The Differences Between Hunters and Jumpers

Jumper

Jumper classes are easier to judge and therefore also easier for the fans and riders to determine placement. There is no “judging” as such because the placement is determined by a set of faults, the more faults, the lower a horse places.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Jkassel_IMG_4581_923006_hc.jpg

A course designer plans a testing course, one designed to get a few, but not many, clear rounds. The fences are not natural looking at all, often bright colors and odd shapes. Corners are tight and the jumps are higher and wider than on a typical hunter course. The course is timed but time only separates ties, as it is the faults that really count. What the horse does between fences (discounting refusals) really does not matter. How the horse looks over the fence doesn’t matter, as long as no rails are down.  How the horse looks as it makes its way around the course (as long as it stays on course) also does not matter.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/pkeleher/3028979518/

Typically these classes attract the bigger audiences, ones who look forward to thrills and spills, fast horses and disasters.

A greater diversity of tack, and protective equipment, is allowed in jumper classes.

Prize money can get into the hundreds of thousands of dollars, or more.

Knocking down a fence: 4 faults

Refusal: 4 faults (generally two refusals results in elimination)

Not clearing a water jump: 4 faults

Other faults occur when a horse/rider pair take longer than the time allowed.

Hunter

Hunter classes are judged on form, as such they are subject to differences of opinion according to what a person values or their point of view.

A course designer plans a fairly easy course, the majority of the horses will have clear rounds. The fences tend to be very natural looking, appearing as natural wood or stone walls. The course is designed to be smooth and easy for a horse to travel with distances being comfortable.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/australianshepherds/3317264595/

The hunter horse is tested on manners, comfortable gaits, good jumping form, and disposition. The horse should look like it is a pleasure to ride, easy to control, and yet have a tight jumping form. The jumping form should be a rounded topline, with knees high, and even, and legs tucked nicely underneath. Between fences the horse should be on the correct lead and not fighting the rider.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/australianshepherds/3624250861/

These classes do not draw large audiences, they rarely are televised. The judges opinion is the only determining factor in placement. People watch hunter classes to see more refinement.

The rules for tack allowed are more restrictive, as is the dress code for the rider. Often more attention to the horses physical appearance (such as braiding the main) is taken.

Prize money in hunter classes is considerably less than in jumper classes.

Comparisons

You can compare the top two pictures to the bottom two and will notice many differences. 

If we were to compare jumper and hunter classes to other, better known sports, the jumper might be a hockey, or football game, the hunter might be a golf round or baseball game.

Other Links

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The Beautiful Arabian Horse