Hunter Divisions

Getting to know the different hunter divisions can be a daunting task because they are not named based on height like the jumper divisions are. Hunter divisions can fit into one of three categories: schooling divisions, experience or age of the rider, experience of the horse. Keep in mind that the divisions offered will vary from show to show and I have not included all of the non-EC divisions, so be sure to check each prize list to see what you have to choose from.

Schooling divisions

The schooling divisions probably have the most confusing names of them all. Who would have thought that Lo/Low Working Hunter would be higher than Low Working Hunter? Schooling divisions are miscellaneous, non-EC classes. Since they are non-EC, specifications may vary and restrictions may be placed on entries, and additional divisions may be used that are not described here.

Schooling - These are classes that can be entered individually and will either run at the height of the first division of the day or, if "open card", will run throughout the day with height changes corresponding to the day's divisions. Classes are generally over fences only.

Low Working Hunter - 2'9", generally offered as a division with multiple over fences classes and an under saddle. Classes can usually be entered individually.

Lo/Low Working Hunter - 3', generally offered as a division with multiple over fences classes and an under saddle. Classes can usually be entered individually.

Hi/Low Working Hunter - 3'3", generally offered as a division with multiple over fences classes and an under saddle. Classes can usually be entered individually.

Rider age or experience

All amateur divisions require the rider to possess an amateur card. These divisions all have multiple over fences classes as well as an under saddle and often must be entered as a whole.

Small Pony Hunter - 2'3" (0.70m), open to ponies not exceeding 12.2 hands. Open to Junior "C" and Junior "B" riders.

Medium Pony Hunter - 2'6" (0.75m), open to ponies over 12.2 hands but not exceeding 13.2 hands. Open to Junior "C" and Junior "B" riders.

Large Pony Hunter - 2'9" (0.85m), open to ponies over 13.2 hands but not exceeding 14.2 hands. Open to all junior riders.

Modified Child/Adult Hunter - 2'9" (0.85m), non-EC, riders may not show in any other division (unless a Modified Child/Adult Equitation division is offered), horses may compete in other divisions with a different rider.

Children's Hunter - 3' (0.90m), open to junior riders. Riders entering this division are not eligible for EC and CET medal classes or any other classes requiring horses to jump, with the exception of the following classes: hunter equitation over fences not exceeding 3’3” (1.00m), pony hunter classes, jumper classes where the fences do not exceed 3’9” (1.15m), hunter classes where the height of the fences does not exceed 3'3" (1.00m).

Junior Hunter - 3'6" (1.10m), open to junior riders.

Adult-Amateur Hunter - 3' (0.90m), open to adult amateur riders. Riders may compete on large ponies. The horse in the adult-amateur hunter division may cross enter into any other division of the competition if eligible but the riders are restricted to the following: adult-amateur hunter classes, hunter classes where the height of the fences does not exceed 3'3" (1.00m), jumper classes where the fences do not exceed 3’9" (1.15m), classes where the horse is not required to jump, hunter equitation over fences for senior riders excepting CET and senior EC medal classes.

Amateur Owner Hunter - 3'6" (1.10m), open to adult amateurs whose horses are owned by the rider or a member of his or her immediate family. Any rider showing in the Amateur Owner Hunter division may not compete on a horse owned by another exhibitor in any other hunter or jumper class at the same competition except in hack or under saddle classes and adult-amateur jumper classes.

Horse experience

These divisions are open to all riders and are usually entered as a whole. Multiple over fences classes along with a single under saddle is the norm.

Baby Green Hunter - 2'9" (0.85m), non-EC, open to horses of any age that have never competed in EC-recognized competitions above 2'6" (0.80m).

Pre-Green Hunter First Year - 3' (0.90m), the horse must not have competed in an EC-sanctioned Gold or Silver competition (or equivalent) in any classes requiring the entry to jump over 2’9” (0.85m) prior to January 1st of the current year.

Pre-Green Hunter Second Year - 3'3" (1.0m), the horse must not have competed in an EC-sanctioned Gold or Silver competition (or equivalent) in any classes requiring the entry to jump over 3' (0.90m) prior to January 1st of the current year.

First Year Green Hunter - 3'6" (1.10m), open to horses of any age that have never competed above 3'3" (1.0m).

Second Year Green Hunter - 3'9" (1.15m), open to horses of any age that have never competed above 3'6" (1.10m).

Regular Working Hunter - 4' (1.20m), open to all horses.

Hunter Classics

Hunter classics are special classes that are open to horses that have shown in at least one other hunter division in the competition. It takes place over a longer course that is first walked by the riders. Numerical scores are awarded with the highest scorers returning for a second round. Restrictions may be made on entries by the competition management.


For complete descriptions and rules of the non-schooling divisions, read the Hunters section (Chapters 2 to 4) of the Equine Canada Hunter, Jumper, Equitation and Hack Rulebook here