Moore Van Star and Shelley Kaczmarczyk competing in Open Hunter Over Fences in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Sometimes when I ask a new equestrian what styles of riding they are interested in, I hear "I would like to try Hunt Seat, but I don't want to jump".

Although the Over Fences classes are often the most popular and exciting, and the modern Hunt Seat style is based on the ability to ride your horse over a course of fences, Hunter shows are filled with On the Flat and Under Saddle classes.

As for pleasure riders, there are just as many who choose to take their trusty mounts down the trail riding in the Hunter style instead of in a Western or Australian saddle.  And while they are equiped and ready to jump a log if necessary, most are just as happy to stay on firm ground!