Hunter Riding Style Guide

Juliana Villella has nature in her soul. This grounded, deep brunette is as cool and down-to-earth as the horses she’s been riding since her early childhood. Juliana hopped on her first horse at age 5. At 9, she competed in her first horse show and at 16, began to recognize her own potential and talent as an equestrian. So, when Jordan galloped into her life two years ago, Juliana was more than ready to turn hunter riding into a full-time commitment. Juliana now competes several times a year in Canada and the United States.

Interview below.

Juliana Villella and Jordan photographed by Sionna Docherty

What is hunter jumping and how does it differ from show jumping?

Show jumping is about speed and making sure the horse makes all the jumps; that’s all judges want to see. The fastest horse to make all the jumps wins.

Hunter jumping is more subjective with horses and their riders judged as a pair. There is a stronger emphasis on style and grace. Judges look at how the horses move. They evaluate how they position themselves for jumps and how they use their bodies before, during and after the jumps. Everything needs to appear both seamless and effortless. The horses are also judged on the elegance of their walk, trot and canter.

How do you aesthetically prepare your horse for competition?

There are a few rules that are unique to hunter jumping. For example, it’s common for horses to be shaved. Trimming a horse’s hair allows the judges to see more of the defining features of the horse’s body. I shave Jordan using a 10-millimetre razor. Hunters also tend to shave their horse’s ears and whiskers. The saddle pad is much smaller than the one we use at home. This saddle pad is called a contour pad. It’s meant to show more of the horse’s body. Horses are also not allowed to wear protective boots or a fly bonnet. They need to be as natural as possible.

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Juliana Villella and Jordan photographed by Sunkist Media

Can you tell us about the braids we often see on manes and tails?

Yes, the horses’ manes and tails need to be braided for competition. They make the horses look sleek and refined and allow judges to see the horse’s full neck. The braids should typically fall to the right side. Haha! I’m always adjusting Jordan’s mane to make sure it stays on the right side!

Do you braid him yourself?

No, the horses get braided during the night or in the early morning. When I arrive at Jordan’s box at 6 am, he’s usually already braided and ready for competition.

Can you tell me a little bit about the dress code for the rider?

First thing, a white shirt with a high collar, buttoned or zipped all the way. Over the shirt, we wear a show jacket. Show jackets in hunter shows are waist length. The traditional jacket colours are black and navy. Some riders like to defy tradition a little and wear gray, green or lighter blue jackets. We also need to wear black gloves, tan breeches (riding pants), tall riding boots and a helmet with our hair tucked in. In hunter derbies, we wear a coat with a longer tail, called a shadbelly and a stock tie, which is essentially an extra collar.

Are you allowed jewelry?

Yes, you will often see hunter riders wear pearl or diamond earrings.

Luckily, you also enjoy relaxing moments with your horse. What do you wear on casual rides with Jordan?

Breeches of any colour! I love bright colours. Riding boots and they don’t need to be tall. We could also wear paddock boots with or without chaps. And a helmet — always. As a top, I usually like to wear a loose sweater, and I add a vest during the colder months.

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Juliana and Jordan in competition at the World Equestrian Center in Florida. Photo credit: Andrew Ryback

From my conversation with Juliana, I can see that hunter riding is steeped in English tradition and style. Yet, there is something so inherently enduring and timeless about this equestrian sport. Whether it’s the 18th century, the 20th century or today, the feel and aesthetic remain the same. Always so elegant and in tune with the majestic horse.

For more on Juliana, head over to her TikTok and Instagram.

TEXT BY FATIMA RIZZO