Pony Hunters 2'0

  • • • All ponies must range between 12.0hh to 12.3hh to participate in this class

      • Stallions are not permitted to participate in this class

Judging Guidelines - Over Fences

Riders begin their respective rounds with 100 points, and this value either decreases or increases depending on the highlights on the round. Although hosts are permitted to use some discretion, it is generally recommended to follow the guide provided below.

Point Loss

Point Gain

Notes

At the conclusion of the competition, the cumulative score for each rider should be calculated based on the notes taken for their round. The host will rank the final scores from the highest value to the lowest value, and the top six (6) riders will be awarded their respective ribbons.

Hosting Notes - Over Fences

Hosts are required to take notes on every horse and rider pairing for each round during both over fences (O/F) and under saddle (U/S) competitions. The intention for these notes is to justify all score modifications. There is an example scoresheet included below to reference for appropriate notes and point deductions.

Judging Guidelines - Under Saddle

Riders begin their respective rounds with 20 points, and this value either decreases or increases depending on the highlights on the round. However, total scores may not exceed the maximum permitted score of 100. Although hosts are permitted to use some discretion, it is generally recommended to follow the guide provided below. It is important to note that gaits must be judged going each direction. 

Point Gain

Point Loss

Notes

At the conclusion of the competition, the cumulative score for each rider should be calculated based on the notes taken for their round. The host will rank the final scores from the highest value to the lowest value, and the top six (6) riders will be awarded with their respective ribbons.

Hosting Notes - Under Saddle

Hosts are required to take notes on every horse and rider pairing for each round during both over fences (O/F) and under saddle (U/S) competitions. The intention for these notes is to justify all score modifications. There is an example scoresheet included below to reference for appropriate notes and point deductions. Although both directions of each gait are required, it is important to note that it is only required to complete the transition portion of the notes if the riders performed the transition in question.

How to Qualify & Closing Notes

In order to be certified to host hunters, you will have to demonstrate your ability to host properly. You will take an intensive quiz as well as have proof of taking at least one hunter lesson from a certified instructor.