Hunters should display the manners and qualities best suited for a ride to the hounds. A Hunter course is designed to simulate stonewalls, hedges, post and rail fences, and other obstacles found in the hunting field. The horse should be attractive with correct and proportional conformation. Horses are perfectly turned out with their manes and tails braided. The horse’s movement is an important part of the presentation. He should move freely with little action or bending of the knees, be light and graceful across the ground, and look relaxed with a long, low neck, ears forward and alert.

Judging a Hunter begins the moment the horse and rider enter the ring and continues until they leave. This is his “ round.” During a horse’s opening circle the judges get their first look at the horse. The original turnout is very important.