Awareness of the outside world. Peeks at news. Gaa. Still awful. Have a happy instead. APNews: A symphony of woofs: This is what happens when 2,397 golden retrievers gather in an Argentina park, Debre, December 8, 2025. Hat tip to G.
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I was this many years old when I learned about the current rule for entering the ring in a hunter class.
“No course may have exhibitors trotting or cantering through the in-gate or out-gate; any exhibitor choosing to trot or canter through the in-gate or out-gate will be eliminated.” USEF, HU109.6
USEF Rulebook> Chapter HU Hunter Division > Subchapter HU-4 Courses > HU109 General. Effective 12/01/2025.
That’s not going to a problem for me at all!
For the non-horsey or the non-ASB, be aware that saddle seat horses trot into the ring.
Not only do they enter at a trot, they enter with verve and style. The judge is looking and you are making your first impression. So, for the past 13 years, I have worked on TROTTING into the ring. [Looking at Lexington, master class]
After the class, the winner also trots out at the end of the victory pass. The rest of the class walks out. Unless your trainer is giving you the high sign that you need to hustle in order to get the horse ready for a rider swap. [Presentation]
I discovered this alarming potential for elimination on page 17 of Judging Hunters and Equitation by Booker & Winkel. [Homework]
I don’t recall this rule being in force back in the dark ages. It could have been. Mostly we would be standing around the in-gate waiting to go next. Walking in was a natural result rather than a conscious decision. Any H/J people know when this rule came into effect?
Onwards!
Katherine
Virtual Brush Box 
That’s a lot of goldens! I’m going to share that link with a friend who has a golden, if you don’t mind.
I don’t recall ever entering a hunter ring at anything but a walk. As you noted, there were usually a bunch of people waiting at the in-gate. Just don’t get your disciplines mixed up!
I hope the healing is progressing well.
I haven’t been to enough h-j shows, in recent memory, with classes on the flat, to notice that they all enter the ring at a walk. When I did, my observation was probably — gee, are these horses and riders sluggish? Thanks for the information, including that this is a rule! I personally prefer to enter a show ring at a trot, looking as sharp as I can (I try anyway), and horse too. MM
Sheepishly admit to asking “The Google”. Internet says in 2009 they elaborated on prior rules about suggested pace of entry, to say now it would be elimination.
“No course may have exhibitors trotting or cantering through the in-gate or out-gate; any exhibitor choosing to trot or canter through the in-gate or out-gate will be eliminated. EC 2/17/09 Effective immediately”