 What is a Hunter Trials?
Historically, a Hunter Trials is held in the fall to allow both horses and riders to guage their readiness for the upcoming Hunt Season. The horse is judged on its manners, way of going, as well as its suitability as a fox hunter. Horses may be judged over several days of fox hunting, with the best of the group performing in the "handy hunter" class. The handy hunter class may ask for the horse and rider pair to trot a log, open and close a gate while mounted, jump several fences, and for the rider to dismount and remount.
 The Paradise Farm Hunter Trials, although "just for fun," iscommitted to preserving traditional fox hunting customs by encouraging participants to dress in formal hunting attire. However, we welcome all those who wish to participate on a more informal basis, since our main objective is for everyone to have fun, get around safely andenjoy a great day with their horses and friends!
Paradise Farm offers open and rolling terrain, a perfect setting for riders to bond with their horses. All jumps are solid and hills are utilized on all courses except those held in the ring for the younger/green horses. Schooling is available on the day before the show as well as the morning of the event. 
2010 Hunter Trials Photographs courtesy
of
Nicole Livermore Studios. |
Classes (Begin promptly at 8:00 am)
Hunter Pace - Open to all. Jumps Optional. To be judged over a rolling course, average median time taken. Points to count.
Cross Rails - Open to all. Fences not to exceed 2 ft. Points to count.
Handy Hunter (2 ft.) - 10 fences not to exceed 2 ft. Riders will be required to dismount and lead horse over a small jump. Riders also will be aked three (3) foxhunting questions as determined by judge
Handy Hunter (3 ft) - 10 fences not to exceed 2 ft. Riders will be required to dismount and lead horse over a small jump. Riders also will be aked three (3) foxhunting questions as determined by judge
Hunter Under Saddle - Open to all. Horses/ponies to be shown at walk, trot, and canter. Will be required to perform a hand gallop. Martingales not permitted. Points to count.
Hunter Teams - Open to all. Teams must declare 2 ft. or 3 ft. course. To be ridden single file over all but one fence, which will be jumped 3 abreast. Points to count.
Ladies Side Saddle - Judged as a hack class. Will be required to jump 2-3 small fences.
Open Hunter - To be ridden over a 3 ft. course including banks, ditches, and water. Points to count.
Dog Show
3 classes will be held:
Best Wagger (tail optional)
Prettiest Eyes
Costume Class
*** If you bring your pooch, be prepared to participate in the Dog Show!
$5.00 entry fee per class. |
Entries
Schooling
Schooling will be open from 9:00 - 4:00 pm on Friday,September 30Cost is $15/per horse.
No schooling without a signed Release Form/Waiver. (Download)
Attire
Formal Hunting attire required. Braiding is optional.
Prizes
Trophy and six (6) ribbons per class. There will be a prize for "Best Turned Out" High Point Hunter Champion and Reserve will be named.
Stabling
Stabling is available at Paradise Farm. Please contact Lellie Ward at lellie@paradisefarmaiken.com or call 803/640-4918
Directions
Get Directions to Paradise Farm Aiken, SC
Farm Map/Parking Instructions
For your safety, Paradise Farm employs a strict one-way parking system. Please download/print farm and parking map to familiarize yourself w/ event layout.
 Download Farm Map
Important!
Absolutely NO HORSES to enter vendor alley, sponsor tent area or Paradise Farm stable area during event.
Paradise Farm - 4069 Wagener Road - Aiken, SC 29805
(803) 640-4918; (803) 643-0138;
lellie@paradisefarmaiken.com
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