*Hunter Courses:
Hunter courses are designed for a smooth, flowing performance of the horse, demonstrating an even pace over fences simulating those found in the hunting field. In competition, the horse is judged on his performance, manners, and way of going. An even, steady pace, consistently good takeoff distances, good jumping style, long, low movement, and overall smoothness and ease of performance are paramount.

Hunter courses may be in the ring or over an outside course. There are usually about eight fences, simple verticals and spreads of moderate size. Typical hunter fences are natural rails, gates, walls, coops, brush, and logs. A hunter course typically includes a one or two-stride in-and-out (combination) and ascending oxers, but triple bars and square oxers are prohibited. Because fences are set at standard distances (based on an average 12- or 13-foot stride), riders do not walk the course before competition.


*Equitation courses:
Equitation courses are designed to test the skills of the rider. The rider is judged on his own and his horses performance over the course, including correct takeoff distances, accurate lines and turns, form and style, and maintaining an even pace over the course. The rider must be both effective and smooth, with aids as subtle as possible.

Equitation courses may be held over hunter- or jumper-type obstacles, including verticals and spreads up to 3'6", one or more combinations and at least two changes of direction. Course designers include tests of technical ability (related distances, bending lines, and combinations), precision (narrow fences), and control (ability to lengthen and shorten stride smoothly, to ride a specific line, and to turn accurately). The horse is expected to be on the correct lead in all turns, so ability to land in the correct lead and execute smooth flying changes is important.


*Show Jumping (Jumper) Courses:
Show jumping classes are held over a course of show jumping obstacles, including verticals, spreads, double and triple combinations, and many turns and changes of direction. The purpose is to jump cleanly over a twisting course within a time allowed; jumping faults are incurred for knockdowns, disobedience, and time faults for exceeding the time allowed. Tied entries jump over a raised and shortened course; if entries are tied in the jumpoff, the fastest time wins. Riders walk both the course and the jumpoff course before a competition, to plan their ride.

Jumper courses are highly technical, requiring boldness, scope, power, accuracy, and control; speed is also a factor, especially in jumpoff courses and speed classes (in which time counts in the first round). A jumper must jump big, bravely, and fast, but he must also be careful and accurate to avoid knockdowns, and must be balanced and rideable in order to rate and turn accurately. A jumper rider must ride the best line to each fence, saving ground with well-planned turns and lines, and must adjust his horse's stride for each fence and distance, while avoiding knockdowns. In a jumpoff, he must balance the need to go as fast as he can and turn as tight as possible, against his horse's ability to jump cleanly.


*Stadium Jumping Courses:
Stadium jumping is the third phase of a combined training event. Its purpose is to demonstrate the horse's flexibility, suppleness, soundness, and rideability after the speed and endurance test.

The stadium jumping test is a single round over show jumping-style obstacles, with a maximum time allowed based on a standard pace appropriate for the level of competition. Knockdowns and disobediences incur penalty points. While exceeding the time allowed incurs penalty points, it is not a speed event, and there is no bonus for extra speed. There is no jumpoff; the penalty score is combined with the score from the other phases to determine a winner.

Stadium jumping courses are set in the open whenever possible and often incorporate natural terrain features such as slightly rolling terrain. They are usually more open than a typical show jumping course and slightly longer: about 400 to 500 meters, with 10 to 15 jumping efforts. Double and triple combinations may be included (depending on level), and obstacles incorporating banks, ditches, or water may be used. The fences are of medium size (usually smaller than show jumping fences), but the distances, turns, and design of the course require a supple, obedient horse and an accurate ride, while the time allowed requires a forward moving pace and accurate lines and turns.

A stadium course must be ridden at a suitable pace (325 to 350 meters per minute, depending on level of competition), staying within the time allowed while jumping a clean round.


*Information taken from The United States Pony Club Manual of Horsemanship: Advanced Horsemanship; B, HA, and A Levels by Susan E. Harris