How To Stand out in the Hunter Ring Under Saddle Class

By: Elese Nicholson

You’ve been waiting all day, and it’s finally your turn to compete. You tack up your horse and walk into the arena. Then you realize…. There are over 25 people in your division. How in the world are you supposed to get the judge to notice you and your horse? It may seem pretty overwhelming, but here are 3 tips that will make you and your horse unstoppable! 

• Dress for success!

When it comes to the Hunters, competing starts way before you ever even get up on the horse. It actually starts in the wash stall! Making sure your horse is 100% clean is a great way to get on the judge’s good side right from the start. Make sure every inch of your horse is sparkling! Wash all the dirt off of your horse’s body and then focus on the smaller details like his legs, mane, and tail. If your horses are grey or have white legs I recommend getting purple whitening shampoo to really get them glowing! After they are all dry, spray them with some extra conditioning spray, such as Show Sheen. This will help the dust stay off of them and keep them shining in the ring! You can also spray their manes and tails with show sheen as well. Be careful though, because if you are planning on braiding, because the Show Sheen will make their mane and tail slippery and hard to braid. When you are getting dressed, make sure you are all neat and tidy as well. Make sure your hair is neatly organized and put up in your helmet, all of your zippers and buttons are fastened properly, and your boots are clean and polished! This will show the judge that you are confident and you should be! Walk into that hunter ring like you own the place! 

• Get away from everyone else and find your own space!

When you enter the ring, it kinda feels like you are on an overcrowded highway! DON’T GET LOST IN THE PACK! Find your own space! The judge will have a harder time distinguishing you from the other riders if you are all bunched up in one enormous group. If you spread out and find your own space in the ring, the judge will have a better chance at noticing you! I find that it’s easier to find your space if you start looking for openings before your class is called to order. As soon as you walk in the ring, do some circles or cut across the ring so you are by yourself. Once the class starts, keep looking for openings and keep yourself separated. The judge loves to see how you are in traffic, so keep that in mind! Remember to be courteous of others and don’t cut anybody off though! 

• Show off your horse (or pony’s) good side! 

Every horse has a “Good Side” Do they have a long flowy trot? A strong left lead? Right lead? Whatever it is, figure it out, and then when the announcer asks for that specific thing put your horse in the spotlight!! Go down the quarter line where the judge can see you easily! Make their good side stand out! You and your horse are beautiful and talented! You work hard and make sure the judge knows that! 

• Go for the Blue!