Show Hack or Hunter?

Show hunter classes have increased exponentially in both size and quality in Australia to where they are eclipsing the hacks at many Royal and Horse of the Year Shows.

BY JAMIE CARSON 

THE SHOW HUNTER is still relatively new to the Australian show world, although they have been a prominent feature in the English show ring for quite some time. As with anything new, there is still considerable debate surrounding what type of horse fulfills the criteria of a show hunter, how the class should be judged and what is acceptable turnout in this section. Traditionally, a hack was used to carry his master from the stables to the hunt field, at which time the rider would change over onto his hunter. Reflective of this tradition, it is expected that the show hunter will be more workmanlike than the show hack counterpart, and offer the appearance of soundness and the ability to carry his rider for long periods over varied terrain while maintaining a balanced and forward way of going.  

One of the most commonly debated elements of the show hunter section is the most basic question – what exactly is a show hunter? It is widely accepted that a successful show hack must be a quality animal, probably of Thoroughbred heritage, with clean limbs, a beautiful overall outline and refined features, a flowing and soft way of moving over the ground, with exceptional presence and the look of being "on the edge" while remaining well-mannered and obedient. He should look like a joy to ride, and appear well-schooled while maintaining a bright demeanor. It always should be remembered that the show hack class is not to be judged as a dressage test, and it is not the place to reward horses purely on their quiet manner, or be overly impressed by over-trained trick riding where a horse lacks fundamental quality.

In the case of the show hunter, much of this still applies. First and foremost, the show hunter is still a show horse, and without a doubt this must mean it is a quality animal. It is equally important that a show hunter displays sufficient substance and bone, as this is the key differential between a hack and a hunter. A plainer horse of hunter type should always be placed over a horse that clearly appears to be a hack type.

An ideal show hunter will have significantly greater depth of girth, and although not lacking in length of rein or cleanness through the gullet, it will have far greater natural substance of the neck. Generally, the hunter will have shorter cannon bones than his show hack counterpart, and overall heavier bone. A show hunter will still move across the ground in a flowing manner, although a little more knee action is allowed when compared to the typical daisy-cutter movement of the hack. A hunter is expected to be impressive and somewhat bold in its way of going, and should have the appearance of overall balance, freedom, endurance and fundamental soundness. Like a show hack, the hunter should display presence and an imposing "look at me" quality.

Manners are of utmost importance in a show hunter, and minor indiscretions that may be deemed allowable in a show hack, such as a minor spook at a scary object, would be considered unacceptable in a show hunter. Just as with the show hack, the horse should appear comfortable and a pleasure to ride, and should not be strong in the bridle or look tense or hot, particularly in the gallop or on the circle. A show hunter can be of any breeding, and any colour, and it is quite common for successful show hunters to have varied pedigrees, including Thoroughbred, Warmblood and Clydesdale heritage.

It is always important to remember that first and foremost the class is called Show Hunter for a reason – it isn’t a class that is judging a "field hunter", a horse that is actually used for fox hunting, which is not required to look or go any particular way, as long as it suits its rider's requirements to enjoy a day’s hunting. There has been a lot of debate on some online forums by those new to showing around why it is that judges don’t reward horses that look like they have literally stepped off the hunting field. It is important to remember the definition of a show hunter is as follows, according to the Equestrian Australia Show Horse Handbook:

"A Show Hunter should possess more substance than the modern ridden Show Horse but it must be emphasised they should be quality animals … He must cover the ground in all paces with a well-balanced gallop, moving from the shoulder, and with hind legs well under. A certain amount of knee action is permitted, while a flat, stilted action is unacceptable … The hunter should possess substance without coarseness, quality without fineness, straightness and freedom of action at all places, boldness and natural balance …".

Within the currently recommended Equestrian Australia guidelines, the suggested breakdown for scoring is 25 per cent Type and General Impression, 25 per cent Conformation, 25 per cent Straightness of Action and Freedom of Movement, and 25 per cent Workout and Manners. It is important to understand the difference between substance and coarseness, and although bone is one important criterion, it certainly shouldn’t be the main consideration when selecting or judging a show hunter. The generally accepted rule is that a horse over 15hh will have at least 8” of bone, measured around the cannon under the knee. I am yet to come across anyone who has actually used this as a measure when selecting their next show hunter, but it is interesting and worth keeping in mind as a useful reference nonetheless.

There are clear differences in the turnout and presentation requirements with hacks and hunters. Generally in Australia it is accepted that, while exhibiting a show hunter the rider will be dressed in tweed, with the accessories being plain and understated – for example, a plain plaited hacking cane, or a leather cane with a traditional topper. Some riders choose to wear navy and this is also acceptable, if less common. Hunters should be shown in plain leather browbands, although there is a recent trend towards either plaited leather or brown velvet ribbon variants. The suggested girth and numnah is of a dark colour, and quarter markers are usually a combination of shark's teeth and wide stripes on the top of the rump, however, it is also acceptable for hunters to be shown with none.

Workouts for show hunter classes are usually reflective of those expected of show hacks, with the obvious exception of the gallop. Generally an in-hand gallop will be asked both on the circle and in the individual workout, and is one of the highlights for spectators. It is important that the gallop remains controlled and balanced while also demonstrating the horse’s ability to cover the ground and display obedience in the transitions.   

In summary, there are clear and distinct differences between a show hack and a show hunter. For those who have a horse that is somewhere in the middle, my suggestion would be to enter a few smaller shows and compete in both divisions (not at the same show – this is generally against the rules, and if not, is still considered poor etiquette) and ask the judge and knowledgeable spectators what their opinion is. Young horses will generally gain more substance and bone as they mature, so don’t be afraid to revisit your decision at the start of each season. In the meantime, enjoy your horse!

 This article first appeared in a previous edition of Equestrian Life magazine. For more information or to subscribe, visit our home page here.