Hunter Trials

What is it? How does it work?......

Hunter Trials (or Derbys as they are also sometimes called) are a competition test of horse and rider over both obedience (showjump style) fences and cross country obstacles within the same round. Each round takes approximately three minutes - so it’s not overly taxing on horse or rider…but is challenging and A LOT of fun!

Three classes are conducted throughout the day, starting at 65cm, then 80cm and finally 95cm. Horse/rider combinations are permitted to ride more than one round in a class (though only the first counts towards the final results) or are permitted to ride in more than one height class.

An optimum time will be set and published on the course maps – generally the course consists of 18-20 obedience and cross country obstacles and is best ridden at a controlled gallop. Course maps will be provided on the day and the course open for walking from 8am. It is permitted to walk the course after competition has begun, but walkers MUST give way to horses on course at all times. The horse/rider finishing the course with the least amount of penalties and closest to the optimum time wins. No jumping equitation is involved. Classes are as per the entry form and numbers will be limited.

What you and your horse should wear

No hunting attire is required – collared t-shirts and jodpurs are acceptable.Riders must wear correct riding footwear – plain half-chaps are acceptable. ASA and EFA approved safety helmets are compulsory and must be worn at all times when mounted on NRC grounds. Back protectors are strongly recommended Horses do not need to be plaited. There is no restriction on bits. Running martingales are allowed, however no draw reins or standing martingales. Boots and bandages allowed. Short dummy spurs only. No stopwatches or timing equipment are permitted to be carried or worn by any rider – elimination will occur for any rider in breach of this rule.

Penalties for Hunter Trials are:

• 1st disobedience (refusal, etc) at a jump 20 penalty points incurred
• 2nd disobedience (refusal, etc) at same jump - 40 penalty points incurred
• 3rd disobedience (refusal, etc) at same jump - Elimination
• Knockdown of any part of an obedience fence - 10 penalty points incurred
• Fall of rider or horse - Elimination
  5 seconds UNDER time - 1 penalty point for every second or part thereof. ie. if you are 15 seconds under time you will have 10 penalties
  More than 5 seconds OVER time - 1 penalty point for every second or part thereof. ie. if you are 11 seconds over time you will have 6 penaltys
  Speed for Starter class 350 metres per minute
  Speed for Introductory class 375mpm
  Speed for preliminary class 400mpm

Who do I contact?

For more information please contact Phase Head: Julie Preston on 0405 537 494

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