A question about show lingo

[SmokeKandeeBar]

i'm new to showing. I have never shown before. What I always wanted to know is what is the difference between Amateur, or Novice Amateur? Or how about Low working hunter, or working hunter? Low adult hunter? Working hunter? Amateur owner? Modified Jumper? I always see this things on show bills and they confuse me so much, I wouldn't know which class to enter because I don't know what any of it means. Whats the difference between training hunter, and schooling hunter? let me know!

[kedwards]

Most of the terms refer to restrictions on which horses or riders are eligible for the classes. Refer to your local show organization or the prize list of the show (if it unrated) for specifics. However, generally speaking, the following applies:

Low, training, and schooling classes are simpler courses, over lower fences (relative to other divisions at the same show), but are usually unrestricted regarding eligibility of horses and riders entering. Thus, they may be green riders on experienced horses or experienced riders with young or problem horses (though the latter generally show in Green classes, if eligible), or any combination thereof.

Modified, Limit, and Novice hunter classes are open to riders who are just beginning to show at that level, and are run over courses that are generally lower than adult ammateur or children's hunter classes. Eligilibility is determined by the number of blue ribbons they have won in certain classes in the past, and they are restricted from entering in higher level divisions at the same show where they are entering the modified/limit/novice division.

"Amateur" classes are for adults who do not receive remuneration for any riding/training/teaching, etc... "Amateur Owner" requires that the rider actually own the horse that he or she is showing, whereas Amateur Adult, does not have this requirement. The latter is also over higher fences.

Working Hunter classes are open (i.e., there are no restrictions on horses and riders) and generally the highest hunter courses offered at that particular show or show circuit.

[SmokeKandeeBar]

ah I see....so if I'm a beginner hunter and so is my horse, I would show in a schooling hunter/training hunter? Or green hunter? I think it's something I have to look into to fully understand. Thanks though, you cleared alot up. :)

[kedwards]

As a beginner, you're best off in classes that are restricted to riders of your level (e.g., short stirrup, long stirrup, limit, novice, modified, child, amateur, etc), rather than classes that focus on green horses. In the latter, you're likely to be showing against experienced riders (including pros). Plus, in a green class, the chances are greater that you will have to work around some quite fresh horses in the ring.

Also, in classes restricted to novice riders, the class is more likely to be run in a way that the safety of novice riders is attended to, and the horse/rider combinations are more likely to be judged on qualities appropriate to the rider's level.

If you have to choose between schooling/training or green hunters, go schooling/training before green.

[SmokeKandeeBar]

okay I understand now. Thanks so much for your help!

[FreedomStar]

I've got a quick question, what is a medal class? I can never remember what a medal class is and I see them in tons of show registration forms.

[SmokeKandeeBar]

thats a good question, i have no idea.

[Shizzity]

i *think* medal classes are based on jumping and flat work. At the shows i have been to, you actually win a medal, not a ribbon, in them!

[kedwards]

Medal classes are equitation classes in which riders are competing for qualification to a "medal final." If they qualify (through a predetermined number of wins), they compete among other qualifiers in the regional or national finals.