Hunters
RESTORING HUNTERS TO WHAT THEY WERE MEANT TO BE
Too much of today’s hunter world is about image, not substance.
At UDJC, hunters return to their roots with a focus on real skill and authentic horsemanship.
Levels in Hunters
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Hunter Courses
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Starting height: UDJC Hunters begin at 2’6” — we don’t offer the very low levels.
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Technical design: Courses are built with Derby-style challenges, not simple lines.
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Longer tracks: Over fences rounds include 10–12 jumps; Handy rounds run 12–14 jumps.
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True tests: Expect rollback turns, bending lines, and combinations that reward correct preparation and accuracy.
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Foundation required: Riders must bring skills developed in Dressage and Style Jumping to ride these courses successfully.
The Philosophy
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Pathway for riders: Those who would normally show in lower-level Hunters should begin in Style Jumping classes, which build the skills needed for UDJC Hunters.
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Horsemanship first: Just as in the old days you didn’t go fox hunting without strong riding skills, we believe those fundamentals come from Dressage and Jumping, and that’s our guiding philosophy.
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Forward horses: We value awake, responsive horses, not over-lunged or manufactured rides.
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No shortcuts: That’s why lunging is limited and drug use is strictly prohibited.
Judging in Hunters
Flat Classes:
In flat classes, the total maximum score is 100 points (10.0). This score shall be the sum of the following three components:
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Rider’s Seat and Aids (Max 40 points)
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Rideability of the Horse (Max 40 points)
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Quality of the Horse (Max 20 points)
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Over Fences and Handy Hunter:
In over-fence and handy rounds, the total possible score is 100 points (10.0). Each round shall be judged according to the following four categories:
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Rider’s Seat and Aids (Max 30 points)
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Rhythm and Balance (Max 30 points)
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Track and Planning (Max 20 points) d) Horse’s Jumping Form (Max 20 points)
