Regardless of height, the show hunter must satisfy all the usual criteria for quality, soundness and correctness in a riding horse, but built in such a way that it could be expected to do a hard day’s work in almost any hunting field. The cannon bones should be short and the limbs in proportion to the body. The neck should be long but not swan-like, the shoulder well laid back, the wither clearly defined and the back strong. The quarters should be powerful and substantial, with the second thigh being particularly well developed.   

What is a show hunter?

Sport Horse Breeding (GB)’s definition of a ridden (or in-hand) hunter is “a mare or gelding capable or likely to be capable of carrying its designated weight regularly for a full day’s hunting. It should have substance, quality and a calm, bold temperament. It should have the conformation to produce high performance.”

Horse and Hound. 20 March 2023.