What is a Hunter Trial?
This is a cross-country course only, much like the cross-country phase of eventing. Generally there is a “timed section” on part of the course: usually involving opening a gate, or some similar obstacle; however most of the course will be untimed. Faults are scored as for eventing above, and speed through the timed section determines the winner among those with clear rounds. Hunter Trials tend to be much more relaxed occasions than one and two day events: riders will be in their cross-country colours, and most are there for fun rather than for competition. They tend to be held in autumn and spring, so there will be a fair smattering of shaggy looking animals, and probably not a plait in sight! Dress is as for cross-country above: rugby shirt & matching hat cover. A proper hat, back-protector & medical armband are compulsory.
