Show hunter (British)
The show hunter is a type of show horse commonly seen at equestrian events across Britain. The British "show hunter" is shown primarily on the flat, while the "working hunter" must also jump a series of rustic fences (see also the horses called "show hunters" in the USA).
The governing body that oversees show hunter horses is Sport Horse Breeding (GB), formerly the Hunter Improvement Society.
Horses competing in SHB(GB) affiliated ridden and in-hand hunter classes must be registered with Sport Horse (GB). Horses competing in unaffiliated classes do not need to be registered.
Show hunter ponies are overseen by the British Show Pony Society (BSPS).
Show hunter horses are divided into three weight sections - lightweight, middleweight and heavyweight. The lightweight hunter should be able to carry up to 12 st 7 lb (79 kg), stand around 16 to 16.2 hands (64 to 66 inches, 163 to 168 cm) and have about 8 1⁄2 inches of bone under the knee. The middleweight hunter stands around 16.3 hands (67 inches, 170 cm), can carry between 12 st 7 lb (79 kg) and 14 st (89 kg) and has 8 3⁄4 to 9 inches of bone. The heavyweight stands around 17 hands (68 inches, 173 cm), has 9 inches of bone under the knee and is capable of carrying over 14 st (89 kg).
In addition to the three weight sections, hunters may compete in small hunter, ladies' hunter or working hunter classes. The small hunter must look like a "miniature middleweight". The maximum height is 15.2 hands (62 inches, 157 cm), and small hunters should have relatively short legs with a deep body. The ladies' hunter may be small, lightweight, middleweight or heavyweight, and should be ridden sidesaddle. It should have an elegant appearance, perfect manners and give a smooth ride.
Show hunter horses should be shown with manes plaited (braided) and ears, faces and legs trimmed. Between nine and 13 plaits is traditional, although the number may vary depending on the horse's conformation. Tails may be pulled or plaited, although most professionals prefer to pull. Tack should be workmanlike, with bridles having a flat noseband and plain browband. Handlers should wear tweed jackets, shirt and tie, buff or canary breeches and black leather boots with garter straps.
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