Many of the country's best horses and hunter riders will compete at the Tampa Equestrian Festival, held from March 19-April 6 at the Bob Thomas Equestrian Center at the Florida State Fairgrounds in Tampa, FL.
Horses that compete in the hunter divisions demonstrate the qualities that are essential in the sport of foxhunting, including the ability to carry the rider safely and comfortably over obstacles found in the hunt field. The sport has evolved into judging horses' form over jumps and the way they move across the ground.
One new event that will be held this year in accordance with the Tampa Equestrian Festival is the $20,000 ASG Software Solutions USHJA International Hunter Derby, which will be held at Wrenwood Farms in Naples, FL, on April 6. Hunters at this event will compete in a grass field over the rustic, natural obstacles that were once found in the earlier days of hunter competitions. The theme of the event is "Tradition, Tailgate, Top Hats & Tails," and brings the authentic feel of the traditional derby back to life for both spectators and riders.
Several series awards will be given out to outstanding hunters at the American Invitational, which is the culminating event of the three-week series. The King-Kaplan Family Junior Hunter Series Award will be given to the owner of the horse who has earned the most points in the Small and Large Junior Hunter Sections, and there will also be high-point series awards given to the overall champions in each division.
Horses are divided into sections that relate to either the experience of the horse or the status and age of the rider. Green conformation and regular conformation hunters are judged on their performance over fences and their "conformation," or physical build. Green working hunters are divided into sections for horses in their "first year" or "second year" of rated showing, and regular working hunters are the most experienced show hunters. Pre-green divisions are for rookie equines in their first year of competition.
More information about the hunter classes in Tampa and the prize list can be found online at www.stadiumjumping.com.