Hunter/Jumper Division

Open to any breed, the hunter division is judged on the desirable qualities that would make the horse a safe mount following the hounds across open fields and over fences. Hunters compete in the show ring over a course of eight to 10 fences, which are built to resemble obstacles one would encounter in the foxhunting field. These include brush boxes, gates, natural rails and brick walls, to name a few. Show ring jumps are normally three to four feet in height. Horses competing in the hunter divisions are judged on their jumping style, way of going and manners. Conformation and soundness are also taken into consideration in some classes.

Jumpers are the most exciting horses, according to many spectators who can score along with the judges in the arena. Show jumping is competitive precision riding over a set course of obstacles. An obstacle knocked down or a disobedience results in faults, which are marked against the competitor. Most classes involve an initial round which, when jumped clean (no faults incurred), allows the horse and rider to attempt a second course, generally shorter than the first and sometimes higher. Other classes are judged primarily on speed or on the horse's ability to jump height.

Penalties result from touching the jump, knocking it down or refusing an obstacle. Ties are broken by jump-offs in which jumps are raised or spread wider apart. The most exciting and challenging events in the jumper division are the $40,000 National Western Grand Prix and the National Western Gambler's Choice Jumper Stakes. Each year Denver's timed rounds and higher jumps challenge some of the best horses in the country.

(Exhibitors may visit the Exhibitor Premium Book page for entry information)