The Hunter, a discipline rooted in American equestrian heritage, is now experiencing significant growth in Europe. This discipline, which involves completing a course of jumps in harmony with one’s horse, was originally designed to keep fox hunters occupied outside of hunting season. This explains the emphasis on elegance in the horse’s presentation and the rider’s attire, precision in course execution, and the variety of obstacle types.
Now accessible to all, Hunter competitions allow young riders to build a solid foundation in horse training.
Madison Keese, a rider from the United States, shares the secrets of this discipline, which combines technique and rigor. In this interview, Madison explains its unique characteristics, origins, rules, and how to perform while respecting the traditional codes of this historic sport.
Hunter: A sport of precision
Madison defines Hunter as riding as efficiently as possible to showcase the horse’s potential and responsiveness on the course. As she explains, it is a traditional discipline that follows classical codes, with the main goal being to complete the course as cleanly and consistently as possible.
The horse’s flatwork must be particularly well-trained to ensure responsiveness to the rider’s aids. Precise and disciplined work on the flat is fundamental in Hunter; obstacle height is secondary in importance.
Madison emphasizes that riders must be extremely precise in managing distances between jumps, as well as in approach and landing phases.
Practicing Hunter allows riders to return to the roots and fundamentals of equestrianism while respecting tradition. These traditions are reflected both in the arena and in the rider’s attire and horse preparation.
Hunter in the United States: a national discipline
In the United States, Hunter is considered a rite of passage for young riders. Naturally, Madison began her riding career with Hunter.
She explains that in the U.S., most riders start with Hunter before choosing a specific discipline, often moving on to show jumping later.
Hunter is particularly developed in the United States as it provides the foundation for jumping skills. Unlike elsewhere in the world, American riders must complete two seasons of Hunter before moving on to show jumping. Hunter is therefore a full-fledged discipline within American equestrian heritage.
Though long associated with the U.S., Hunter has gradually gained a foothold in Europe and has become a major equestrian discipline. Coaches and trainers see it as a way to develop calm and disciplined riders, which has contributed to its growth.
Highlighting the horse and rider
Madison reflects on her early experiences with Hunter. She chose Hunter because she loves the feeling of showcasing the horse. Beyond achieving results, she focuses on gaits, consistency, and the horse’s presentation. She also values finesse and precision in jumps and enjoys seeing her horse jump well. Her goal is a harmonious course, not just a high jump.
For the rider, Madison explains that Hunter teaches body control, position, and use of aids. This discipline demands perfect control of the horse and efficiency, all executed subtly. It also highlights the extensive work required with a horse to meet Hunter competition standards.
Choosing and training the right horse
To practice Hunter, Madison explains, the horse must be willing, in good physical condition, have a good jump, articulate movements well, and have strong conformation. Its rhythm should be natural, gaits consistent, and temperament calm.
During training sessions, Madison focuses on making the horse fully responsive to aids, with discipline and straightness. Hunter riders work on both flatwork and jumping, but focus more on the horse’s attitude and willingness.
Hunter: a refined, chic, and elegant sport
Riders wear classic, elegant, and understated attire in timeless dark colors such as black, gray, or navy. Only the pants may be light-colored, usually beige. Unlike show jumping or dressage riders, Hunter riders do not wear white pants.
The horse must also be well-groomed, as in dressage competitions: clipped, brushed, and cleaned, with mane, forelock, and tail braided.
During competitions, riders must wear specific, clean, and neat attire. Instead of traditional white show pants, they wear neutral-colored pants, typically beige, along with a jacket, shirt, tie for men, hairnet for long hair, helmet, boots, and dark gloves.
Horse equipment also follows certain rules. The saddle pad must match the saddle’s shape to showcase the horse’s movement. Other accessories, including bits or harnesses, are not strictly regulated. Horses must be clean, with clipped coat, brushed mane, tail, and forelock, similar to dressage presentation.
For both horse and rider, all equipment must be clean and polished.
These requirements create harmony and unity in the horse-rider pair, following the traditional codes taught in Hunter arenas.
Hunter competitions
Different types of Hunter courses
There are various types of Hunter courses and competitions. Riders can compete in Hunter Style, Hunter Equitation, or Hunter Derby.
Hunter Style evaluates the horse’s movement, jump articulation, flatwork, and overall attitude. The horse should have a nice neck, a small head, and good conformation. This event is scored out of 20 points.
Hunter Equitation evaluates the rider’s skill and harmony with the horse, including balance, position, and use of aids. The horse must be calm and steady. This event is scored out of 100 points.
The third type is Hunter Derby, which Madison particularly enjoys. These courses resemble show jumping, with more technical obstacles, larger jumps, and the option to ride faster.
These events were created to counter the decline of Hunter in the United States in the early 2000s.
A typical Hunter competition
Competing regularly, Madison explains a typical Hunter competition weekend. Upon arrival the day before, she follows the usual show jumping procedures: vet inspection and warm-up, where riders can ride the competition arena and jump a few obstacles.
During Hunter Style, she presents her horse, which is judged on movement, expression, and attitude. Judges determine the best-moving horses and assign scores.
She then competes in Hunter Equitation. Riders walk the course at a scheduled time to review layout, required paths, transitions, and stride plans. Before starting, riders declare which stride plans they will follow based on their horse. Courses may have 8–14 jumps, depending on the level. Unlike show jumping, fences in Hunter have no red or white flags.
At the start, riders circle 20 meters to indicate departure. Throughout the course, the horse’s canter must remain steady, approaches controlled, and faults subtract points from the final score. Riders can earn up to 100 points, based on stride plans, course, pace, and horse-rider performance.
Some elements deduct or add a fixed number of points. For example, stride plans are scored out of 40; if a course has 8 stride plans, each is worth 5 points, with a 5-point penalty for faults. Refusals incur a 10-point penalty.
Other factors are judged individually for each horse-rider pair. The course ends with a second 20-meter circle.
Hunter scoring system
Scores are ranked from highest to lowest. Awards may be presented on foot or horseback after the event. As in dressage, riders receive a score sheet with comments.
Riders earn points throughout the season to qualify for national championships.
Hunter internationally
The expansion of Hunter worldwide, especially in Europe, is a major asset for equestrianism. It will increase visibility, attract more participants, and grow the number of competitions annually.
For Madison, this discipline has great potential internationally because it embodies strong values. Hunter deserves recognition as an international equestrian discipline.
You can follow Madison’s journey on Instagram: @madisonkeese
