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Perfect your working hunter pony’s performance with solutions to 7 common problems

Welcome to our new exclusive series for Horse & Hound subscribers, in which we speak to showing experts to find out how to tackle common challenges, what are the key areas to improve, and exercises to help riders achieve standout performances in specific classes in the ring. First up are the ever-popular working hunter ponies...
Alex Robinson Alex Robinson

    • Without the pressure of high profile competitive outings on the immediate horizon, winter provides the perfect opportunity to hunker down and get some working hunter pony training hours in the bag. While the off-season provides a chance to take a break, if you have ambitions of jumping any of the circuit’s most challenging rustic courses this year, then you’ll need a training plan in place. With up-to-height fences, challenging lines and spooky obstacles to tackle, riders need to do their homework if they want to mix it with the best in working hunter pony classes.

    Training for working hunter pony classes requires a three-pronged approach. As well as a fault-free and stylish jumping round, combinations must then perform an equally impressive show on the flat, before the pony is presented for the conformation phase.

    Under British Show Pony Society (BSPS) rules, working hunter classes are scored out of a total 100 marks. During phase one, 50 marks are awarded for a clear jumping round, with 10 points being deducted for a knock down, 15 for a first refusal and 20 for a second refusal. A third refusal results in disqualification. A total of 20 marks are then awarded for style and manners while jumping. In the second phase, 20 marks are on offer for manners and way of going during the indvidual show, and 10 for conformation, type and freedom of action.

    Success in working hunter pony classes does not just come from a clear round, as in showjumping; style during the jump phase is essential and ponies must then retain their manners and way of going on the flat, which can be a challenge for some.

    Working hunter pony training: common problems

    H&H chats to some of the showing world’s most consistent working hunter pony riders and producers to gather training tips designed to solve some of the most common problems seen so you can ensure your winter programme is finely tuned ahead of the upcoming season.

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    Alex Robinson
    Alex Robinson

    Freelance equestrian journalist
    Born and raised in the Lake District, Alex has grown up on the showing scene. She has qualified and competed ponies at the Royal International, Horse of the Year Show and Olympia and has first-hand knowledge of the current issues in the showing world as well as the horses, ponies and riders who compete in the sport. Alex joined H&H in January 2018 as showing editor, cementing its place as the leading equestrian publication for both showing reports and current showing news in the UK. She moved on in October 2024 to pursue other opportunities, but continues to write for us on a freelance basis.
    Alex Robinson

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