Horse Show Tips - How do Hunter Judges Score a Round

With these Horse Show Tips you will understand how do hunter judges score a round.
Watch to get more horse show tips and how to win at horse shows. These include some of the best equitation tips for beginners and the scoring of hunters. If you would like to know about scoring of a hunter round and how do hunter judges score a round and horse jumping then watch these videos.
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*** Pictures and Video Attribution
Foxhound video -
• Fox Hunting, 2014
animated horse jumping - commons.wikime...
By Eadweard Muybridge, Waugsberg [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons
grey hunter -
By dregsplod from Tulsa, Oklahoma, USA (JumperUploaded by Countercanter) [CC BY 2.0 (creativecommon...)], via Wikimedia Commons
Grey Pony hunter -
• Kuruka Equestrian Jade...
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Please watch: "Equitation Tips for Hunter Riders and Position Review"
• Equitation Tips for Hu...
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[@ZNS_EventingTYSMFOR4K]

this helped a lot! I have my first away show in April. do you have any tips for calming my horse down in shows? and any tips for her getting really fast and yanking her head up for flying changes? ❤

[@LauraKellandMay]

Thank you so much for your comments. I think to help calm your horse down you should take your horse to some "practice" shows. Or trailer off site to a friends place, so you can work/exercise them without the added stress of a horse show. Let me know how you do!

[@crayeventer2848]

How do you recommend to slow a horse down in hunter? They don’t rush the first fence, but they rush after the jump to every other jump.

[@LauraKellandMay]

Slowing a horse down requires that you do more training. A harsher bit and stronger riding won't really help. Start by riding over 1 pole. At the walk then trot. Then add a second pole then 3 poles. Then progress to a small cross rail. If you have progressed slowly and correctly your horse will not feel anxious and rush. Join us Saturday morning 9.30EST where we will discuss this more for you.

[@mado11373]

I’m a long time eventer riding in my first ever hunter show next weekend, so I appreciate this!

[@LauraKellandMay]

how did it go! Did you "ace" it?

[@eringrides3796]

That’s the most calming way anyone had ever talked to me about hunter scores! 😂 Thanks for the great info!

[@LauraKellandMay]

By calming I hope you don't mean boring! What's the thing that stuck with you the most?

[@eringrides3796]

Aww definitely not boring!! Your voice is just very soothing, and much more palatable then my previous trainer who screamed all the time!! 🤣 I actually found your video after I had been offered a job to judge a hunt show at my local barn. I have years of hunter experience and have judged a schooling show before, but wanted some insight on how others score rounds. Between your video and the knowledge I’ve gained scribing for judges and announcing, I was able to feel super confident. Thank you for that!! Hope you keep up the great work!

[@LauraKellandMay]

@@eringrides3796 thank you

[@helios3217]

Showing a Hunter circle for the first time this season. This video helped me! Thank you!

[@LauraKellandMay]

What was it that helped you the most? Thank you for the comment. Is good to know you are looking the videos.

[@helios3217]

@@LauraKellandMay It told me more about how much the judge focuses on the horse. My horse is older and he doesn’t have the nicest looking jump ever, so I really have to keep a lot of leg on him to keep him going at a nice pace. Basically what I’m trying to say is it enlightened me to focus more on what I’m doing, and what the judge is looking for so I can watch out for those things.

[@heatherlea5411]

I enjoy your videos. Your calm, in-depth explanations. I am new to this (starting at age 40, haven't ridden since teens and that was western/playdays) so I am learning the terminology. I appreciate how you break things down. I have been to two shows so far, a local HJ association. One was a last minute ground poles division after I had only 6 rides in lol We did well. In the ribbons each class including a first. Kuddos to my mount! Second show was Crossrails division. My next show is this coming weekend at a larger show series event, showing two days. I appreciate you putting out these kinds of videos. I am hoping for some videos and pictures of my rides since my hubby will be there and I would love to send them to you. Again, thank you for your time!

[@LauraKellandMay]

Hi Heather. Thank you so much for your comments. I really appreciate you taking the time to share with me what is happening in your horse show life. I love that you are getting back into the show ring. Yes please! Send me some videos or photos I would love that. My email is Thistle ridge at hotmail.com Thistle ridge is all one word. Thank you so much keep me updated on how your horse shows are going.

[@jrbequestrian2631]

I have never done hunters before but I have a hunter show this weekend any other tips?

[@LauraKellandMay]

Hey... HOw did it go? Send us a video and we can help you out.! :)

[@joanpauley3783]

You are so right! Folks should know. I started riding lessons, and jumped,but never was taught the difference between a hunt class and a jumper class. I was even thrown into a horse show at age 14 knowing nothing other than to get over the fences. I was first in so I didn't know what I should look like.

[@LauraKellandMay]

good point. It is important to understand what the judge is looking for.

[@emmarachaner2711]

i’m riding next month in my first 2’6 hunters in wellington and would love to send you some videos of me and my new horse going around at home to see what I can work on!

