Working Hunter Horses

Working Hunter Horses

Classes

When: Where:
Sunday 18 August Ring 2
13. MARE, GELDING or STALLION, 5 years old and over, open to Traditional Irish Horses (TIH) only.  Horses will be eligible for this class provided they meet the age criteria and are eligible by virtue of being identified as a Traditional Irish Horse (TIH) in the Irish Horse Register. 
14. MARE, GELDING or STALLION, 4 years old.
15. MARE, GELDING or STALLION, 5 or 6 years old, capable of carrying up to 83kg (13st).
16. MARE, GELDING or STALLION, 7 years old and over, capable of carrying up to 83kg (13st).
17. MARE, GELDING or STALLION, 5 years old and over, capable of carrying over 83kg (over 13st).

Aim

The prerequisite for this class is jumping ability, good conformation, excellent movement and the temperament to excel in a number of fields with appropriate training.

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Eligibility

These classes are restricted to ‘Irish Bred’ horses only.

To be ridden by riders who have attained their 16th birthday by 1 January 2024.

Horses graded ‘C’ or over by Show Jumping Ireland in the current season, and horses that have competed at CCI3*-L, CCI3*-S, EI115 level or above in the current season are not allowed to compete in these classes.  It is the responsibility of each owner to ensure that their horse meets the eligibility requirements.  If an exhibitor is found in breach of this rule they will be suspended from future Shows.

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Entry Fee

RDS Members: €325 each entry; Non-Members: €365 each entry.

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Rules

These classes may be limited to a maximum of 25 primary entries per class.  In the event of a limitation the first 25 correct primary entries received, and paid for, will secure entry.  Please note there may be additional secondary entries in the above classes.

Those horses who have competed in the Show Hunter classes must compete in the same weight category in the Working Hunter classes.

All stallions entered in the Working Hunter classes must wear stallion identification tags and a blue "hazard" tail ribbon in both the warm up and competition arenas.

It is compulsory that all 4 and 5 year old horses entered in these classes have competed in a minimum of three shows prior to the 1st of August 2024.  Please note, exhibitors will be required to state the three shows on their entry form.  An allowance will be made for owners who wish to compete in a Show scheduled between their time of entry and the 1st of August, i.e exhibitors will be permitted to list a show that they intend to compete in.  If an exhibitor lists a future show, but is then unable to attend the nominated show for reasons of force majeure, the exhibitor must declare this to the Equestrian Office before the 1st of August.

For 5 year old horses who competed as 4 year olds in 2023, this experience may be used to fulfil the three show requirement.  

Proof of participation at these shows may be requested on arrival at the Dublin Horse Show, and should incorrect or inaccurate information be supplied it will incur elimination. 

Veterinary

Please note that horses which have been operated on for a wind infirmity are not eligible for entry into these classes.

Tack

Protective headgear conforming to the current recommended BSI Kitemark or Inspec IC Mark standards – PAS 015 2011, Snell E2016 (with official Snell label and number), ASTM F1163 (2004a or 04a onwards with SEI Mark), VG1 01.040 (2014-12), UTAC / CRITT or AS/NZS 3838 (2006 onwards and must have SAI Global mark), and fitted with an adjustable harness, is compulsory for all riders.  (Please note that as of 1 January 2023 hats with PAS 015 (1998) and Snell E2001 kitemarks / standards can no longer be accepted).  Protective headgear conforming to the above standards is compulsory for riders under the age of 16 years and for all rider competing in performance classes.  Please note, at both the qualifiers and the Final, fixed peak hats are not permitted for the Jumping Phase.

A body protector must be worn by all riders.  A correctly fitted, BETA approved, and appropriately labelled Level 3 body protector manufactured in the year 2009 or after is recommended.  If a rider chooses to wear an airbag style body protector, it must be worn over a recommended body protector.

Only snaffle bits are permitted in Class 14.

Riders must dress according to the dress code.

The same tack must be used in each phase.  No tack etc. may be worn that conceals the conformation of the horse.  

Front boots of a plain colour may be worn during the jumping phase of a Working Hunter class.

No hind boots or bandages permitted.

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Competition Format

Horses entered in these classes will be required to jump a course of natural fences including a double.  Prospective entrants are well advised to compete in plenty of working hunter competitions and to have schooled their horses cross-country before submitting an entry in this section.  Horses will be judged on conformation, manners, style, suitability and performance. Horses will be ridden by the judges.

A horse must be competed by the named rider during all phases of the competition.  A change of rider will not be permitted for the second phase of the Working Hunter classes.  If a rider qualifies more than one horse for the second phase in Classes 13- 17, they must inform the Chief Steward of the class which horse they will compete with in the second phase.

If a rider qualifies more than one horse to compete in the Working Hunter Championship (Cup 70) a change of rider may be permitted if special permission is sought from the Chief Steward.

These classes will run as per a specific drawn order available on the official startlist on the Equipe App.  A rider will be permitted to run out of order only in exceptional circumstances, on written request to the Equestrian Office before Tuesday 6 August, at 5pm and with the approval of the Show Director.

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Marking

Maximum total 100 points, broken down as follows:

Phase One
  • Jumping Phase – 40 points
  • Way of Going (Jumping Phase) – 20 points
  • Conformation – 20 points
Phase Two

The six highest scoring horses from Phase One will be invited back into the arena for the final judging. The judge will ride the exhibits during Phase Two.

  • Ride – 20 points

In the event of a tie, the horse with the overall highest score in Phase One will be the winner.  If there is still a tie, the horse with the highest 'Way of Going' score will be the winner.

Fault system:

For each fence knocked down – 10 penalties
1st refusal, run out, disobedience – 15 penalties
2nd refusal, run out, disobedience – 20 penalties
3rd refusal, run out, disobedience – Elimination
Fall of horse or rider – Elimination

Riders who misuse the whip in the Jumping Phase will receive 5 penalties.  Misuse of the whip is where it is not applied to reinforce a leg / seat aid or is inconsistent with the aids being given. Excessive use of the whip may incur elimination.  Determination of excessive or misuse of the whip will be at the judge’s discretion.

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Fences

Class 13: Traditional Irish bred class

Max. Height 1m
Max. Spread 1.10m (water jump included)

Class 14: 4 Year Olds

Max. Height 1m
Max. Spread 1.10m (no water jump)

Classes 15 - 17: 5 Year Olds and over

Max. Height 1.10m
Max. Spread 1.20m (water jump included)

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Course Designer

Mr Kevin Millman (UK)

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Awards & Prizes

Classes 13 - 17:

1st €1,875, 2nd €1,375, 3rd €875, 4th €500, 5th €375

A Special Breeders’ Prize of €500 will be presented to the breeder of the winning horse in each class.

A Special Prize of €470 for the Champion and €205 for the Reserve Champion Working Hunter Horse will apply.

The number of prizes awarded is based on the number of animals catalogued. For more information please click here.

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Cups & Trophies

Cup No. 70 - Perpetual Champion Trophy for the Working Hunter Champion.  The first and second prize-winners from Classes 13 to 17 will compete for this Trophy.

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