PG . 32
FEATURE ~ TRAINING
forward flowing , quality of movement from your horse , while displaying cadence , rhythm , and a good attitude , staying in control at all times .
PRACTICE THE HUNTER IN HAND
PATTERN AT HOME
• Set up your 5 cones as below . Set up a small triangle , going into a larger triangle .
• NOTE : Length of each side of small triangle must be 10 metres .
• NOTE : Length of each side of large triangle must be 20 metres .
• Horses will be judged individually on the triangle pattern , as shown below .
• This is the only Hunter in Hand pattern used .
Ask a friend or family member to pretend to be the Judge while you practice . If you ’ re practicing alone , imagination is a must , so pretend that a Judge is right there and use similar time-frames to help you and your horse to relax ! Study , learn and know the HIH pattern well . Practice to be more aware of the cones , to keep your lines straight and to make sure that before you begin , you ’ ve given your horse enough room to get around those tight corners with ease .
THE ‘ HUNTER IN HAND ’ PATTERN
Although a practice situation , make sure to use the correct headgear on your horse , so that he ’ s accustomed to it .
3 . The Judge will approach to inspect your horse from the front , rear and either side . Once the Judge has finished inspecting your horse , a nod , or ‘ thank you ’ from them will normally indicate that you begin your pattern .
4 . COMPLETE THE SMALL TRIANGLE - A , B , C , A .
Walk forward to complete your first triangle , ensuring that your horse ’ s walk is ground-covering , shows forward movement and is straight and true . It also needs to be a good ground-covering gait . It should be balanced and the speed should be even and movement , rhythmic . Be mindful of the cones — do not travel too close to them , nor turn around them too sharply — as you do not want to knock them over .
5 . CONTINUE ON , TO COMPLETE THE LARGE TRIANGLE – A , D , E , A .
Once back to A , you should continue with forward movement around the cone , to then move immediately into a good medium trot from A to D , moving into a good medium trot from D to E and a good medium trot from E to A . Again , this gait should be balanced and the movement , rhythmic . To complete the pattern , go past cone A , and finish with an accurate , obedient and square halt .
6 . Imagine that if the Judge was there , you ’ d need to acknowledge them with a nod , and then promptly but quietly leave the workout area , to line-up in the designated place in the arena .
A FEW TIPS
• Move your horse out well , making the transition from walk to trot as smooth and soft as you can .
• Work around each corner as close and neat as you can , and , as you run , keep your hands up and your arms as still as possible ( don ’ t flap them ). Don ’ t look down & don ’ t drop your hands .
LET ’ S BEGIN 1 . Walk your horse , to stand , prior to cone ‘ A ’. Stand your horse parallel with your first line of travel ‘ A ’ to ‘ B ’ ( See illustration .) This will help to add to your demonstration of a neat run all round . Set your horse up for inspection in the ‘ open position ’ ( e . g . all four legs of the horse visible by a Judge standing on either side of the horse .) Stand still during inspection , front & slightly left of the horse ’ s head .
2 . At a show , your horse ’ s conformation , condition and presentation is considered , as is showmanship and the condition and legality of your attire and gear .
• This is an English Hunter style class , so unlike a western horse , neither gait is flat or slow . The horse should be shown as a true English Hunter horse , moving out smoothly and cleanly .
• A Judge wants to see responsiveness , engagement , obedient transitions , a good attitude from the horse and the handler , and an obvious change of gaits exactly where asked for in the pattern .
Practice your pattern as much as you need , but don ’ t overdo it , as you don ’ t want your horse to become sour . If you are a beginner in this class , be sure to watch the more experienced exhibitors and their horses competing , as this will definitely give you a greater insight into the class !
AUSTRALIAN QUARTER HORSE ASSOCIATION - www . aqha . com . au