The purpose of a hunter under-saddle class is simple: It's to show off your horse's best gaits at the walk, trot and canter both ways of the ring. According to the U.S. Equestrian Federation Rule Book, "Light contact with the horse's mouth is required. Horse should be obedient, alert, responsive and move freely." To those requirements I would add that you should look confident and capable, and both you and your horse should be immaculately turned out.
In this video, I'll take you through a typical warm-up for a hunter under-saddle class. My student Jennifer Waxman riding Zoom demonstrates.
To learn Emily's secrets that help her students shine in the show ring, see her article "How to Win on the Flat" in the June 2008 issue of Practical Horseman magazine.
