Show Hunter - The Show Hunter Vs. The Field Hunter

The Show Hunter Vs. The Field Hunter

Although the qualities of the show hunter are based on those of the field hunter, the modern show horse is somewhat different from its counterpart in the field. Show hunters have adapted a perfectionist style whereas field hunters mainly reward efficiency and durability. A show hunter is supposed to make its movements look effortless; and maintain a long, low, ground-covering stride with a swinging shoulder, and a low head and neck set They are expected to never stop at a fence, cause a knockdown or a rub, and take every fence in good form and hitting every planned stride in between The perfectionist style of the show hunters is based on the fact that they don't truly encounter the rough terrain that field hunters do. Instead, hunters showing at indoor shows compete on flat, even surfaces over specified "natural type" fences such as coops, post and rails, hanging gates, brush, roll-backs, faux stone and brick walls, natural-colored rails, and etc. Hunters competing at outdoor shows may or may not compete on even surfaces, however even when competing on an outdoor grass course with a couple of rolling surfaces, they still don't have to worry about navigating holes, rocks trees, lumpy cornfields, macadam road surfaces, and the like.

The field hunter's primary requirements have more to do with ability than with looks; therefore he may be any type of horse or pony which can get the job done, safely and competently for his rider. They must be able to keep up with the field, negotiate any type of terrain or footing competently, and be agile and competent white doing it. He is expected to "stand" at "check," (while hounds are working) or for his rider to re-mount him when necessary, NEVER to kick a hound or another horse, and to be under complete control at all times. He should be steady, tough and robust, and able to withstand the inevitable knocks, bumps, bruises, minor injuries, and sometimes falls which happen in the hunt field. Field hunters must have the ability of "staying sane" at all times in the high excitement in a crush of galloping horses, and he should have BRAKES whenever he is called on, to stop quickly. It also helps if he happens to be good-natured, and enjoys his job. He needs a good sound foot, strong legs, and an amenable brain. Riding safely at speed, the ability to stay under control, and attitude all play a vital role for the field hunter. The type of fences he could encounter in the field run from low stone walls to brush, to coops in fence lines to rail fences, logs, railroad timber obstacles, and other "natural boundaries" found in hunting territories. It matters not whether he looks like a peacock or a plow horse, so long as he can do the job, do it well, and bring his rider safely home at the end of the day.