Hunter/Jumper

Hunter/Jumper shows make for fun weekend

The Colorado Hunter/Jumper Association puts on shows most weekends throughout the year all along the Front Range. But what is a hunter/jumper show?

First, a little history

The name "hunter" comes from the origin of the sport: fox hunting. Horses and riders would head out in groups, following a pack of hounds. The hounds would find the scent trail of a fox and take off running after it. The horses and riders would then follow over any terrain the fox covered - including fallen trees, hedges, ditches, and fences. Horses would have to jump over these obstacles and keep up with the hounds.

Eventually this sport evolved into more organized forms of competition such as hunter, jumper and eventing. Each sport tests different aspects of the fox-hunting experience.

Eventing tests the endurance and bravery of the horse. Jumper tests its power and speed.  Hunter tests its pacing and rideability.

Hunter/Jumper shows are split into Hunter and Jumper sections. The day often starts with hunter classes and ends with jumper classes, although each show will be managed differently. While horses can compete in both types of competition, each requires a different temperament and style of riding.

Hunter

These classes are judged and placed based on style, precision and rhythm. A hunter horse is expected to go around the course of jumps with a consistent rhythm, to jump the jumps quietly and easily, and to carry the rider with ease.

The judge will look for the horse's quality of movement and style of jumping. The horse should tuck its knees and be very precise over the jumps.

Jumper

Jumper classes are timed and placed based on the horse-and-rider combination with the fastest, cleanest round.

These jumps can be brightly colored, and the courses tend to be more complicated than hunter courses. Riders incur penalties for knocking down jumps, running away from jumps, stopping at jumps or going off course.

If more than one rider has a "clean" round, a jump-off is held, in which the riders jump a shorter, more complicated course. The fastest, cleanest jump-off round will win.

This section often includes an equitation portion, in which the judge watches the rider and his or her ability to communicate with the horse rather than focusing on the horse's movements.

Fences in these classes will be neutral- or natural-colored and made of natural materials.

At the show, classes usually progress from the smallest jumps to the highest.

When and where

Hunter-jumper shows will be held this weekend at Hobby Horse Farms in Firestone and next weekend at Four Winds Farm in Fort Collins. Check the CHJA website for schedules and more information.

These showcases of the relationship between horse and rider are fun for everyone to watch.