Hunter Pleasure and Hunter Under Saddle - what's the difference?

My horse is a very successful hunter pleasure horse, and I'm doing a show in September where there are no hunter pleasure classes, but hunter under saddle. Also this is a open breed class, while my hunter pleasure classes are in the Arab shows. What's the difference between hunter under saddle and hunter pleasure classes? I know they're rather along the same lines but that's it. Thanks for any input.
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I think it is more just terminology. HUS is the term used by the stock horse breeds,basically a rail class w/t/c English version of the western pleasure

Equine Cookies, what type of show are you talking about here?

Breed show? QH, Arab, Morgan? USEF? Local open hunter show?

It makes a difference.

In general, thought, the emphasis in Hunter Under Saddle is on quality and movement, and the emphasis in Pleasure is on manners and suitability. Some judges use Pleasure classes to pin horses they like that aren't fancy enough or have the movement to pin in HUS.

However, that's my USEF or open Hunter show perspective, it may be different in breed shows.

The HUS class is in an open breed show. I usually do Morgan/Arabian or Arabian breed shows where hunter pleasure classes are almost always present.
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Sorry, I am clueless.

I found this site that explains it well.

What is the difference between Hunter-Under-Saddle and Hunter Pleasure classes? | aprilreeveshorsetraining

The only thing is it seems like an Arab would not do well in a HUS class and so I'm not sure how they deal with that in an open show.

Ufl,


That link is for a QH trainer, and the descriptions are for AQHA showing. The may have nothing to do with how the classes are judged in a Morgan show or an Arab show.

Cookies, your best bet is to find a copy fo the rule book for the show organizing committee. Most are available online.

Typically Hunter Pleasure shows are judging a horse that goes quietly under english tack, with nice gaits (whatever is acceptable for that breed), and a general "pleasure" to ride in picture.

HUS locally is like the hack class after your over fences classes at a hunter show and should be judged in the same manner. Like Maura said it's judged on movement and suitability of a horse in the hunt field. Well it's supposed to be anyways.

OP- this is a class that will judge more in favorably of a forward moving, quiet, obedient horse, who is designed to jump. Another difference is you may be asked for a hand gallop. Is there an opportunity to watch this show or a similar one before going? That's what I usually try to do with an unknown event.

MudPaint,

What you're saying is exactly what my understanding is from USEF rules.

But breed show hunter pleasure and under saddle can be wildly different, and judged by a completely different standard.

Here's an Arabian Hunter Pleasure class -


Note the horses being ridden on contact and with a lot of head set, some behind the vertical, and the knee action and animation.

And here's an Arabian hunter under saddle -

Moon Dancer - Arabian Horse Hunter Under Saddle - YouTube

This is why I really, really hestitate to give any advice about breed show hunter classes; they are just a horse of a different color!

Yep, your right. I must have missed that. The video posted helps a lot for me to explain it. I am quite new to the hunter world. I think I'll stick with Saddleseat, lol.