SHW636. WORKING HUNTER. The working hunter is a representative of the type of horse used in the hunt field. He should possess manners, jumping ability, style, pace and quality. The working hunter must be able to demonstrate his ability to furnish the rider with a smooth comfortable and safe ride. The same rules apply in junior working hunter as apply in senior or all-ages working hunter classes, except the minimum height of obstacles.
SHW636.1 A hunter course shall be any course that management deems a fair test of a hunter. Judges are responsible for correctness of each course after it has been set and shall call the show committee's attention to any errors that would tend to result in unfair or inappropriate courses. The judge must walk the course and has the right and duty to alter the course in any manner to ensure its safety. The judge may remove or change any obstacle he deems unsafe or non-negotiable.
SHW636.2 There will be a minimum five minute warm up period after the course walk is closed before the first competitor is called to the ring to compete.
SHW636.3 Circling once upon entering the ring is permissible.
SHW636.4 Horses shall not be requested to rejump the course.
SHW636.5 Manners shall be emphasized in youth and amateur classes.
SHW636.6 When an obstacle is composed of several elements, any disturbance of these elements will be penalized; however, only a reduction in height of the top element shall be considered a knockdown.
SHW636.7 In cases of broken equipment, the rider may either continue without penalty, or stop and correct the difficulty and be penalized the same as any loss of forward impulsion.
SHW636.8 When an obstacle requires two or more fences (in and out), faults committed at each obstacle are considered separately. In case of a refusal or run out at one element, entry must re-jump the previous elements.
SHW636.9 The course must be posted at least one hour before scheduled time of class.
SHW636.10 It is mandatory that a schooling area with at least one practice jump or practice time in the arena be provided.
SHW636.11 Schooling over obstacles in the ring or over any part of an outside course is permitted only at the time designated by show management.