Hunter Pleasure Horse Presented by: Scott Benjamin

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1 1 The Arabian Presented by: Scott Benjamin 2 History of the European tradition - English pastime Fox hunting Varied terrain hills, streams, walls Long strided with ability to jump Power & speed Willing & responsive Courage & fortitude 3 History of the Arabian Horse Horse of the desert War horse Incredible stamina Intelligent and trainable Rugged and able to endure extremes Sure footed and fleet 4 The Arabian The good Hunter Pleasure horse has a long, free-flowing stride with minimal upward and maximum forward motion. It should cover a considerable amount of ground with power, purpose and agility. Ideally, the horse should have a balanced, sweeping motion that requires no more or less than light contact by the rider. The head and neck serve as a balance arm and are carried in a relaxed, natural position appropriate to the horse s conformation. 5 The Arabian Maximum credit should be given to the responsive, confident willingly guided horse that correctly performs all the required gaits with strength, quality and proper engagement. The ideal Arabian should be balanced in all respects: conformation, movement, frame, engagement and suitability. Such a horse is an athlete that moves with powerful impulsion, length, rhythm and lightness of stride and gives the appearance of being fit and capable of the tasks required for the division. Ultimately the horse is of extreme quality and gives the distinct impression of being a pleasure to ride. 6 Arabian Hunter Pleasure Movement An excellent mover is a picture of elegance as it swings its legs forward with each step and stretches for the ground with minimal upward and maximum forward thrust. The horse appears to be floating across the ground with suspension and grace. The hind legs reach forward maintaining solid impulsion, the hocks open and close with a fluid movement that allows the horse to reach forward with flowing, impulsive 1

2 steps. The horse s head and neck are carried in a natural, relaxed expression. 7 Arabian Hunter Pleasure Movement The overall impression is strength, quality and athleticism with balance and cadence. The excellent mover is also probably a well conformed individual with a sloping shoulder, short back and strong hindquarters, allowing it to reach for ground easily and maintain a balanced way of going, good gallop and jumping ability. 8 The Arabian 9 Hunter Pleasure Contact Light contact with the horse s mouth must be maintained at all gaits. The horse must allow the rider to take light contact on the reins without dropping behind the vertical or behind the bit. The horse must show energy with the leg, seat and hands through signals to the bit and light contact. Light contact is the line of communication from the rider s hand to the horse s mouth. 10 Hunter Pleasure Contact The horse should move in a balanced frame between light contact in the rider s hand and the rider s seat and leg. A hunter must allow the rider to guide it through a course of fences where light contact is required. Light contact is the goal not strong, heavy hands or loose reins. The ideal is a slightly rounded frame with a light contact that looks natural and easy. 11 Hunter Pleasure Gaits Walk Trot Canter Hand Gallop Back All to be considered equally when judging 12 Hunter Pleasure Walk A four beat gait; true, flat footed and ground covering. Deliberate forward sweeping motion Regular and unconstrained with good reach Legs propel body forward with long reaching strides Drive over the top and through the hindquarter Definitive, ground covering steps Bright, alert and purposeful Rhythmic four-beat count Feet leave the ground in the same pace as they land Minimum waste of energy Subtle head movement acceptable 13 Hunter Pleasure Trot A two-beat diagonal gait; straight and regular; rider posting. True two-beat diagonal motion paramount Free flowing with cadence, balance, rhythm and drive Appearance of strength and ease of gait Decisive ground covering strides reach, swing and suspension Picture of elegance gliding over the ground Impulsive collection with power and purpose 2

