What does a “classic” class mean at a Hunter horse show?
A classic hunter class is a bit like a medal class, except judged on the horse, not the rider. The first course is usually a bit longer than a normal hunter course by about 2-4 jumps. The riders are given a score out of 100 which is announced, and then the top 10 or 12 depending on the prizes awarded to, are called back in to do a second round, which is usually the standard 8 fences. The riders and horses are given a second score, and the pair with the highest combined score wins. Usually there is a bit of prize money at stake, the class awards 8-10 places instead of 6, and unless you’re at a really obnoxiously cheap show, the first place winner recieves a trophy, saddle pad, cooler, something extra just for fun. Sometimes, though it is not the most efficient way to run the class, everyone is allowed to do a first and second round depending on the number of entries. It is also usually a requirement for there to be enough horses to recieve all of the places awarded or the class is cance
