Western Hunters for sale on ehorses

For thousands of years, people have used horses for transport, warfare and display. They have also ridden horses for hunting, which once provided deer and other meat for the human diet, and then later became a sporting activity. By the early twentieth century, hunters were relatively large, strong horses that were capable of crossing demanding terrain and clearing solid fences, with the stamina to keep going for hours. Today, this type of horse is still prized, even though many hunts follow a scent rather than live animals. There is always a market for a powerful, willing horse with stamina and good sense, and these horses are often hunters. In the USA, special classes have developed over the years to show off their talents.

Characteristics of Western Hunters

One of the most popular of the classes in the USA is the “Hunter under Saddle” class, which gives American riders the opportunity to showcase their ability to ride in the English style, and their horses to work in a different way from Western style. The best way to describe it might be “English inspired”, since the elements of an English Hunter class are there, but the approach is not identical. The horse must go well in an English snaffle bridle and saddle, with contact on the bit, but with less collection than would be expected in a Hunter class in the UK. The horse should be able to show extension without too much knee action, and the whole effect is of a horse that would give a comfortable ride for several hours across countryside terrain.

Western Hunters: The Best Breeds for this Discipline

The great thing about Western Hunter classes is that they are, on the whole, ideal for American breeds that are able to participate in an English-inspired style. Therefore, the majority of classes will include horses such as American Quarter Horses , Paints , and Appaloosas . It’s an opportunity to show the versatility of these breeds using the English gaits, walk, trot and canter, rather than the Western trail and pleasure gaits of walk, jog and lope. These are often subtly, but distinctly, different. The horse will be expected to move with its neck fairly elongated, in a smooth and natural way. For hunting in the field, horses need to have staying power and strength, but also be sensible and trainable, without unnecessary “fizz”. Some Thoroughbreds, part-breds and warmbloods can also be a good choice since they have the elegance, outline and length of leg for this class.