There’s a New Class Coming to AQHA – Working HUS

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42 – Aug/Sept, 2018

BY SUSAN WINSLOW

There is an exciting addition on the horizon for competitors in the English Division of AQHA competition. At the 2018 AQHA Convention, held in Jacksonville, Florida, the Show Committee announced the addition of a new class, Working Hunter Under Saddle, scheduled to debut in the 2019 show season. This new class represents a concerted effort to give seasoned competitors more options to showcase their Hunters, while enticing growth in membership and interest in the English Division where growth has been slow to non-existent in recent years.

In a class where form truly meets function, Working Hunter Under Saddle is the perfect venue to highlight the athleticism and versatility of the American Quarter Horse. The class is intended to exemplify the best of the American Quarter Horse doing its job in the hunting field. The horse that will excel in this class is one that can cover ground with light contact on the flat, while also tackling fences with obedient and athletic confidence. The ideal Working Hunter is a horse that can rise to any occasion. The horse has to move out or shorten up on the flat, jump a course, and do it all with smooth efficiency and an alert, willing attitude. This is an elegant athlete that makes the job look effortless and the experience a joy for the rider.

Justin Billings, AQHA Manager of Shows, describes the inspiration for the new class, “The concept was developed by the Show Committee, specifically within the English and Dressage Subcommittee, and presented by AQHA Professional Horseman David Miller. The subcommittee outlined the purpose of the Working Hunter Under Saddle as to allow correct appearance with self-carriage and forward movement in all gaits, providing for proper physical development and to build strength and coordination for over fences.”

So, how is this new class any different than Hunter Under Saddle, you may ask? Think of it as the English version of Ranch Horse Pleasure, a discipline that also embraces the working horse, and an event that has enjoyed extreme popularity since its inception in 2012.

Working Hunter Under Saddle, part of Category V (SHW 805), is similar to Hunter Under Saddle in that the horse must move obediently on light contact; but unlike Hunter Under Saddle, Working Hunters must show more forward movement and compete over fences at the same show. Billings explains, “Eligibility for the Working Hunter Under Saddle class would require the horse to be shown in a minimum of one over fence class in any division at the same show. Horses would not be able to show in both the Working Hunter Saddle and Hunter Under Saddle at the same show. In order to offer the Working Hunter Under Saddle in each division, show management must also offer one of the corresponding over fence classes including Hunter Hack, Hunt Seat Equitation Over Fences, Working Hunter, or Jumping. The Working Hunter Under Saddle should be held immediately following the over fence classes with the option of removing the jumps.”

Click here to read the complete article
42 – Aug/Sept, 2018