462. HUNTER HACK

(a) The hunter hack horse should move in the same style as a

working hunter. The class will be judged on style over fences, even

hunting pace, flat work, manners and way of going. The poll should

be level with, or slightly above the withers, to allow proper impulsion

behind. The head should not be carried behind the vertical,

giving the appearance of intimidation, or be excessively nosed out,

giving a resistant appearance.

(b)Horses are first required to jump two fences, 2 feet three inches (68.5

cm) to 3 feet (90 cm). However, if the jumps are set on a line they are recommended

to be in increments of 12 feet (3.5 meters) but adjusted to no less than

two strides. A ground line is recommended for each jump.

(c) Horses being considered for an award are then to be shown

at a walk, trot and canter both ways of the ring with light contact.

(d) At the discretion of the judge, contestants may be asked to

hand gallop, pull up or back and stand quietly following the last fence.

(e) When necessary to split large classes by running more than one

go-round, finalists must both be rejumped and reworked on the flat.

(f) Placing for the class shall be determined by allowing a minimum of

70% for individual fence work and a maximum of 30% for work on the flat.

(g) Faults over fences will be scored as in working hunter class.

Horses eliminated in over fence portion of the class shall be disqualified.

See rules 460 (d)(e)(f ). Faults (to be scored accordingly, but not

necessarily cause disqualification during the rail work) include:

(1) Being on wrong lead and/or wrong diagonal at the trot

(2) Excessive speed (any gait)

(3) Excessive slowness (any gait)

(4) Breaking gait

(5) Failure to take gait when called

(6) Head carried too low or too high

(7) Nosing out or flexing behind the vertical

(8) Opening mouth excessively

(9) Stumbling

(h)Faults, which will be cause for disqualification, except in novice amateur

or novice youth classes, which shall be faults, scored according to severity:

(1) Head carried too low (such that the poll is below the

withers consistently).

(2) Over-flexing or straining neck in head carriage so the

nose is carried behind the vertical consistently.