15/07/2025
The new season is fast approaching- we will run the first show in the South Island- “Nelson Show Hunter Spring Fling” at Richmond Park on 30/31st August with classes for all levels including national series. The schedule will be out soon - you’ll see it here first with a training day the weekend prior!
🌟Hunter Highlights – July 2025🌟
It’s never too early to start thinking of the Show Hunter season ahead – so here are some items of interest:
🐴Show Hunter Rule Changes from Conference🐴
6 days of National Series:
Areas are now allowed 6 National Series days (was 4)
Keep an eye out in your area – there could be additional Series shows popping up. Quite a number of areas have applied for additional days.
Horse Equitation
There is now only one Equitation National Series class for Hacks. Therefore there will no longer be Junior and Adult Equitation – only an Open Equitation class at National Series shows.
Jumping Rule Changes that affect Show Hunter
As you know, if there is no specific rule for Show Hunter on any given matter, we defer to the jumping rule.
There are two jumping rule amendments that you should be aware of – we have not printed the rule in its entirety here – please read it for yourself in the jumping rule book if in doubt.
Abuse of Horse Abuse of horse – refer Art. 243 - Abuse of Horses
The rule stating that you could use your whip three times for each perceived misdemeanour has been amended to state that you may only use your whip a TOTAL of three times – either in the competition arena or in the practice arena
Noseband Tightness
Noseband tightness – refer Art. 257 – Saddlery – 1.3 addition to noseband tightness
Nosebands may be checked for over-tightness and elimination could occur should the noseband be deemed to be too tight – there is a measuring device that may be used to check this by the steward(s).
🐴Show Hunter Tips & Information🐴
Course Changes
It is great that some parents and riders leap into the ring to assist in course changes – and we appreciate the help. However, please follow the instructions of the Course Designer and do not alter heights of jumps without their instruction or permission.
It has come to our attention that heights of fences are being lowered without permission and this is quite disconcerting – particularly for our younger or less-experienced course designers who may not feel confident to challenge you.
Course designing is a big job – so please respect the instructions given.
Cat A Ponies
Ever wondered why a very small Cat A Pony can add strides and still be placed highly in the class?
Occasionally there is a Cat A pony that is simply too small to meet the required number of strides without looking like it is going too fast. If a very small Cat A pony adds a stride in EVERY line, and has a great jump and way of going, the judge will reward it accordingly.
12 and Under Equitation
Another reminder to 12 and under equitation riders.
You must still be 12 or under at the end of the season (July 31) to be able to compete in this competition. If you turn 13 during the season (1 Aug 2025 to 31 July 2026) you are NOT eligible to compete in this series.
National Series
In the past you may have seen our National Series referred to as High Points. This is an historical term that has now been retired and from now on, all of these classes should be referred to as National Series.
