Performance classes for Breyers and model horses are generally divided into English and Western divisions. Many collectors are confused about English performance classes and what they mean. Each model horse show is different, offering different opportunities for performance set ups. The most common English performance types include hunters, jumpers, side saddle and dressage. Let's begin with hunters.
Understanding Hunters for Model Horse Collectors
Hunters, hunters over fences and huntseat equitation refers to a style of riding loosely defined as huntseat. This style of riding developed out of centuries of riding horses through the European and later American countryside in pursuit of small game such as foxes. The rider sits in the classic two or three point position, with head up, heels down, and leg gripping evenly through the thigh and calf for maximum contact with the horse's side. The horse is controlled by the rider's aids of hands, seat and weight.
The horse is outfitted with an English bridle and a huntseat saddle with fleece pad. The girth is leather and matches the saddle. The stirrups are made of metal and are open at the front. The English bridle is made of leather. Bits are typically snaffle bits, which have a joint in the middle, or the Pelham bridle, which consists of a straight rubber-covered bar inside the horse's mouth, a small chain that hangs under his lower lip, and double reins which are crossed in the rider's hands, with the lower rein (the one connected to the lower hole in the bit which controls the chain) hanging loose.
Hunters are shown braided in the real horse world, with at least the mane braided. At low-level, unrated or local schooling shows, horses may be unbraided, but the mane is pulled to an even length of approximately two inches, hanging on the right side. The tail is left long and flowing, and if possible, trimmed neatly at the end. At A-rated shows and large hunter shows the tail is also braided. Ties on the mane ribbons are usually kept to the same color as the mane, although some stables will add a colored ribbon in the mane braids to indicate their stable colors. A red ribbon braided or added to a horse's tail indicates that the horse kicks; it's a warning color for other riders in the ring to stay back!
The hunter horse always gives the appearance of understated, good taste. Saddles and bridles are traditionally brown leather with minimal braiding or fancy trim. If the horse must be shown with leg wraps or boots to protect the legs while jumping, they should be a neutral color and clean.
The rider's turnout is very recognizably English. Men and women wear black boots to the knees. Boots with laces are called field boots and are traditionally worn only for hunters, jumpers, and related huntseat riding, never for dressage. Black boots to the knee without laces may be worn for huntseat, and are always worn for dressage. The rider's pants are called breeches and are tight fitting, with suede knee patches to help the rider keep his leg in position. The traditional colors for breeches are tan or fawn, light or dark gray, and rust. A white or other solid colored shirt is worn on top with a flat collar that closes in back. The collar is called a rat catcher. A decorative pin is usually affixed to the front. A navy blue or black hunt coat is worn over the outfit. Red coats are never worn in the hunter ring. A black velvet covered huntcap is worn for protection on the head. It has a short, flexible brim and most shows now require a chin strap. A short crop or whip is optional.
Choosing Model Horses for Hunterseat Classes: Challenges
Many exceptions are made for model horses showing in performance classes. While collectors always strive for realism, some aspects of the hunter's turnout are impossible to replicate. Given the description above of how real horses and riders are turned out for the hunter show ring, you can imagine the challenges for the plastic model horse. The typical braided hunter mane is forgiven if the plastic horse lacks braids!
The ideal hunter horse is quiet yet athletic. Hunters travel in a long, low frame, on the bit with the neck bent and the horse responsive to the rider's aids. A wild or spooky horse would perform poorly in the hunt field and is frowned upon in the show ring. Look carefully at your model horse collection and choose only those horses that look like they would be fun to ride across a meadow, jump over a stream, or gallop through the woods; those might make good hunter horses. A standing, walking, trotting or nicely cantering model can all be adapted to various English hunter-style classes.
Tack for Model Horses Performing in Hunter Under Saddle
Breyer makes some nice beginner-type tack for English style riding and huntseat classes that fits Traditional, Classic and Stablemate scale models.
- The set #1409, Let's Go Riding-English, includes a Morgan horse, a doll rider attired in schooling (not showing) attire, and a nice English tack set suitable for beginners.
- The Saddle Club series features Classic scale (1:12) rider dolls, horses and basic English sets. #61106 Saddle Club Tacking Up Gift Set features a saddle, bridle and English-style pad that would work fine in beginning photo show setups. The other sets offer suitable saddles and bridles but the colorful pads would not be allowed in real hunter-type classes.
- The Saddle Club Stablemates set, #5502 and 35503, offer a play set of Stablemate scale (1:24) horses, riders, tack and jumps that can easily be assembled into a nice little photo show scene. The fences in set 5503 are too high for hunter course but could be used as a background fence.
To Learn More on Huntseat Riding
Attend or watch a real horse show on television featuring hunter classes. George Morris' book, Huntseat Equitation, is considered the classic text on this style of riding. Other sources include the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association (for both English and Western style riding), The United States Equestrian Federation, and state-level horse show associations.