Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between Hunter and Jumper?
The main difference between Hunters and Jumpers is types of scoring and style of horse.
Hunters is based off of Foxhunting and has the traditional garb of a hunt coat and tall boots. A horse needed to have correct form over fences to be trusted to clear obstacles in the field. Hunter fences tend to look natural because in traditional fox hunting you were required to jump ditches, fences, logs, etc while chasing prey. The horse had to be sound in mind and body which is why the lower head carriage (representing quieter horses) is ideal, along with a smooth gait. In under saddle this is to judge the horses way of going. A horse with a large, smooth, ground covering stride was ideal because it was long distances and the smoother the ride the less impact felt by horse and rider. Horse manes were roached (shaved) or braided to keep the mane out of the way of the reins.
The modern hunter was created as a means to still to show finesse in the sport without the aggression of hunting. In modern hunters the judge looks for the above qualities and gives a grade out of 100.
Jumpers, or stadium jumping, was created after fox hunting became popular. It was made for entertainment rather than practicality and the goals are simple: complete a previous set list of obstacles in a certain order within a certain time limit. The person with the fastest time and least amount of penalties (time faults, knock downs, refusals) is your winner. There are different styles of classes but overall the objective is the same.
Do I need my own horse to become a member of the MHJA?
No you don't. We welcome anyone who is interested in learning to ride hunter or jumper. You can become an associate member for $20 to support the club or get a junior or senior membership for $55 before Mar. 31 of each year.
How do I find a coach?
Please contact the Manitoba Horse Council: www.manitobahorsecouncil.ca they have a list or our membership coordinator- Cate Chant cate.chant@gmail.com
What is the difference between Gold, Silver & Bronze shows
The difference between Gold, Silver, Bronze and Discovery shows are based on EC standings.
Discovery: no prize money, ticketed shows where you only pay for each class you participate not a division (which is made up of three classes- two over fences and one flat class). Its a cost effective opportunity to get young horses and riders on the grounds. These shows begin at cross rails and work our way up to bigger fences.
Bronze: Manitoba Horse Council (MHC) and MHJA membership are required from here up
Silver & Gold: Equine Canada (EC) required.
The main difference is the amount of prize money as there is no prize money for Discovery shows and a small amount of prize money at Bronze shows. Silver and Gold shows will have much more. Of course it is therefore more expensive to participate in silver and gold shows.
What is a division?
A division is a list of classes put together. They are usually the same height through out the show and all under the same or similar, name.
Ex. 3' Senior Hunter, 3 Senior Hunter under saddle, 3' Senior Hunter stake or crossrails are often M1, M2, M3, & M4 and then under saddle M5
The points accumulated by the top 6 riders of each class are counted up and the person with the most over all points wins "Champion' and runner up wins 'Reserve Champion'. At year end awards, Points in each divison are tallied up and the same is done for points over the season.
There is only a Champion and Reserve if there are 3 or more classes in this division per show. If not it is just a 'High Point' for the winner. There is still a Champion and Reserve for year end awards.
Do I need to become a member of any other organizations when I become a member of the MHJA?
To compete at a MHJA show you can take out a temporary membership ( $65/show). To compete at Bronze or higher shows you will also need an EC and MHC number or equivalent if you are from another province
