hunter jumping course design

Question
Hi Katie,  I need a hunter course design for a small show.  Hunters only, no equitation or jumpers, all low classes, under 3".  I would like to get the distances and layout for a typical lower level hunter course.  Ideally the layout would allow for a few different courses without having to move any fences around, other than raising or lowering them.  Also, are square oxers OK for hunters?  There will be ponies as well as horses competing, so maybe there should be no distances less than 3 strides.  We have enough poles and standards to make at least 9 jumps including a couple oxers.  I have been doing eventing for the past several decades and have forgotton all the hunter stuff I ever knew.  
Thanks,


Answer
Hi Sara,
To start off with, no, square oxers are not ok for hunters and are rarely used for equitation and jumpers as well. As for the course however, there is a perfect standard design that seems to suit all hunters. The course needs one vertical (or one more added on at the end of the course if necessary) 2 lines down the rail, and one diagonal accross the center of the ring.
Riders should start off trotting in to the ring, and picking up their leads in a circle before the first jump. (this verticle can be set going away from the gate or coming towards the gate..or reversed for a second round) After jump one(the single verticle) riders head down the line set along the rail..verticle in and oxer jumping out. This line should be no less than 4 and no more than 6 strides long. The line following is out of the corner, a diagonal line accross the center. This line should be the longest (either 2 jumps 6-7 strides between them) or divided into 3 jumps..a 4-5 stride into a 1,2,or 3 stride line...2 verticles to an oxer. Next line: again, along the rail..4,5,6 strides..verticle to an oxer. (this line can also be divided as the diagonal into 3 jumps, but only if the diagonal line is not divided). If this last line along the rail is set going away from home(the gate) one more single oxer can be set to bring the rider back to the gate. This verticle can stand alone alongside the first line that was along the rail. (this verticle is not necessary if last line is coming towards home..the rider may just circle and walk out the gate. This same course can be reversed simply by moving the first verticle to the other side of the ring.
The most important thing to remember is that a course must require 2-3 lead changes, and jumps off  of each leg.
I hope all goes well and that this isn't too confusing to read and picture! If it is however, there may be some videos and magazines at your nearest tack shop (like 'Mary's tack and feed' if there's one near you) where courses are shown. Also, take a look at the internet and type in 'hunter course design.' I'm sure there's plenty to see on the net. If I can be of any further service, please do not hesitate to write, I'd love to help!
Let me know how things go!
Kathryn Chasey
katyluv2k@hotmail.com