WORKING HUNTER RULES AND COMPETITION PROCEDURES Effective February 2016 Updated 04/08/16 Equestrian Western Australia acknowledges past and present members of the Working Hunter Review Group in the development of these Rules and Competition Procedures. Any queries regarding the contents of this document please contact Diane Bennit, Chair of the Working Hunter Review Group telephone 92933577 or Equestrian WA on 0892961200. This document is also available at www.equestrianwa.org.au Score sheets are also available on the website.
Table of Contents Preamble... 3 Description of a Working Hunter Type... 4 Turnout for Working Hunter Events... 5 Information for Event Organizers... 6 Lodgment of Working Hunter Results Sheet.. 8 Information for Judges... 9 Working Hunter Jump Judges List... 11 Working Hunter Group Dianne Bennit Dinah Flemming Jill Hancock Alyson Laycock
Preamble The Working Hunter Rules and Competition Procedures have been developed by Equestrian Western Australia (EWA). From this date on, all other texts covering the same matter are superseded. Overview of a Working Hunter Event The Working Hunter Event is conducted in three phases: Jumping, Flat Work and In-hand. The jumping phase is conducted first followed by the Flat Work and then the In Hand phases. Disobedience in any phase of the competition will result in penalties. Competitors eliminated in the Jumping Phase are not eligible to continue to the Flat Work phase. The Jumping Phase is conducted over a course of 8 obstacles with a number of vertical and spreads. The track is open and flowing and has at least one change of direction. The course includes a number of natural obstacles such as brush, gates and rustic rails. The horse should travel at approximately 350m/minute. The Flat Work Phase comprises of a workout similar to a show hunter and includes a gallop and a change of lead in canter. No Lengthen trot For the In-Hand Phase horses are unsaddled and judged on conformation as a hunter type. Horses and ponies are assessed while standing. No workout is necessary. Eligibility to Compete in Working Hunter Events Horses/Ponies must be at least 4 years of age. Small Ponies to be ridden by rider 17 years and under- as per show horse rules Large Ponies to be ridden by any age rider Stallions are not eligible. Last updated 25th February 2016 Page 3 of 18
Description of a Working Hunter Type Working hunters: To have correct conformation and soundness for riding and endurance. To have strong bone without losing quality ie; substance without coarseness. May have a more noble head than that a show horse. Can carry their rider for a full days hunting over a variety of terrain. Exhibit boldness, be tractable, free moving and balanced. Work calmly and obediently without displaying over exuberance, but still be happy and eager in their work. Have quality without fineness. Show straightness and freedom of action at all paces. Show boldness and natural balance. Have a steady temperament. Can be of any colour and breed. The Table below provides a Working Hunter cannon bone guide, usually measured just below the knee. It is not a requirement for a judge to measure the bone of a horse/pony entered in a working hunter event. HEIGHT BONE DIAMETER Under 14 hands high (142.25 cm) 6 inches (15.25 cm) and over 14 hands high to 15 hands high (142.25 152.5 cm) 7 inches (17.75 cm) and over Over 15 hands high to 16 hands high (152.5 162.5 cm) 8 inches (20.25 cm) and over Over 16 hands high to 16.2 hands high (162.5 164.5 cm) 9 inches (22.75 cm) and over Over 16.2 hands high (over 164.5 cm) 10 inches (25.5 cm) and over Last updated 25th February 2016 Page 4 of 18
Turnout for Working Hunter Events 1. Rider s Attire Preferably a tweed jacket, although plain navy or black fabric is acceptable. Tweed can be blue, green or brown mixture; the colour should go well with the mount. If a shirt is worn, the collar should tone in with the jacket with a subtle tie or a collarless shirt with a stock. Jodhpurs or breeches should be fawn, beige or banana. Gloves are plain and match the rider s boots. Clothing should fit well. Riders must wear an Equestrian Australia approved safety helmet, for both riding phases, which may be covered in plain velvet in dark colour to match the jacket. Riders under 18 years are permitted to wear long boots or gaiters. Dummy spurs are permitted to be worn with points down. Competitors may carry crops to a maximum length of 75cms. 2. Saddlery & Equipment Saddle: The saddle should be of good quality leather which is supple and clean and has sound stitching. It may be more workmanlike than for a ridden show class. A straight flapped, all purpose or jumping saddle may be used. The same saddle must be used for the two phases. Side saddles are also acceptable. Other Gear: A crupper and breast plates are permitted. A running martingale, bandages and protective boots are permitted in the jumping phase, but must be removed for the other 2 phases. No bearing reins, side or running reins of any kind are permitted. Saddlecloth: A sheepskin saddle cloth matching the shape of the saddle is acceptable. Girth: Bridle: The girth can be cotton, leather or synthetic The bridle should be the same colour as the saddle, leather s h o u l d be supple and of good quality. Both phases must be ridden in a snaffle bridle. Brow bands: Only plain brow and nose bands permitted, however stitching on the noseband and the brow band is optional. 3. Horse Manes should be plaited; tails plaited or pulled. False tails are permitted. The horse s coat must be clean, with excess hair removed. Hooves oiled or blackened. Quarter markers and make-up is not permitted. Last updated 25th February 2016 Page 5 of 18
