SHOWING l WORKERS CLASSES
Working hunter and working show horse classes are enormous fun, but there is more to them than meets the eye. Showing supremo Jayne Ross demystifies a workers class, explaining how to prep at home and shine in the ring
A WORKING HUNTER class is an attractive proposition for equestrians because horses don’t have to be quite such beauty kings and queens as in the weight classes. Rather, they need to be able to do what it says on the tin — work — so displaying performance and athleticism is the name of the game. After all, they have to jump a good round of fences before they progress and the very best working hunters are the ones who look like they could stand — and enjoy — a good day’s hunting.
Working show horse classes run in an identical format to a working hunter, but all types, not just hunters, can turn out to compete, from cobs to hacks to riding horses. This only helps to broaden the appeal of a workers class, and it is up to the judge to assess the entries according to type. However, it is also important that riders do homework beforehand to ensure that they are prepared for every element of the workers class as a partnership.
Before the beginning
Consider the specifics of a workers class — entrants are marked out of 100, and the 1usual format is…
1 Individual round of jumping (worth 60% 2of the marks).
2 Group ride — during which all horses in 3the class go in single file around the ring.
3 Judge ride or individual show (worth 20% 4of the marks).
4 Conformation inspection (worth 20% of the marks, and may require stripping down to the bridle).
There is a lot to it, which makes workers near impossible without a helper. Therefore a confident friend or family member would be perfect to fulfil this role.
As in any showing class, the judges expect to see clean, discreet tack and a matching numnah, not a saddlecloth. Brown tack is ideal, but black is acceptable. Avoid brass and fluff on the kit, and while every rider will want to use the tack their hor