[@LauraKellandMay]

Yes please... thistleRidge (at) hotmail (dot) com

[@equinechlo]

These are so helpful! I've recently got a new horse and am hoping to make her into a hunter jumper (after she gains some more muscle) and I'm not exactly sure what I need to work on with her to achieve that and how to go about it. any tips?

[@LauraKellandMay]

Yes loads of tips! 😊 The first thing I would do is go to Thistle ridge stables.com and sign up for my newsletter where you will get tips and exercises you can do to help strengthen your horse. If you would like to have help with your horse specifically send me an email thistle [e-mail] and send in a couple of pictures and I'd be happy to help you.

[@equinechlo]

@@LauraKellandMay thank you so much! have signed up and sent an email your way ☺️

[@jrbequestrian2631]

Your videos really help me just started watching your vids! And liked them so much you have a new subscriber❤️

[@LauraKellandMay]

YAY! thank you.

[@lottexfox3886]

This really helped me I am gonna ride the first hunter the Netherlands ever had

[@LauraKellandMay]

Awesome... Stay in touch and send me some photos!

[@kateavery1982]

Thanks!!! I need this!

[@LauraKellandMay]

Let me know how it is working out for you!

[@skywonderly1768]

I’m an eventer but my daughter just started riding Hunter. She rides 2ft junior and rode phenomenal. The pony is green fast and keeps her head up not a good hunter pony and it’s so hard to convince my daughter she’s doing everything right it’s the pony going to fast we just need to teach the pony to slow down and get her head down.

[@LauraKellandMay]

Hunter pony is a very competitve division. The most important thing is to have an even steady rhythm throughout, and of course have to get to all of the jumps in the correct striding.

[@nadiabishop5650]

Very interesting... we have totally different competitions in Australia... we do have working hunter classes which are similar to your shows but they aren’t very popular to be honest. Our shows are more Uk in their style in terms of turnout and format. We have show hacks and show hunters. Both are flat classes with the hacks being fine boned and pretty with ribbon brow bands and navy or dark jackets. Show hunters are turned out in a more workmanlike style and tweed jackets are a go to, the horse has more bone and is usually asked for a hand gallop in the workout. Most riders who jump over here do eventing or show jumping and u don’t see horses go around in the longer lower outline that seems popular in the US

[@LauraKellandMay]

Nadia bishop thank you for your comments. I appreciate them. Canada and the US have a thriving hunter and equation program which, I think, is the stepping stone to their jumping divisions. Hunters are a well attended and provide a starting point for novice riders and green horses. Thanks again for your comments! ~L

[@nadiabishop5650]

Laura Kelland-May thanks for the video, very informative. I am super interested in how things are done in other places... I went to the UK for a year and rode racehorses to see how they did things (very different from our Australian industry) I’m not much of a jumping rider, I prefer showing and dressage but I do think I could get into the way you do hunters! I have stated to incorporate some grids, poles and cross rails into my young horses training, not to do jumping competition but just to diversify her schedule and keep her interested, so I find your videos very useful

[@LauraKellandMay]

Thank you Nadia... I appreciate it. Let us know how it turns out... Or better yet... Send me a video ThistleRidge (at) Hotmail(dot) com of you doing these exercises with your horses. That would be so cool to see!

[@nadiabishop5650]

Laura Kelland-May I definitely will! Can you please make more videos of exercises to introduce young horses with distances and troubleshooting included.

[@LauraKellandMay]

Nadia bishop thank you will do!

[@daniellecardella6174]

Love your videos!! Do you accept videos to review/critique?

[@LauraKellandMay]

Yes, I do ! please forward ithem along.

[@EmmaEq]

For the question: I’ve scored a 94 on my hunter pony and a 97 on my moms ex hunter (he’s partially retired now) but my mom got a 110 on him - it was a hunter derby. I’ve only received a 85 in my equitation class tho 😅 This was super helpful as I’m showing a new horse and our biggest problem is lines and my equitation on him as he is 18hh with a 14 foot step. I constantly get jumped out of the tack on him or I come out of my two point early. Any tips for managing a massive stride and 2 pointing?

[@LauraKellandMay]

Wow... that's amazing. Well done. When I see scores like 97 I wonder... hmmm what was the 3 points off that I needed to do to make it 100. 85 in equitation... WHEW! well done. I hope you -placed- won with that score! 😀

[@EmmaEq]

@@LauraKellandMay I have wondered that. I was slightly off the base on 1 jump but otherwise the round was very good. I did win the equitation with my score. Thank you

[@POTPachyOTP]

good vid!!

[@LauraKellandMay]

What did you like about it?

[@Happydogue]

Could you show examples?

[@LauraKellandMay]

Great idea... A "good" jump vs a "bad" jump.

[@rydercoll5766]

I have my first 2’6 hunters this weekend my first show on a horse (I have only shown ponies before)

[@LauraKellandMay]

Yay! Have fun. And go use this stuff! Let us know how you did. Send me a photo!

[@rydercoll5766]

@@LauraKellandMay okay!! I will

[@sophiegarlington]

This helped a lot! I’m on my way to the Kentucky Summer Classic show and I’m nervous, my horse has been pulling me to the jumps and is going way to fast down the lines, we are in a D-Ring Segunda bit, do you have any tips?

