Annual Hunter Trials

Junior Classes – 9:00 a.m.
Adult Classes – 10:30 a.m.
Lead Line Class – 11:00 a.m. (promptly)
Tailgate Competition – 9:00 a.m. to ?

Entry Deadline: March 6, 2022

*Entries received after will be considered Post Entries and will be double entry fees*

Proof of Negative Coggins Required (within past 12 months)
To be included with entry or presented to the secretary on day of trials. Horses without will not be allowed to compete.

ENTRY FEES:

• $15 / Junior Class (or Juniors riding as Adults)
• $20 / Adult Class

OPTIONAL:

• Sponsor / $175
  Includes Reserved Priority Parking
  
• Reserved Parking / $100
  Limited number available

Online entries requested. See the tab for Enter Online.

Checks payable to MCH and mailed to:
MCH Hunter Trials
946 Sheldon Rd.
Southern Pines NC 28387

mchhuntertrials@gmail.com

For questions call Mary Hunter Phillips at 774-571-7406

• We strongly encourage all entries to be made online.
• Entries received after the closing date will be considered post entries and will be   DOUBLE ENTRY FEES
• Eligibility –  Members and guests of recognized hunts are invited to participate. Horses and ponies primary use should be as a field hunter, and have hunted regularly during the season with MCH Or another MFHA recognized hunt.  Eligibility questions will be decided by the Masters.
• Amateur Status-  Please note that Amateur status is defined by those guidelines set forth by The United States Equestrian Federation.   Amateurs as defined by USEF  cannot have accepted payment for riding horses, or training / coaching. 
• Two entries will go in tandem, at a safe distance,  in most classes, except for hack classes and where otherwise noted.
• Juniors are 18 and under.
• Current negative coggins required
• Please park at the top of the hill at the hunter trials course, water is not available on the grounds.
• The committee has the right to combine, cancel or split any class.
• Formal attire please, and braiding is appreciated, but optional
• Schooling is available for the entire week, starting on Sunday prior to the event.  (probably need to include Friday for our visitors)   Course will be closed Saturday 3/12 for repairs.

Carolinas’ Performance Hunter Series

Carolinas’ Performance Hunter Series is offered at 4 Carolina based hunter trials. The horse/ pony & rider combination with the most points after all 4 trials will win a Championship ribbon, prize, and $500 for their hunt. Prize money is not given to any individual. Reserve Champion will receive a ribbon. Grand prizes will be given at the Carolinas’ Hound Show in Southern Pines, on May 7.  Horse or pony and rider combination must have hunted at least 5 times during the current hunt season (to be confirmed with the MFH) in the same field that they compete in. 

Classes

Junior Classes

Class 1 Juniors – Carolinas’ Performance Hunter Hilltoppers
Riders to follow a field master at a walk, trot, canter and slow pace over a log on the ground. Judged on suitability as a junior hilltopper mount. Martingales allowed.

Class 2 Juniors – Carolinas’ Performance Hunter Over Fences
Riders to follow a field master at a walk, trot, canter / gallop, jumping, reverse field and / or hold hard. Judged on suitability as a junior first flight mount.

Class 3 Juniors – Under Saddle
Show at the walk, trot and canter. Judged on manners, way of going and suitability as a fox hunting mount. Riders may be asked to back up.  Martingales allowed.

Class 4 Juniors – Handy Hunter
Show over a course of jumps, and judged on manners and promptness. Riders may be asked to open and close a gate, changes of pace, and potentially halt or back up.

Class 5 Juniors – Champion Junior Hunter
1st and 2nd place winners in junior classes (class numbers 2 – 4) will be asked to follow a field master appointed by the committee.  The judges will pick the horse or pony most suitable to hounds.  No entry fee.

Other Junior Awards
Best turned out Junior (for the day, open to all riders who competed in at least 1 class)
Junior American Sportsman Award (for the season)
Junior Field Hunter Award (for the season)

Class 6 Leadline (scheduled 11am)
Open to riders 6 years old and under. To be shown in hand (led) at the walk by a competent handler of any age.  No entry fee.

