2 Training Tools for Better Hunter Rounds
Practical Horseman » Hunters
by Louise Serio
7M ago
In this article, I’ll share two of my favorite exercises that are great tools for both horses and riders. The first is a simple cavalletti exercise on a circle that demands accuracy. The second is a three-jump gymnastic that can be customized to target your horse’s specific training challenges. The cavalletti circle exercise helps riders improve track-riding skills, and the predictability of the gymnastic exercise allows riders to focus on their positions and encourages horses to improve their jumping forms.  Rachel Hake, riding Baltic, a 5-year-old warmblood owned by Derbydown, focu ..read more
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14 Tips for a Better Under-Saddle Class
Practical Horseman » Hunters
by Keri Kampsen
1y ago
From the moment you step into the hunter ring for an under-saddle class, you want to show yourself and your horse in the best light possible. A key to that is making sure the judge sees your horse as often as possible as you ride around the arena. In addition, after the judge notices you in the class, your horse needs to be working at his best. According to the U.S. Equestrian Rule Book’s Hunter Division section, that means “horses should be obedient, alert, responsive and move freely.” There are a lot of skills you can practice to increase your chances of impressing the judge. In this article ..read more
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Ride Like A Rock Star
Practical Horseman » Hunters
by Holly Hugo-Vidal
1y ago
When I’m at a horse show where I see a few hundred riders, whether I’m judging or training, I often think that out of all of them, only a few make it look easy. Only a few! What is the problem that so many of the remaining riders have? What is the difficulty they are struggling with? Why are their rounds uneven in pace as well as jumps? Lack of control is something I jot down often on my judge’s card for adult and young rider classes, but why? I believe it is because these riders are obsessed with trying to find or create a good distance. In doing so, they misjudge and make the horse nervous ..read more
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What’s the Point?
Practical Horseman » Hunters
by Jim Wofford
1y ago
As usual, I’m starting with history. Most people in the hunter/jumper/eventer universe vaguely recognize Bert de Némethy’s name, although few know exactly why he is famous. The answer is simple: As coach of the U.S. eventing team, he brought a fully integrated system of training to this country. By schooling his horses and riders in dressage, he ensured the ability of riders to control their horses. Those of us who ride and train jumpers of any type are forever in his debt. Just as we pay homage to Gen. Harry Chamberlin’s teachings on the position of the rider over fences whenever we keep our ..read more
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Take Advantage of Trot Jumps
Practical Horseman » Hunters
by John French
1y ago
Are you practicing enough trot jumps? Many people don’t realize just how beneficial they can be. Even if you don’t do them in the show ring—for example, as you do in equitation or Handy Hunter classes—they can be a valuable part of your training program. Trot jumps are excellent for working on a young horse’s balance and timing over small jumps while his canter is still developing. At this stage, with most young horses, it’s easier to regulate the trot stride than the canter stride. By sitting quietly in the approach to the jump, you allow your horse to figure out the takeoff spot on his own ..read more
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Loosen Up: 4 Exercises to Eliminate Rider Stiffness
Practical Horseman » Hunters
by Kip Rosenthal
1y ago
One of the most important things you can do to improve your riding is address stiffness in your body. It’s the root of many rider problems. If your back is overarched and stiff, you can sit on the saddle, but not “in” it—your body won’t move fluidly with your horse’s motion. Even worse, your hollow back will drive your seat bones down into your horse’s back, causing him to raise his head, hollow and stop pushing off his hind legs. Similarly, stiff hands and arms can’t follow the horse’s mouth smoothly or apply aids in an effective manner. If your elbows are locked, for example, you’ll unconsci ..read more
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Two Releases for Jumping
Practical Horseman » Hunters
by Katie Monahan Prudent
1y ago
Q: What do you do with your hands over a fence?  Katie Monahan Prudent: I basically use two different releases as I jump, depending on the type of horse I’m riding—a hunter or jumper—how that particular horse jumps and whether I’m schooling or competing in the show ring. When I’m schooling a horse, the release I like the best is an ample or crest release. Just before takeoff, I place my hands 8 to 10 inches up on the horse’s neck, which allows him to use his head and neck to the fullest extent and encourages him to think for himself as he leaves the ground and jumps the fence. This, I fee ..read more
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From Jumpers to Hunters
Practical Horseman » Hunters
by Hannah Isop
1y ago
Just like people, horses don’t always land their ideal jobs at the beginnings of their careers. Some muddle along in one or more disciplines, not quite reaching their full potential until they’re switched to the discipline that suits them best. That’s why, even though I’m primarily a hunter rider now, I pay close attention to horses in the jumper rings. I’m always on the lookout for potential hunter stars. Although it takes time and patience to convert a jumper to a hunter, if the horse has what it takes to succeed in his new career, it’s worth it. My aunt, Tracy Freels, and I have successfull ..read more
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Straightness Basics: How Jane Ehrhart Gets Horses and Riders Show-Ring Ready
Practical Horseman » Hunters
by Lindsay Brock
1y ago
The days leading up to a show are great opportunities to make sure my students and horses are ready to shine. Whatever strengths and weaknesses a pair might have, refreshing the basics is a good idea. Establishing straightness and focus in a line is imperative to produce a high score in the hunter ring and a clear round in the jumpers. A crooked or drifting horse does not make for a smooth trip in either ring, which affects scores for the hunters and can result in rails for jumpers. There’s one exercise that you will usually find in my ring when getting ready for shows. It’s a basic practice l ..read more
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Hunter Braids: The Mane Event
Practical Horseman » Hunters
by Exhibitor Labs
1y ago
Nothing shows off your horse’s neck more elegantly than a smartly braided mane. When you’re preparing for hunter/jumper shows, eventing or foxhunting, traditional hunter-style braids are both appropriate and stylish. With a little practice and the right tools, you can learn to create this look yourself! In this video series, Jennifer Callahan, training barn manager of Hilltop Farm Inc. in Colora, Maryland, shows us how on the Holsteiner stallion GK Calucci (“Lucas”). (For more information about both Lucas and Hilltop Farm, see the editor’s note after this article.) The Tools  Before you ..read more
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