The Difference in Hunter v. Jumper Riding Styles

The biggest difference in the two disciplines is the way they are judged. Expert horsemen and women judge hunters subjectively on the basis of their style, movement, conformation, overall picture as well as on the quality of the rounds themselves. In the jumper divisions, judging is entirely objective, based on faults incurred for refusals, runout, rails down, falls and seconds over the optimum time. A hunter round is personal judgement and in the jumper round the fastest clean round always wins- regardless of style. Hunter classes were originally designed to test the qualities necessary in a field hunter: excellent manners, efficient and comfortable gaits and a good, safe jumping style. They represent the more artistic side of the industry. Jumper classes require more boldness and athleticism in both horses and riders.

Because of its straightforward scoring system, show jumping is usually easier for beginners to appreciate. To do hunters, you have to be interested in the very detailed, artistic process of producing good performances and you have to be interested in competing for your own satisfaction. Lower-level show hunter classes were once considered the best jumping-off point for either sport. Nowadays, starting off in the jumpers is also a very viable option because the jumper divisions include classes for even the lowest-level beginner riders.

However, a misconception has arisen that the jumpers require less carefully honed skills and style than do hunters. People new to the sport may think, “All you need to do is get over the jumps and go fast.” But the jumpers require horses that are as good, if not better and riders at least equally sophisticated.

Of the two, only show jumping is an Olympic sport. Growing television exposure and prize money have drawn more attention to jumpers over the past few decades, but hunter classes continue to thrive. Today, more than five national Hunter Classic competitions offer $25,000 or more in prize money.

Happy Riding!