[@daphnelynn7325]

Is there any way you're able to tell if your horse is a hunter jumper

[@LauraKellandMay]

I think if your horse has an even rhythm and good form they can excel in either division. Then it comes down to you ... what do you prefer to ride?

[@paddingtonbreyer5348]

What’s your views on using standing martingales? I have a pony that I think would benefit from one.

[@LauraKellandMay]

Thanks for the question. personally if the horse requires a standing martingale then you should use one. HOWEVER, if it is too snug, too tight and the horse's head is being held down with it, it will be noticed by the judge. If it is too tight that is not good. Personally, having a standing martingale on finishes the "look" for me. Likewise if the martingale is flopping and poorly fitted it will detract from the overall look and performance. If you would like to use a martingale, make sure it is fitted properly and looks appropriate for your horse.

[@patiencechesnutt1475]

84 in 4H (I didn’t deserve it) and 82 in a children’s hunter class😊

[@LauraKellandMay]

Awesome... Well done.

[@sabrinamccaig5779]

I have my first show coming up and now I’m terrified because of this video

[@LauraKellandMay]

Don't be terrified. :) HOrse showing should be fun and a way to measure how you and your training is doing. what is it that terrifies you?

[@sabrinamccaig5779]

@@LauraKellandMay I’m scared of messing up in front of everyone or getting the wrong lead

[@sandyflyingintheair]

The best score I ever got in a Working Hunter was 98%

[@LauraKellandMay]

WOW.... that is wonderful. I am hoping you won the class.

[@sandyflyingintheair]

@@LauraKellandMay ye and champ

[@aqh.sallyy]

Like 60% or 70%

[@annadwyer6969]

85

[@chandorequestrian]

Videos 📹 please!

[@LauraKellandMay]

Excellent. Thanks. That's a great idea.

[@SZ-fy9bc]

Hi Lauren! What do you consider a late lead?

[@LauraKellandMay]

Great question. For me a late lead is when your "counter"lead is kept half way through the corner. There are different late-ness. If you keep the wrong or counter lead around the end of the ring that's bad. But if you get half way through the turn at the end of the ring then get your lead change that's better than no lead change. IDEALLY you'd like to see the lead change 2 strides before you start your turn. This way you get a balanced turn into your next jump. If your horse is balanced, they will jump better.

[@graceconnolly5765]

I do IEA and you pull a horse, so you dont even know who your going to ride or how they go, I once pulled a mustang chestnut named Izzy, the judge didnt place me because she didnt. like. mustangs. OR. chestnuts. I GIVE UP

[@LauraKellandMay]

I doubt that she didn't like chestnuts or mustangs. IEA is equitation right? so the horse is totally secondary. Let me know if you have any questions.

[@graceconnolly5765]

@@LauraKellandMay I know it sounds odd that she didnt like chestnuts or mustangs, however, izzy is the only chestnut that there was at the barn, and there was one other mustang named foxy, no one on foxy or Izzy placed in the flat classes or the jumping classes and the judge herself admitted it. I do have a question though, I struggle with keeping my shoulders oppen, and leaning back when riding. I tend to hunch over, and this really is a disadvantage in the hunter ring, what can I do to help it?

[@jadeboisvert4023]

I got 89 in the Hunter derby

[@LauraKellandMay]

Very good. Wow. I hope you got a video of it! Could you send it to me? I'd love to see it.

[@jadeboisvert4023]

It’s on my instagram

[@jadeboisvert4023]

Thow

[@jadeboisvert4023]

How do I send it

[@LauraKellandMay]

@@jadeboisvert4023 send it to ThistleRidge at Hotmail dot com! Thanks

[@jumptheclouds7069]

Could I have a position review? jumping

[@LauraKellandMay]

JumpTheClouds you bet! Send a photo to me thistleridge (at) hotmail (dot) com I'd love to hear from you.

[@jumptheclouds7069]

I sent it :)

[@Phoebesmith_6]

I think the highest score I’ve gotten in a hunter DERBY was an 89

[@LauraKellandMay]

Wow. Awesome score. It must have been a beautiful round.

[@emmaflannery1625]

I got a 87 as my highest score

[@LauraKellandMay]

OMG That's amazing. Well done. Did you get a video?

[@alexandra1560]

I got a 86

[@LauraKellandMay]

WOW. congratulations. Well done

[@heleinajones8532]

87 can second just got the wrong lead at the end:(

[@LauraKellandMay]

GREAT SCORE... dang about the wrong lead. Send us in a video so we can feature a great score round. ThistleRidge @ Hotmail.com

[@heleinajones8532]

@@LauraKellandMay unfortunately we did not get it on video because of the timing at the show.

[@Grace-Ella-Equestrian]

90😂

[@leestevens3702]

85

[@leestevens3702]

This was at our provincial championships. 2 judges and we won the hunter classic ♡ an amazing horse

[@LauraKellandMay]

Well done!