A field hunter, or a fox hunter, is a type of horse used in the hunt field for foxhunting. It may be of any breed, but should possess stamina, a level head, and bravery. The horse should have a safe jump, so as not to get caught on any of the solid obstacles found in the hunt field. Some of the best field hunters are from Ireland, a land known for its difficult fox hunts. A fox hunt Fox hunting is a form of hunting for foxes using a pack of scent hounds. ...

Field hunter trials are sometimes held to test these horses. Often times the horses are judged over several days of fox hunting, with the best of the group performing in the "handy hunter" class. The handy hunter class may ask for the horse and rider pair to trot a log, open and close a gate while mounted, jump several fences, and for the rider to dismount and remount. The horse is judged on its manners, way of going, as well as its suitability as a hunter.

The Field Hunter vs. the Show Hunter

Unlike the field hunter, the show hunter performs in a ring, usually over a course of 8-10 fences. The judging of the show hunter is based on the requirements of a horse in the hunt field, focusing on the horse's manners, movement, jumping form, rhythm, and smoothness around the course. Show hunters are usually warmblood or Thoroughbred types. They do not have to have the bravery required of the field hunter, nor do they travel over the same type of terrain, as the field or arena is usually fairly level. Although the fences in a show hunter course are usually "natural" poles and standards, as opposed to the brightly colored fences seen in show jumping, the show hunter course does not include rock walls, ditches, or banks that might be seen in the hunt field. The show hunter is a type of show horse that is judged on its movement, manners, and way of going. ... The Thoroughbred is a horse breed developed in 18th century England when English mares were bred with imported Arabian stallions to create a distance racer. ... Show jumping is a form of competition in which horses are jumped over a course of fences, low walls, and other obstacles (e. ...

In some ways, the field hunter is more similar to a good cross-country horse seen in eventing than a show hunter, as it must gallop and jump over varied terrain, jump ditches, coops, up and down banks, and occassionally go through water. Eventing, is an equestrian event which comprises dressage, cross-country and show-jumping. ...