working hunter

[princesaysneigh]

I'm thinking about doing working hunter, and I have a few questions.

1. Are body protectors allowed?
2. What are the rules about boots (for horses?) My horse normally wears open tendon boots in front and brushing boots behind - would that be ok?
3. Are the fences knock-down and will there be any water?
4. What are the aids for gallop? Do you get eliminated if you can't manage it?

Thanks!

[intouch]

WH is my favourite discipline, it includes jumping, flatwork skills , conformation and style & appearance, so if your pony's less than elegant, you can still get by if he's well mannered. Also you can make a big difference by correct turnout, my daughter once lost a Championship on her shaggy pony, wearing my old hacking jacket - because she had no gloves!
Body protectors are allowed - over or under your jacket - but I'd probably take it off for your show.
Boots are allowed for jumping but not for the show.
Fences are knock down, and it's not likely you will find water at entry level, but they will throw anything at you in the derbys!
A good fast canter will pass for a gallop, if you have a young pony, explain that to the judge and they probably won't ask for gallop. It will go against you, but hey - we're not out to win em all, are we?
Enjoy yourself and have fun. ;)

[Kanuma]

yes body protectors are allowed, they are encouraged in fact.
your horse can wear boots for the jumping but they must come off for the showing part.
the fences are all knock down, and normaly if you knock one you wont get asked to do a show, but sometimes when there are very few clears then you will. at any level you are likely to have a water jump normaly though they are a sheet under the jump not actual water untill the county shows.
for gallop just push forward and raise in your seat a little, if you cant manage a gallop you wont get eliminated but it will count against you, try to extend the canter if you want.