What's huntseat?

What's huntseat?

Post by b.. » Sat, 14 Feb 1998 04:00:00


Hi
I live in South Africa, & down here we don't have 'hunt-seat' (unless
it's got another name). I would really appreciate any info on what it
really is.
Thanx

 
 
 

What's huntseat?

Post by Eileen G. Morg » Tue, 17 Feb 1998 04:00:00

Quote:

>Hi
>I live in South Africa, & down here we don't have 'hunt-seat' (unless
>it's got another name). I would really appreciate any info on what it
>really is.
>Thanx

Huntseat is a style of riding that originated in the upper class types
who went fox hunting with their horses in England and Europe--although
mostly I've heard about English roots which got transported to
America.
The riders all trotted, cantered and galloped across country--jumping
hedges, ditches, pasture fences, etc as they followed a pack of hounds
who were following a fox.

Nowadays, most people do "huntseat" in the ring--cantering very
spiffy, pretty hunters around a small course of jumps or working at
walk, trot, and canter on the flat. The horse is judged on apperance,
movement, quiet and responsive manners, and style over fences.

None of these horses is really suitable to be a field hunter
anymore--it has become two separate things. There is a lot of money
and politics in the important shows in hunters--that's why I switched
to dressage and eventing (besides, I thought it was more fun!)

hope that answers your question.
eileen morgan
The Mare's Nest