Information for Event Organizers Procurement of Judges The Jumping Phase must be judged by an approved Jumping Judge whose name is on in the EWA Working Hunter Jump Judges List. Event organizers must check the EWA website Working Hunter Rules and Competition Procedures 2012 for the current list at the time of entries, as the Jump Judge list may change from time to time. The Flat Work and In Hand Phase must be judged by an accredited Show Horse Judge. All Judges for a Working Hunter Event must be current financial members. Jumping Phase The Jumping Phase should be held in an enclosed arena, ideally a minimum of 80m x 80m. The jumping arena should be a safe distance away from other activities. The course should be open and flowing and comprise of 8 obstacles and have at least one change of direction. There must be single obstacles which can comprise of an equal number of vertical and spreads. Obstacles can be constructed to enable them to be jumped from both directions. No combinations included in the course. The course should include a number of natural rustic obstacles such as brush, gate, wall picket fence, and log with rail or rails. All obstacles must have a top rail in cups; wooden blocks are acceptable. All obstacles should be filled or solid providing an inviting jump. Suggested plans are included in this document. It is recommended that the person building the jumping course have jumping experience. Obstacle Heights o Small Ponies up to 12.2h 30cm (Rider 17 years and under) o Large Ponies over 12.2h up to & inc 14h 60 cm (Rider any age) o Galloways over 14h up to & inc 15h 70cm o Hacks over 15h 85cm The jumping course must be numbered and include start and finish flags. At least one practice obstacle must be available in a separate fenced area. Last updated 25th February 2016 Page 6 of 18
Horses/ponies competing must not enter the jumping arena prior to the event. The course must be open for inspection for walking prior to competition. There must be a steward available to assist with the altering or rebuilding of the course. A Penciller must be supplied for the judge. It is desirable that a whistle or bell is supplied for the judge. Flat Work Phase A designated area is required to enable horses to be ridden at a gallop and a change of lead in canter. Competitors will complete a work out prepared by the judge, it is preferable that this be provided to competitors prior to the class commencing. In Hand Phase Horses/ponies are to be unsaddled to enable them to be judged on conformation and hunter type. Lodgement of Working Hunter Result Sheets Marking sheets must be returned to Equestrian WA Working Hunter Results are to be forwarded to: Equestrian WA 303 Cathedral Avenue Brigadoon WA 6069 Last updated 25th February 2016 Page 7 of 18
Information for Judges Jumping Phase Judge must ensure the course complies with the rules for working hunter competitions. Judge is required to walk the course prior to each class to ensure that it is suitable and at least 2 obstacles are at maximum height. Judge must allow competitors time to walk the course prior to each class commencing. Horses/ponies competing must not enter the jumping arena prior to the event. Judge/Steward is required to gear check each competitor as they enter the arena to ensure they comply with the rules for working hunter competitions. The course should be ridden at a hunting pace (approximately 350metres per minute), jumping each obstacle smoothly, ideally, showing a smooth change of lead. The course should be open and flowing and must have a change of direction. Obstacles must be jumped in numerical sequence without deviation. If an obstacle is knocked down in the act of refusing, the competitor must wait for the steward to rebuild the obstacle and gain permission from the judge before re-attempting the obstacle. If an obstacle is to be jumped in both directions, the competitor must wait for the steward to rebuild the obstacle and gain permission from the judge before attempting the obstacle from the other direction. Jumping obstacles in the wrong order or from the wrong side will result in elimination. In the event of a fall of rider or horse the competitor will be eliminated and must leave the arena un-mounted. Jumping Phase Scoring For each obstacle cleared competitors will be given a mark as follows: o 3 marks = insufficient; o 7 marks = good; o 10 marks = excellent. The following Jumping penalties will apply: o Knockdown minus 10 marks; o 1 st Refusal minus 10 marks; o 2 nd Refusal minus 20 marks o 3 rd Refusal Elimination Last updated 25th February 2016 Page 8 of 18