Class 7 Future (First Season) Fox Hunter
Pony, Horse or rider applies.  Over a course of low fences. .  Riders or the mounts in this class must either be in their first year of hunting, showing at hunter trials, horse shows or events. Open to juniors & adults 

Adult Classes

Class 8 STRICTLY FOR FOX HUNTERS
Open to ladies and gentlemen who belong to and hunt regularly with a recognized or registered hunt.  This class is for riders who do not normally compete in horse shows or events.

Class 9 Carolinas’ Performance Hunter Hilltoppers (amateur to ride)
The horses and riders should be qualified in the Hilltopper Field.  Horses will go in a group following a designated Field Master. Small log on the ground  may be included in this class. Horses and riders in this class not eligible for other classes except 10, 11  & 12.

Class 10 Hilltoppers Hack
No Jumps. Shown at the walk, trot & canter.  Riders may be asked to hold hard and back up.  Horses in this class not eligible for other classes except 9 & 11, 12.

Class 11 Hilltopper Handy Hunter
Course to be ridden in tandem, with 2 riders on course at one time.  Tests may include opening and closing a gate, mounting and dismounting, and navigating a small log, changing position so that each horse gets to demonstrate leading and following. Horses in this class not eligible for other classes except 9 & 10, 12.

CHAMPION HILLTOPPER (for the show)
Awarded to the horse and rider combination with the most points in classes 9,10, &11.

Other Adult Awards
Best Turned Out Award  (1 lady and 1 gent for the day, open to all riders who competed in at least 1 class)
Unsung Hero Award
Best Field Hunter Hilltopper (Annual)

Class 12 Pairs Hack (May include 1 professional)
Shown at the walk, trot & canter.  Riders may be asked to hold hard and back up.

Class 13 Pairs Over Fences (May include 1 professional)
Pairs to ride and take each jump.abreast  Juniors may make up their own team or ride with an adult.  Riding and jumping in pairs has greater risk than riding singly.  Only teams that have schooled together should enter.  May jump high or low side of jump.

Class 14 Lady’s Hunter Over Fences (Amateur to ride)

Class 15 Gentleman’s Hunter Over Fences (Amateur to ride)

Class 16 Handy Hunter Over Fences (Amateur to ride)
Over the Hunter trial course with handy hunter tests.  Tests may include trotting a fence, opening and closing a gate, dropping a rail, mounting and dismounting, and backing up, with an emphasis on manners and promptness.

Class 17 Hunt Teams Over Fences (May include 1 professional)
Teams of 3 to ride at a safe hunting distance taking the last jump abreast.  Juniors may make up their own teams or ride with an adult.  Judged on manners, consistency of spacing,  pace and general appearance.  May take high or low side of the jumps.

Class 18 Carolinas’ Performance Hunters Over Fences
Jumps 3’0 or less may be asked to trot or canter fences, open and close gates, dismount and remount, or other fox hunting tasks.

Class 19 Fox Hunter Hack
entries may not enter hilltopper hack, class 10.

Best Field Hunter Award (for the season)

Class 20 Champion Hunter
1st and 2nd place winners in each class other than Pairs, Hunt Teams and Hilltoppers will be asked to follow a field master appointed by the committee over a course of his or her own choosing.  No Entry Fee.

• Do Not attend if:
  You Don’t Feel Well
  You have tested positive for COVID-19 or are showing symptoms; or have been exposed to someone with symptoms in the last 14 days.
• Use Hand sanitizer frequently and rub until your hands are dry
• Practice EXCELLENT hand and respiratory hygiene:
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your elbow when you cough or sneeze and throw used tissues away
• Wash your hands or use sanitizer immediately thereafter
• Do not exchange handshakes, fist bumps, high-fives or hugs
• Practice social distancing. Stay at least 6 feet apart when unmounted.