3 Mannerly and smooth performed at medium speed Engaged from the bit through poll, neck, back, loin and quarter Hocks well engaged and reaching under horse Front legs reaching forward to cover ground Excessive speed and animation should be penalized 14 The Arabian Hunter Pleasure Trot 15 Hunter Pleasure Canter A three-beat gait; even, smooth, unhurried, correct and straight on both leads. Must show impulsion, balance and engagement Smooth, coordinated and impressively athletic Sweeping, ground covering strides Maximized impulsion, lift, suspension & collection Neck relaxed and carried in natural position Hindquarters reach under with power and drive Back and topline must be relaxed and supple Uninhibited with long reaching steps Easy comfortable gait for both horse and rider All movement is efficient with purpose and power 16 Hunter Pleasure Hand Gallop An extended gait; a true gallop in hand: purposeful, ground-covering and straight on both leads. Rhythm, balance, control and cadence to be maintained Derives from further engagement of hindquarter Extension of both stride and frame Maximized impulsion & drive Controlled collection maintained at all times - SAFE Impressively ground covering - very purposeful Efficient, balanced and athletic the working hunter gait Should be easy, effortless and natural Extreme and/or reckless speed to be penalized 17 Hunter Pleasure Back An four-beat gait in reverse; straight, relaxed and engaged. Should be executed from the halt Either on the rail or in the line-up Should be associated with standing quietly Straight without deviation No visible signs of resistance Subtle cues No gaping at the mouth or head throwing No excessive posturing from rider Not backing is considered failure to execute all gaits 18 Hunter Pleasure Specifications Manners Performance Suitability as a Hunter Quality Conformation 3

4 Frame Engagement 19 Hunter Pleasure Specifications MANNERS & ATTITUDE Conduct or behavior of horse as it performs Ability to be willingly ridden & guided Controlled with light contact Acceptance of surroundings Attitude toward other horses Responsiveness to rider Safety paramount speed & precision Relaxed, pleasant & attentive with good expression Soft eyes, alert ears, relaxed back, quiet mouth Gives the distinct appearance of being a pleasure to ride 20 Hunter Pleasure Specifications PERFORMANCE Execution and accomplishment of required tasks All gaits to be adjudicated equally Quality of gaits & athletic ability Includes proper execution of leads Synergistic teamwork between horse & rider Judged from close of gate to handing in of card Be aware of causes for elimination 21 Hunter Pleasure Specifications SUITABILITY as a HUNTER Strength, conformation & physical ability to perform required tasks of a hunter Bold, powerful, balanced, substantial and naturally athletic Frame & carriage natural and relaxed Naturally long, free moving stride with reach Ability to engage hindlimb with power and impulsion Long, laid back shoulder Short, strong, well coupled topline Powerful hindquarter Neck long and naturally carried as balance arm 22 Hunter Pleasure Specifications QUALITY Effortlessly athletic ease & finesse Eye-appeal & elegance Dignified presence Balance front to rear Muscle tone & depth of muscle Solid conditioning, training and grooming Good conformation & natural carriage 4

5 Well turned out 23 Hunter Pleasure Specifications CONFORMATION Correct structural form as it relates to the functions of Hunter Pleasure horse Balance & coupling Muscle and substance Strong topline Full, deep, well constructed quarter Long, laid-back, free moving shoulder Clean, solid, well designed and well placed limbs Elegantly and efficiently carried head and neck 24 Hunter Pleasure Specifications FRAME Natural & relaxed longer with proper collection Engaged from bit to hindlimb power with purpose Topline level from with to croup Neck carried lower with strength & natural arch Head carried in a more relaxed manner with less bend at poll Head may be carried naturally 4-8 inches above wither Horse should never be behind the vertical Horse should never be behind the bit Should never suggest the extreme Overall athletic, balanced, ready to perform appearance 25 Hunter Pleasure Specifications ENGAGEMENT Connection from horse s hindquarters through back & neck to the bit and the rider s hand with light contact Source of forward movement & energy Appropriate energy created by hip, stifle & hock Provides drive & suspension Relaxed & supple Confident & capable Directly related to conformation Improved through proper training 26 Arabian Hunter Pleasure Frame 27 Credits of the Good Arabian Proper Hunter Movement & Frame Proper Engagement Presence & Quality Excellent Performance Good Attitude & Manners Suitability as a Hunter Condition & correct conformation 5

6 Maintaining proper light contact 28 Faults of the Arabian Poor movement Bad manners & attitude Poor performance Untrue gaits Unnatural head carriage Extreme frame Failure to make light contact Excessive speed 29 The Arabian 6