Working Hunter and Working Hunter Ponies

Find out what to wear for working hunter classes

For horses, the Working Hunter should be of a similar stamp to the show hunter. They are divided into lightweight (to carry up to 13 stone) and heavyweight (to carry over 13 stone). At affiliated level, fences are 3ft 6 inches - 3 ft 9 inches.

For ponies, WHP classes are typically divided into cradle stakes - ponies up to 122cm, riders up to 11 years; under 133cm, riders up to 14 years; 133-143cm with riders up to 17 years old; and 143-153cm, riders up to 20 years old. There is also Intermediate WH, for 148-158cm horses, riders up to 25 years old. A working hunter pony is of the same stamp and build as a hunter pony.

As this class involves jumping and is more of a performance class, less importance is placed on the animal being unblemished. A working hunter may get away with the odd lump or blemish on the legs that a show hunter might not, as they are expected to pick up some wear and tear in the hunting field. However, blemishes such as splints, curbs or spavins, that can be an indication of poor conformation or weak legs, will still be penalised.

For amateur owners, the SEIB Search for a Star championship has the final at the Horse of the Year Show, which also holds the final of the Cuddy Working Hunter of the Year championship, The More Working Hunter Pony of the Year and the Topspec Intermediate Working Hunter Pony of the Year.

Good Golly Miss Molly
Owned and ridden by Melissa Brotherwood

Hearnesbrook Hurricane
Owned by Lisa Clayden