Conformation Characteristics of the Ideal Hunter Jumper Horse

Residing in Los Angeles, California, Julia Cominos is a private consultant who assists organizations with strategic management and business development initiatives. Julia Cominos’s hobbies include running, skiing, tennis, and the equestrian sport of hunter jumping.

The ideal horse for competing in hunter jumping should have good conformation. An explanation of desirable hunter jumper horse conformation characteristics is provided below.

A hunter jumper horse is more likely to have athletic ability, trainability, and a lengthy career in the sport if his body proportions are balanced and symmetrical. The shoulders, back, and hindquarters of the horse should each comprise one-third of his total length. 

Having withers that are level with the point of the croup is also beneficial, as is a well-sloped shoulder for ease of movement and ability to jump. When considering the horse’s stance, it’s optimal for the horse to measure the same distance from the point of the shoulder to the buttocks as from the withers to the ground.