Hunters are descended from the famous hunt fields of fox hunting. In the late 1800's, horse shows became increasingly popular as gentlemen across the UK and the Americas came together for hurdle competitions (the ancestors of today's show jumping), hunter paces, and races. Along with the look of a fox hunter, show hunters carry many similar traditions.
One particular similarity between the show hunters of today and the fox hunters of yesteryear is appearance. Indeed, many riders from other disciplines may criticize the hunter ring for its conservitism, but the fashion and overall looks of the hunter is deep rooted in the huntfield, where respect for the hunt was displayed in good riding, good horses, and good turnout. Though today there are many subtle differences between show hunters and fox hunters, they are still conservative. One does not need to set a fashion trend in the hunter ring - the idea is that the judge focuses on the horse's performance, its movement, form, and manners.
The most important part of the hunter discipline is the horse. Strict judging standards are based on the horse's performance, way of going, and manners.
The gaits of a hunter should be free and floating, meaning the horse's stride should not have been manipulated in any way by weights, special shoes, or training methods - it should be natural. A hunter's stride should be low and sweeping, covering the ground with great efficience. The pace should be forward - neither fast nor slow, but with impulsion.
A show hunter's head carriage should also be free. Unlike dressage, where the horse carries his head, neck, and front end in a tight, collected frame, hunters should let their neck be longer and lower, while still remaining light in front. Being heavy in front is also known as "heavy on the forehand."
