Morgan Princiotta and Ollie
(Photo courtesy of Jim Mertz, Suddenly Still Photography)
The New England Hunter Trials have have been held every fall since 1932, with the various New England hunts taking turns hosting the competition. The Hunter Trials is designed as a competition for hunter type horses, but have become a wonderful test for horses of all disciplines, especially eventers. These include horses and riders that hunt regularly with a recognized hunt as well as horses and riders not affiliated with a hunt.
The purpose of the Hunter Trial is to determine the best cross-country hunter horse or group of hunter horses. The ideal hunter horse is capable of negotiating the natural obstacles on course while also giving the rider a safe and enjoyable ride.
The hunter trial course consists of natural obstacles typically found in hunting country. The divisions have been established to allow riders of various levels of experience (and bravery!) to participate, whether they are actually hunting or not. With the exception of Teams and Pairs, the course is ridden individually. It is not a timed event and is judged on the horse's performance only. Divisions include Novice 2'6", Seniors/Open 3'6", and Heard Cup/Open High 4'0".
Norfolk Hunt Steeplechase Course
Click here for more information and to enter the 2025 New England Hunter Trials
The 2025 New England Hunter Trials will be held on Sunday, September 21, at the Norfolk Hunt Steeplechase Course in Medfield, MA. Co-hosted by Norfolk Hunt and our own beloved Wentworth Hunt, you know this event is going to be rocking!!
Some Details
ENTRIES will be available closer to the trials date. Please check back here on our website or subscribe to our Mailing List for notification of the opening of entries (click here to subscribe to our Mailing List on the sidebar of this page ➔)
ENTRY FEES:
Novice, Open, Heard Cup: $75
Juniors (under 18): $50
Pairs: $50 per rider
Team Chase: $50 per rider
ENTRIES CLOSE at midnight on Friday, September 19. Day of event entries will be allowed only for pairs and team chase round and will have an additional $5 fee.
COURSE WALK is available on Saturday, September 21. Maps will be available on-site on Saturday.
SCHOOLING of the Norforlk Hunt Club Steeplechase Course is allowed. The last day for schooling is Friday, September 13 – STRICTLY ENFORCED.
TEMPORARY STABLING be available at Apple Knoll Farm (about 10 minute drive to the steeplechase course). Please contact Adri Kerr at (774) 287-1493.