Fall of Horse or Rider will result in elimination. Taking the wrong course will result in elimination. In addition competitors are given a mark out of 30 for jumping style and manners (submission and obedience). Flat Phase It is preferable that the ridden flat work out be given to competitors on paper prior to the event. Judge/Steward is required to gear check each competitor as they enter the workout area to ensure they comply with the rules for working hunter events. Martingales and leg protective boots / bandages to be removed. The workout should be similar to that of a show hunter class and must include a gallop and a change of lead at the canter. (no lengthening trot) The leniency that can be shown by a judge for minor transgressions in the Show Horse should not be shown in the Working Hunter. The action and temperament marks are to be awarded in the ridden flat phase. Flat Work Scoring A mark out of 20 for Action and Paces; A mark out of 15 marks for Manners (submission and obedience); A mark out of 10 marks for rider and horse attire In-Hand Phase Horses must be unsaddled for the conformation and type mark. Horses and ponies are assessed while standing. No workout is necessary. In-Hand Scoring A mark out of 30 for hunter type A mark out of 25 for conformation Determining the Placing and Results In the event that there is an equality of scores, the jumping score will preside. In the event that there is still a tie, the Type mark will be the deciding factor. Last updated 25 th February 2016 Page 10 of 18
Working Hunter Jump Judges List Current at 5 February 2013 SURNAME FIRST NAME TELEPHONE QUALIFICATION Applin Samantha 0417 950 093 Jump Judge Barker Wendy 0409 065 304 Jump Judge Bennit Diane 0409 083 617 Jump Judge Booker Peta 0428 930 344 Jump Judge Botten Gill 0419 947 835 Jump Judge Botten Sara 0418 916 374 Jump Judge Button Donna 0418 938 097 Jump Judge Crowe Kellie-Anne 9573 6267 Jump Judge Freeman Fred 0402 053 480 Jump Judge Fleming Dinah 0414 895 664 Jump Judge Huntington Polly-Ann 0439 711 321 Jump Judge Lucas Jennifer 0458 590 997 Jump Judge Mayger Valrie 0417 991 364 Jump Judge Pateman Sarah 0414 414 832 Jump Judge Perry Felicity 0408 938 232 Jump Judge Radford Marjorie 0434 466 137 Jump Judge Slater Christina 0432 994 308 Jump Judge Gundry Diana 0421 166 959 Jump Judge Anyone who would like to be considered as a Working Hunter Judge, please contact Diane Bennit on 92933577 Last updated 25 th February 2016 Page 11 of 18
Competitor No WORKING HUNTER MASTER SHEET HEIGHT CLASS VENUE DATE PHASE 1 JUMPING Jumping 80 Style & Manners 30 PACE 30 Section 1 Total 140 PHASE 2 RIDDEN FLAT Action and Paces 20 Manners 15 Attire 10 Section 2 Total 45 PHASE 3 IN HAND Type 30 Conformation 25 Section 3 Total 55 GRAND TOTAL 230 PLACE In the event that there is an equality of scores, the jumping score will preside. In the event that there is still a tie, the Type mark will be the deciding factor.
WORKING HUNTER JUMPING SHEET HEIGHT CLASS VENUE DATE Judge Signature PHASE 1 Jumping Marking: Insufficient: 3 marks Good : 7 marks Excellent : 10 marks Jumping Penalties: Knock down 10 1st Refusal 10 2nd Refusal 20 3 rd Refusal Elimination Fall of Horse or Rider is Elimination, rider to leave the course unmounted Course error is Elimination EXAMPLE Jump Scoring Sample 1 1 st R -10 2 3 4 10 K -10 10 5 2 nd R -20 10 6 7 8 10 10 Jump 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 COMPETITOR NUMBER Jumping Total (maximum score 80) 80 50 Style & Manners (maximum score 30) 30 15 Pace (maximum score 30) 30 7 - - - TOTAL JUMPING PHASE 130 72 In the event that there is an equality of scores, the jumping score will preside. In the event that there is still a tie, the Type mark will be the deciding factor.
WORKING HUNTER FLAT / IN HAND SECTION SHEET HEIGHT CLASS VENUE DATE Judge Signature Competitor No PHASE 2 RIDDEN FLAT Action and Paces 20 Manners 15 Attire 10 Section 2 Total 45 HORSES MUST BE UNSADDLED FOR A CONFORMATION MARK Competitor No PHASE 3 IN HAND Type 30 Conformation 25 Section 2 Total 55 In the event that there is an equality of scores, the jumping score will preside. In the event that there is still a tie, the Type mark will be the deciding factor.
WORKING HUNTER COURSE EXAMPLE 1 Suitable Obstacles Brush Gate Wall Picket fence Log with rail Rustic rails. All obstacless must have a top rail in cups; wooden blocks on a wall are acceptable.
Suitable Obstacles Brush Gate Wall Picket fence Log with rail Rustic rails. All obstacles must have a top rail in cups; wooden blocks on a wall are acceptable.
Flat Work Example