LKTA Hunter Pace

Hunter Paces can be booked by approval only. This pace is for Level 3a+ approved riders

We invite approved riders to join one of our most popular and highly anticipated offerings. Hunter Paces combine the thrill of open country riding with a touch of friendly competition—allowing riders to apply their skills in a dynamic setting while enjoying beautiful terrain, teamwork, and equestrian tradition. Ribbons, and occasionally additional prizes, are awarded.

Team Format & Ideal Pace

Riders are placed in teams of 2–3 MRC riders, carefully matched by ability. Each team rides independently through a clearly marked course.

Teams aim to match the “ideal pace,” a time set in advance by a representative who has ridden the course. Teams finishing closest to this time are awarded ribbons.

Rider Requirements

Hunter Paces are best suited for independent, experienced riders with prior cross-country riding and jumping experience.

Riders must be able to:

• Ride confidently without a guide
• Mount independently
• Adjust and manage their own tack
• Maintain awareness among 50+ horses and riders
• Handle unexpected situations calmly
• Recognize when a horse needs rest
• Identify injury or lost shoes
• Properly cool down their horse after the ride

Strong judgment, horsemanship, and situational awareness are essential.

Jumping

Jumping is optional. Fence heights generally range from 2’–3’.

Riders should:

• Maintain appropriate spacing between horses
• Approach fences one at a time
• Continue forward if a horse refuses (no circling back)
• Ride at the back of the group if their horse may refuse

Professional photographers are often present, with photos available for purchase after the event.

Divisions

Pleasure Division
A steady, controlled pace focused on consistency and safety. Riders determine when to walk, trot, or canter while maintaining forward movement. Most MRC riders participate in this division.

Hunt / Open Division
A more forward pace, similar to first-flight foxhunting, while still observing safety protocols across varied terrain.

How It Works

Teams are released in 3–5 minute intervals, with start times recorded. The course is marked with ribbons and signage along trails through woods and open fields.

General pace guidelines:

• Walk: downhills, water crossings, mud, rocky terrain
• Trot: narrow or wooded trails
• Canter: wider trails
• Gallop: open fields (when safe and appropriate)

At the finish, times are recorded and compared to the ideal pace. Many events include a casual tailgate or lunch following the ride.

Schedule (approximate)

• 10:00 AM Arrive, gather gear, and connect with MRC riders
• 10:15 AM Horses arrive; riders gather at trailers
• 10:20 AM Horses are called for catching
• 10:45 AM Riders mounted and begin the course
• 12:30 PM Riders finish and begin cooling down
• 1:30 PM Loading complete; optional tailgate or post-ride gathering

Final timing will be confirmed prior to the event.

What’s Included

• Your horse, groomed and tacked
• A matched team to ride with
• Entry fee and registration handled by MRC

Horses

Horses are trailered in for the event and include a variety of breeds suited to open space riding, foxhunting, and hunter paces.

Options range from spirited Thoroughbreds to quieter draft breeds. Riders seeking a more forward or challenging ride should note this in their MRC Rider Profile.

Setting

Teams of two or three riders navigate a marked course through woods and open fields. Times are compared to a pre-set optimal pace in either the Hunt (faster) or Hilltopper (slower) division. Jumps range from approximately 18” to 2’9” and all have go-arounds.

Level & Requirements

Level: 3A+

Additional requirements:

• Instructor approval
• Attendance at 2 Bootcamp classes within 6 weeks prior to the pace
• Must receive an official MRC invitation to book

Attire

Required:

• Certified helmet
• Safety vest
• Tall boots or paddock boots with half chaps (clean and presentable)

Recommended:

• Gloves
• Crop

Team Uniform:
MRC Team Hunter Pace shirt with tidy breeches (team coordination encouraged)

Transportation

📍 Rhinebeck, NY (~120 miles northwest of Midtown Manhattan)

• Carpooling encouraged via the MRC Carpooling Group
• Additional rider coordination provided the week of the event

Local Suggestions

The nearby town of Hudson offers a great selection of restaurants and shops, perfect for a post-ride stop.