You've found a Hunter Trial that's local to you on PADDOX, now what?
Hunter Trials are cross-country events, ridden either as individuals, or pairs. Just like the cross-country element in eventing, hunter trials often test both pony and rider courage and rely upon strong communication between the two. Read this if you're off to your first hunter trial this season, but are unsure of how to best prepare.
FITNESS:
As always, your pony relies on you to ensure they’re fit enough for any competition, and like eventing, horses need to be fully fit and well to compete. Hunter Trials are often on undulating ground and can include climbs so it’s imperative your horse has the opportunity to build fitness. Regular hacking, canter work and lots of hill trotting will help with this (and also get you nice and horse-fit too!)
On the day, your course will be approximately five minutes long, so it’s important your pony is able to manage this. If you can, get to the venue ahead of time and see just what the course is like so you can prepare for any hills.
PRACTICE:
Get down to your local cross-country training centre and get used to jumping rustic fences. This is particularly useful if you’re used to showjumping, try taking your pony through water obstacles and get him used to cantering through them. You might find it helpful to take an instructor with you - or, if you’re a member, have a look at PADDOX and see if your riding club or pony club are offering any XC rallies.
DRESS APPROPRIATELY:
It’s even more important than ever to make sure you’re kitted out safely so check your body protector and make sure it meets current regulations, skull caps are a must as well. Traditionals wear a stock (leave the pin) and skins along with cream jodphurs so nothing can be caught on branches etc in an accident. Feel free to get out your favourite sets and colour-coordinate your top with your saddle cloth and boots.
Safety stirrups are useful and make sure all your tack is in good, strong condition. You might also want to consider putting studs in your pony’s shoes to give extra grip.
ON THE DAY:
Arrive in plenty of time and tack up, as you would for any other event. Make sure you know which course you’re doing (normally colour coded) then warm up your horse, but don’t over jump as there’s going to be plenty of action to come (usually around 20 fences). Just make sure he’s nice and limbered up and excited to get going!
You’ll begin in the start box, but remember - you must walk into it - even the most nervous of horses aren’t allowed to canter through it to get to the course.
ON THE TRACK:
There’ll be stewards there to help you in the unlikely event of an accident, but make sure you’ve walked the course beforehand so you know the way (stewards won’t help with directions). Your fences will be clearly marked in the colour you’ve put to memory.
AT THE END:
Give your pony a lovely pat as you canter across the finish line and make sure you quickly undo his girth and flash (if wearing) to make him more comfortable. Walk him around until his breathing returns to normal and give him a thorough wash down when back to the lorry. An apple always goes a long way as a reward too.
PADDOX has a full list of hunter trials, as well as thousands of other equestrian events so make use of our powerful search engine and enjoy your time in the saddle.
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